There is so much to do, see, and eat while in Madrid, many of which are the typical tourist things you’ve already heard (visit Plaza Mayor and Sol, walk on Gran Via).  You know, the usual must-sees.  This is going to be a list of what you should do in Madrid, but they are things that I would personally take people to do.

In no particular order, here is what you should do in Madrid

Eat tortilla española at Casa Dani (in Mercado de la Paz) and order a caña (small beer) with it

Watch the sunset at Templo de Debod

Walk through Mercado Antón Martin when it’s open and busy (between 10:30 and 1:30 or 5 and 7)

Have a drink on the terrace of the Mercado San Anton

Go to the supermarket, pick up some fruit, cheese, bread, and wine and head to Retiro park for a picnic

Try vermuth at a bar that has it on tap (bonus: have it around 1 pm for la hora de vermut)

Try a menu del día at a restaurant for a large, mid-day meal (try places like Lacaña, or El Casco Viejo, or for a more modern place, try Amargo or Maricastaña)

Go to La Latina and go to tapear (tapas bar hopping)

Walk through Huertas and get cheese, wine, and meat at Bar Quiroga

Walk on Paseo del Prado on Sunday afternoon when the road is closed to traffic

Rent a bike and go for a bike ride in Casa de Campo

Visit the Prado museum when it’s free (every day between 6 and 8 pm), but get in line early

Go see the turtles in the Atocha train station- there are so many of them!

Eat churros with chocolate at San Ginés (ok, everyone knows about this place, but they really ARE GOOD)

See a flamenco show, but don’t pay extra for the dinner part

Walk through Lavapiés and check out the street art

Go clubbing, even if you don’t like clubbing.  It’s a one of a kind experience in Madrid.  I really like Joy and I have heard Ocho y Medio is good

Have dinner at a more modern restaurant when you are sick of tapas bars, because these restaurants are likely less expensive than trendy places at home (try Amazonico, Habanera, Marietta, Maricastaña, Lamucca- all are great options, but make a reservation!)

If you’re in Madrid, in the summer, go to the fiestas in the various neighborhoods.  There are free concerts, activities, and a lot of food being sold

Walk through El Rastro on Sunday