The Best Madrid Bucket List: 10 Epic Activities That’ll Make You Fall in Love with Madrid

If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming of wandering through a place where the energy is contagious, the food makes you rethink your whole life, and every corner feels like it has its own unique story to tell, then Madrid is exactly that place.

As one of Europe’s most exciting capitals, Madrid has it all—history, culture, and excitement with a modern twist. And, when you’re planning your Madrid bucket list, you want to make sure you’re doing at least two (or 10) of these activities.

Still, it isn’t one of those cities where you check off a few famous sights and call it a day. It grabs your hand and pulls you into the fun—whether that means spending hours wandering local neighborhoods, stuffing your face with tapas, getting swept up in late-night conversations with strangers, or falling in love with some tiny café you found by accident.

And because Madrid is so full of things to explore, it’s easy to feel like you need a game plan—or risk spending half your time standing on a street corner trying to figure out where to go next (been there, trust me). So, I put together this list of 10 bucket list activities that are not only worth your time, but genuinely fun, exciting, and way more memorable than just ticking off the standard “top sights.”

On my first visit, I landed in the middle of summer, the sun already beating down by 10 AM. I was jet-lagged and definitely not winning any fashion points—but that didn’t stop me from falling in love with the city instantly.

Madrid is just one of the amazing cities you’ll experience in Spain, and if you’re planning a longer trip, be sure to check out my 2 Weeks Spain Itinerary for a detailed guide on how to explore the best of Spain.

1. Tapas Hop through La Latina Neighborhood

La Latina is the place I always find myself drifting back to when I’m in Madrid. It’s a little buzzy, a little messy, and full of the kind of energy that makes you want to hang around for hours.

I’m not gonna lie—if you’re the kind of person who considers snacks a personality trait (same), then tapas hopping in La Latina is basically a dream. The neighborhood is filled with back-to-back tapas bars, and each one has its own thing going on—different vibes, different specialties, different levels of chaos in the best way.

It’s casual, it’s social, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. And that’s kind of what makes it so fun. You can start anywhere—really, just follow the sound of clinking glasses and the smell of garlic—and let the evening take its course. Maybe you’ll end up deep in conversation with the locals at a standing-room-only spot or find a tiny tavern that becomes your new favorite.

Bonus? You’re bound to uncover a few hidden gems in Madrid that aren’t all over Instagram yet. The wine is flowing, the food is way too good, and honestly, it just feels like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

And the thing is—it isn’t just about the food. It’s about enjoying that easygoing Madrid energy, one plate and one laugh at a time.

2. Get Your Fill of Art at the Prado Museum

If you’re even remotely into art, you can’t leave Madrid without stepping foot into the Prado Museum.

I love art, but I didn’t think I’d be one of those people who could spend hours staring at art. But the Prado? It changed me. It’s not one of those “walk through quickly and forget what you saw five minutes later” museums. This place really hits differently.

It’s home to some of the most powerful, haunting, and honestly, mind-blowing works of art I’ve ever seen. If you’ve got even the tiniest artistic bone in your body ( even if you don’t), you need to experience it.

What I love most is that the Prado doesn’t try to impress you with modern gimmicks or flashy installations—it just lets the art speak for itself. And wow, does it speak.

You’ll find yourself face-to-face with masterpieces by legends like Goya (his dark period? So intense), Velázquez (Las Meninas literally gave me chills), and El Greco (so dramatic, so otherworldly). Each room feels like a portal into another time, another world. And honestly, it feels humbling standing a few feet away from works that have survived for hundreds of years.

Even if you don’t know your Baroque from your Rococo (don’t worry, I didn’t either), you’ll still walk out of there feeling like you felt something real. It’s not just one of those “cultural things” you tick off a list—it’s definitely something you remember.

So, do yourself a favor and put this at the top of your Madrid bucket list. It’s one of the most amazing things to explore in Madrid, and honestly, a little soul-nourishing too.

3. Catch the Sunset at Temple of Debod

Let me just say—this spot completely took me by surprise.

When you think of Madrid, you probably picture tapas, plazas, flamenco, and museums… not an actual Egyptian temple in a park. But yes, that’s exactly what you’ll find at the Temple of Debod, and it’s genuinely one of my favorite places in the whole city.

It’s like stumbling across a secret pocket of calm that makes you forget you’re in a buzzing capital for a second.

The story behind it is wild too—it was a gift from Egypt to Spain back in the ’60s (casual, right?), and now it’s sitting pretty in Parque del Oeste. But the real reason I keep coming back here is that sunset. I’m not even a big sunset chaser, but this one is really gorgeous. The way the sky lights up behind the temple and reflects off the water… it’s unreal.

Like, you could be having the most chaotic travel day, and then you end up here and it just resets everything. It’s calm, it’s pretty, and the atmosphere has a kind of golden hour magic that doesn’t feel forced or hyped up. I always recommend showing up a little before sunset so you can explore a bit and scope out a good spot—especially on the steps or near the little reflecting pool.

Locals love it here too, so it still has a cozy, low-key vibe.

And pro tip: bring a little snack or drink and turn it into a mini picnic. You’ll thank me when you’re sitting there watching the sky change colors like a live painting.

4. Explore Retiro Park and Rent a Rowboat

If you go to Madrid and don’t spend at least a couple of hours in Retiro Park, you’re seriously missing out because this place is such a vibe. Retiro Park is Madrid’s answer to New York’s Central Park—only, it’s got its own flair.

One of my favorite things to do here is to rent one of those little blue rowboats and float around the Grand Pond. It sounds simple, but something about being out on the water with the sun on your face and the Palacio de Cristal peeking out from behind the trees feels amazing.

You don’t even need to be good at rowing—half the fun is trying to steer the thing in a straight line without spinning in circles. (Been there. Many times.)

After the rowboat shenanigans, take your time walking around. You’ll pass some pretty gardens, random statues, and tons of people just enjoying themselves. You can also check out Rose Garden if you’re there in the spring or early summer—it’s like walking through a real-life floral filter.

5. Dive into Madrid’s Food Scene at Mercado de San Miguel

I’ll be honest—Mercado de San Miguel had me at tapas. This place is a total gem if you love food even a little bit (and how could you not?). When you walk in, you’ll suddenly forget any kind of self-control you thought you had.

Everywhere you turn, there’s something delicious on offer—sizzling seafood, colorful pastries, or a slice of Spain’s famous jamón ibérico.

What I love most is how you can just bounce around from stall to stall trying a little bit of everything. I’m pretty sure I said, “Okay, this is my last one” at least six times. But that’s the beauty of it—you don’t have to sit down for a whole meal. You just eat as you explore.

If you want a true crash course in Spain’s food scene without having to map out a million restaurants, this market delivers. And the energy in there is so much fun. Just do yourself a favor and show up hungry.

6. Explore the Royal Palace and Its Gardens

I know you saw this one coming—it’s pretty much a given when you’re putting together a Madrid bucket list, right? But hear me out, because the Royal Palace truly deserves its spot on the list.

Now, I get it—some touristy spots can be a little underwhelming, but this one is a legit gem. I’m talking about huge, stunning rooms with fancy chandeliers like some kind of royal ball. It’s the largest royal palace in Western Europe, and when you step inside, it honestly feels like a different time. The grandeur of it all is seriously impressive—each room is like a piece of art in itself.

But what really sold me on this place isn’t just the inside—it’s the gardens. After wandering through the palace’s halls, you can stroll through the beautiful gardens, which are an escape from the busy city.

They’re the perfect place to sit back ad relax while still being surrounded by that royal charm. It’s like the best of both worlds—history and nature in one spot.

I also loved how even though the palace is all about royalty and the past, it doesn’t feel stuffy or unapproachable. The way the rooms are set up, the little details you pick up on as you wander through, it’s all pretty mesmerizing. If you’re into history, you’ll geek out over the royal history that’s here—like, this is where Spain’s kings and queens actually lived.

7. Explore the Mercado de la Cebada

This is where you’ll want to come for a true taste of local Madrid life. This market is where the locals do their grocery shopping—fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and all the other things that make Madrid’s food scene so exciting.

It’s not the touristy, high-energy vibe you’ll get at Mercado de San Miguel. Instead, it’s a bit more calm and authentic.

When you wander around, you’ll find small stands selling beautifully ripe tomatoes to cured hams hanging from the ceiling, and maybe even discover some ingredients you’ve never seen before. (I definitely did!)

And here’s a bonus: if you’re like me and always end up with a random snack craving (hello, late-night cheese binge), Mercado de la Cebada has some great little spots for tapas or even dessert.

8. Check Out the Views from Teleférico de Madrid

If you want a fun way to enjoy views, then the Teleférico de Madrid is a great way to see Madrid from a whole new angle. It’s a cable car that takes you up high above the city, giving you gorgeous views of Madrid’s skyline that will blow your mind.

I mean, think about it—you’re cruising over the city, looking down at the busy streets, parks, and landmarks, and it’s just a whole different perspective. The ride itself is a bit of a thrill, and once you’re up there, you’ll want to snap a million photos. This activity feels a little adventurous, a little peaceful, and a lot breathtaking.

9. Explore Madrid’s Nightlife in Malasaña

If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Madrid, it’s the nightlife. Madrid is known for staying up way past bedtime, and Malasaña is basically the heart of that nocturnal energy.

I love how it’s a bit of a departure from the typical, polished nightlife spots you might find elsewhere, it feels alive in its own way. The streets are filled with funky bars, eclectic clubs, and small venues that give you a sense of the city’s creative soul.

When you walk through the streets of Malasaña, you’ll see every type of bar and club imaginable. Some places have a retro, vintage charm, others lean into a more modern underground scene. There are a variety of scenes that somehow still mesh perfectly. And no matter where you end up, you’ll notice the same vibe—everyone’s here to have fun, relax, and just be themselves.

I personally recommend Malasaña because it’s where you’ll really feel Madrid’s pulse. The energy here is completely different from anywhere else in the city and people are there to have fun, let loose, and make the most of the night, and trust me, it’s contagious. You don’t even need to have any particular plans; just hop from one spot to another and let the night unfold as it will.

10. Take a Day Trip to Toledo

So I know Madrid has plenty of things to keep you busy (trust me, it’s hard to leave the city when it’s this fun), but if you’ve got a little extra time, you’ve gotta make a day trip to Toledo. It’s only about a 30-minute train ride, which is practically nothing when you think about how much you’re about to experience.

Toledo feels like you’ve walked straight into a different era, with a maze of narrow streets and ancient architecture, And the best part is that it’s small enough to explore on foot, so you can really dive into its story without feeling rushed.

One of my favorite stops is the Toledo Cathedral. It’s huge, it’s stunning, and the detail on the inside is unreal.

And, okay, here’s the part that really made it special: Toledo’s marzipan. If you’ve never had it—it’s not your average candy. This sweet treat is a local specialty, and you’ll find it in almost every bakery in the city, I swear, it tastes like little bites of heaven.

Wrapping It Up

It’s one thing to tick off all the famous sights, but it’s another to dive into the heart of the city, where the magic actually happens, and experience all the local food, culture, and quirky surprises the city has to offer.

These are the things that will give you the real Madrid experience—no tourist traps here, just awesome spots where the locals hang out and where you’ll actually get a feel for what the city’s all about. So, take your time, enjoy the little things, and let yourself get swept up in the energy of the city.