Must-see sporting events in Madrid

Madrid can be explored through its museums, gastronomy and neighbourhoods, but also from the stands, a sports court or one of its parks. Sport is part of the capital’s rhythm throughout the year: football, tennis, motorsport, popular races and outdoor spaces make the city an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys keeping active.

If you are planning to travel to Madrid and are a sports fan, this guide brings together the stadiums and sporting events in Madrid worth including in your city break.

Must-visit stadiums for football fans

The Santiago Bernabéu is one of Madrid’s great sporting icons. Named the world’s best stadium in 2024 by World Football Summit, it is now also a tourism, dining and entertainment destination that can be visited even when there is no match taking place.

Top things to do at the Santiago Bernabéu:

• Take the Bernabéu Tour: Explore the history of Real Madrid, discover its trophies and visit some of the stadium’s most iconic areas.
• Enjoy its dining options: Visit venues such as Plaza Mahou, Starbucks Bernabéu and Bernabéu Market, or restaurants including Puerta 57 and Arzábal, even on non-match days.
• Attend a match: Watching Real Madrid play is one of the city’s most memorable sporting experiences.

Hotels with convenient connections to the Santiago Bernabéu:

• One Shot Fortuny: Approximately 9 minutes by car and 24 minutes by public transport.
• One Shot Recoletos: Around 12 minutes by car and 30 minutes by public transport.

The Riyadh Air Metropolitano, formerly known as the Wanda Metropolitano, is the home of Atlético de Madrid and another must-visit destination for football fans. As well as attending a match, visitors can enjoy experiences, restaurants and special activities throughout the year.

Top things to do at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano:

• Take the Atleti Tour & Museum: Explore iconic areas of the stadium and discover the club’s history through an interactive museum featuring trophies, historic objects and audiovisual experiences.
• Enjoy its dining options: The shopping promenade features restaurants and venues such as El Gran Escenario, La Gradona and Los Cinco, some of which also open on non-match days.
• Attend an Atlético de Madrid match: Experience the build-up, chants and red-and-white atmosphere at one of Madrid’s most modern stadiums.
• Check its special events: During the most recent Christmas season, the stadium hosted Madrid On Ice, a large skating experience with music, food and activities for the whole family.

Hotels with convenient connections to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano:

• One Shot Recoletos: Approximately 18 minutes by car.
• One Shot Fortuny: Around 20 minutes by car.
• One Shot La Latina: Approximately 20 minutes by car.
• One Shot Luchana: Approximately 22 minutes by car.

Tip: Only buy tickets through official websites. Ticket resale is widespread, and you may encounter higher prices or even invalid tickets.

Sporting events that shape Madrid’s calendar

Every season brings a major sporting occasion to Madrid. These are some of the experiences that make the city an unmissable destination for sports fans.

Formula 1 in Madrid

Madrid joins the Formula 1 calendar with the FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2026, which will take place at MADRING, the new circuit located near IFEMA Madrid. During the race weekend, the excitement of motorsport will spread far beyond the track.

• Where: The area around IFEMA Madrid.
• When: From 11 to 13 September.
• How to get there: Take Metro line 8 to Feria de Madrid.
• What to do without a ticket: Many bars, restaurants and venues in the city centre will broadcast the race, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere away from the circuit.

Mutua Madrid Open

Between late April and early May, the Caja Mágica welcomes some of the biggest names in international tennis. Rafa Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are among the players who have competed at one of the most important clay-court tournaments on the calendar.

• Where: Caja Mágica.
• How to get there: Take Metro line 3 to San Fermín-Orcasur. A special bus service from Legazpi is usually available during the tournament.
• Why it is worth visiting: Alongside world-class tennis, the Caja Mágica offers dining areas, shops and exclusive experiences that keep the atmosphere alive throughout the day.

Hipódromo de la Zarzuela racecourse

The Hipódromo de la Zarzuela combines horse racing, gastronomy, music and family-friendly activities.

• Where: Next to Monte de El Pardo.
• How to get there: Take bus 658 from Moncloa. On race days, a free shuttle service is also usually available from Paseo de Moret, next to the Moncloa transport interchange.
• What you will find: Horse races, dining options and activities for different audiences.
• In summer: Evening race meetings with music and a more relaxed atmosphere.

San Silvestre Vallecana

Every 31 December, the San Silvestre Vallecana follows a ten-kilometre route from the area around the Bernabéu to Vallecas.

• Why it is special: It combines sport, fancy dress and a festive atmosphere, offering a fun and active way to see out the year.
• How to experience it: You can take part, cheer on the runners from the streets or support its charitable initiatives.
• Tip: Road closures and public transport changes occur during the race, so plan your journey in advance.

Madrid offers sport throughout the year, from its most iconic stadiums to international competitions that fill the city with atmosphere. Choose your event, book in advance and get ready to experience the capital from the stands.