Things to do on weekdays and weekends in Madrid
As the country's vibrant capital, there is always something going on in Madrid. Boasting some of Europe's best art and culture, a nightlife that never stops, fascinating markets in every neighborhood, and a wealth of family-friendly attractions, there is something for everyone. If you're a new arrival in the city, you'll discover lots to see and do on any day or night of the week.
Before you go anywhere, be sure to read our helpful guides about Madrid's gastronomic scene, sporting options, and group-specific leisure activities.
Weekend activities in Madrid
After a busy working week, the pace of life slows down during weekends in Madrid. Smaller shops and restaurants may have shorter working hours, and many places will be closed on Sundays. Large chains, however, stay open late in the evening to accommodate those who enjoy a late-night lifestyle. Expect less traffic in the city on the weekend as people leave their cars at home in favor of leisurely strolls.
Following are a few suggestions for how to spend your weekend downtime.
Specialty markets
One of the most popular weekend activities in Madrid is exploring the delights of the city's markets. From flea markets to farmers' markets and everything in between, Madrid has got you covered.
El Rastro is one of Europe's largest open-air flea markets and has been serving the city for more than 400 years. You could easily spend hours browsing stalls for household goods, clothes, antiques, coins, toys, paintings, records, books, and collectibles.
The Mercado de Motores is another huge market and is held inside a railway museum that was once a railway station. This monthly market features fashion, decor, music and gastronomy.
If you're a foodie, follow your nose to the Mercado de San Miguel and sample flavors from every corner of Spain.
Nightlife
Madrid's nightlife scene is one of the liveliest in Europe, an eclectic and exciting mix of bars, discos and clubs that are open every night of the week. From grungy pubs to sophisticated cocktail bars, there's something for every kind of night owl. Among the most popular hotspots in Madrid are:
- Kapital - a seven-story structure packed with revelers.
- El Sol - a live music and dance venue.
- Changó - a disco and nightclub featuring electro, hip hop, dubstep, rock, and more.
Popular nightlife neighborhoods in Madrid include Malasaña, with its hip bars, cafés, restaurants and clubs, and Chueca. This neighborhood is the hub of Madrid's LGTBI community.
Good to know:
Madrid's official tourism website has an extensive section covering the city's nightlife scene.
Weekend brunch
Spending a couple of hours lingering over a meal in a restaurant is something many locals do at least once during the weekend. A late and leisurely breakfast or brunch on Saturday or Sunday is a popular pastime in Madrid. In recent years many restaurants, bars and hotels have started to offer these combined breakfasts and lunches. Options in Madrid include Toast Cafe's simple American-style menu and Irreverente offering an assortment of Iberian ham, world cheeses, Russian salad, hummus with pita bread and nachos with guacamole on its brunch menu. You'll discover mouthwatering options for all budgets.
Weekday activities in Madrid
You don't have to leave it to the weekend to enjoy Madrid's charms. If you've got a free day during the working week, treat yourself to some of the sights. This comes with a few added bonuses.
In general, you will find fewer people in many of the main attractions, shorter lines at museums, smaller crowds in the shops and more seating in restaurants. Here are a few suggestions for what to see and do midweek in Madrid.
Local markets
Lose yourself amid the stalls of local markets. Discover new flavors, refurbish your wardrobe, and pick up some unique pieces. Some markets are more than just places to shop; they also feature bars and restaurants, ideal locations for lunch or to grab a drink after work. Try Mercado Antón Martín in the Embajadores neighborhood. This is an indoor market selling meat, fish, cheeses, fruit, vegetables and gastronomic treats. While you're here, dine on tapas dishes. Another local spot is Mercado de San Fernando in the Centro district, which has an enticing collection of bars and restaurants in addition to stalls selling local produce.
Main attractions and museums
Madrid is a city bursting with must-see attractions, too many to list here. You are spoiled for choice, but here are a few highlights:
Unwind and do a spot of people-watching in the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Retiro Park. While popular with locals and tourists alike, a midweek visit may mean you have a little more space to yourself.
Weekdays are also a great time to get off the beaten track and visit lesser-known attractions - for instance, Platform Zero, a restored 1919 metro station. Travel further back into the past with a visit to the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple in Madrid's Cuartel de la Montaña Park.
Entry to city sites can add up quickly, so take advantage of the free visiting hours at some of Madrid's major museums. For example, the Prado and Reina Sofia museums have free entry on weekday evenings. There's free access to the permanent collection of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and to other museums such as Goya's Pantheon (the tomb of the famous painter) and the National Library.
Theatre and movies
Take a seat in a cinema or theatre for big-screen action or live entertainment. Midweek shows can often mean promotions and discounted rates at mainstream cinemas such as Renoir and Yelmo Cines. For specialty films, check out Cinéteca (documentaries) or Ciné Doré (classic and art-house movies).
Good to know:
Most films in Spanish cinemas are dubbed versions. If you want to watch movies in English, look out for the VO label, which stands for Version Original. Some films are subtitled in Spanish and carry the VOSE label (Version Original Subtitulada en Español).
The city is also home to an extensive theatre scene that has returned to its former vibrant self following the COVID-19 pandemic. To stay up to date with what's going on in theatreland, consult Madrid's tourism website.
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