What to see in Madrid? Top activities to do in the capital

 


Madrid is the capital and one of the most important tourist attractions in our country. Its cultural, gastronomic and commercial attractions makes it a unique city that surprises visitors and where they are bound to have an unforgettable time. It is the perfect destination to reach by train as it connects to cities across mainland Spain and is home to some of the most important train stations in Spain. Renfe also offers the best discounts and the widest range of tickets to suit your needs. 

Want to discover what to do in the capital? Discover what to see in Madrid and let yourself fall in love with this great city! What are you waiting for? Purchase your ticket now, pack your bags and discover Madrid with Renfe.

Plan your ideal getaway to Madrid with Renfe Viajes. Musicals, museums, theme parks and much more! Madrid is waiting for you!

 

Winter continues in Madrid, but temperatures are getting milder and more hours of daylight are gained, which makes it even easier to enjoy the capital. Spring is about to arrive!

At this time of year, the Jardines del Campo del Moro, located between Madrid Río and the Royal Palace, become the perfect place to enjoy sunny days. There, 20 hectares of beautiful green areas, a new terrace with incredible views and the newly opened Bonaparte Tunnel await you.

Undoubtedly, these days invite you to walk the streets and corners of Madrid. We recommend visiting the trendy new neighbourhood of Salelas. An iconic Madrid neighbourhood that has become a meeting point for kicking back. Boutiques and fashion shops, classic taverns or modern cocktail bars, all in a unique setting with historic buildings.

Another option for a relaxing stroll is a visit to the intriguing Open-Air Sculpture Museum in La Castellana; this collection of abstract sculptures is located under Enrique de la Mata Gorostizaga bridge.

What? Want more? Well, read on and discover everything that awaits you in Madrid. Hop on board, it's time to leave!

You cannot miss it

The good thing about Madrid is that something for everybody, meaning you'll have no trouble finding the perfect plan for you in its lively cultural calendar.

Once again this year, enjoy the Chinese New Year in the heart of Madrid. There is a whole programme of activities to celebrate the year of the fire horse. Concerts, fireworks or the Grand Parade await you in the Usera neighbourhood, known as Madrid's Chinatown. This festival is also known in Madrid as the "Spring Festival", as it serves to say goodbye to winter and inaugurate spring.

And speaking of spring, you cannot miss Holy Week in Madrid, which this year falls between 27 March to 5 April. The processions and floats take over the most central neighbourhoods in the capital and the solemn rhythm of the bands fills everything with an atmosphere full of devotion and tradition.

But wait, that's not all!

  • 16th International Magic Festival. A new edition of this magical event that brings together the best magicians and illusionists from all over the world arrives in Madrid. Quite a spectacle! Price Circus Theatre, from 12 February to 15 March.
  • "Antoine, the musical". This musical has been awarded the best new show at the MAX Awards. In it, its director Ignasi Vidal revisits the iconic novel of "The Little Prince" through the biography of its writer, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Calderón Theatre, from February 13 to April 5.
  • Cirque du Soleil. The prestigious Canadian company returns to Madrid to leave you speechless with its OVO show , which represents a bustling ecosystem of insects brimming with life and colour. Movistar Arena, from 19 to 22 March.
  • Rosalía – LUX TOUR 2026. Rosalía touches down in Madrid with four unique concerts ready to surprise her fans like never before with her new album LUX. If you are a true fan of the Catalan artist, make sure not to leave without discovering some of her favourite spots in Madrid. Movistar Arena, 30 March and 1, 3 and 4 April

If you like culture and art, you're in luck. New exhibitions and artistic events are coming to Madrid that you can't miss. Want to discover the latest trends? What are you waiting for?

  • Madrid Design Festival 2026. Madrid is once again transformed into the capital of design with a programme bursting with activities and exhibitions in different parts of the city, from 5 February to 8 March.
  • "Urban art. From its origins to Banksy". An exhibition that traces the evolution of urban art with more than 60 works by national and international artists. Mateo Inurria 2 Room of the Canal Foundation, from February 4 to May 3.
  • "Nights and days". It is an exhibition by the artist José María Sicilia in which he will intervene in the most emblematic rooms of the Liria Palace. Liria Palace, from February 19 to May 31.
  • "Victoria Eugenia". A collection of approximately 350 works, documents, books and photographs, focussing on the life of Victoria Eugenia de Battenberg, exploring her fascinating story and legacy. Gallery of the Royal Collections,  until 5 April 2026.
  • LuzMadrid. A new edition of the Madrid International Light Festival, LuzMadrid, is back between 12 and 14 March. A unique event that lights up the city with creations by artists that transform the urban space into an almost magical experience. Are you going to miss it?


Indulge yourself

Time to eat? It's easy! Why not set off on the Cocido madrileño route? Held from February 15 to March 31, it is an event that seeks to celebrate this traditional dish. You can choose from more than 40 restaurants and vote for your favourite version.

Although now that the nice weather is on the way, tapas on a terrace or at bar of any Madrid establishment is a sure bet.

And for dessert? Well, easy too! If before we were talking about the arrival of Easter, you can't miss the torrijas typical of this season. This typical dessert is first stocked at pastry shops and restaurants after Christmas and is a true favourite amongst Madrid locals. In fact, many of the recipes keep centuries of tradition and are a treasure. You're sure to repeat!

Enjoy your stay in Madrid!

How to get to Madrid by train

Travel to Madrid by train on our AVE (high-speed), Avlo, Avant (mid-distance high speed), Larga Distancia (Long Distance) and Media Distancia (Mid-distance) trains. Remember that whichever option you choose, the train is the fastest, most comfortable and most sustainable way to travel. Remember that the cost of your AVE (high-speed) or Larga Distancia (Long Distance) ticket includes a free trip on the Cercanías (Cercanías combined ticket) to help you get around Madrid easily.

Take a look at our routes to Madrid and make sure not to miss out on anything in the capital.