What to do in Madrid, Spain

Madrid, the capital of Spain, offers something for everyone: culture, good food, and sightseeing. The city has historic landmarks, royal palaces, art museums, parks, and lively public squares, all within a walkable center.

Whether you’re in Madrid for a short layover or a full weekend, you can see many highlights without rushing. Madrid is also a good option year-round. Below are practical tips on what to do in Madrid as a non-rev traveler.

How to non-rev to Madrid

Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is Spain’s largest airport and a great option for standby travelers. It’s well connected across Europe and beyond, with flights from both major carriers and low-cost airlines.

Here’s a quick overview of airlines flying non-stop to MAD. Use the StaffTraveler app to check flight loads and availability.

London	British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair
Amsterdam	KLM, Transavia
Paris	Air France, Transavia
Frankfurt	Lufthansa
Zurich	SWISS, Edelweiss
Bussels	Brussels Airlines, TUI fly
Rome	ITA Airways, Ryanair
Oslo	Norwegian
Istanbul	Turkish Airlines
Dubai	Emirates
Rio de Janeiro	Iberia
New York	Iberia, American Airlines, Delta

Stroll the Historic Center

Madrid’s city center is very walkable and lively. Start at Puerta del Sol, a busy car-free square and central meeting point. From there, the main shopping streets, including Calle Preciados and Gran Vía, are just a short walk away. Next, visit Plaza Mayor, a historic square surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Wander the nearby streets to find artisan shops, tapas bars, and small plazas. Don’t miss Calle de la Cava Baja, a narrow street known for its traditional taverns and lively evening atmosphere, perfect for trying local tapas.

Do a Bike Tour

The best way to see a city is by bike. I’ve done bike tours in several cities and highly recommend them. Baja Bikes is a great option, offering tours in multiple languages. You’ll learn a lot about the city’s history while covering more ground than on foot.

I recommend doing a bike tour on your first day because it gives you a clear overview and helps you decide which places you want to explore further later.

Visit the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of Europe’s largest and most impressive royal residences, with over 3,000 rooms. Key highlights include the throne room, grand staircases, frescoed ceilings, and ornate chandeliers, as well as the Palace Chapel and Royal Armoury, which displays historic weapons, armor, and ceremonial items. The gardens and courtyards provide a peaceful spot to relax in the city center.

Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds. The changing of the guard takes place on select days and offers a classic Madrid experience. Guided tours are available and provide deeper insight into the palace’s history and royal traditions.

Explore the Art Museums

Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art consists of three major museums, all within walking distance of each other:

Prado Museum – Spain’s main art museum, with works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. The collection is very large, so it’s best to focus on the main galleries if you’re short on time.

Reina Sofía Museum – Dedicated to modern and contemporary art. The main highlight is Picasso’s Guernica, along with works by Dalí and Miró. The museum is spread across multiple buildings, so you might need some time to move between buildings.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum – Covers a wide range of styles, from Renaissance to 20th-century modern art. This museum is more compact and easier to visit in a shorter time compared to the Prado and Reina Sofía.

If you have limited time, start with the Prado Museum. For modern art, choose Reina Sofía; for a broader overview of art history, Thyssen-Bornemisza is a good option.

Relax in the Parks

Madrid has several green spaces to unwind. Retiro Park is in the heart of Madrid and features fountains, gardens, sculptures, and a large lake with rowboats.

You can also visit Campo del Moro Park, another park behind the Royal Palace, which offers shaded paths and views of the palace. Another option is Madrid Río, which is a riverside park with walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and cafes.

Take a Day Trip to Toledo or Segovia

If you have extra time, take a day trip to Toledo or Segovia, both easily reached by train.

Toledo – medieval city with narrow streets, a cathedral, and a mix of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish architecture.
Segovia – known for its Roman aqueduct, Alcázar castle, and its charming Gothic Cathedral.

Both cities offer historic sites and scenic views within a short trip from Madrid.

Check seat availability for your non-rev flight today and start planning your sunny getaway.

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