Weekend in Madrid: My Top Favorite Things I Did

Madrid has so many unique things to do, things to see, and things to eat—it’s totally impossible to fit in all into one weekend!

During the weekend I spent in Spain’s capital city in March of 2023, I packed lots of activities into my schedule, but I didn’t come close to scraping the surface of everything Madrid has to offer.

First off, Madrid is home to world-renowned museums like the Museo Nacional del Prado and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. During my weekend trip, I didn’t make it to either museum. I’ve visited the Reina Sofía before, and I highly recommend it. The Prado remains on my list of top things I want to do in Madrid.

Besides its museums, Madrid is also famous for its stunning historic and architectural sites, such as the Plaza Mayor and the Baroque-era Catedral de la Almudena.

There’s tons more to mention when it comes to Madrid, but for now, I’ll just stick to my top favorite things I did during my weekend trip.

1. Mercado San Miguel

Mercado San Miguel is a gorgeous glass-enclosed tapas market where vendors sell small plates and drinks. From olives, to cheese, to jamón iberico (Iberian ham), to seafood, to wine and desserts, this food market offers basically any traditional Spanish food or drink you could want—plus a few international offerings.

Tapas and other foods are displayed in picturesque glass cases, so customers choose from visual rather than physical menus. Walking around the market tasting various tapas is a great way to get a quick introduction to typical Spanish cuisines.

And the food isn’t just good—it’s phenomenal. (At least everything I’ve tried!)

So, it should come as no surprise that the Mercado San Miguel can get insanely crowded, especially during peak dinner times and later. If you’re hoping to visit the market at a less busy time, try heading there for an early lunch!

2. El Retiro Park

Constructed during the 19th century, El Retiro Park is a massive public park in Madrid. In addition to tons of fountains surrounded by intersecting walking paths, the park contains a lake, a rose garden, and an almond tree orchard.

`Almond Tree Orchard, El Retiro Park, Madrid`

If you’re looking to get some respite from the big city, El Retiro Park is a great place to go enjoy some nature. And if the park doesn’t satisfy your desire to be surrounded by plants, there’s a gorgeous botanical garden right next door…

3. Real Jardín Botánico

Madrid’s Real Jardín Botánico is a stunning and extensive botanical garden. The garden is full of paths that wind through sections devoted to different types of plants, from flowering plants to an impressive bonsai collection. The botanical gardens also include greenhouses for plants that need warmer weather and/or higher humidity.

There’s plenty to see at the Real Jardín Botánico—I enjoyed about an hour there and the flowers weren’t even in bloom yet!

4. Royal Palace of Madrid

Did you know Madrid is home to the largest European royal palace? Constructed during the 18th century, the Royal Palace of Madrid is a wonder to behold.

If you want to see the inside of the palace, be sure to reserve a ticket or book a tour in advance!

5. Plaza Mayor

A trip to Madrid would not be complete without a visit to the Plaza Mayor, a huge square surrounded mostly by stunning red buildings. For centuries, the Plaza Mayor has served as a lively square in the city.

Now, the Plaza Mayor is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s a fantastic place for pictures, and I think it’s the perfect place to start your adventures in Madrid.

6. Madrid River Park

The Madrid River Park (or Parque Madrid Río) is just what it sounds like: a city park that winds along the Manzanares River. The park includes wide and narrow walking and biking paths, large green spaces, and lots of trees.

This park is another excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a quieter side of Madrid.

I loved spending a weekend in Madrid. I hope to return soon! There’s so much more to see!