First weekend in Madrid

 

🌟 Things to Do in Madrid 

🌆 Explore the City

• Retiro Park – Rent rowboats on the lake, visit the Crystal Palace, and just stroll the gardens.

• Templo de Debod at Sunset – Egyptian temple with amazing views of the city.

• Gran Vía & Sol – Walk Madrid’s bustling center, check out shops, street performers, and the vibe.

• Chueca & Malasaña – Fun neighborhoods for wandering: street art, quirky cafés, vintage shops.

🎨 Arts & Culture (student budget-friendly!)

• Free/cheap museum times:

  • Prado 

  • Reina Sofía 

  • Thyssen 

  • Foundacion MAFRE 

• Matadero Madrid – Old slaughterhouse turned arts center: exhibitions, design shops, and cafés.

• Lavapiés street art walk – Explore murals and multicultural food spots.

• Photo España - Until September 24, 100+ galleries around Madrid 

🍴 Foodie Adventures

• Mercado de San Miguel – A little touristy, but fun for tapas hopping.

• Mercado de San Ildefonso (Malasaña) – Trendy food hall for casual eats.

• Churros & chocolate at San Ginés – A Madrid classic.

• Picnic at Retiro or Casa de Campo – Grab empanadas, jamón, or bocadillos from a local bakery.

🎶 Fun & Social Activities 

• Picinas Publicas - Municipal pools all around the city LINK

• Rastro Market (Sunday morning) – Huge flea market, great for vintage finds. (Metro La Latina or Tirso de Molina) 

• Flamenco show (student-friendly venues like Casa Patas or Cardamomo offer discounts).

• Cine Doré – Retro cinema showing classic films (great local vibe).

• Board games café (e.g. Café Manuela in Malasaña).

🏞️ Day Trip Options (if you want to get outside the city)

• Manzanares el Real – 45 min by train, castle, good hiking options.

• El Escorial – 40 min by bus, Monastery + mountain views.

• Cuenca – Famous for cliffside homes (perfect for a day trip with friends).