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Best Things to do in Madrid (2026)

Some of the best experiences in Madrid have little to do with museums. Food is a good place to start. The Mercado de San Miguel, beside the Plaza Mayor, is the easiest introduction to tapas, with dozens of counters in a 1916 iron and glass hall; go late morning on a weekday to avoid the crush, then move on to the taverns of La Latina. On Sunday and public holiday mornings, El Rastro fills the streets south of La Latina with stalls selling antiques, books, art and second-hand finds. Arrive early, keep valuables secure, and finish with vermouth in the nearby bars as the locals do.

For an evening out, flamenco at Corral de la Morería, one of the city's oldest tablaos, is a highlight; there are two shows a night and booking ahead is essential. For a view, the Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes looks straight down Gran Vía and over the rooftops, and it is at its best around sunset. If you need a pause between museums, the Real Jardín Botánico beside the Prado is a calm, walled garden of terraces and glasshouses. Madrid's days start and end late, so plan sightseeing for the morning, rest in the afternoon heat in summer, and save your energy for the evening.

5 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Madrid

  1. Mercado de San Miguel Gourmet food market, Sol (Madrid de los Austrias)A 1916 iron and glass market beside the Plaza Mayor, reopened in 2009 as a gourmet tapas hall with more than 20 stalls open until late.
  2. El Rastro Sunday flea market, La Latina (Embajadores)Madrid's historic open-air flea market, held on Sunday and public holiday mornings around Plaza de Cascorro and the Ribera de Curtidores.
  3. Corral de la Morería Flamenco tablao and restaurant, La Latina (Madrid de los Austrias)One of Madrid's oldest flamenco tablaos, open since 1956, with two nightly shows and a separate Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef David García.

Thing to do

2. El Rastro

Sunday flea marketLa Latina (Embajadores)

Madrid's historic open-air flea market, held on Sunday and public holiday mornings around Plaza de Cascorro and the Ribera de Curtidores.

View details — El Rastro