Things to do in Madrid, no research required

Madrid is better away from the Prado and the Royal Palace, though the map covers plenty in between. El Retiro Park is the obvious start and still worth it for the rose garden alone, and Gran Vía gives you theater-district energy if you’d rather stay central. Loca Obsesión Sol pulls a serious brunch crowd near Sol, so go early or accept the wait, because it’s worth timing properly. Santamaría Coctelería is the quieter option after dark. Between the cafes, the museums and the parks, this is built for wandering rather than following one route, which is how Madrid works anyway.