All destinations
From Madrid's lively neighborhoods to royal monasteries, sierra villages and UNESCO cities an hour away — the capital and its region in full
Must-visit destinations
Madrid
Art and culture lovers (Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen), Foodies — tapas, cocido madrileño, churros, vermouth culture
Segovia
The Roman aqueduct — best-preserved in Spain, Fairy-tale Alcázar castle above the gorge
Toledo
History lovers and architecture enthusiasts, El Greco paintings and medieval art
More to explore
Alcalá de Henares
Cervantes birthplace and literary history, Historic university precinct (one of Europe's first)
Aranjuez
Royal palace and formal gardens — one of Spain's finest Baroque landscapes, Strawberries — fresones de Aranjuez in season (April–June)
Madrid de los Austrias and Plaza Mayor
First-time visitors wanting Madrid's historical and architectural backbone, Habsburg and Bourbon architecture spanning three centuries
Ávila
The best-preserved complete medieval city walls in Spain, St Teresa of Ávila pilgrimage and mystical history
Barrio de las Letras
Pre-Prado lunch in good local restaurants, Cervantes and Golden Age literary history
Barrio de Salamanca
Luxury shopping — Spanish and international designer brands on Serrano, Fine dining — several Michelin-starred and near-Michelin restaurants
Chamartín and Castellana
Football fans — Santiago Bernabéu stadium tour, museum, and matchday, Modern Madrid architecture and the Four Towers skyline
Chamberí
Authentic Madrid neighbourhood life without tourist density, Excellent local restaurants and bars on Calle Ponzano
Chueca
LGBTQ+ travellers — Madrid Pride and year-round welcoming atmosphere, Good restaurants at mid-range prices without tourist markup
Cuenca
The casas colgadas — hanging houses built into the gorge edge, Spain's best collection of mid-20th-century abstract art
El Escorial
Habsburg history — Philip II's austere vision of royal and religious power, The Royal Pantheons — resting place of nearly all Spanish monarchs since 1556
La Latina
Sunday El Rastro market and post-market tapas crawl, Traditional Madrid tapas — the most authentic concentration in the centre
Lavapiés
Cheap, diverse eating — Indian, Moroccan, Chinese, West African, Street art and alternative culture
Malasaña
Independent shops — vinyl, vintage clothing, design, books, Best coffee roasters and specialty coffee in central Madrid
Retiro and Jerónimos
The Prado — Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, Titian, Retiro Park — rowing, Crystal Palace, rose garden, free access
Salamanca
The finest Plaza Mayor in Spain (debated, but compelling), Spain's oldest university and historic academic culture
Sierra de Guadarrama
Escaping Madrid's summer heat, Day hiking on the Cuerda Larga ridge and Pedriza rock formations
Sol and Gran Vía
Orientation on arrival — the natural start point for any Madrid itinerary, Shopping (high-street, international brands, El Corte Inglés)
Off the beaten path
Campo de Criptana
The largest surviving windmill group in La Mancha, The most photographed Don Quixote landscape
Cercedilla and Navacerrada
Hiking to mountain trails without a car, Siete Picos ridge walk — best high Sierra view accessible by train
Chinchón
One of Spain's finest village plazas — the circular Plaza Mayor, Chinchón anís: anise liqueur of exceptional quality
Consuegra
The most iconic windmill landscape in Spain — the Don Quixote image, La Mancha saffron festival in late October
Manzanares el Real
Best-preserved 15th-century castle near Madrid, Rock climbing and hiking in La Pedriza
Patones de Arriba
The most photogenic medieval village near Madrid, Black slate architecture found nowhere else in the region
Rascafría
Autumn foliage: the Lozoya valley turns gold in October, El Paular Carthusian monastery (partly a Parador hotel)
Valle de los Caídos
Understanding the Franco dictatorship and its architectural legacy, Engaging with Spain's Civil War memory and the politics of historical reckoning
Most-booked experiences in the Madrid region
Whichever destination you choose, these are the activities travellers love most.
