Top things to do, see, eat, and experience in Madrid for race weekend
In town for Formula 1®? Make the most of your trip with these inspirational ideas for things to do, see, eat, and experience in Madrid.
By Felicity Hughes | July 1, 2026
If you’re zooming off to Spain’s capital for the race weekend, you’ll want to take in the best the city has to offer without spinning your wheels. From sports to culture to food, these tips will keep you on track. Whether you’re an avid soccer fan, an art aficionado, a foodie, or simply want to party till late, there are plenty of exciting options that will keep you doing laps around Madrid’s elegant avenues and historic streets.
In this article: Things to do in Madrid for race weekend
Things to do in Madrid for race weekend
Things to see in Madrid for race weekend
Things to do in Madrid for race weekend
Mid-September in Madrid can be hot, so a cooling swim might come in handy after a day at the Formula 1® Circuito de Madring. Just a 20-minute drive from the circuit, Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana is in pole position for a great place to stay during race weekend, with a rooftop pool where you can sip drinks on comfy poolside cabanas while enjoying views of Madrid’s glittering financial district. Perfect for sports fans, the hotel is steps away from Real Madrid’s legendary Bernabéu Stadium. If you can’t catch a soccer game, ask a hotel team member to book you a tour of the iconic facility and its immersive museum. Fashionistas, meanwhile, should head to the eclectic boutiques at Centro Comercial Moda Shopping, just next door to the hotel. Round out the day in nearby Calle Ponzano, Madrid’s hottest culinary destination.
Things to see in Madrid for race weekend
Madrid is a fabulous city for art with three world-class institutions — the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums — lined up along the leafy Paseo del Prado, the city’s historic boulevard. Atocha Hotel Madrid, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is just a short walk from this Golden Triangle of Art cultural hub. Visit all three museums by buying an art pass (Paseo del Arte Pass), which lets you save money and drop in without having to queue. This is particularly useful for the busy Prado Museum, famous for its Spanish masters, Goya, Velásquez, and El Greco. Then visit the Reina Sofia, home to signature works by Picasso, Dalí, and Miró. Peruse seven centuries of European painting in the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Then check out two landmark attractions near Atocha Hotel Madrid: the impressive Royal Palace, the largest in Western Europe, and elegant El Retiro Park.
Hilton Honors benefits
- Earn free nights with no blackout dates so you never miss the big event.
- Best confirmed room upgrades — automatically awarded before arrival — that give you more space to get ready, pre-game, or wind down.
- Enjoy Honors discount prices that help you put more toward the experiences you care about.
- Daily food and beverage perks or continental breakfast to elevate your stay.
Where to eat in Madrid for race weekend
Perfect for fueling up while sightseeing, food in Madrid is not only delicious but filling. For a pit-stop meal in Madrid’s famous Plaza Mayor, just a 10-minute walk from the 100-year-old neoclassical Hotel Montera Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton, pick up a bocadillo de calamares (deep-fried calamari baguette) at Cervecería La Campana or go tapeando (tapas hopping) around the gorgeous iron-and-glass San Miguel Market. For a sit-down meal at the end of a long day, try callos a la madrileña, a traditional tripe stew elevated to a gourmet experience at La Carmencita, Madrid’s second-oldest tavern. For a sophisticated spot that offers Madrid cuisine with global accents, dine at La Braseri at your hotel, overlooking the iconic Gran Vía. Try two specialties: squid rice with chive aioli and quail stuffed with capon and foie gras.
Experiences in Madrid for race weekend
Once you’ve sampled the local cuisine, immerse yourself more deeply in Madrid’s history and culture. There’s no better place to do this than in Barrio de las Letras, a lively literary neighborhood packed with bars and restaurants. In the heart of the action is DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid-Prado, where the knowledgeable hotel staff can help you plan foodie and cultural experiences. This district was once home to Spain’s greatest writer, Cervantes, and you can learn more about his era on a guided tour around the 16th-century home of Cervantes’ contemporary and rival, Lope de Vega. Literary figures have been drawn to Las Letras ever since, and Hemingway fans can “kill the night” by visiting some of Don Ernesto’s favorite bars, making a grand finish with a live performance at Tablao Flamenco 1911, one of the world’s oldest flamenco shows.
Felicity Hughes
Felicity Hughes is a freelance journalist based in Madrid with credits in The Financial Times, The Guardian, and Time Out. Chief writer for Lonely Planet's guides to Madrid, she continually enriches her knowledge of her hometown through her blog and podcast, The Making of Madrid. This outlet has become a trusted source for visitors wanting to get under the skin of the city.
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