Things To Do in Madrid: Spots for All Budgets & Traveler Types

Madrid is an all-day, all-night city where classical architecture blends with modern culture, tree-lined boulevards open into lively plazas, and every neighborhood offers something different. Whether you’re looking for museums, food, nightlife, parks, or day trips, the Spanish capital delivers a mix of classic sightseeing and authentic local life that’s easy to explore on any budget.

Here, we gather the best things to do in Madrid, grouped by themes so you can plan your trip around what you love most: culture, food, iconic attractions, parks, day trips, neighborhoods, nightlife, or family experiences.

Key takeaways

Madrid combines world-class museums, historic sites, sprawling parks, and diverse food markets in a compact, walkable city, making it ideal for short breaks or week-long stays.

• For iconic landmarks: Visit the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and the Prado Museum to experience Madrid's grand architecture and the cultural masterpieces that define Spain's artistic legacy.
• For culture lovers: Flamenco shows, traditional markets like San Miguel, and tapas or wine-tasting tours offer immersive ways to experience Madrid's creative side.
• For outdoorsy travelers: Retiro Park, Casa de Campo, and Madrid Río provide green spaces, lakes, biking trails, rowing boats, and family-friendly activities.
• For day trips close to the city: Toledo, Segovia, and El Escorial are among Spain's most iconic historic sites, all under an hour from Madrid.
• For neighborhood exploration: Lavapiés delivers multicultural flair and street art; Malasaña excels at vintage shops and indie cafés; and La Latina is perfect for tapas and Sunday markets.
• For nightlife fans: Rooftop bars, live-music venues, theaters, and flamenco tablaos (local venues) keep the city lively until late—and often until sunrise.
• For families: Zoos, science museums, puppet shows in Retiro, and sweet treats like churros con chocolate offer plenty of fun for kids.

Recent Going deals to Madrid

Here are some recent roundtrip deals Going members have scored to the Spanish capital:

• Chicago → Madrid: $299 roundtrip
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What not to miss in Madrid: Iconic landmarks

Madrid's grandest monuments aren't just photo opportunities—they're living pieces of history where kings once walked, revolutions sparked, and masterpieces were created.

Tour the grandiose Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) is one of the largest and most opulent palaces in Europe, with more than 3,000 rooms, lavish artwork, and ornate halls that reflect the height of Spanish royal power. Visitors can explore the grand staircase, royal armory, throne room, and intricately decorated salons, each offering a window into centuries of Spanish history. The palace remains the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, though they now live in the more modest Zarzuela Palace.

• Cost: €14 general admission; €7 reduced rate (students, seniors); free for EU citizens Mondays–Thursdays from 4–6pm (Oct–Mar) and 6–8pm (Apr–Sep)
• Opening hours: Daily 10am–7pm (Apr–Sep); 10am–6pm (Oct–Mar); closed during official ceremonies
• Ideal for: Couples, families, history enthusiasts, solo travelers
• Area: Centro (near Plaza de Oriente and Opera metro station)
• Main attractions: Throne Room, Royal Armory, Sabatini Gardens, Campo del Moro gardens, Changing of the Guard (first Wednesday of each month, except July–September)

Soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is Madrid's historic heart—a grand, symmetrical square framed by arcades, terracotta facades, and centuries of stories. Built in the 17th century, this plaza once hosted markets and royal proclamations (and, harrowingly, bullfights and executions). Today it's a lively gathering place filled with cafes perfect for people-watching, street performers, and artists.

• Cost: Free to enter; cafe prices vary (€3–€5 for coffee, €8–€15 for meals)
• Opening hours: All day (square accessible 24/7; cafés typically 9am–midnight)
• Ideal for: Couples, families, friends, solo travelers
• Area: Centro (Sol metro station)
• Main attractions: Bronze statue of King Philip III, Casa de la Panadería (historic building with frescoes), Christmas market (December), stamp and coin market (Sundays), surrounding tapas bars

Marvel at the masterpieces in the Prado Museum

One of the world's greatest art museums, the Prado houses masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Bosch, and Titian. With over 7,600 paintings (around 1,300 on display) and an extensive sculpture collection, it's impossible to see everything in one visit, so we recommend picking a few key works or focusing on your favorite period or artist. The building itself is a neoclassical masterpiece dating to 1819.

• Cost: €15 general admission; free Monday–Saturday 6–8pm, Sundays and holidays 5–7pm; annual pass €25
• Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–8pm; Sundays and holidays 10am–7pm; closed January 1, May 1, and December 25
• Ideal for: Art lovers, couples, solo travelers, students
• Area: Retiro district (Banco de España or Atocha metro stations)
• Main attractions: Las Meninas by Velázquez, Goya's Black Paintings and The Third of May 1808, Bosch's The Garden of Earthly Delights, works by El Greco, Titian, and Rubens

Embrace Madrid's rich cultural experiences

Madrid's culture spills into markets, dance halls, and dining tables throughout the city. The capital's creative energy invites you to immerse yourself and become a true madrileño (Madrid local).

Feel the passion of flamenco at a live show

Flamenco is more than music: It's an emotional tradition blending dance, singing, and guitar. Madrid is one of the best places in Spain to experience authentic flamenco, thanks to intimate venues known as tablaos. Shows here often highlight award-winning dancers and musicians, creating unforgettable evenings that capture the soul of Spanish culture.

• Cost: €25–€90 depending on venue and whether dinner is included; show-only tickets €25–€45, dinner-and-show packages €60–€90
• Opening hours: Nighttime (shows typically start 7pm, 9pm, or 10:30pm)
• Ideal for: Couples, friends, culture enthusiasts, special occasions
• Areas: Various (Centro, La Latina, Lavapiés)
• Top venues include Corral de la Morería (oldest tablao, 1 Michelin star restaurant), Cardamomo (intimate setting), Torres Bermejas (Alhambra-inspired décor), Casa Patas (authentic, frequented by locals), Las Carboneras (smaller venue with excellent locations)

Savor local flavors at Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de San Antón

Madrid's food markets combine the city's culinary traditions with modern gourmet culture. Mercado de San Miguel—near Plaza Mayor—is iconic for its tapas stalls, seafood bites, and counter-style dining under a stunning 1916 iron-and-glass structure. Mercado de San Antón in Chueca blends traditional food vendors with wine bars and a rooftop restaurant for a more local, less touristy feel.

Mercado de San Miguel:

• Cost: Tapas €2–€8 each; wine €3–€6 per glass; expect €15–€30 per person
• Opening hours: Daily 10pm–midnight (Friday–Saturday until 1am)
• Ideal for: Couples, friends, foodies
• Area: Centro (Opera or Sol metro stations)
• Main attractions: Jamón ibérico, oysters, croquetas, vermouth on tap, Spanish wines, artisan chocolates, conservas (tinned seafood)

Mercado de San Antón:

• Cost: Ground floor market items €3–€10; first-floor restaurant mains €12–€20; rooftop bar drinks €4–€8
• Opening hours: Daily 10am–midnight
• Ideal for: Couples, friends, locals seeking authentic atmosphere
• Area: Chueca (Chueca metro station)
• Main attractions: Fresh produce and gourmet products (ground floor), sit-down restaurant (first floor), rooftop terrace with city views (second floor)

Indulge in tapas, wine tastings, and cooking classes

Food is central to the Madrid lifestyle, and tasting your way through tapas bars or joining a hands-on cooking experience offers insight into local traditions. From rustic taverns serving tortilla española and vermouth to modern spots reinventing Spanish classics, there's something for every taste.

Tapas crawls:

• Cost: €2–€5 per tapa; €3–€6 for wines, beers, or vermouth; guided tapas tours €60–€100 per person
• Opening hours: Daytime and nighttime (most bars open 12pm–midnight; peak hours 8–11pm)
• Ideal for: Friends, couples, solo travelers, foodies
• Areas: La Latina, Malasaña, Huertas, Lavapiés
• Main attractions: Classic dishes like patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), pimientos de padrón, croquetas, Spanish omelets

Wine tastings:

• Cost: €40–€80 per person for guided tastings with 4–6 wines and appetizers
• Opening hours: Daytime or evening sessions
• Ideal for: Couples, wine enthusiasts, friends
• Area: Various locations in Centro, Salamanca
• Main attractions: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat wines; Spanish vermouths; cava tastings

Cooking classes:

• Cost: €60–€120 per person for 3–4 hour classes including meal
• Opening hours: Morning or afternoon sessions
• Ideal for: Couples, families with older children, friends, solo travelers
• Area: Various (often in central neighborhoods or with market visits)
• Main attractions: Learn to make paella, gazpacho, tortilla española, churros; market shopping tours included

Enjoy the great outdoors in Madrid's parks

Madrid surprises many visitors with its abundance of green space and outdoor recreation. Whether you want to row a boat, rent a bike, or simply rest under ancient trees, these green havens provide the perfect counterbalance to urban exploration.

Relax and unwind in the lush Retiro Park

El Retiro (Parque del Buen Retiro) is Madrid's beloved green oasis, perfect for locals and visitors alike. This 350-acre park features manicured gardens, tree-lined promenades, sculptures, fountains, and a stunning glass pavilion. You can rent a rowboat on the lake, explore hidden corners, visit temporary art exhibitions, or picnic under the shade of ancient trees.

• Cost: free entry; rowboat rental €6 for 45 minutes (Monday–Friday), €8 (weekends and holidays)
• Opening hours: daily, May–Sept 6am–midnight; Oct–Apr 6am–10pm
• Ideal for: Families, couples, solo travelers, runners, picnickers
• Area: Retiro district (Retiro or Príncipe de Vergara metro stations)
• Main attractions: Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal, hosts free art exhibitions), Estanque Grande del Retiro (pond with monument to Alfonso XII), Rose Garden (Rosaleda), Fallen Angel statue, puppet shows on weekends, street performers, joggers' favorite 5K loop

Explore the vast Casa de Campo Park

Casa de Campo is Madrid's largest park. It’s five times bigger than New York's Central Park and feels more like a natural reserve than a city park. It features a lake with waterfront restaurants, extensive trails for hiking and cycling, a cable car offering panoramic views of Madrid, quiet wooded areas, and a zoo and amusement park.

• Cost: Free entry to park; cable car (Teleférico) €6 one-way, €10 roundtrip; bike rentals from €5/hour
• Opening hours: All day (24/7 access); cable car operates 12pm–sunset (closed Mondays and in bad weather)
• Ideal for: Families, nature lovers, cyclists, runners
• Area: Western Madrid (Lago or Batán metro stations; cable car departs from Paseo del Pintor Rosales)
• Main attractions: Lake with boat rentals and restaurants, mountain biking trails, cable car with Madrid skyline views, Zoo Aquarium Madrid, Parque de Atracciones amusement park, picnic areas

Stroll along the scenic Madrid Río

Madrid Río is a long, landscaped park built along the Manzanares River after the M-30 highway was buried underground. This modern urban park offers wide paths for biking, skating, and strolling, with playful bridges designed by renowned architects. Families love its creative playgrounds (including a beach area with splash zones in summer), while adults can enjoy riverside views, outdoor workout stations, and relaxed cafés.

• Cost: Free; bike rentals from BiciMAD stations €2 for 1 hour (municipal bike-share program)
• Opening hours: All day (24/7); cafés and beach area open during daytime hours
• Ideal for: Families, cyclists, runners, couples
• Area: Follows the Manzanares River from southern to northern Madrid (Legazpi, Pirámides, or Príncipe Pío metro stations)
• Main attractions: Matadero Madrid cultural center, 17 playgrounds including zip lines and climbing structures, summer beach area (Playa de Madrid) with pools and sand, Arganzuela footbridge, outdoor gyms, skate parks

Embark on exciting day trips from Madrid

Madrid's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring some of Spain's most historic cities and monuments. Best of all, these destinations are easy to reach by train or bus, making them perfect for travelers who want to maximize their experience.

Step back in time in the ancient city of Toledo

Toledo, known as the "City of Three Cultures", is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with medieval walls, Gothic towers, and winding cobblestone streets. Its blend of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian heritage makes it one of Spain's most culturally rich destinations. The entire old town sits on a hilltop surrounded by the Tagus River, creating dramatic views from multiple vantage points.

• Cost: Train €13–€22 roundtrip (30 minutes); bus €6–€10 roundtrip (1 hour); Toledo Cathedral €15; Alcázar museum €5; Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca €3.50
• Travel time from Madrid: 30 minutes by high-speed train (AVE) from Atocha station; 1 hour by bus from Plaza Elíptica
• Ideal for: History enthusiasts, couples, culture lovers, photographers
• Area: 43 miles south of Madrid in Castilla-La Mancha region
• Main attractions: Toledo Cathedral (Gothic architecture), Alcázar fortress, Jewish Quarter with two historic synagogues, El Greco Museum, medieval city walls, panoramic viewpoints (Mirador del Valle), marzipan shops, damascene metalwork artisans

See the enchanting Alcázar of Segovia

Segovia's fairytale Alcázar sits atop a rocky cliff and is said to have inspired Disney's Cinderella Castle. The city also features one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world, still standing after 2,000 years, plus a charming medieval old town full of Castilian restaurants serving the famous cochinillo (roast suckling pig).

• Cost: Bus €8–€16 roundtrip (1.5 hours); train €13–€25 roundtrip (30 min train + 20 min bus to center); Alcázar €10, tower €3 extra; cathedral €3; aqueduct free to view
• Travel time from Madrid: 30 minutes by high-speed train to Segovia-Guiomar station, then 20-minute bus to city center; or 1.5 hours by direct bus from Moncloa station
• Ideal for: Couples, families, history buffs, photographers
• Area: 56 miles northwest of Madrid in Castile and León region
• Main attractions: Alcázar de Segovia (royal palace with tower climb for panoramic views), 2,000-year-old Roman Aqueduct (90+ feet tall), Gothic Cathedral, medieval Jewish Quarter, Plaza Mayor, traditional restaurants serving cochinillo asado

Visit the majestic El Escorial Monastery

El Escorial (Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial) is a monumental royal complex set at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. Built in the 16th century by King Philip II, it served as a royal palace, monastery, basilica, and pantheon all in one. The architecture reflects Philip II's austere personality, and the complex houses an impressive library, art collection, and royal tombs.

• Cost: Bus or train €4–€8 roundtrip (1 hour); monastery entrance €12; free Wednesdays and Thursdays 3–6pm (Oct–Mar) or 5–8pm (Apr–Sept) for EU citizens
• Travel time from Madrid: 1 hour by bus (line 664 from Moncloa) or train (C-3 from Atocha)
• Ideal for: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, couples, solo travelers
• Area: 31 miles northwest of Madrid in the Guadarrama mountains
• Main attractions: Royal Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site), Basilica with royal tombs, Historical Library with 40,000+ volumes, Habsburg Palace apartments, stunning mountain backdrop, charming town with restaurants

Discover the unique charm of Madrid's neighborhoods

Madrid's true character emerges when you venture beyond the main squares into its distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality and local traditions.

Immerse yourself in the multicultural vibes and street art of Lavapiés

Lavapiés is one of Madrid's most diverse and creative areas, known for bold street art murals, international eateries from every continent, and cultural spaces like La Casa Encendida. Its laid-back, bohemian atmosphere makes it ideal for wandering, with indie theaters, community art projects, and the Reina Sofía Museum just a short walk away. The neighborhood has historically been working-class and is now a vibrant, multicultural hub.

• Cost: Street art viewing free; meals €8–€15 at ethnic restaurants; beers €2.50–€4 at local bars
• Opening hours: All day; bars and restaurants typically 12pm–midnight
• Ideal for: Solo travelers, artists, culture seekers, budget travelers
• Area: South of Centro (Lavapiés metro station)
• Main attractions: Street murals throughout the neighborhood (self-guided walking tour), La Tabacalera cultural center (free art exhibitions), Mercado de San Fernando (authentic food market), international restaurants (Indian, Moroccan, Senegalese, Asian fusion), La Casa Encendida cultural center, vintage shops, community gardens

Shop vintage and hang out at hipster spots in Malasaña

Malasaña blends retro fashion, indie coffee shops, and creative bars in one of Madrid's coolest neighborhoods. Named after a teenage heroine of the 1808 uprising against Napoleon, the area became the epicenter of Madrid's La Movida counterculture movement in the 1980s. Today, it's perfect for browsing vintage boutiques, enjoying specialty coffee, discovering alternative nightlife, and seeing where creative Madrileños hang out.

• Cost: Coffee €2.50–€4; vintage clothing €10–€50; cocktails €8–€12; dinner €12–€25 per person
• Opening hours: Cafés 9am–8pm; vintage shops 11am–9pm; bars and clubs 8pm–3am
• Ideal for: Young adults, friends, couples, vintage shoppers, nightlife lovers
• Area: Northwest of Centro (Tribunal, Bilbao, or Noviciado metro stations)
• Main attractions: Plaza del Dos de Mayo (neighborhood social hub), vintage clothing stores on Calle Velarde, specialty coffee roasters, vinyl record shops, street art, alternative bars and live music venues, La Vía Láctea (legendary bar from La Movida era), weekend flea markets

Savor traditional tapas and browse the Sunday market in La Latina

La Latina is a classic Madrid neighborhood full of medieval streets, traditional taverns serving tapas and local wines, and authentic neighborhood life. On Sundays, its streets transform into El Rastro, one of Europe's most famous flea markets—an experience in itself with everything from antiques and vintage clothing to plants and artisan crafts. The neighborhood's tapas scene is legendary, especially along Cava Baja street.

• Cost: El Rastro browsing free; tapas €3–€6 each; wines and cañas (small beers) €2.50–€4; expect €15–€25 per person for tapas meal
• Opening hours: El Rastro Sundays and holidays 9am–3pm; tapas bars typically 12pm–midnight (some close Monday–Tuesday)
• Ideal for: Foodies, couples, friends, Sunday market lovers, bargain hunters
• Area: Southwest of Centro (La Latina metro station)
• Main attractions: El Rastro flea market (900+ stalls every Sunday), Cava Baja street (tapas bar corridor), Basilica de San Francisco el Grande, Plaza de la Cebada market, traditional taverns like Casa Lucas, Juana la Loca, and El Viajero rooftop bar

Experience Madrid's electrifying nightlife and entertainment

When the sun sets over Madrid, a new city awakens. From sophisticated cocktail lounges with panoramic views to intimate jazz cellars and historic theaters, the evening options span every mood and budget.

Sip cocktails and enjoy city views at rooftop bars

Madrid's rooftop bars are some of the best in Europe, offering stylish settings and panoramic city views that stretch from the Royal Palace to the Cuatro Torres skyscrapers. Popular hotel terraces and chic lounges turn evenings into scenic celebrations, especially stunning at sunset. Many rooftops are open year-round with heated areas for winter months.

• Cost: Cocktails €12–€20; beers €6–€10; small plates €8–€18; expect €30–€50 per person
• Opening hours: Nighttime, typically 6pm–2am (some until 3am on weekends)
• Ideal for: Couples, friends, special occasions, sunset admirers
• Area: Various (Centro, Gran Vía, Salamanca)
• Main attractions: Popular rooftops include Círculo de Bellas Artes (€5 entrance, iconic views), Azotea del Círculo, Ginkgo Sky Bar at VP Plaza España, Picalagartos Sky Bar, Gymage Lounge, The Hat rooftop, Nice To Meet You at Dear Hotel

Immerse yourself in Madrid's live music scene: jazz, flamenco, and indie

From late-night jazz clubs to iconic flamenco tablaos and indie rock bars, Madrid offers live music for every taste almost every night of the week. Neighborhoods like Malasaña, Huertas, and Lavapiés are hotspots for intimate shows featuring local and touring artists. The city's music venues range from tiny basement clubs to mid-sized concert halls.

• Cost: Cover charges €5–€25 depending on venue and artist; drinks €5–€10
• Opening hours: Nighttime; jazz clubs typically 9pm–2am with sets starting 10pm or midnight; rock venues 10pm–3am
• Ideal for: Music lovers, friends, couples, night owls
• Area: Various (Malasaña, Huertas, Centro)
• Main attractions: Jazz venues like Café Central and Bogui Jazz; flamenco tablaos (see cultural section); indie/rock clubs like Moby Dick, El Sol, and Sala Changó; Café Berlín for eclectic sounds; live music nearly every night at multiple venues

Attend mesmerizing theater and opera performances

With historic venues like Teatro Real (Royal Theater) and Teatro Español, Madrid's performing arts scene is lively and high-quality. Performances range from classic opera and zarzuela (Spanish musical theater) to contemporary plays and Spanish-language adaptations of international works. The theaters themselves are architectural gems worth visiting even if you don't attend a performance.

• Cost: Opera €25–€200 depending on seats; theater €15–€60; standing-room tickets at Teatro Real from €8
• Opening hours: Evening performances typically start 8pm or 9pm; matinees on weekends
• Ideal for: Culture lovers, couples, opera enthusiasts, theater fans
• Area: Centro (Ópera metro station for Teatro Real; Sevilla or Sol for other theaters)
• Main attractions: Teatro Real (opera house with stunning 1850 interior, chandelier from Murano, red velvet and gold), Teatro Español (400+ year history), Teatro de la Zarzuela (Spanish operetta), modern productions at Teatro Fernán Gómez and Teatro Valle-Inclán

The best things to do in Madrid with kids

Madrid might be known for its late-night energy, but the Spanish capital is surprisingly family-friendly with activities that engage children of all ages.

Visit the Madrid Zoo and Aquarium for animal encounters

Located inside Casa de Campo park, Zoo Aquarium Madrid is one of Europe's largest zoos, home to over 1,000 animals. Highlights include giant pandas (one of the few European zoos with pandas), gorillas, tigers, and an extensive aquarium with sharks and tropical fish. 

• Cost: Adults €27.45 (online), €30.95 (at gate); children 3–7 years €22.45 (online), €24.95 (at gate); under 3 free; annual passes available
• Opening hours: Daily; hours vary by season—typically 10:30am–6pm (winter) to 10:30am–9pm (summer)
• Ideal for: Families with children of all ages
• Area: Casa de Campo park (Casa de Campo or Batán metro stations)
• Main attractions: Giant panda exhibit, sea lion experiences, aquarium with shark tunnel, aviaries with exotic birds, playground areas, numerous restaurants and snack bars

Explore Retiro Park with boats and puppet shows

Kids can enjoy multiple attractions within El Retiro: Rent rowboats on the Great Pond, watch traditional puppet shows (títeres) at the outdoor puppet theater, play in playgrounds, watch street performers, and enjoy ice cream from vendors. The park's wide paths are perfect for children learning to bike or rollerskate.

• Cost: Rowboat rental €6–€8 for 45 minutes; puppet shows €3–€5; park entry free
• Opening hours: Daytime; park open daily 6am–midnight (summer) or 10pm (winter); puppet shows typically Saturday–Sunday afternoons
• Ideal for: Families with children ages 2–12
• Area: Retiro district (Retiro metro station)
• Main attractions: Rowboat rentals on the pond, Teatro de Títeres del Retiro (puppet theater, shows weekends and holidays), multiple playgrounds, street performers and musicians, Rosaleda (Rose Garden) for strolling, space to run and play

Discover hands-on exhibits at the National Museum of Natural Sciences

The Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales offers interactive displays covering dinosaurs, ecosystems, minerals, and Spanish wildlife. Children love the life-size dinosaur replicas, the Mediterranean biodiversity room, and the hands-on stations where they can touch fossils and specimens. The museum makes learning fun with engaging activities designed for young visitors.

• Cost: Adults €7; children 4–16 years €3.50; under 4 free; free Saturdays after 2pm and Sundays
• Opening hours: Tuesday–Friday 10am–5pm; Saturday–Sunday and holidays 10am–8pm; closed Mondays
• Ideal for: Families with children ages 4–14, especially dinosaur enthusiasts
• Area: Chamberí district (Gregorio Marañón or Nuevos Ministerios metro stations)
• Main attractions: Dinosaur skeletons and replicas, Mediterranean ecosystem exhibit, mineral and rock collection, biodiversity hall with taxidermy animals, interactive touch screens and activities, temporary exhibitions

Take a chocolate con churros break at San Ginés

A nostalgic Madrid tradition: thick hot chocolate and crisp churros in a historic cafe that's been serving the beloved treat since 1894. Chocolatería San Ginés is a Madrid institution beloved by families for generations. The historic cafe with green-tiled walls and marble tables stays open 24 hours, making it perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, or even an after-dinner treat.

• Cost: Churros with chocolate €4.50–€6; porras (thicker churros) with chocolate €5–€7
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
• Ideal for: Families, couples, anyone with a sweet tooth
• Area: Centro, near Plaza Mayor (Sol metro station)
• Main attractions: Traditional Spanish hot chocolate (so thick you can almost eat it with a spoon), freshly fried churros and porras, historic ambiance dating to 1894, popular with locals and visitors alike

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