Things to Do in Madrid

An authentic 2nd-century BC Egyptian temple dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid. Small interior with original carvings and a peaceful garden.

🕐 Tue-Sun 10am-8pm (summer until 10pm), closed Mon

💡 Free entry every day, but timed slots required even for free tickets. Best at sunset for the view over the royal palace. Queue at least 20 mins before opening.

Official residence of the Spanish royal family, used for state ceremonies. Lavish rooms, armoury and royal pharmacy.

🕐 Apr-Sep 10am-8pm, Oct-Mar 10am-6pm

💡 Free entry only on Wednesdays (2-4pm) for EU citizens and residents (need ID). Book timed tickets online up to a week ahead — they vanish fast.

Spain's premier art museum, home to masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez and El Greco. The collection spans the 12th to early 20th centuries.

🕐 Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm

💡 Free admission Monday to Saturday 6-8pm and Sunday 5-7pm. Arrive 30 minutes early to queue; the line moves fast.

The city's main green lung: a 125-hectare park with a boating lake, rose garden, glass palace and tree-lined avenues.

🕐 Open 24/7

💡 Visit on a weekday early morning to avoid crowds. The Palacio de Cristal is free; check if it has an exhibition — often quiet and air-conditioned.

A former slaughterhouse turned contemporary arts centre: galleries, performance spaces, cinema, design market and a rooftop cafe.

🕐 Tue-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-10pm, closed Mon

💡 Check the website before going — most exhibitions are free, but some special shows charge. The weekend 'Mercado de Matadero' has affordable local food stalls.