The Hop-On Hop-Off bus in Madrid is a super easy and flexible way to explore the city’s top sights, especially if it’s your first time visiting. Basically, you buy a ticket that’s valid for 1 or 2 days (depending on what you choose), and during that time, you can get on and off the bus as many times as you like and explore the best things to do in Madrid.
There are usually two main routes that cover all the major attractions—like the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor, and Retiro Park. Buses run every 10–15 minutes, and you’ll have headphones on board for audio commentary in multiple languages (including English).
It’s perfect if you want a mix of sightseeing and freedom—hop off when something catches your eye, explore at your own pace, then hop back on and continue. No need to worry about navigating the metro or buses on your own!