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Per person in euros: cheapest direct return flight for 2 to 4 nights. Select a month for flight times, hotels and things to do.

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Discover Madrid

Prado Museum, Madrid
Prado Museum
Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Plaza Mayor

City guide

About Madrid

Madrid stands high on a central plateau at the geographic heart of the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish capital blends monumental royal architecture and grand tree-lined avenues with an infectious street energy that runs late into the night.

The city boasts one of the world's premier art corridors along the Paseo del Prado, featuring the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. Between the tranquil shaded paths of El Retiro park, the baroque grandeur of the Royal Palace, and buzzing tapas bars in La Latina, Madrid is built around community and outdoor life.

Best time to go
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) offer the most comfortable weather, with sunny skies and daily highs between 20 and 25°C. Midsummer (July and August) is hot and dry, regularly topping 35°C. Winters are crisp and bright, featuring blue skies and afternoon temperatures around 11 to 14°C.
From the airport
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is situated 12 kilometres northeast of the centre. Metro Line 8 connects terminals directly to Nuevos Ministerios station in 15 minutes. The 24-hour Expres Aeropuerto bus reaches Atocha station or Plaza de Cibeles in roughly 35 minutes. Official taxis into the central zone have a flat fare of 33 euros.
Getting around
Central Madrid is very walkable, particularly between Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Royal Palace. The city also operates an extensive, clean, and punctual 12-line metro network. Purchase a reloadable Tarjeta Multi contactless transit card at any metro station machine.

What to see in Madrid

  • Prado MuseumOne of the greatest art galleries on earth, holding masterworks by Velazquez (including Las Meninas), Goya, El Greco, Titian, and Hieronymus Bosch.
  • Royal Palace (Palacio Real)The vast 18th-century official residence of the Spanish monarchy, containing over three thousand lavishly decorated staterooms, armor collections, and formal courtyards.
  • El Retiro ParkA UNESCO-listed historic park featuring manicured gardens, a boating lake beneath the monument to Alfonso XII, and the light-filled glass pavilion of Palacio de Cristal.
  • Plaza Mayor and Puerta del SolThe grand arcaded 17th-century central square lined with red frescoes, and the nearby bustling junction that serves as Spain's Kilometre Zero marker.

Neighbourhoods

  • La LatinaThe historic old quarter renowned for classic tapas hops along Calle Cava Baja and the bustling open-air El Rastro flea market on Sunday mornings.
  • MalasanaA bohemian, youth-driven neighborhood famous for indie boutiques, specialty coffee roasters, and lively outdoor terrace seating on Plaza del Dos de Mayo.
  • Chueca and Barrio de las LetrasChueca offers chic boutiques and a vibrant dining scene; nearby Barrio de las Letras is steeped in the golden-age literary history of Cervantes and Lope de Vega.

Food and drink

Order a crispy bocadillo de calamares (fried squid sandwich) on or near Plaza Mayor. Savor cocido madrileno, a rich chickpea and meat stew served traditionally in multi-course stages. Indulge in warm churros dipped in thick melted chocolate at the 24-hour Chocolateria San Gines. Locals dine late: lunch runs from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, and dinner rarely starts before 9:30 PM.

Questions about Madrid

How many days should you spend in Madrid?

Three to four days allow ample time to explore the major art museums, wander through the historic neighborhoods, and experience the lively tapas culture.

Are the top museums free to visit at certain times?

Yes, both the Prado and the Reina Sofia offer free admission during specific evening hours (usually Monday through Saturday from 6:00 or 7:00 PM onward). Expect significant lines.

Month by month breakdown

Fotocredits (3)
  • Royal Palace of Madrid door Tim Adams, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Prado Museum door Emilio J. Rodríguez Posada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Plaza Mayor door Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons