El Clásico Trips Guide to Madrid

Coming to Madrid for El Clásico? The match may be the reason you're traveling, but Madrid deserves much more than one night.

From the Santiago Bernabéu and world-class art museums to historic plazas, rooftop views, tapas bars, and neighborhoods full of energy, these are some of the places we recommend to our own travelers — and many of the places we enjoy ourselves whenever we're in Madrid.

Madrid Guide

Madrid is Spain’s vibrant capital — a city where elegance, energy, and culture meet. From world-class museums to buzzing tapas bars, Madrid invites you to live life to the fullest. Whether you’re exploring centuries of art or catching sunset views from a rooftop terrace, this city blends tradition and modern charm in unforgettable ways.

🏟️ Santiago Bernabéu

For a Real Madrid supporter — and honestly for any serious football fan — the Santiago Bernabéu is one of the essential experiences in Madrid.

Home to Real Madrid since 1947, the stadium has been transformed into one of the world's most advanced sports and entertainment venues. Its extensive redevelopment is now practically complete, combining more than 75 years of football history with a retractable roof, retractable pitch system, new hospitality areas and a completely transformed stadium experience.

The Bernabéu Tour takes you deep into the history of Real Madrid. Visitors can experience the club museum and extraordinary trophy collection, panoramic stadium views, and areas associated with the first team, including changing rooms and pitch-level benches depending on tour operations.

The trophy collection alone tells the story of one of football's most successful clubs, including Real Madrid's European Cups, league titles, and the FIFA trophy recognizing the club as the best of the 20th century.

ECT Tip: The GOLD Package includes a guided stadium experience as part of your El Clásico itinerary. Exact access can vary according to match schedules, stadium operations, and special events.

🍻 Around the Bernabéu

Matchday doesn’t have to begin when you enter the stadium. The Bernabéu sits along Paseo de la Castellana in an area filled with restaurants, bars and places to gather before or after the match.
Plaza Mahou — Located within the Bernabéu complex, this modern beer-focused space even includes its own working brewery and is a fun stop for a caña before or after your stadium visit.
ECT Tip: On El Clásico matchday, give yourself plenty of time around the stadium. The atmosphere in the surrounding streets is part of the experience.

🖼️ Museums: The Golden Triangle of Art

Madrid is home to one of Europe's great concentrations of art museums, centered around the Paseo del Prado. Together with nearby El Retiro Park, this cultural landscape is recognized by UNESCO as the Landscape of Light.

El Prado Museum
One of the world's great art museums, with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens and many of Europe's most important painters.

Reina Sofía Museum
Modern and contemporary works by Picasso (including Guernica), Dalí, and Miró.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
A private collection turned national treasure — from Renaissance to Pop Art.

🌳 Parks & Landmarks

Parque del Buen Retiro
Madrid's great city park — ideal for a morning walk, rowboats on the lake, the Crystal Palace, gardens and a break from the energy of the city.

Plaza Mayor
One of Madrid's great historic gathering places, surrounded by arcades, cafés and centuries of history in the heart of Madrid de los Austrias. It's an easy place to stop for a coffee, walk the surrounding streets or simply take in one of the city's most recognizable settings.

Gran Vía
Madrid’s version of Broadway — full of shopping, theaters, and rooftop bars.

Royal Palace of Madrid
A lavish royal residence open for guided tours — stunning interiors and art.

Puerta del Sol
The symbolic center of Spain — look for “Kilometer Zero.”

Templo de Debod
An ancient Egyptian temple relocated to Madrid — magical at sunset.

🍷 Food Markets & Local Bites

Madrid's markets are an easy way to experience several flavors in one stop — from jamón and seafood to tapas, wine and modern Spanish cooking.:

Mercado de San Miguel – Elegant, iconic, tourist-friendly
Mercado de San Ildefonso – Trendy, social, perfect for drinks + bites
Mercado de San Antón – Stylish rooftop dining in Chueca
Mercado de la Paz – Classic, local, and underrated

🍽️ Restaurants & Tapas Bars

Restaurante Botín
Oldest restaurant in the world. Famous for roast suckling pig.

Taberna de Peñalver
Alicante-style paella & tapas.

Taberna La Bola
Classic food and specializes in Cocido Madrileño.

Chocolatería San Ginés
Late-night spot for iconic churros and chocolate.

Barra y Mantel Taberna
Modern twist on classic Spanish flavors.

El Asador de Donostierra
Basque-style seafood and steak — great for hearty meals.

La Casa del Abuelo
Over 100 years old. Don’t miss the gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp).

Taberna de La Daniela
Several locations, known for the best “cocido” in Madrid

La Máquina (near our hotel)
Reliable, refined, and great for both tapas and full meals.

Bareto
Cerveceria & tapas bar with several locations.

Calle Ponzano A few blocks from the hotel is a street full of tapas bars. Worth a visit.

El Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience
A culinary floor with skyline views — from gourmet vendors to Michelin-starred pop-ups.

💡 ECT Tip: Look for the Menú del Día. Many Madrid restaurants offer a set lunch with several courses at a better value than ordering à la carte — one of the most traditional ways to enjoy lunch like a local.

🔥 ECT Madrid Favorites

Sala de Despiece (Tapas – Chamberí) $$$
Bold and theatrical — ideal for adventurous foodies.

Bodega de la Ardosa (Tapas – Malasaña) $$
Tiny, legendary, and always packed. Order tortilla + vermouth.

Casa Lucio (Tapas – La Latina) $$
Known for huevos rotos (runny eggs over fried potatoes). Reserve ahead.

Angelita Madrid (Wine + Cocktails)
One of Madrid’s best-kept secrets for natural wines and creative cuisine.

Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes (Rooftop Bar)
Panoramic views over the city. Go at sunset for the full effect.

Coming to Madrid for El Clásico?

Our May 2027 Madrid packages bring together airfare, hotel accommodations, El Clásico match tickets, airport transfers, guided experiences and personal concierge support — giving you more time to enjoy Madrid and less time worrying about the logistics.
Explore Madrid 2027 Packages 📞 Talk to a Trip Expert today