Madrid: Activities, Restaurants and Day Trips You Don’t Want to Miss

• Real Madrid soccer game: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is an experience any soccer fan in Madrid must see.

• Retiro Park: Spend the afternoon walking through the rose garden and fountains that fill El Retiro Park. You might even want to rent a rowboat or canoe in the central pond.

• Templo de Debod: A lush park known for its beautiful sunset views and ancient Egyptian temple.

• Paella cooking class: Spain is widely known for its cuisine, specifically Paella. There are numerous cooking classes in the heart of Madrid specializing in teaching the art of Paella.

• Flamenco Show: There’s no better way to grasp a dose of Spanish Culture than by watching a Flamenco Show. The Torres Bermejas hold a reputation for having some of the greatest names in Flamenco perform.

• Tapas and wine tasting tour: If you don’t know which spots to hit for wine and tapas, I highly recommend doing a Tapas and Wine tasting tour. Most tours take you around four different spots, sampling some of Madrid’s much-loved tapas bars.

• Prado Museum: One of the best galleries in the world that displays artworks from Goya and Velázquez.

• El Rastro Market: An extensive Sunday morning/afternoon market filled with endless stalls and surrounded by amazing scenery. You can find everything from jewelry, secondhand clothing, handcrafts, ceramics, vinyl records, Spanish hand fans, books and so much more.

• Gran Via: Take a walk down Gran Via, a 1,300-meter-long street filled with everything from luxury stores and retail shops to famous buildings and popular nightlife. Known as “Spanish Broadway”, Gran Via also holds a large number of hotels and movie theaters. You’ll find the Metropolis building here along with the Carrion building.

Day trips:

• Segovia: An hour northwest is the iconic Roman aqueduct and fairy-tale Alcázar in the city of Segovia. Renowned for its charming streets and local cuisine, Segovia holds a historical heritage for a local experience.

• Toledo: Less than an hour bus ride from the city, you’ll find Toledo. Toledo holds stunning medieval architecture and diverse cultural influences with its well-preserved streets and landmarks. Check out the Alcázar and the Cathedral while you’re exploring or zip-lining through the history-rich city.

• Seville: Seville is less than a three-hour bus ride from Madrid and is the home to some of the most renowned gardens and landmarks. Casa de Pilates, Torre del Oro, Giralda and the Cathedral to name a few. You will also find many film locations here from cinema such as Game of Thrones, Star Wars and The Dictator.

• Cuenca: This city is built on mountains of east-central Spain. While it’s most famous for its “casas colgadas” or hanging houses, the surrounding views do not disappoint. You can even go canyon swimming through the bright blue lagoons!

• Tiki Taco: Known for their Irresistible tacos and irresistible prices. The authentic flavor and experience are truly unforgettable. Tiki Taco is also a perfect spot to sit and chat or have a quick bite before another event.

• Méntrida: A typical tapas bar that holds local specialties such as tortilla & calamari sandwiches.

• Takos Al Pastor: Very popular spot in the heart of Madrid, sometimes referred to as Tiki Taco’s rival. You might run into a long queue, but I promise it’s totally worth it for the authentic tacos and margaritas.

• 100 Montaditos: 100 Montaditos is a Spanish sandwich and beer chain iconically known for its fun atmosphere and unbeatable prices. A great spot to have glasses of tinto de verano before hopping through town.

• Rosi La Loca: Rosi La Loca provides a cool, Spanish experience with its unique menu and great vibe. The cocktails are on point and the wide range of menus exceeds expectations.

• MY Pasta Room: If you find yourself craving pasta, MY Pasta Room is a build-your-own pasta bar with diverse sauce and noodle options. The customer service is lovely and happy to help you build the perfect pasta for your experience.

• Honest Greens: Known for their revolutionary twist on healthy options, Honest Greens is a staple in Spain. Their garden bowls are unreal and the sweet potato fries are my favorite!

• Grosso Napoletano: A must-try pizza spot that holds the title of being one of the best artisan pizza chains in the world. If you’re visiting Europe and searching to cure your craving for Napoli pizza, this is the place to get your fix. The authentic ingredients combined with the thick and fluffy dough will keep you coming back for more.