Must-Sees of Madrid
by Local Host
El Rastro Flea Market
This market at the Plaza Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores is the place to be on Sunday mornings—and has been for 500 years. Here you’ll find everything under the sun, including the snail special at the market’s Los Caracoles tapas bar.
El Retiro Park
Another Sunday morning tradition in Madrid is to stroll through El Retiro Park among the fortunetellers and magicians. Dating back to the 1600s, the park features a lake as well as statues and soothing fountains.
El Cenador del Prado
Madrid cuisine often features seafood or potatoes. At this restaurant on Calle del Prado, you can taste their famous signature dish that features both—potatoes with clams.
Casa Patas
You can find flamenco performances all over town, including this bar on Calle Cañizares, but it’s the impromptu performances that erupt here that make it so much fun.
Las Ventas
Here you can witness Spain’s most beautiful bullring, as well as the country’s sacrificial ritual of bullfighting.
Expressión Negra
Madrid is a shopper’s paradise. You can find everything from luxury goods and antiques to religious items. This unusual shop on Calle de Piamonte sells furniture and accessories made from recycled drink cans.
Church of San Francisco El Grande
A neoclassical masterpiece with the largest dome in Madrid, enjoy a stroll past the walls and ceilings decorated with superb frescoes. The church borders the oldest part of Madrid, a delight to explore with squares and churches that include Plaza de la Paja and the Church of San Isidro with the remains of the patron saint of Madrid.
Casa de Las Siete Chimeneas
Believed to be haunted, the House of the Seven Chimneys was built by Phillip II for one of his mistresses in the 1500s. During restoration, a woman’s skeleton was discovered.
Chicote
The interior of Chicote hasn’t changed since it opened in the 1930s. Enjoy a drink in one of Madrid’s most sophisticated bars, just like Frank Sinatra and Ernest Hemingway.
Casa del Campo
Take the teleférico, or cable car, to Madrid’s largest park for a leisurely picnic among the shady trees, a ride on the ferris wheel, or a boat ride with the city skyline as your backdrop.
Salamanca
Just above El Retiro Park, Salamanca is the most elegant neighborhood in Madrid and known for its exclusive shops and boutiques, art galleries, and famous restaurants such as Alkalde.
Recoletos
This elegant boulevard is home to some of the most famous restaurants and eateries in Madrid, including the El Espejo, Casa Gades on Calle del Almirante street, and Cafe Gijon.
El Botin
Just below Plaza Mayor is El Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world. Teeming with tourists, visitors absolutely love it.
