BEST THINGS to Do in Madrid (2025)

BEST THINGS to Do in Madrid (2025)

Hey, thinking about going to Madrid? 
Awesome! Because in this video I’m going to show you the best of the 
city, no complications: what to see, eat, visit, and do to make the most of 
your trip. And if you’ve already been, you’ll probably discover something new. This 
is The Next Destinations — Alright, here we go! —
Iconic Places Let’s start at the center of Madrid: Puerta del 
Sol. It’s always full of life. You’ll see street performers, people protesting, retirees feeding 
pigeons, and tourists taking pictures with the Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue. Right here, 
on the ground, is Kilometer Zero, the point from which all Spanish roads are measured.
From there, you can walk a few minutes to Plaza Mayor. It’s a big square surrounded by old 
buildings, with arcades and terraces where having a vermouth with an olive is the typical thing to 
do. This place has seen everything—from markets to coronations to public executions. Now, it’s where 
people come to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Just a bit farther, you’ll find the 
Royal Palace. It’s huge—over 3,400 rooms, actually more than Buckingham Palace. Even if 
you don’t go inside, it’s worth checking out the Sabatini Gardens next door, especially 
at sunset. The views are great, and it’s a peaceful spot in the middle of the city.
Nearby is something unexpected: the Temple of Debod, an actual Egyptian temple right in 
Madrid. It was a gift from Egypt in the 1960s and rebuilt here stone by stone. It’s one of 
the best places to watch the sunset, and locals come here to hang out, take photos, or just relax.
From there, head to Gran Vía, Madrid’s most famous avenue. It’s full of shops, theaters, musicals, 
and historic buildings. It feels busy all the time—tourists, people going to work, others 
just out for a walk. The energy here is nonstop. And finally, you reach Plaza de Cibeles. It’s 
a major landmark, with the famous fountain of the goddess Cybele in her chariot. This is 
where Real Madrid fans celebrate their wins, and where you get that classic view of Madrid 
with the Cibeles Palace in the background. Perfect for photos—especially at sunset.
Art and Culture Madrid is like an open-air museum. If you start at 
the Prado, you’ll find Velázquez waiting with Las Meninas and Goya showing you his darkest side in 
the Black Paintings. Just a few minutes away, the Reina Sofía keeps something powerful—Guernica by 
Picasso. You don’t just look at it, you feel it. And right in between, the Thyssen-Bornemisza is 
like flipping through a European art history book: from Renaissance masters to modern pop art.
But in Madrid, art isn’t just in museums. Walk through Malasaña and you’ll see walls covered in 
graffiti that look like they belong in a gallery. And if you stop by Tabacalera—an old tobacco 
factory now turned cultural space—you’ll find street art everywhere: huge murals, bold colors, 
and messages that make you stop and think. If you’re more into live shows, head to the Royal 
Theater. Even the floor has a story—literally. Back in 1850, it had Europe’s first red velvet 
curtain. Since then, it’s hosted operas that made royalty cry. And today, the magic is 
still there. The seats may have changed, but the applause hits just as hard.
Gastronomy Hungry? In Madrid, food isn’t just 
food—it’s part of the experience. A good place to start is Mercado de San Miguel. 
It’s lively, full of people, and packed with tapas that look almost too good to eat. You’ll find 
everything from truffled eggs to oysters and grilled octopus. Grab a cold glass of wine and try 
the cod croquettes at La Casa del Bacalao—they’re smooth, hot, and seriously addictive.
If you’re into history, book a table at Sobrino de Botín. It’s been open since 1725, 
which makes it the oldest restaurant in the world. They’re known for roast suckling pig straight 
from a wood-fired oven. It’s not just about the food—Hemingway used to hang out here, and Goya 
worked in the kitchen when he was young and broke. And no trip to Madrid is complete without 
churros and chocolate. Head to San Ginés, a local favorite that’s open 24/7. Whether 
it’s after dinner or after a night out, there’s always a line—and it’s always worth 
the wait. The chocolate is thick, the churros are crispy, and together they hit the spot.
Want something traditional? Go to La Bola and order the cocido madrileño. It’s a big, 
filling stew with chickpeas, vegetables, and meat—perfect on a cold day. Or stop by Casa 
Lucio for their famous broken eggs. Simple, comforting, and full of flavor.
Parks and Nature Need a breather? Head to El Retiro. Rent a 
rowboat, relax by the Alfonso XII monument, or find the ancient Ahuehuete Tree—it’s seen 
centuries pass. The Crystal Palace is nearby, tucked among trees, and 
always has cool art inside. Want more nature? Casa de Campo is huge—perfect 
for biking or spotting deer if you go deep enough. And if you visit in autumn, don’t miss El Capricho 
Park—golden trees, hedge mazes, and a hidden Civil War bunker give it a mysterious vibe.
Shopping and Markets To take a piece of Madrid with you, El Rastro is 
a unique experience. Every Sunday, the streets of Lavapiés become a maze of stalls: vintage 
furniture, ’80s vinyls, antique cameras, comics, relics that tell stories. Haggle with a smile, 
and when you’re tired, head down to La Latina and order a tinto de verano with a tortilla skewer 
on some sunny terrace. Life moves slower there. If independent design and alternative vibes are 
your thing, the Mercado de Motores is your spot. In an old train station, sustainable 
fashion, local art, craft beers, and live music mix among vintage carriages 
and exotic plants. Sometimes jazz plays, other times rock, but there’s always soul.
And for those who love elegance, the Salamanca neighborhood is paradise. On the Golden Mile, 
Serrano Street shines with shop windows that don’t display clothes, but works of art. Loewe, 
Prada, Balenciaga, Cartier… Here luxury is quiet and sophisticated. Every display window 
is a story of tradition, soft leather, and diamonds with a surname.
Nightlife Madrid transforms completely at night. The 
city has neighborhoods where nightlife is very active and there are options for every taste.
Malasaña is one of the most well-known. In the ’80s it was the center of the punk movement 
and still retains that alternative spirit. Chueca is a neighborhood closely linked to the 
LGBTQ+ community, and in the ’90s it became one of the most open and lively centers. There 
you can visit Museo Chicote, a historic bar where Hemingway used to drink and which today 
remains famous for its cocktails. La Latina is ideal for starting the night with tapas. On Cava 
Baja Street there are over 50 bars concentrated in a few meters. It’s common to start the 
night with a vermouth, some croquettes, or a ham board before moving on to drinks.
Unique Events and Festivals Madrid has celebrations all year 
round, each with its own atmosphere. In May, San Isidro, the city’s patron 
saint, is celebrated. It’s one of the most traditional festivals: people dress 
as chulapos, there are open-air concerts, food stalls, and the famous rosquillas listas and 
tontas, the typical sweets of this time of year. In June, Pride turns Madrid into one of Europe’s 
most colorful capitals. The Chueca neighborhood fills with parades, live music stages, activities 
for all ages, and a very inclusive atmosphere. In September, La Noche en Blanco arrives. 
That night, many museums, cultural spaces, and galleries stay open late, and 
there are street performances. Even the metro runs all night so no one misses out.
And if you visit Madrid in December, the Christmas lights are the stars. On Gran Vía, the buildings 
light up with stunning decorations. In Plaza Mayor, a Christmas market is set up with ornament 
stalls, typical food, and often even an ice rink. Day Trips
If you have one or two extra days in Madrid, there are some amazing getaways nearby. Toledo is 
perfect for history lovers: its medieval streets, the Synagogue of El Tránsito, the famous 
marzipan, and the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes will transport you back in time. Segovia 
is equally impressive with its Roman aqueduct, the crispy suckling pig at José María or Mesón de 
Cándido, and the fairytale-like Alcázar. Nearby, you’ll find La Granja de San Ildefonso with 
its royal gardens. Ávila stands out for its medieval wall—one of the best preserved 
in Europe—while Cuenca will surprise you with its Hanging Houses and the Spanish 
Abstract Art Museum inside one of them. If you prefer nature, head to the Sierra de 
Guadarrama for hiking trails like Siete Picos or the Camino Schmid, starting from the village 
of Cercedilla. For a more peaceful escape, Aranjuez offers a Royal Palace, spacious gardens, 
and even rowboat rides along the Tagus River. Wine and food lovers will enjoy Chinchón and San 
Lorenzo de El Escorial, both home to charming wineries, traditional cuisine, and a laid-back 
vibe. And if you’re up for a bit more distance, the Ribera del Duero region—with towns like 
Peñafiel or Aranda de Duero—is a wine lover’s paradise, full of historic wineries, tastings, 
and mouthwatering roast lamb dishes. Lastly, Consuegra welcomes you with its iconic 
windmills perched atop Cerro Calderico and a medieval castle overlooking 
the vast Manchegan landscape that once inspired Don Quixote.
Unique Experiences in Madrid At the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, you can 
take the full Bernabéu Tour and explore the Real Madrid museum, locker rooms, trophy 
room, and exclusive areas before experiencing the thrill of a live match. On the other 
side of town, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium is where Atlético de Madrid plays—with 
just as much passion and energy in the air. If you head to Gran Vía, world-class 
musicals await—especially The Lion King, which has been running at the Lope de 
Vega Theatre since 2011, with over 4,500 performances and six million spectators.
Looking for something more traditional? Some of the best flamenco venues in the world are 
here, like Corral de la Morería, which pairs live performances with a Michelin-starred culinary 
experience—featuring only four exclusive tables under the direction of chef David García. 
Another great option is Torres Bermejas, where the “Guajira Menu” enhances the flamenco 
performance in a setting inspired by the Alhambra. —
So, what about you? Have you already been to Madrid 
or are you planning your very first visit? Which place was your favorite—or which one are you 
dying to see? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoyed this journey, don’t forget 
to subscribe and keep exploring the world with me. There are many more destinations 
waiting. See you in the next destination!

BEST Things to Do in MADRID 2025

Welcome to The Next Destinations! In our very first video, we’re exploring Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, and uncovering the best things to do in Madrid in 2025. From world-famous landmarks to hidden local gems, this travel guide is packed with must-see attractions, local food spots, and insider tips to make your trip unforgettable.

🎥 In this video, you’ll discover:
Top tourist spots like Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, and El Retiro Park
Hidden gems only locals know about
Where to eat the best tapas and churros
Cultural highlights and free things to do
Travel tips for first-time visitors in 2025

✨ Whether you’re planning your next vacation or just love virtual travel, The Next Destinations has you covered. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the 🔔 to join us on more adventures around the world!

TIMELAPSE
00:00 Intro
00:24 Iconic Places
02:14 Art and Culture
03:23 Gastronomy
04:46 Parks and Nature
05:18 Shopping and Markets
06:24 Nightlife
07:13 Unique Events and Festivals
08:16 Day Trips
09:51 Unique Experiences in Madrid
10:53 End

👇 Comment below: What’s your favorite spot in Madrid?

#Madrid2025 #SpainTravel #BestThingsToDo #TheNextDestinations #TravelGuide