The vibrant capital of Spain, Madrid is located within the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. This lively and historical city has an interesting culture and an exciting atmosphere. From its majestic architecture to its world-class museums, bustling food markets, and exquisite cuisine, Madrid is the ideal place to visit for a European city break.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in Spanish culture, Madrid has something special to offer. Join us in this guide as we share everything you need to know before you visit Madrid.
Good things to know about Madrid
- The main international airport, Madrid Barajas Airport, is close to the city centre and you can easily take a train, bus, or taxi from the airport to the city.
- The currency used in Madrid is the Euro (€).
- The local language spoken in Madrid is Spanish.
- Get a Madrid Card when you arrive to receive discounts on food and free entry to many attractions.
- Madrid is very walkable with few inclines and a mainly flat city centre.
When to visit Madrid
- The best time to visit Madrid is in Autumn between September to November when the temperatures are cooler and the city is less busy. Late spring is also a great time to visit for warmer temperatures.
- The months of July and August should be avoided. These months are during the peak summer temperatures when Madrid is very hot and there are large crowds throughout the city.
- The winter months are a cheap time to visit Madrid during its quiet season, however, it is good to know that some outdoor attractions may be closed during winter.
Public transport in Madrid
- Madrid is excellently connected thanks to the AVE train system. This high-speed train service connects quickly to Spanish locations such as Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante.
- Madrid’s inner city Metro train covers the main city areas.
- Metro day passes are around €10 and one-way tickets are around €1.50 and can be purchased with cash or credit cards at ticket machines.
- Taxis are a convenient way to navigate the city however tourists should ensure the taxi metre is turned on to avoid being overcharged for your journey.
- Renting a car in Madrid is not advised as the city has high traffic and expensive parking fees.
Eating out in Madrid
- Madrid has a variety of places to eat from fine dining Michelin restaurants to traditional taverns.
- Popular dishes include tuna octopus and shellfish as well as cured meats and bars and taverns serve local Mahou beer or sparkling Cava or Sangria.
- The main meal of the day is lunch, with larger dishes served at lunchtime. Expect to pay around €10 for lunch dishes.
- Tapas (small plates) are enjoyed in the evening with dinner service starting between 8pm to 10 pm. Many tapas bars offer great food for free when you buy drinks, so look out for these offers.
- Great restaurants in Madrid include El Botin, the oldest restaurant in Madrid whereas Taberna Bodegas Ricla serves excellent tapas.
What to see in Madrid
- Take a guided tour of Madrid to get the most out of your trip. There are some great tours available including food and wine tours.
- The Madrid Royal Palace is the largest Palace in Europe and is a magnificent attraction to visit.
- Puerta Del Sol is the main city square where you can find famous Madrid landmarks such as the Clock Tower.
- El Retiro Park is a stunning park area which features a monument to King Alfonso XII and a large pond where you can rent row boats during summer.
Final tips for visiting Madrid:
- Save money by staying outside of the city centre, close to a Metro station.
- Madrid museums have free entry days so look out for these offers.
- Book tickets for attractions in advance to save money to avoid queuing up on the day. Places like the Royal Palace get very busy so booking in advance will save you time.
Written by Becki Chu: Freelance Travel Writer
Becki currently lives in London, UK with her family, and has travelled across the world, including Japan, Hong Kong and throughout Europe.