Things to Do in Madrid: Activities for When the Kids Aren’t Around

Beautiful, sprawling, lively Madrid, the Spanish capital is filled with endless sights and distractions for all ages. From the luscious and elegant city parks such as the Retiro, world-renowned museums and galleries like the Prada and Reina Sofia, and of course the Real Madrid Stadium Tour, there’s more than enough family friendly activities in Madrid to keep the kids happy.Three of my recommendations for things to do in Madrid for grown-ups.In this article, you will find things to do in Madrid.

However, you don’t have to be a madrileños to know that this is in many ways a city for the grown-ups, with a raucous nightlife which stretches on well past sunrise, more Michelin restaurants than you can shake a stick at, and a shopping scene with few other rivals in Europe. Madrid is for everyone, but there are plenty of things here which are best enjoyed with your partner or girlfriends once a sitter has been arranged for the kids. Here’s a quick round up of some of the best that Madrid has to offer for the grown-ups.

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Take a Tapas Foodie Tour

Madrid is an epicenter of Spanish cuisine, with ancient little cafes and restaurants hidden across the Centro district which are arguably some of the best places in the world to savor the greatest hits of that quintessentially Spanish tapas experience. From untouched classics such as dense, buttery tortillas, or sweet and succulent jamon iberico, or some sizzling patatas bravas, the best way to experience is with a local tour guide who knows all the best spots in town, and of course a few glasses of full-bodied Rioja along the way. Most of these tours take place after dark and can often go on for hours, meaning you’ll be feeling full and satisfied by the end of it.

To check out the range of tour operators and routes in the city, your best bet is going through madridfoodtour.com!

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Enjoy a Race Day at the Zarzuela

For more of a daytime activity, head to the iconic Hipódromo de la Zarzuela racing grounds on the outskirts of the city to live it up with the locals and getting into the festive atmosphere than often accompanies the big horse racing days. Grab a glass of champagne, or better yet some crisp Spanish Cava, place your bets, and perfect your Spanish by shouting at the jockeys as they fly by. You should maximize the festivities by dressing up nicely; high heels, large sunglasses and over-the-top sun hats are highly encouraged, so you can blend with some of Madrid’s high society ladies and maybe win a few Euros while you’re at it. Wherever you are, you can always check the odds and place a bet on the biggest races online or on your mobile by checking the free bets options on Oddschecker, so you won’t have to miss out on the big events.

The best time to go for the liveliest races are Sunday afternoons at around, but make sure you check their program before you go!

Dance the Night Away Along the Lively Gran Via

The locals of this great city operate on a slightly different schedule to the rest of us, meaning pretty much every night of the week you could head out at 3am and see the streets teeming with activity, especially in the summer months. From students nursing street beers to impossibly chic party glamazons hopping between super-clubs, leaving a trail of glitter and champagne behind them, you’ll quickly find that the nightlife of Madrid offers something for every taste, style, age and rhythm. To make the most of your time away from the kids, your best port of call will be the throbbing main artery of the city, the Gran Via, which hosts of range of more refined, grown-up nightclubs where you can head to for a romantic night of dancing with your significant other, or you can get lost in the champagne bubbles and disco music with your besties.

Start your night off right in one of the elegant bars of the grand hotels which line this legendary thoroughfare, such as the Principal Madrid, to soak up some old-world elegance with your cocktail. After that just take a stroll and head into one of the nearby discotecas for a dance and an expertly made drink, such Golden Club, Discoteca Velvet or Sala Morocco.

Nothing beats a family friendly vacation, but some time away from the kids to enjoy these uniquely Madrid experiences is a great way to make the most of the Spanish capital. Adios!