Madrid
Visited in 2009, 2012, 2016, 2019 and 2022
At a glance
- Country
- Spain
- Region
- Madrid
- Population
- 3.3 million
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas (MAD)
- Coordinates
- 40.43°N, 3.69°W
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Overview
Madrid sits high on the plateau at the centre of Spain, a stately capital of royal palaces, grand boulevards and some of the world's greatest art. Three major museums stand within a short walk of each other along the Paseo del Prado.
But the city is as much about how people live: long lunches, terrace drinks and dinners that start at ten. Plan your days around the museums and your evenings around the tapas bars.
Things to see
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Photo: Emilio J. Rodríguez Posada, CC BY-SA 2.0 Prado Museum
Velázquez, Goya and El Greco at their finest; Las Meninas alone is worth the visit.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Tim Adams, CC BY-SA 4.0 Royal Palace
A vast eighteenth-century palace with lavish state rooms, next to the Almudena Cathedral.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Joseolgon, CC BY 4.0 Reina Sofía
Modern Spanish art, with Picasso's Guernica as its powerful centrepiece.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Max Alexander / PromoMadrid, CC BY-SA 2.0 Retiro Park
Rent a rowing boat on the lake or find the Crystal Palace among the shady paths.
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Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0 Plaza Mayor
The arcaded main square of old Madrid, a few steps from the Mercado de San Miguel.
Things to do
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Photo: Javier Pérez Montes, CC BY-SA 4.0 Tapas in La Latina
Hop between bars on Cava Baja for croquetas, jamón and vermouth, especially on Sunday afternoons.
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Photo: Msoltanolkotabii, CC BY-SA 4.0 El Rastro flea market
Madrid's sprawling Sunday morning market runs down the streets of La Latina and Lavapiés.
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Photo: Joy, CC BY 2.0 Chocolate con churros
Dunk churros in thick hot chocolate at a traditional chocolatería, ideally late at night.
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Photo: Dmitry Dzhus from London, CC BY 2.0 Day trip to Toledo
A hilltop city of churches, synagogues and mosques, around half an hour away by fast train.
Where to stay
Sol and Centro
Right in the middle of everything, ideal for a first visit.
Hotels in Sol and CentroMalasaña
Young and creative, with vintage shops, cafés and late-night bars.
Hotels in MalasañaBarrio de las Letras
Near the big museums, with literary history and lots of tapas bars.
Hotels in Barrio de las LetrasSalamanca
Elegant and upmarket, with designer shopping and calmer streets.
Hotels in Salamanca
Getting around
The metro is fast, extensive and easy to use. The centre is very walkable, and the BiciMAD bike scheme is useful for longer hops.
Metro line 8 runs from the airport to Nuevos Ministerios in about 25 minutes, and Cercanías trains run from Terminal 4 to the city centre.
When to go
Spring and autumn are warm and bright, ideal for walking. July and August are very hot, and some local businesses close in August. Winters are cold and sunny, with festive lights in December.
Plan your trip to Madrid
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.