1. Stroll Through Retiro Park If you’re in Madrid and haven’t walked through Retiro Park, are you even in Madrid? This expansive green oasis is perfect for everyone. Whether you want to feed the ducks, rent a rowboat, or just find a secluded bench to practice your newly acquired Spanish curse words on the pigeons, Retiro Park has got you covered. 2. Visit The Prado Museum Ah, The Prado! Home to more masterpieces than a disorganized art thief’s basement. Here, you can marvel at works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Just remember, “no touching” means no touching… even if you’re convinced you look just like that one aristocrat in all the portraits. 3. Explore The Royal Palace Live like royalty, if only for a day, by touring the Royal Palace of Madrid. With over 3,000 rooms, it’s the ideal spot for inspiration if you’re considering a Game of Thrones-style home redesign. Try not to get lost, though; it’s not part of the tour. 4. Enjoy Tapas In La Latina When in Madrid, one must eat as the Madrileños do. La Latina is the go-to neighborhood for tapas—a delightful mix of culinary heaven and the Spanish version of speed dating for your taste buds. Plus, fewer regrets, because how could you regret small plates? 5. Marvel At Gran Via It’s been called the “Spanish Broadway,” though you probably won’t find any singing Elmos here. Gran Via is the city’s beating heart, a bustling street filled with shops, cinemas, and theaters. Be sure to look up now and then; the architecture is so cool, even buildings in New York are a little jealous. 6. Say Hola To Puerta Del Sol This is one for the Instagram lovers. Puerta del Sol is where you’ll find the famous “El Oso y El Madroño” statue, a bear and strawberry tree that makes for an excellent photo op. Just be careful; tourists have a habit of photobombing with selfie sticks. 7. Adventure In The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Whether you’re a football fan or just interested in the concept of people paying more for a jersey than a museum ticket, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, is a must-see. Feel free to jump around pretending you’re Cristiano Ronaldo; just don’t actually try to score a goal. 8. Discover Mercado San Miguel For foodies, Mercado San Miguel is the Holy Grail. Part market, part culinary cave of wonders, it’s packed with stalls selling everything from gourmet tapas to the stankiest of cheeses. If you had New Year’s resolutions, consider them broken here. 9. Uncover Hidden Gems On A Lavapiés Walk If you’ve got an adventurous spirit and a good pair of shoes, the Lavapiés neighborhood is perfect for you. Winding streets filled with quirky bars, colorful street art, and cafes make it excellent for walks in Madrid. Your Instagram feed deserves this. 10. Relax In Malasaña’s Bars Conclude your day with a trip to Malasaña, the neighborhood that never sleeps, just like the friends you’re trying to avoid at home. This area is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and inviting bars in Madrid. It’s the perfect end to your day… just remember to drink responsibly and maybe save dancing on the table for another time.
