Things to do in Madrid

Nature · Retiro

Madrid's grand royal park with a boating lake, rose garden and the glass Palacio de Cristal.

Local tip: Sunday afternoons fill with drummers and picnics by the lake; the Crystal Palace hosts free contemporary art.

Culture · Paseo del Arte

One of the world's greatest art museums — Velázquez, Goya and the Spanish masters.

Local tip: Entry is free the last two hours each day; go then but queue early, and pair it with the nearby Reina Sofía for Guernica.

Food · La Latina

The tapas heartland, and on Sundays the sprawling El Rastro flea market.

Local tip: Skip the touristy Mercado de San Miguel for the bars on Cava Baja; Sunday is tapas-and-vermouth day after El Rastro.

Nightlife · Malasaña

The bohemian, hip district of indie bars, vintage shops and the spirit of la movida.

Local tip: It doesn't get going until midnight — start with a rooftop drink and follow the crowd from there.

Landmark · Centro

The grand early-1900s avenue and the historic arcaded main square at the city's heart.

Local tip: Walk Gran Vía at dusk when the facades light up, then get churros con chocolate at the century-old San Ginés.

Culture · Parque del Oeste

A genuine ancient Egyptian temple, gifted to Spain and reassembled on a hill west of the centre.

Local tip: It's Madrid's best free sunset spot — arrive 30 minutes early, the crowds and the light are worth it.