Top Luxury Things to Do in Madrid

Turn sightseeing into an above-average experience by savoring some of the city’s most luxury things to do

Whether you’re a solo traveler, backpacker or traveling on a budget, there are countless ways to experience Madrid. But if your travel taste leans toward massages and Michelin stars, then you’ll likely want to narrow the field down to some of these — the Spanish capital’s top luxury things to do.

Gourmet Foodie Experience

You could go tapas hopping, sure, but there are certainly fancier ways to taste Spain’s capital city. In fact, Spain is famed for its abundance of top-notch restaurants and forward-thinking culinary offerings. In Madrid, think spots such as newcomers La Candela and Dstage, or, particularly, the capital’s only restaurant with three Michelin stars, Diverxo. Not looking to go quite that luxury? Take tapas to a more refined level by visiting one of Madrid’s Gourmet Experiences at El Corte Ingles, where you can sample next-level, budget-friendly tapas inspired and created by some the country’s most acclaimed restaurants and chefs.

Madrid is a great place to experience some of Spain’s most top-notch cuisine offerings

Arabian Baths

Finish off a day of sightseeing by properly pampering yourself. The best way to do this is with a side of culture by visiting Madrid’s Hammam Al Andalus. This is where you’ll find Arabian-inspired baths situated atop a massive underground cistern built by the city’s once resident Moors. It is here that, amidst the mellow lighting and old-world architecture, that you can spend an hour and a half unwinding in the various baths of different temperatures – hot, cold and temperate. You can also enjoy the steam room and indulge in a massage complete with relaxation-inducing scented oils. Seal the deal on this transportational experience by sipping on a traditional beverage of neighboring Morocco: an intoxicatingly delicious tea infused with fresh mint leaves.

Instead of resting in your hotel room, get a dose of culture and relaxation by going to a traditional hammam

Day Trip

Check out Toledo on a small-group day trip

Coordinating the logistics of taking a day trip can be a real drag and anything but elegant. But fear not, there’s a better way to experience some of Madrid’s favorite out-of-town destinations. Have your eye on Segovia? Consider getting there via Spain’s high-speed train on a private trip to Segovia. During this 8-hour excursion, the train itself – all fancy and fast and comfortable – will be part of the adventure, taking you north of Madrid to Segovia, where you can explore its impressive sights including the Roman aqueduct and the Disney-castle-like castle. Or set off on a Toledo small-group tour with wine tasting, experiencing the country’s former capital with the help of a guide, and with the added bonus of a winery visit.

Go to the Opera

Red velvet, gold detailing, ceiling murals and romantic lighting: pretty much nothing says luxury like an old-fashioned opera house — and since Madrid’s Teatro Real (Royal Theater) is one of the best in Europe, you know it will tick all the lavish boxes. Opened in 1850, the theater has hit a few road bumps over the years (having closed for a long stint during the 1900s), but is now open to the public for loads of shows — ranging from opera to ballets — and even guided tours during which you can check out the stage and rehearsal rooms.

Fancy Brunch

If you tire of the simple (but delicious) breakfast of pan con tomate (tomato-topped toast), then head on over to some of the city’s high-end hotels for a proper and luxurious brunch. We’re talking spots such as the Westin Palace, where you can feed your Sunday morning hunger with a traditional buffet meal beneath the salon’s colorful stain-glassed dome, and as you listen to classical tunes. Or head to the Ritz Hotel where you can enjoy your buffet brunch in the extravagant dining area or outside on the tranquil outdoor terrace.

Have your chocolate and churros, and a fancy breakfast too, by checking out some of Madrid’s most luxurious brunch spots

Hot-Air Balloon Ride

Why experience the region of Madrid the usual way – by foot – when you could have a little more quiet time up in the Spanish skies? Indeed, on a Madrid hot-air balloon ride, you can do just that. Soar up above ultra picturesque spots such as the Alcazar of Toledo or the aqueduct of Segovia. Or spy the sprawling grounds of Aranjuez, complete with giant gardens, and of course a royal palace. Or get a look at the capital’s more natural side, floating above Guadarrama Regional Park, where you can spy forests and meadows and even a castle. And all of these excursions come with brunch and a glass of cava to celebrate your sky-high experience.

Experience Madrid without all the crowds by going on a hot-air balloon ride

Customized Private Food Tour

Here’s the thing about Spanish food: oftentimes, if you don’t know what you’re ordering, the best places to order it, or how to order it, your foodie experience may be less than ideal. By going on a Madrid private food tour, you can remove these obstacles and get straight to the good stuff, like local markets, family-run bars and modern gastro-pubs. Over the course of six hours, a private guide will customize your tour, taking you to the best spots for the best flavors, all while introducing you to Spanish culture, particularly the foodie side of it.