What to see in Madrid and its surrounding area
![Cibeles Cibeles](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/portada.jpg)
What to see in Madrid: the 40 essential places not to be missed
Madrid, the buzzing capital of Spain, offers visitors a fun-filled getaway with fashionable neighbourhoods, stunning museums, beautiful parks and gardens, irresistible restaurants and unparalleled entertainment.
![actividades en madrid actividades en madrid](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/madrid-actividades-pal.jpg)
The 8 best things to do in Madrid
There are countless things to do during a visit to Madrid. Culture, leisure, sports, excursions, gastronomy… To help you make a decision, in this article we offer you a selection of the best eight activities to do in Madrid.
![Valle de los Caidos Valle de los Caidos](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Valle-de-los-Caídos.jpg)
The Valle de los Caídos: Franco’s controversial monument in the Sierra de Guadarrama
The remains of 33,000 fighters who took part in the Spanish Civil War, rests at the foot of a huge stone cross commemorating Spain’s darkest hour.
![Madrid’s amusement parks: adrenaline and entertainment Madrid’s amusement parks: adrenaline and entertainment](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/parque-atracciones-madrid.jpg)
Madrid’s amusement parks: adrenaline and entertainment
Parque Warner Madrid and Parque de Atracciones de Madrid offer adrenaline, performances and entertainment for everyone.
![escorial madrid escorial madrid](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/escorial-madrid.jpg)
El Escorial: the eighth wonder of the world
The monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, one of the eighth wonders of the Old World, is Philip II’s great masterpiece.
![Shopping centres in Madrid: a world of choice Shopping centres in Madrid: a world of choice](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/centros-comerciales-madrid.jpg)
Shopping centres in Madrid: a world of choice
La Vaguada, Plaza Río 2, Xanadú, Príncipe Pío and El Corte Inglés are the most popular shopping centres in Madrid.
![Las Rozas Village, high-end bargains in Madrid Las Rozas Village, high-end bargains in Madrid](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/las-rozas-village.jpg)
Las Rozas Village, high-end bargains in Madrid
Las Rozas Village es el sitio ideal para ir de “shopping” en Madrid y adquirir primeras marcas a precios reducidos.
![The best spas and health resorts for relaxing in Madrid The best spas and health resorts for relaxing in Madrid](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/spas-madrid.jpg)
The best spas and health resorts for relaxing in Madrid
To relax and unwind after a day spent sightseeing or shopping, there’s nothing better than a spa. These are some of the best ones in Madrid.
![Patones de Arriba: the small ‘kingdom’ where time stood still Patones de Arriba: the small ‘kingdom’ where time stood still](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/patones-de-arriba.jpg)
Patones de Arriba: the small ‘kingdom’ where time stood still
60 kilometres to the north-east of Madrid, this fabled mountain village—a fine example of the region’s so-called ‘black architecture’—is perfect for a rural break.
![Yes, Madrid does have a beach: at the San Juan reservoir Yes, Madrid does have a beach: at the San Juan reservoir](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/pantano-de-san-juan.jpg)
Yes, Madrid does have a beach: at the San Juan reservoir
The reservoir built in 1955 is the only one in the Madrid Autonomous Region in which swimming and water sports are permitted.