A Madrid waiting to be discovered

Do you know Madrid? Seeing as it’s one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, setting new records for visitor numbers each year, you probably answered “yes”. But the question goes beyond mere familiarity. Do you really know every aspect of the city? If you don’t, but you’d like to, why not create your own “Plan B” with an itinerary that takes you off the traditional tourist trail?

We guarantee it’s worth the effort, because there’s so much more to Madrid than meets the eye. Here are some ideas to help you design a customised route.

Explore Spain’s biggest urban park

From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the distinctive light and energy that define the Spanish capital. The city also has a surprising number of natural spaces and leafy areas. In other words, Madrid is very green. Indeed, it ranks second on the global list of cities with the most tree-lined streets, so it’s no surprise that it earned the distinction of being named a “Tree City of the World” for the fifth year in a row in 2024.

The fusion of culture and nature extends beyond Madrid’s city centre. You can also find it in lesser-known spots you may not have heard of, places which will make your stay here extra special. After visiting the Royal Palace or La Almudena Cathedral, we suggest you begin by heading in a southeast direction to explore Casa de Campo, Spain’s largest urban park.

Few experiences inspire as profound a sense of well-being as sitting at an outdoor table in one of the restaurants by the park’s large lake—some of which have evocative names like Villa Verbena, which could translate as an open-air place for enjoying a festive atmosphere. As you take in the views, feel the breeze and bask in the sunlight, at times you’ll feel like you’re on an actual seaside promenade. While walking around the area, which has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) in the Historical category, you’ll also have the opportunity to admire all kinds of trees and bushes. You’ll see everything from strawberry trees, which are closely linked to Madrid, and spectacular elms.

Sprawling across over 1,700 hectares, Casa de Campo Park is the perfect place to partake in all sorts of activities. It’s so big that it stretches from the banks of the River Manzanares to various forested parts of Madrid such as Monte del Pardo—another of the city’s lesser-known gems, which should be on your radar if you’re keen on enjoying nature, history and gastronomy all together.

Discover Montaña de los Gatos

If it’s your first time in Madrid and you want to get out in the fresh air, don’t miss a visit to El Retiro Park. The city’s central green lung has a total area of 125 hectares and is home to over 15,000 trees. Together with Paseo del Prado, it’s part of a space which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the Cultural Landscape category, in July 2021. If you’ve been to the park before, let us encourage you to rediscover it and enjoy new attractions like Montaña de los Gatos (or “Cat Mountain”, as it’s where many of Madrid’s stray cats used to gather), which has reopened to the public following carefully planned rehabilitation efforts. You’ll be fascinated by its waterfalls and the vaulted space in its interior! 

Another unique experience is to visit the monument to Alfonso XII, which has a viewpoint offering some of the most stunning vistas of the city. Or, if you haven’t already done so, why not hire a rowing boat and explore the park’s romantic lake?

In search of secret gardens

The undiscovered side of Madrid includes several small gardens, some of which are so hidden that you may have already passed them without even noticing. One of these is Huerto de las Monjas, also known as O’Reilly Palace Garden. To get to this oasis of calm, which is reminiscent of the cloisters found in Madrid during the Spanish Golden Age, simply take a passageway under modern buildings at No. 7 Calle del Sacramento, in Madrid de los Austrias (Hapsburg Madrid).

If you’re still eager to see more, head to Plaza de la Paja in the neighbourhood of La Latina and stroll through Príncipe de Anglona Garden, which is named after the adjoining palace. It’s one of the few 18th-century aristocratic gardens that have been preserved in the city.

Be sure to include a visit to the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande in your itinerary. You’ll be able to admire its impressive dome, considered the largest in Spain and the fourth largest in Europe, as well as the small garden right next to it, which boasts a viewpoint that’s regarded as one of the best in Madrid for watching the sunset.

Visit Madrid’s house museums for a more intimate view of history

Along with the major art museums found on Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) such as the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía, there are also small museums that shouldn’t be overlooked. In addition to a wealth of culture, they harbour some of the city’s most charming gardens.

These include house museums like the Sorolla Museum, located in the Valencian painter’s former home, which houses key works by the artist as well as objects from his everyday life. At the Lázaro Galdiano Museum, you’ll find a magnificent collection of pieces by Goya, El Greco, Murillo and Zurbarán.

The Chueca neighbourhood embodies the modern, diverse character of Madrid. And it’s here where you’ll find the Museum of Romanticism, which will take you back in time to the 19th century. Nearby, next to Plaza de España, you can discover the Cerralbo Museum, where you’ll be immersed in the way of life of a late-19th-century aristocratic family. To find out how people lived during the Spanish Golden Age, head to the Lope de Vega House Museum, which was built in the 16th century and is located in Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter).

Explore former country estates and El Capricho Park

If you want to do something that combines nature with culture, you’ll be spoilt for choice. But remember, there’s always something new to be discovered! Such is the case with Madrid’s quintas. These former country estates were once owned by aristocrats before being turned into some of the city’s most spectacular public parks. These include Quinta de los Molinos, the perfect place to unplug at any time of year but especially in February and March when the almond trees scattered all over the park are in bloom; Torre Arias, with its 51 different species of trees, some of which are truly exceptional such as a holm oak that’s over 300 years old; and Finca de Vista Alegre, one of the biggest historic gardens in the city, located in the Carabanchel neighbourhood.

Another not-to-be-missed time-honoured garden which isn’t located in the centre of the city is El Capricho Park. Built between 1787 and 1839 for the Duke and Duchess of Osuna, this bona fide natural paradise is today enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Take in Madrid’s beautiful monasteries and chapels

A great way to get away from the crowds and explore the city by doing something different is to join a tour of Descalzas Reales Monastery. Declared as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC), it’s located in the palace which was once the home of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and his wife, Isabella of Portugal. Upon arrival, you’ll be instantly mesmerised by its Plateresque façade, and once inside, we’re sure you’ll also be impressed by the 17th-century paintings and the tapestries woven in Brussels using cartoons by Rubens.

The city’s hidden treasures also include San Antonio de la Florida Chapel. Famous for being the site of a pilgrimage held annually on 13 June, you might not expect that this small chapel would hold a set of paintings created by Goya in the late 18th century. In 1905, it was declared a National Monument. Later, in 1928, an identical building was erected beside it for church services, this allowed the original chapel to be turned into a museum dedicated to Goya. While the structure itself is a prime example of Madrid’s Neoclassical architecture, it’s the frescos by the artist that truly make the chapel a must-see destination. Not forgetting that it has also been the final resting place of the painter’s remains since 1919.

Walk down La Castellana

One of the most happening places in the capital right now is Paseo de la Castellana, which is home to the new Bernabéu Stadium. Featuring a spectacular, innovative design, the playing ground stands as a symbol of the Madrid of tomorrow. The surrounding area is emerging as a real foodie hotspot too; yet another reason to visit the already appealing avenue.

The emblematic Torre Picasso, which is very close to the stadium, has become a magnet for major restaurant groups, thanks to the boom that the area is experiencing.

And standing as a testament to the cultural surge we’re witnessing along Paseo de la Castellana is the newly opened Casa de la Arquitectura, a museum that immerses visitors in Spain’s urban planning and landscaping. It has joined the ranks of other unique spaces like the National Museum of Natural Science—a perfect destination for the whole family—and the Residencia de Estudiantes cultural centre.

Discover Carabanchel

Carabanchel? While Carabanchel probably isn’t on your itinerary, we guarantee you it’s worth a visit. Not only does it have historical gardens, but it’s become a favourite spot for young creators to set up their workspaces and studios. It’s also home to architectural marvels so unique you’re sure to want to explore them.

To help you to choose your route wisely, here’s an insider tip: this art-filled neighbourhood  boasts over 40 artists’ workshops and studios. The area is also the location of interesting art spaces such as Veta Gallery, the biggest contemporary art gallery in Madrid, Benveniste Contemporary Gallery and Sabrina Amrani Gallery. 

Carabanchel isn’t just a creative, bohemian neighbourhood that has become trendy. It’s also steeped in history and is home unique places like Colonia de la Prensa, a surprising Art Deco area showcasing Madrid’s modernist architecture, and the Parish Church of Santa María la Antigua, the city’s oldest Mudéjar church.

Treat yourself to a culinary extravaganza

Regardless of what you end up doing, make sure you don’t miss out on a gastronomic experience while here. Even if you decide to venture off the beaten track, you’ll still find all sorts of options ranging from haute cuisine, like the restaurant Osa, which received a Michelin Star in 2024 and is located in a small house near the River Manzanares, to the centuries-old dishes served at Casa Pedro, a historic restaurant in the neighbourhood of Fuencarral.

One of the most enjoyable ways to discover the city while savouring the best of its cuisine is to join a tapas tour. In addition to traditional tours which stop at typical establishments in La Latina, Barrio de las Letras and Lavapiés, there are also more alternative routes available. These include tours along the Calle de Ibiza boulevard in the neighbourhood of Retiro, Calle de Ponzano in Chamberí and Prosperidad, an area which is becoming a hub for food enthusiasts.

A visit to Madrid’s markets is also an original way to dive into the capital’s gastronomy. Along with the more central, well-known ones like the beautiful Mercado de San Miguel, there’s a wide variety of markets across the city that are well worth exploring. Check out Vallehermoso Market, whose ground floor holds the Farmers’ Gallery, or Chamberí Market, with its gastro zone La Chispería which serves delicious set menus featuring national and international cuisine. 

With parks, charming gardens, former country estates, museums, monasteries, chapels, up-and-coming neighbourhoods and a cuisine which blends the old and new, the city of Madrid offers a unique experience with something different to discover around every corner!

If you would like help planning your visit, check out VisitMadridGPT, our AI-based virtual assistant which will provide you with all sorts of tailored recommendations.