This is a quick guide to Madrid’s must-see spots when you have just a few days. We suggest some visits and experiences you should not miss on your holiday, but above all, we advise you to spend as long as you can in the city. This is the only way to enjoy all the culture, entertainment, leisure and life of one of Europe’s liveliest capitals.
There is still a lot to see in Madrid, and especially on the outskirts of the city. We have three suggestions to choose from, so you can pick a day out to suit your tastes. And remember that there are still plenty of attractive areas to explore in the city, such as the famous Chueca neighbourhood, the business district of Castellana, the student lifestyle in the Moncloa or Chamberí areas, a wide range of museums...
Madrid has many options for a family day out. In and around the city centre, there is the Zoo Aquarium and the Parque de Atracciones amusement park. They are practically next to each other, and the ideal arrangement is to spend a day in each one. The zoo has animals from all over the world, although most children like the koalas, pandas and dolphins best. And the Parque de Atracciones is great because it has fun rides for every age group: children’s rides, high speed, dizzying heights, water rides...
Just half an hour from the centre of Madrid are two more options. Parque Warner is a popular theme park with rides and fun shows starring Warner Bros characters. Meanwhile, Faunia focuses on nature, recreating different habitats from around the planet, where you can see penguins, lynxes, lemurs or kangaroos in their natural settings.
If you like shopping, fashion and designer clothes, and most of all, if you like a bargain, you should visit Las Rozas Village. It is just 30 kilometres from Madrid, and a luxury bus runs every day from Plaza de Oriente (opposite the Royal Palace). It has everything for a shopping day out: fashion, leisure areas, restaurants, personal shopping services...
You might also be interested in The Style Outlets. There are three of these centres close to Madrid, all with many leading international brands. One is in Las Rozas, a few kilometres from Las Rozas Village. The others are in Getafe (20 minutes from Madrid) and San Sebastián de los Reyes (30 minutes from Madrid and 15 from the airport).
Many visitors to Madrid are surprised to see so much space devoted to parks. We’ve already recommended the Buen Retiro, Madrid Río, the Botanical Garden, the Sabatini Gardens and El Capricho, but there are many more. Next to Madrid Río, you’ll find Casa de Campo and the Royal Gardens of Campos del Moro. The best thing about Casa de Campo is that this huge green space is so close to the old town centre, and how peaceful it feels next to the lake. Also, from Casa de Campo you can take a cable car ride which children will love. Meanwhile, Campos del Moro is a great spot to take stunning photos with the Royal Palace in the background.