¡Bienvenido/a a Madrid! You’ve probably heard of popular Spanish tourist destinations like Barcelona, Ibiza and Tenerife but the nation’s capital certainly has its charms. What Madrid lacks in waterfronts, it makes up for in cultural venues, unrivaled nightlife, a diverse gastronomic scene and excellent year-round weather! While you won’t be heading to the beach, there are still plenty of things to see and do in Madrid no matter where your interests lie from rooftops with jaw-dropping views to food markets selling the most delectable tapas. The city is also full of green spaces and interactive museums ideal for traveling with furry companions or tiny tots.
Located right in the center of the country, Madrid boasts sunny, clear blue skies regardless of the season, making it the perfect destination even for winter excursions when other capitals are near freezing. If you’re traveling to Madrid soon, here are the best things to do in the city along with some useful tips to make the most of your time there from an ex-pat who’s been happy to call this fantastic place home for over half a decade. ¡Vamonos amigos!
1. PEOPLE-WATCH AT PUERTA DE SOL
2. PICK YOUR FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD
3. DANCE UNTIL DAWN
4. FIND YOUR FAVORITE ROOFTOP BAR
5. SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP ON GRAN VIA
6. TAKE A BOAT RIDE AT PARQUE RETIRO
7. PATRONIZE THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE OF ART
8. HAVE SOME (OR SEVERAL) GLASSES OF WINE
9. VISIT TEMPLO DE DEBOD AT SUNSET
10. GO ON A GLOBAL GASTRONOMIC TOUR WITH YOUR PALETTE
11. BOOK TICKETS TO A THEATRE SHOW
12. HAVE A PICNIC AT CASA DE CAMPO
13. HOP ON THE TELEFERICO MADRID
14. LEARN SPANISH
15. DISCOVER THE NEARBY TOWNS
16. CHECK OUT A FOOTBALL MATCH
17. HIT THE SKI SLOPES YEAR-ROUND
18. TRY YOUR HAND AT HORSEBACK-RIDING
19. WANDER AROUND THE ROYAL PALACE OF MADRID
20. TAKE SOME PICS AT PLAZA MAYOR
21. Get your grub on at A FOOD MARKET
22. GET TO KNOW YOUR SPANISH ALCOHOL
FINAL THOUGHTS
1. People-watch at Puerta de Sol
Considered the unofficial center of Madrid (that title would go to the Schweppe’s building at #5), Puerta del Sol should be the first stop on your list if you crave to be at the heart of Madrid. Famous for the emblematic statue of the bear and madroño tree, the square is used by locals as a regular meeting spot since it’s also home to Sol Subway Station, the city’s main transportation hub. Arguably the best-connected site in town, Sol is the perfect starting point for any adventure and the seating around its fountain makes it idyllic for people-watching on a sunny day or seeing Christmas lights in early winter.
Its prime location is by design since Madrid was chosen as the capital based on its geographic position within the Iberian peninsula. Spot the KM-0 plaque to the south of the square commemorating this fact even though anyone who has ever seen a map of Spain can attest to Madrid not being in the center of the country. The area is also well-located next to other popular neighborhoods and boasts several nightclubs to keep you dancing from dusk until dawn. Most walking tours usually meet at Puerta del Sol as well since it’s the most well-known starting point in the city.
2. Pick your favorite neighborhood
Before heading to Madrid, you’ll do wise to pick the location of your accommodation very carefully since each neighborhood in the city tends to have its own unique flair. Sol is considered the city center and, being well-connected to most major landmarks, it’s a favorite for the tourists who usually swamp the area year-round. If you don’t fancy constantly being smothered by other travelers, Malasaña is a popular ex-pat hub, beloved for its hip bars, cozy cafes, and diverse set of restaurants offering the tastiest international cuisine. For LGBTQ+ travelers, Chueca has the best bars and nightclubs to mingle with others in the community while rubbing shoulders on the dance floor.
On a budget? Neighborhoods like La Latina and Lavapies are also highly recommendable due to their affordability and close proximity to the center. Their bars and restaurants are typically frequented by locals for their lively digs at reasonable prices and undoubtedly have the most authentic establishments in the city. Feeling fancy? Staying in Salamanca might be optimal as the posh barrio is considered the place to be for the well-to-do and its elegant hotels and world-class restaurants are testaments to that.
3. Dance until dawn
Madrid, and Spain as a whole, is renowned for its and the nation’s capital certainly doesn’t disappoint with its wide selection of bars and nightclubs from the classy to the trashy. Truly to be considered the city that never sleeps, most discotecas in Madrid open around midnight but don’t close until at least 6 AM, meaning you’ll get out just in time to catch the first subway train home.
For hipsters, Malasaña is packed with several bars and lounges, like La Via Láctea and BarCo, that are sure to pique your interest, especially if you’re into rock and roll. The area around Sol is also not to be missed, thanks to its eclectic mix of pop, reggaeton, and salsa clubs and staple venues such as El Son and Kapital are usually crowd favorites. More into deep house or techno? Fabrik or Goya Social Club should be right up your alley so you can dance the night away in style. If you really want to party with the natives, Cafe Berlin and Velvet are both popular local haunts whereas, in Chueca, you can find the best gay clubs to rub shoulders with Spanish cuties such as Bearbie Madrid and Shower & Bar Madrid Gay Club.
Not into clubs? No worries, there are plenty of bars (literally thousands) with ambient music where you can grab a drink. Jazz enthusiasts should check out Jazz Bar (near Atocha) for an intimate vibe while gin lovers should head to 1862 Dry Bar for their delicious martinis. For a touch of class, visit Hemingway Cocktail Bar (near Sol) or, if you really want to feel like you’re living a life of luxury, soak in the splendor of Inclán Brutal Bar’s velvet-cloaked walls and terrace. Want to get rowdy with the locals instead? El Tigre (near Chueca) is the place to be, just prepare yourself for the noise.
4. Find your favorite rooftop bar
If you’re not exactly a nightclub-type of person, fear not since Madrid has plenty of scenic rooftops to still entertain you away from the dance floor! A large part of Madrid’s charm is taking in its mesmerizing skyline from above and you’ll be spoiled for choice. Just around Plaza de Espana (the city’s second most famous square), there are many within a minute’s walk of each other; Ginkgo Sky Bar, Hotel RIU Plaza España, and Nice to Meet You Lounge (on top of Dear Hotel) all offer spectacular views (though the first two do charge a commission for access). It would be hard to do all the rest justice but some notable azoteas that should be on your bucket list are Azotea del Circulo, Picalagartos Sky Bar, and Ella Sky Bar.
Visiting in summer? Several rooftops also boast swimming pools, perfect for cooling off in grandeur when temperatures need to skyrocket (as they often do in Madrid). At extra charge, establishments such as Terraza de Óscar (on top of Hotel Room Mate Óscar), El Cielo de Alcalá Rooftop Bar (atop H10 Puerta de Alcalá), and Terraza Santo Domingo (located on its namesake) will allow non-guests a day-pass to kick back by the poolside with a panoramic view while getting a little day-drunk.
5. Shop ‘til you drop on Gran Via
Thanks to the low cost of living compared to other European capitals, Madrid is a shopper’s paradise, attracting eager shopaholics from all over the continent and beyond. Although the city is brimming with shops and shopping centers in every trendy neighborhood, there’s no better place to make it rain except Gran Via (aka Broad Way aka Main Street), the city’s most prominent stress. It literally cuts Madrid into two halves, from north to south, and leaves a trail of boutiques and specialty stores in its wide path.
Stumble into shops by Spanish fashion brands like Zara and Mango to get steals at a fraction of the price that you’d pay back home or head to El Cortes Ingles (in Plaza Callao), the country’s biggest chain of department stores, for everything else you might need. Want to know a fun fact? The biggest Primark (aka Penny’s to Irishmen and Brits) in the world is located near Gran Via Subway Station, which is worth a photo op in its own right. The journey to the Schwepp’s building to find yourself right in the heart of Madrid.
6. Take a boat ride at Parque Retiro
Feel like going for a walk in the park? Parque Retiro (Retiro, Atocha Renfe, Ibiza, and Principe de Vergara Subway Stations) will do you one better by renting you a boat to take for a ride around its iconic lake. Make sure to get there early though or prefer to find yourself waiting a while since the park is probably the most popular in the city and is often packed with families and frolickers in summer. Grab a seat (if you can) on the terraces of any of the numerous outdoor cafes to enjoy Madrid’s typically sunny weather.
Besides the lake, Parque Retiro has many other scenic monuments like Palacio de Cristal and Palacio de Velásquez (which houses a modern art museum), along with several sculptures and gardens ideal for a stroll or a picnic. You can also mingle with locals over a drink at Florida Park, a Las Vegas-style cabaret that also serves Spanish cuisine with a view. History buffs can also take a guided tour through the enchanting park to learn all about its dazzling past.
7. Patronize the Golden Triangle of Art
For art connoisseurs and history buffs, Madrid is sure to please since it possesses a plethora of museums, galleries, and traveling exhibitions. The city's Golden Triangle of Art is the best place to start, consisting of the most famous art museums like the Reina Sofia (home of Picasso’s famed Guernica), the Prado (home of Velásquez’s equally famed Las Meninas), and the Thyssen-Bornemisza (an expansive collection whose artworks span from the 13th to 20th centuries).
However, these are far from the only museums nestled in the area. Just across from the Reina Sofia, you can find the multisensory museum, Ikono (arguably, the most Instgrammable museum besides Sweet Space), or, a mere stone’s throw away, the Caixa Forum (the usual winner for most interesting temporary exhibits). The list keeps going with other noteworthy galleries also close by like the National Anthropology Museum, La Casa Encendida, and the Naval Museum. Make sure to walk along Paseo del Prado as you whizz from place to place since the striking pathway also features Palacio de Cibeles and Neptune Fountain and passes by Royal Botanical Garden. If you’re traveling with little ones, the Museum of Illusions and Velasquez Tech Museum are also great picks.
8. Have some (or several) glasses of wine
Are you a fan of wine? While countries like France and Italy are typically more lauded for their vineyard’s delectable libations, Spanish wines are nothing to snub your nose at. Whether you prefer reds, whites, or even rosés, Spain produces enough vino to make your mouth water. Albariño, Verdego and Rioja Blanco are some of the top varieties for white-wine-lovers while Ribera del Duero, Rioja Crianza and Tempranillo are sure to delight lovers of red. There are plenty of wine tours to acclimate you to Spanish vintages, allowing you to try more varieties.
Prefer champagne? The Spanish version of the bubbly concoction is known as cava and goes for just a bit more than a normal glass of wine (cheers!). Just don’t make the mistake of ordering sangria like a guiri (uncultured foreigner) and instead get a glass of tinto de verano, a local favorite. For non-wine-connoisseurs, Spaniards are also fans of beer (mostly lagers) with several brands to choose from such as Mahou (the official beer of Madrid, yes, official), Estrella Galicia (my personal pick), and La Alhambra.
9. Visit Templo de Debod at sunset
Did you know that Madrid is home to an Egyptian temple? Gifted by the Spanish government, the ancient temple was moved from Aswan, stone by stone, and then rebuilt just off Parque del Oeste. The breathtaking monument is accessible to visitors who buy a ticket but its best feature is the lookout right behind the landmark. The vantage point is perched on a hillside that looks over southwest Madrid as far as the eye can see and makes a great place to watch the city lights come on at dusk.
Picnics are a common sight in the park come spring, particularly on weekends when locals come out in droves to take advantage of the great weather and scenery. Plan your own for a sunny day or venture to Parque del Oeste for a relaxing walk. Its chic neighborhood, Argüelles-Moncloa, also has many cultural centers to enjoy such as Liria Palace, Ermita de San Antonia de la Florida (the final resting place of Spanish artist Francisco de Goya), and the Museum of the Americas.
10. Go on a global gastronomic tour with your palette
For all my foodies out there, prepare to be amazed by the wide variety of cuisine on offer in the nation’s capital. From brunch bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll be pressed to try everything in just a single trip. While you should definitely try Spanish cuisine while in Madrid, in case you’re ever craving anything else, the food scene has everything you could want. If you’d like Asian food, stop by popular diners like Restaunte Maru (if you gotta have your Korean BBQ), Yue Lai (amazing hot pot for winter trips), Kagura (authentic Japanese ramen), and El Winnie (real name Restaurant Xiongzai, it’s local moniker is a running joke against the Chinese leader). Can’t decide? Yatai Market has all types of food stalls from all around the Far East to make sure your palette gets to wander.
Prefer dishes from the Middle East? Many fusion restaurants have popped up over the years, such as Barganzo, La Hummuseria, and Falafeleria. Craving to discover cuisine from across the Mediterranean Sea? African establishments like Restaurant Mandela (South African), La Terranga (Senegalese), and Restaurante Etiope Gonder (Ethiopian) are all top-notch. For a flair from the Caribbean, Rincón de Marco (Cuban), La Pupuseria (El Salvadorian) and Takos al Pastor (Mexican) are all local haunts with affordable prices, but for South American cuisine Rincón Ecuatoriano en Madrid (take a wild guess where from), Kausa Madrid (Peruvian) and La Aguacatala Madrid (Colombia) are unbeatable.
11. Book tickets to a theatre show
If your trip to Madrid is also your first time in Spain, catching a flamenco show should be on your list of priorities. Although the style originated in Andalucia, a region to the far south, the dance has become famous across the nation as well as worldwide. Now several flamenco tabernas can be found as well as plenty of dance schools in case you’re interested in learning the style. While some flamenco performances will only provide the barest thrills, others are outright lavish including dinner and an open bar so you’re free to choose which best suits your budget.
Not really into dance? Like Broadway in New York, Madrid’s Gran Via is lined with theatres, hosting a myriad of shows from comedies to dramas. Watch the Lion King at Teatro de Lope de Vega or sing along to a musical at Teatro Coliseum (all in Spanish, of course). How about magic? Madrid is renowned for its world-class magicians that are sure to blow your mind. More into cultural shows? Teatro La Abadia hosts plenty that highlight different societal aspects within the nation. Matadero (a former slaughterhouse turned cultural center) has a mix of everything from shows to art galleries plus terrace-lined bars for the perfect place to hang after the show. There are a lot more theaters scattered throughout the city center so whether you want to laugh, cry or be amazed, you’ll find just your ticket.
12. Have a picnic at Casa de Campo
Formerly the hunting grounds for the Spanish royal family, the 1500-hectare park was donated to the city for public use in the 1930s and now stands as the biggest green space in the entire city. Translating to ‘‘country house,’’ the park was part of King Philip II’s estate after he moved his court to Madrid and it was later dubbed a Royal Forest by King Ferdinand VI. Mosey along the copious pathways and trails that zig-zag across the park before picnicking around the various flora and fauna that still reside there. You can also walk along the Manzanares, Madrid’s infamous ‘’river’’ (prepare to be underwhelmed).
Apart from its natural beauty, Casa de Campo features many other attractions like an amusement park, lake, zoo, aquarium, and a bullfighting ring (the ring at Ventas is nicer though). Don’t be surprised to find the park buzzing with life, especially in the summer months when madrileños (Madrid locals) come out in full force to do outdoor spots. If you want to hang out like a true native, grab a drink at a lakeside outdoor café or go for a dip in its public pool. There’s also a cable car station that connects Casa de Campo to Parque del Oeste if you’re not afraid of heights. Speaking of cable cars…
13. Hop on the Teleferico Madrid
If you’re looking to soar high in the sky, a journey on Madrid’s cable car might be just for you. Erected in 2018, the cable car system has eighty cabins that fit around six passengers each and travel about 3.5 meters per second, with a capacity of transporting nearly 1200 people per hour. The cars’ route spans almost 2500 meters, taking just over ten minutes between the two main stations, one in Casa de Campo and the other in Parque del Oeste.
Ooh and aah your way across Madrid’s skyline as you take in all the prominent monuments, gardens, and buildings below you. Stay away if you have vertigo or a similar fear of heights since the cable cars climb up to forty meters off the ground. FYI: Buying a two-way ticket is cheaper than paying two single-journey fares so make sure you get yours for a round-trip unless you plan on walking all the way back.
14. Learn Spanish
With nearly 500 million Spanish speakers globally, it might be tempting to learn the romance language in the nation that started it all. Madrid is practically bursting with academies that teach a whole slew of languages from French to German and plenty more that offer Spanish. The dialect you choose to learn, however, is entirely up to you since Spain has four official languages.
The first, Castellano, is the lingo spoken by almost three-quarters of the country and the one that was exported the world over by Spanish conquistadors under the Castillian monarchy. The next is undoubted catalán, which stems from Catalonia (Barcelona’s region) and is the predominant language in the area just like Euskara is in the Basque Country. Gallego is also mainly only spoken in the region of Galicia so decide for yourself which is more pleasing to the ears. Just don’t call any of the latter ‘español’ since it’ll only make the locals cringe at your faux pas.
15. Discover the nearby towns
If you’ve had enough of the constant hustle and bustle of the city center and have some more time to kill in Madrid, taking a trip to any of its neighboring towns could be just the adventure you’re looking for. Thanks to Spain’s reliable public transportation system and extensive network of long-distance trains, you can get to many places directly without needing a connection and some in less than an hour.
El Escorial to the north is worth a tour for its majestic royal palace and library plus its charming town while Toledo to the south is ideal for those who wish to get lost in time wandering through its medieval streets and forts. Segovia to the northeast has one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world whereas Ávila still sports Moorish walls from the Middle Ages. If you want to see more historic sights and ancient monuments, book the next ticket out of Madrid for the day to get your fix.
16. Check out a football match
There’s no sport that the Spanish are more passionate about than football (aka soccer) and many citizens consider it a serious hobby to follow the biggest teams in the leagues. Real Madrid is the official team of the city but Atletico Madrid also has its share of fans. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (home of Real Madrid) is Madrid’s largest sports venue and can hold over 80 thousand spectators while the next largest, Wanda Metropolitano (home of Atletico Madrid), has capacity for 69 thousand sports fans.
The city can get crazy-packed with crowds while there’s a game so just make sure to book your tickets well in advance as prices can also get crazy expensive since die-hard fans are typically willing to spend exorbitant amounts for front-row seats to the action. Even if football isn’t your thing, there are several other sports leagues from basketball to tennis so you’re bound to find your perfect match.
17. Hit the ski slopes year-round
Are you an avid skier but haven’t hit the slopes in a while? Have you never tried snowboarding but have always been interested in learning? Snozone Madrid is exactly the venue for you, featuring enough slopes to keep you cool even in the heat of summer. Europe’s biggest indoor snow resort opened in 2000 and has since taught millions of newbies how to find their ski legs so if you’ve always wanted to try, this might be your chance. If traveling in winter, you can try out the real thing in Cercadilla, just north of Madrid, since the ski town is filled with resorts like Puerto de Navacerrada that will have everything you could need including capable instructors.
Thankfully, your helmet rental is free with your entry ticket but you’ll have to pay a small fee to rent your skis/snowboard plus your ski costume (jacket and bottoms). Gloves are also highly advised since the indoor temperature hovers around minus 5 degrees Celsius (23⁰F) but these along with socks are not rentable due to hygiene restrictions. However, you can buy some in their on-site shop before heading off to your private ski lesson for just a fraction of what you’d pay to do the same outdoors. Prefer ice-skating? Palacio de Hielo has got you covered there!
18. Try your hand at horseback-riding
For lovers of the equestrian arts, a soothing horseback ride through the majestic Spanish countryside just may be your thing. Madrid is surrounded by several farms, each offering its unique horseback experience through some eye-popping trails. Even the uninitiated are welcome as instructions are typically given before the ride begins and the horses are used to handling novices.
Madrid is surrounded by several natural parks so rides typically last an hour while trekking through the lush landscape. Prices are often reasonable, even more for group rates, and some tours come with lunch and/or drinks included. Helmets are provided to ensure the safety of the rider so hang out tight while you get to wander through magnificent terrain.
19. Wander around the Royal Palace of Madrid
If you’ve never been to a royal palace, then you’re in luck since Madrid boasts an impressive estate right in the city center (Opera Subway Station). Commissioned in 1735 and constructed on the site of a former Muslim fortress from the 9th century when this city went by its Arabic name. Magerit. Although the Alcázar de Madrid that stood under Emir Muhammad I of Cordoba’s reign burned down in 1734, a new, more regal palace sprung up from its ashes thanks to the Bourbon monarchy.
Spanning 135000 meters squares and sporting over 3400 rooms, the Royal Palace of Madrid is also the official residence of the Spanish royal family, making it currently the biggest functioning palace in Europe. The inspiration for its external design hales from Bernini’s school of architecture (he sculpted several of Rome’s most famous landmarks) and its interior screams opulence, showcasing paintings from the most prominent Spanish painters as well as antique furniture, the Royal Armory along with the world’s last complete Stradivarius string quintet. The royal palace is open to visitors every day except for bank holidays for a moderate fee but is free between 5 pm to 7 pm from Monday to Thursday. Just make sure to get there a half-hour early to beat the lines.
20. Take some pics at Plaza Mayor
Nestled just around the corner from Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s main square and has been the site of many historical events within Spain. Erected atop the remains of Old Madrid’s Plaza del Arrabal, Madrid’s main marketplace was remodeled between 1617 to 1619 under the reign of King Philip III even though the project was originally in 1580 by King Philip II, his late father. The square is perfectly rectangular and lined with three-story residential buildings which accentuate the uniformity of its classical architecture.
While you’re there, make sure to spot the bronze statue of King Philipp III molded in 1616 as a gift from the Duke of Florence. It wasn’t placed in the square until 1848, however, when it was moved from Casa de Campo by order of Queen Isabel II to become the new centerpiece. Presently, the square is filled with cafes and bars (admittedly, all tourist traps) eager to serve you some piping hot or blissfully cold tapas. Tortilla de patata (potato omelette) is a good place to start since it’s both gluten- and vegetarian-friendly. ¡Buen provecho!
21. get your grub on at a food market
If there’s anything the Spanish do well, it’s tapas, especially over lunch. Thus, Madrid is full of food markets selling a varied range of snack-sized-to-plate-worthy fare from all around the world from the Mediterranean to the Far East. Nearly every popular neighborhood has a food market practically bursting at the seams with locals hoping to grab a bite and a beverage and, if you’re lucky, you might just be able to snag one of the few seats so you can enjoy your meal(s) sitting down (though standing certainly won’t stop the locals from digging in).
Close to La Latina, you can find the elegant San Miguel Market, a one-story complex that’s any designer’s dream. Right in the heart of Malasaña, San Ildefonso Market has multiple, unique levels to wind your way through as you pick your favorite spot. If you’re in Chueca, San Antón Market wins the award for the best rooftop terrace and the three-story facility does not disappoint with its choice of selections. All those tapas and drinks can quickly add up, however, so try out San Fernando Market in Lavapies makes for a more budget-friendly dining experience. My personal pick is Platea, a multi-level gastro-experience that’s a treat for the ears, eyes and, most importantly, mouth.
22. Get to know your Spanish alcohol
Besides beer and typical red and white wine, Spain also produces other types of booze like sherry, cider, and vermouth. Jerez de la Frontera (a sherry aged for thirty years) is the national liquor of Spain whereas cider originated in the northern region of Asturias but quickly became a national phenomenon as witnessed by the number of sidrerías sprinkled throughout Madrid. La Venencia is a must-visit if you’re a fan of cherries while Las Estacíones de Juan and Taberna Sidrería El Fontán both take the cake for the most authentic ciders in the city.
You may have heard mention of vermouth whenever a certain British spy ordered his Vesper Martini but I’d never tried it before moving to Spain since any cocktail with it was always one of the most expensive in Canada. However, the Spaniards make the alcholo so well that vermouth is often cheaper than beer and a bottle costs about the same as wine. Spanish vermouth is a sweet liquor made from wine, absinthe, fruits and herbs , and comes in white and red (and not to be confused with dry vermouth).
However, if there’s one drink you absolutely have to try in Madrid, it’s madroño, a unique liquor made from the strawberry tree of the same name (and whose symbol is embodied in the statue at Puerta del Sol), a species indigenous to the region. Restaurant El Madroño (near San Miguel Market) is the go-to for a sip of sweet liquor since they serve it in an edible chocolate cup. Yum!
Final Thoughts
Madrid has many charms and secrets to discover, offering its visitors everything from tantalizing terraces to hidden gardens along with energetic nightlife, all at affordable prices. If visiting in spring, stop by Quinta de los Molinos just in time to see the cherry blossoms bloom. In summer, Warner Park Madrid is the perfect destination for a day of fun and sun while riding some rollercoasters. For autumn visitors, making a personalized accessory might just be in fashion as there are lots of workshops to make jewelry and leather goods. Wanderers arriving in winter can count all the Christmas trees they spot throughout the city's squares such as Plaza Callao (then order a bowl of cocido to fight off the chill). Churros and a cup of thick hot chocolate to dip them in are also a great choice year-round whether for breakfast or as a quick pick-me-up.
Madrid’s colorful history spans several thousands of years so if you’re at all interested in learning about it, take a walking tour to go back to the days before Cervantes wrote Don Quixote. Spanish food, particularly tapas, makes up a big part of the culture and late nights are practically a given considering the amount of bars per capita (more than any other city in Europe).
With one of the most reliable, cleanest, and safest public transportation systems for any capital in the world, it's easy to get around Madrid in a jiffy. Even if you don't have much time, you're able to tick off hopefully many items from this list as the city center is fortunately quite condensed rather than spread out. Whether you come for the tapas or stay for the discos, Madrid is certain to have something you like, so write me when you get there!
May you get lost in the wonder,
M