Madrid Essentials: Your Four-Stop Itinerary

Discover Madrid, the Spanish capital filled with culture and fun. As you walk around the city, you'll be impressed with how much history and culture there is. From museums to shopping and delicious cuisine, Madrid offers endless experiences for exploration and fun. Check out Madrid’s must-dos in this ultimate guide! 

Museo del Prado

The Museo del Prado is a must-see destination, as it is probably the city's most important museum. Home to some of the finest art collections in the world, you will be able to witness amazing pieces from the 12th century to the early 20th century. You can find historic and treasured artwork from Spanish artists like Francisco Goya and Diego Velazquez and renowned European artists like El Greco. Tip: Don’t forget to buy your tickets online, as there can be long lines during peak season.

Parque Del Retiro 

Whether you’re looking to go on a run, explore nature, or looking to row boats surrounded by Madrid’s greenery and history, the Parque del Retiro is the perfect place for a day of outdoor exploration. Here, you will find people meditating, exercising, and roaming around the beautiful gardens. The park is home to the Palacio de Cristal, a beautiful glass structure filled with art exhibitions, offering a breathtaking view of the park. The park also has peaceful paths, a monument of Alfonso XII, and a lake where you can rent boats and picnic. 

Shopping in Salamanca

The Barrio de Salamanca is one of Madrid's most luxurious neighborhoods. It is a great shopping destination because it is filled with upscale boutiques and high-end designer stores. A street you won't want to miss is Calle Serrano, which has Chanel, Hermes, and any other luxury brand you're looking for. If that doesn’t sound like your thing, you can browse numerous local boutiques or visit stores like Zara and Mango throughout the neighborhood as well. Situated right next to the Puerta de Alcala, Salamanca is filled with sophisticated restaurants and bars to ease your long day of shopping. From Bakan, to Ten Con Ten, there are countless places to have a delicious meal. This neighborhood is definitely worth visiting and will not disappoint. 

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Home to the Real Madrid soccer team, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is one of the most prestigious soccer clubs in the world. The stadium can fill up to 85,000 fans and has an amazing atmosphere. Being able to attend a game would be an incredible experience, and you definitely won't forget about Real Madrid's passionate fans and environment. Additionally, Santiago Bernabeu offers a behind-the-scenes tour where you can visit locker rooms, sit in the player’s seats, and see the impressive trophy collections. This would be a fun activity to do with friends or family and see why locals treasure it so much.