What to do in Rivas-Vaciamadrid

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Louise Dreisig
Photo by Louise Dreisig
Photo "Rivas-Vaciamadrid" by jacinta lluch valero (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by jacinta lluch valero (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Rivas-Vaciamadrid" by Bea (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Bea (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Rivas-Vaciamadrid" by diego_cue (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by diego_cue (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Rivas-Vaciamadrid" by Jorge Campos Pérez (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Jorge Campos Pérez (CC BY-SA)
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Gran Via

The Gran Via is a shopping hub and a center for nightlife. Like much of Madrid, the strip celebrates the past while embracing the future: boutique stores and international brands are housed in some of Madrid’s most iconic heritage architecture.
Learn more
Gran Via which includes heritage architecture, night scenes and landscape views

2. Bernabéu Stadium

Real Madrid is one of the most internationally recognized soccer teams and their Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu) is among the sport’s finest. Watching a match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a lifetime dream for both long-term Madridistas and soccer enthusiasts. Walk on the hallowed turf of the playing field, browse the clubs impressive trophy hall and relive historical moments via multimedia exhibits.
Learn more
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

3. Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol, or “Sun Gate,” is Madrid’s beating heart. It was once at the eastern extremity of the city and the location of a medieval gate decorated with the rising sun, from which it gets its name. Today it’s the city’s main public square, hosting everything from political demonstrations to New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Learn more
Puerta del Sol which includes a city and a fountain

4. Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s best-known public places. Its cobbled courtyard is surrounded by stylish restaurants, boutiques, bars and cafés. It was a chaotic market back in the 16th century until King Felipe II commissioned a proper public square. The plaza was completed in 1619 under the supervision of architect Juan Gómez de Mora, but would burn down three times before the present version was constructed in 1790.
Learn more
Plaza Mayor featuring an administrative building, a monument and heritage architecture

5. Royal Palace of Madrid

The Spanish Royal Palace (Palacio Real) is one of the biggest palaces in Western Europe. The palace is known for its extravagant interior and the staggering collection of furniture, artwork, weapons, armor and accessories found throughout its 3,400 rooms. Construction of the building you see today started in 1738 after the previous royal residence burned down on the same site in 1734. Nowadays the Spanish royal family does not live in the palace.
Learn more

6. El Retiro Park

El Retiro (El Parque de Retiro) is one of Madrid’s favorite parks and occupies nearly 350 acres (140 hectares) of land in the city center. It was once a royal retreat and the site of a large palace, but was opened to the public in the 1860s. There are statues and monuments all throughout the park, as well as two ponds, art galleries and fountains. It’s a popular retreat for Sunday afternoon picnics and you’ll notice street performers plying their trade in the busiest areas.
Learn more
El Retiro Park showing a garden

What to do in Rivas-Vaciamadrid

Popular places to visit

Gran Via which includes heritage architecture, night scenes and landscape views

Gran Via

4/5(413 reviews)

Madrid’s famous shopping strip has boutiques and international brands, an exciting nightlife and an impressive display of early 20th-century architecture.

Gran Via
Bernabéu Stadium

Bernabéu Stadium

4.5/5(173 reviews)

Cheer on the superstar players of one of the world’s most successful soccer clubs and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the colossal 81,000-capacity stadium.

Bernabéu Stadium
Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol

4/5(419 reviews)

Stand at the very center of Madrid and feel the buzz as thousands of people meet and greet before a night out, gather for protests, or start out on a tour of the city.

Puerta del Sol
Plaza Mayor featuring an administrative building, a monument and heritage architecture

Plaza Mayor

4.5/5(572 reviews)

This square has seen everything from markets and public celebrations to bullfights and executions. Today you’ll find street performers, artists and plenty of shops.

Plaza Mayor
Royal Palace showing a city, château or palace and heritage architecture

Royal Palace of Madrid

4.5/5(463 reviews)

Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

Royal Palace of Madrid
El Retiro Park showing a garden

El Retiro Park

4.5/5(463 reviews)

Relax by the pond, walk through landscaped gardens, and admire the elegant statues and buildings in one of Madrid’s biggest and most popular parks.

El Retiro Park
Prado Museum showing interior views and art

Prado Museum

4.5/5(288 reviews)

An art museum to rival the Louvre or the British National Gallery, this is the place to see some of the finest art Europe has to offer.

Prado Museum
IFEMA

IFEMA

4/5(19 reviews)

Few venues for fairs, exhibitions and conferences can compete with IFEMA - Feria de Madrid, Madrid’s trade fair venue, for comfort, amenities and its modern style.

IFEMA
Movistar Arena

Movistar Arena

3/5(1 review)

Catch an event at Movistar Arena during your trip to Madrid. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and shops in this vibrant area.

Movistar Arena

Day trip destinations from Rivas-Vaciamadrid

Madrid

Madrid

Photo "Getafe" by velomartinez (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by velomartinez (CC BY-SA)

Getafe

Photo by MarisolT

Velilla de San Antonio

Frequently asked questions

Is Rivas-Vaciamadrid worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor activities and history, there are many interesting things to do in Rivas-Vaciamadrid. Make sure to discover the area's blend of unmissable sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Rivas-Vaciamadrid?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Parque Warner Madrid and Velazquez Palace, spend the rest of your day enjoying Rivas-Vaciamadrid's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rivas-Vaciamadrid?
Don't go home without visiting Parque Warner Madrid, ranked the top tourist attraction in Rivas-Vaciamadrid.
Is three days enough to stay in Rivas-Vaciamadrid?
Three days in Rivas-Vaciamadrid is enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests stay for three days on average. Cathedral of Justo Gallego Martinez, El Picon de los Conejos Lagoon and Las Lagunas de las Madres are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Madrid.
What are some activities to do in Rivas-Vaciamadrid with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all ages, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Rivas-Vaciamadrid with kids.

What to do in Rivas-Vaciamadrid for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or thrill seeker, there are plenty of things to do in Rivas-Vaciamadrid for adults including Calle de Alcalá and IFEMA.
Are there free things to do in Rivas-Vaciamadrid?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Rivas-Vaciamadrid is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Cathedral of Justo Gallego Martinez is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.