Madrid is Spain’s sunny, lively capital: royal palaces, three world-class art museums, the vast Retiro Park, tapas bars on every corner and nights that start at 21:00. It’s compact, safe and easy to explore on foot and by Metro. This Madrid travel guide brings together everything you need to plan your trip.
Top things to do in Madrid
- Royal Palace — throne room, armoury and the changing of the guard. Tickets.
- Prado Museum — Velázquez, Goya and Bosch; free in the last two hours daily. Tickets & free hours.
- Retiro Park — rowing boats and the Crystal Palace.
- Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol — the historic heart.
- Temple of Debod — Madrid’s best sunset.
- La Latina — tapas and the Sunday Rastro market.
- Bernabéu — Real Madrid’s stadium tour. Guide.
See all 20 best things to do in Madrid, or compare Madrid tours and activities.
Where to stay in Madrid
- Sol & Gran Vía — the most central.
- Barrio de las Letras — charming, near the museums.
- La Latina — tapas and old Madrid.
- Malasaña & Chueca — nightlife.
- Salamanca & Retiro — quiet and elegant.
Read our full guide to where to stay in Madrid or compare hotels in Madrid.
Getting around
The centre is walkable, and the Metro covers the rest: a 10-trip ticket costs about €7.30 on a €2.50 rechargeable card (source). From the airport, take Metro line 8, the Cercanías train from T4, the €5 airport bus or a €33 fixed-fare taxi — see Madrid Airport to the city.
Day trips
Toledo (33 minutes by train) and Segovia (about 28 minutes by high-speed train) are unmissable. See Toledo & Segovia day trips.
When to visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are ideal. Summer is very hot, especially in August; winter is cold but sunny and quieter.
Next stop Rome? See our Rome travel guide, with Colosseum and Vatican ticket guides.
Adding Barcelona? It’s about 2.5–3 hours from Madrid by high-speed train — see our Barcelona travel guide and 3-day Barcelona itinerary.
Before you go
- Flights: compare flights to Madrid.
- Internet: get a Spain eSIM.
- Insurance: compare travel insurance for Spain.
- Tourist tax: Madrid has none (source).
Practical tips
- Lunch is from 14:00 and dinner from 21:00.
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere; tipping is optional (round up or leave 5–10% for good service).
- Watch for pickpockets around Sol, Gran Vía and on the Metro.
- Plugs: type C/F, 230 V.
Plan your trip to Madrid
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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