Top 10 Things To Do In Madrid, Spain

For those visiting Madrid for the first time, I hope this guide is helpful to get you started. The reality is that there's always something to do in Madrid, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Even though it is a city with so much culture and history - hence all the museums - I know you don't want to be stuck indoors looking at art all day! So get your fashionable yet comfy shoes ready, here are the top 10 actually fun things to do in Madrid.

1- Watch the sunset at Templo de Debod

This is a common place locals go, and there's a reason for it, the view is amazing! The Templo de Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled and donated to Spain by the Egyptian government to save it from floods following the construction of the Aswan Dam. It now sits in the Cuartel de la Montaña Park in Madrid. Entrance is free but visits inside the temple may be affected by temporary closures so make sure you check before going. Even if it's closed inside, you can have a great time by having a picnic before the sun goes down. Oh, and make sure your phone is charged, you'll want to take lots of pictures!

2- Go for a stroll or ride a bike at Retiro Park

One of the largest parks of the city, the Retiro Park is a favorite for both locals and tourists. This green oasis located in the heart of the city is a great place to workout, do a picnic, take pictures, pretty much everything. You'll find beautiful gardens, interesting monuments and a large artificial lake where you can have a fun time by renting a rowing boat. You can also visit the Velázquez Palace and The Glass Palace situated inside the park.

3- Go to a game at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium or Wanda Metropolitano

Yes, this picture is from the old stadium façade, I love it!

If you like sports, you are definitely aware of how passionate Europeans get when there's a game being disputed, and if you're into soccer you're going to love going to a Real Madrid or Atlético de Madrid game. If you are a fan of one of those teams, we know for sure you have a preference and will visit the stadium of the team you root for. If you don't root for any specific team but want to have a great experience, check out if there's a game while you're in Madrid! It's a unique experience you're going to be talking about for days.

4- Eat Churros at San Ginés

Madrid's Oldest Chocolatería is home to, in my opinion, the best churros with chocolate. Even though less sweet, their chocolate is rich, dark and full of taste. In case you have been living under a rock, churros are spiralled dough snacks that are fried and crispy, and when you dip them in chocolate you'll be automatically transported to heaven! They also serve coffee and other sweet snacks. San Ginés has something for everyone.

5- Experience local shopping at El Rastro

It's Madrid's largest and probably most famous open air flea market. It's held every Sunday from early morning until approx 2pm. Located in La Latina neighborhood, this open market features so many local vendors that it's always a great experience to see what's new. A very important thing to consider is that most vendors don't take credit cards, so make sure you have cash available. I personally recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds. I've arrived at 10am and had a pleasant experience. If you're using the Metro, get down on La Latina station (line 5) and start your journey at the Plaza de Cascorro.

6- Have lunch or dinner at a rooftop aka terraza

Especially when summer starts, temperatures rise and people head out to the famous terrazas. Believe it or not, there's a huge rooftop culture in Madrid and people are always looking for the trendiest of them all. My two favorites are the terrace at Hotel Rio Plaza España and Ella Sky Bar.

7- Go to a bar that has live music

Nightlife is BIG in Madrid and there's nothing like live music to spice it up. You'll find music shows from up-and-coming artists and open-mic nights to acclaimed rock bands and, of course, bands that turn every single famous song into flamenco style. Wondering where to go for live music in Madrid? My favorites are: Patio de Leones (live music Fridays and Saturdays at midnight), Los Kioskos de Florida Park, and Lanteo (with live music Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays).

8- Experience Malasaña vibes

Credit: Carlos Alvarez / Getty Images

This bohemian and artistic area is ideal to go shopping and for some delicious food. Make sure you go through fashion hub streets like Calle Fuencarral and Calle Velarde, you'll for sure find something you like. Also, don't miss San Idelfonso Market, Madrid’s first covered food market. Are you looking for more of a nighttime vibe? By the Tribunales Metro stop you'll find locals' favorite bars.

9- Flamenco Tablaos

Credit: Tablaolaquimera.com

This dance style originated in southern Spain -in Andalucía and Murcia- around the mid-nineteenth century, and after a long and complicated history of how Flamenco is accepted in Spain, nowadays it's finally embraced as a national symbol. There are a good amount of tablaos in Madrid but the all time favorites include Tablao Flamenco La Quimera and Casa Patas. Oh, and get ready to have some tasty tapas! It's common in all tablaos.

10- Mercado de San Miguel

Originally built in 1916, this gastronomic destination is great for tourists since it does have really tasty tapas and you can try a lot of things in a single place. Located only a few minutes away from Plaza Mayor, the food stalls at San Miguel Market offer all time favorites such as gambas al ajillo, patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and it's up to you to pair it with a glass or wine or beer. Prepare yourself to be surrounded by other tourists, it can get crowded and you'll probably end up sharing a table with a stranger aka your new best friend from abroad! Oh, and I must warn you that prices will be slightly elevated compared to other local spots.