Madrid & Surrounds Travel Guide

Madrid is a vast metropolis whose large population of travellers help bring the city to life with their passion for exploration. With world-famous attractions that showcase its own history (such as The Royal Palace of Madrid) and that of other countries (such as The Temple of Debod), its well-preserved architecture allows you to imagine f life in Madrid from centuries ago - in spite of it being one of the trendiest and most modernised cities in the world. In this travel guide to Madrid, we’ll show you why millions flock to Spain’s capital each and every year.

Madrid attracts over ten million tourists each year, thanks to architecture that recounts stories of the past and food that is both traditional and delicious in its rustic simplicity. Whether you’re viewing exhibitions that blend the past and present, or structures that fuse both medieval and modern styles, Madrid has something for everyone. Both first-time and seasoned visitors will feel invited and welcome to experience its host of activities. 

Madrid is known as a pioneer for art and art lovers and has been throughout the ages. It is, therefore, no surprise that a large majority of people visit Madrid for the varied and world-class museums. Venues such as the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza display some of the most famous and highly acclaimed works of modern and renaissance art. An example of the stunning pieces that are available to see includes Picasso's Guernica, available for viewing at Museo Reina Sofía.

Plazas and streets interweave in a maze-like way, giving visitors the chance to get lost in the city’s culture. You’ll find traditional pubs, cafés, and restaurants, all with stories to tell while they welcome you with signature dishes and charming décor. The sun shines over the bustling metropolis throughout the year, and when the streets are explored at the right time, they will feel the ideal temperature, with crisp, clear evenings. When you visit Madrid, you can sample the numerous boutiques and shops that cater to your interests; whether it's high-end designer brands or sustainable fashion, you’ll be longing to fill your luggage with your new purchases.

Apart from the numerous attractions and activities on offer, the city also has a wide variety of lodging options for travellers working with different budgets. Whether you want a quieter, more suburban setting or prefer to be in the midst of the tourist crowds and attractions, there are several choices to suit your needs. You can admire the Royal Palace of Madrid and its astonishing gardens or wander around the famed Puerto Del Sol area - no matter where you end up, a visit to Madrid will undoubtedly leave you wanting to return.

Along with the best places to stay and the must-see sights, this guide will let you know the best times to pack your bags for your adventure to Madrid. Travelling to Madrid is a worthwhile experience no matter the time of year. Depending on which season you visit, you'll want to modify your activities and wardrobe accordingly to ensure you're enjoying the best experience possible.

March to May and September to October are what is known in Spain as the shoulder season. To catch the warmest weather and to take part in the most celebratory events it is recommended to visit during these times. Spring in particular draws visitors in with its balmy atmosphere and prices that fit well within any budget. Spring is also when the festival season comes to life, and the city is generally much easier to navigate.

Take a stroll around El Retiro Park 

El Retiro Park represents a rich and iconic history of Madrid, with a sense of pride for the city that is powerful to witness and is represented through its various monuments. The park, which was built in the 17th century and was formerly used by only the royal family, was made accessible to the public during the 19th century. Retiro Park provides a is a tranquil and seemingly endless stroll with scenes of locals and tourists paddling happily around the rivers and engaging in sports activities. El Retiro Park fosters a sense of peace and belonging, and the best part is that it’s free to explore and enjoy.

Monuments are the focal point of the park, with its key feature being the Monument to Alfonso XII. This pride of Madrid and tribute to King Alfonso XII in all of its bronze glory towers over the park’s rivers and commands attention from the moment you enter. Below the statue are three more figures representing peace, freedom, and progress. It is a fitting work of art, considering the park’s amity nature and its staggering 350 acres that are available to explore. 

There is no shortage of monuments to feast your eyes upon., More standouts include the Casita Del Picador, a vibrant doll-house structure that is set aside a tiny pond in one of the park’s less busy areas. You may also stumble upon the Crystal Palace, a small structure made entirely out of glass and stone with a garden of lakes and greenery. These remarkable monuments can be seen on our 9-Day Wonders of Madrid and Andalusia tour.

Visit the historical Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s most charming architectural attractions and has been the subject of a wide range of historical events throughout the years, from royal celebrations to reconstructions. The red-bricked buildings will immediately draw your eye,  bordered by balconies and connected by clock towers. Due to its accessible location and the strong culture that it exudes, the Plaza Mayor (which was once a lively market in the Middle Ages) is now considered to be Madrid's most significant public square. 

Rows of restaurants, stylish cafés, and outdoor bars line the borders of the elegant structures, enticing visitors to indulge in tapas and refreshing beverages. You’ll find a welcome retreat  under-shaded canopies as you people watch and listen to local chatter. All the while, street performers dazzle with their magic, music, and storytelling, filling the air with illusion and fascination. The Plaza Mayor is truly a must-see destination for anybody who is staying in Madrid. Enjoy tapas and drinks at The Plaza Mayor on our 10-Day Madrid & Northern Spain Tour.

Engage in royal history at The Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is a captivating sight to see, packed with over three thousand rooms and grand marble staircases. The Palace gives tourists the opportunity to explore the very long and winding hallways that Spanish Kings and Queens once roamed. You may not only get to witness the palace's magnificent grandeur from the outside, but you can also step inside and admire the art and vintage decor. 

On your tour of the palace, you'll visit over fifty key rooms, including The Throne Room, which is still in use today. With carpets and red walls that exude royalty, as well as adjacent mirrors and luxurious wall-hangings, the Throne Room is an ode to royal Spanish heritage, all tied together by a ceiling that is painted masterfully with The Glory of Spain.

Another area to engross yourself in is the Great Hall of Columns, a room of significance which was used to sign Spain’s involvement in The European Union in 1985. The hall remains one of the most visited rooms in the palace today by both the public and important figures. Crystal chandeliers swing from the ceilings, the walls are adorned with precious art pieces and sculptures, and the patterned flooring is a decorative sight to behold. You can walk the Hall of Columns in our 7-Day Madrid and Barcelona Tour.

Indulge in Spanish cuisine at San Miguel Market

The San Miguel Market is a central culinary delight that is one of the most frequented attractions in Madrid. The market has shifted in style and service throughout the years, consistently seeking to renew and refine its food stalls, as well as its roster of internationally known and loved chefs. The San Miguel Market has undergone these changes in order to solidify its status as Madrid’s largest food market.  

Within its sleek yet eccentric cast-iron interiors, you will find a bountiful menu that offers food to suit every taste, attracting more than ten million visitors annually. The market is filled to the brim with traditional Spanish wonders that are masterfully prepared by renowned chefs. The market has operated for close to a century and offers tapas, main dishes, desserts, and takeaway meals from more than 20 different stalls. The cuisine served at the market represents all regions of Spain. You can stop off at The San Miguel Market on our 13-Day Highlights of Spain tour.

See famous artworks at Museo Nacional del Prado

For art enthusiasts, The Prado offers a wide range of subjects to explore, from royalty to saints. Over two centuries have passed since The Prado first opened its doors and took the world by storm. Today its comprehensive collection of both past and present treasures includes over eight-thousand paintings and seven-hundred sculptures.  

The exterior, reminiscent of roman stone, was created by architect Juan de Villanueva for King Charles III in 1785. The museum has a high focus on royal art that is collected from all around Spain. Because of this, it distinguishes itself as one of the world's most critically acclaimed and popular exhibitions. Initially, the museum primarily housed royal paintings and sculptures; however, it has since grown to become more inclusive of global art of all different themes.

The mesmerising museum provides tours for individuals who may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of artefacts on display, ensuring your visit is both informative and stress-free. The museum is divided into categories, with notable artworks included within each topic. Mythological gods and goddesses, as well as regal portraiture, are among the subjects explored. Diego Velazquez's work is one of many eye-catching collections to visit, as he is often regarded as the most influential artist in Spanish history for his realism in painting. If you would like to experience The Prado and all of its treasures, you can do so on our 18-Day Spanish Art & Architecture: Madrid, Andalusia, and Barcelona trip.

Temple of Debod

The Temple of Debod is a wonderous ancient Egyptian monument located within the amicable Oeste Park. Beyond the temple, panoramic acres of city and countryside meets the eye, with the views becoming even more hypnotic as the sun sets over Madrid. Not always in Madrid’s possession, it was built in the second century B.C and was donated by Egypt in the 1970s. The temple was demolished in Egypt and then moved to Spain, where it was methodically reassembled to guarantee that every component was in its proper place.

The temple is one of Madrid's best-kept secrets. All around, flowers bloom, grass runs along the park, and trees of different shapes and sizes stand tall, making Oeste Park the perfect meeting place for travellers and an ideal place to refresh and relax. Fellow tourists and locals walk dogs wander around the mysterious structure, picnics are held, pictures are taken, and memories are made to last a lifetime. The Temple of Debod is the perfect summer experience and is just one of the many places that you can stop at on our 8-Day Madrid and Andalusia tour.

Train 

Stretching far and wide across the city, the Metro is one of the most affordable and accessible ways to move around Madrid. You can also use The Cercanías, suburban trains that are fast, cheap, and reliable. They are fantastic for travelling between towns and villages and for trips just outside of the city. The average price of a ticket on the metro is between €1.50 and €2.

Bus 

Travelling through the city by bus is extremely convenient and efficient for those seeking a budget-friendly form of travel. There are hundreds of bus lines that operate through Madrid to take you from point A to B. They generally pass every 4 to 15 minutes and operate from 6 am till 11:30 pm on weekdays. On weekends and public holidays, they run from 7 am till 11 pm. The average price of a bus ticket in Madrid is €1.50.

Taxi 

While a taxi will likely be more expensive than public transport, it’s a good option for those seeking to avoid crowds.. With more than 16,500 taxis around Madrid, all marked with a red stripe, there is no shortage of cars to take you to your destination. 

Taxis will indicate whether or not they are free by changing their light to green, and to hail one down all you have to do is raise your hand. You will likely always find a taxi due to the competitive volume of cars in the city. Depending on the time, journeys commence at a minimum fare of €2.50 from Monday to Friday from 6 am to 9 pm, and €3.15 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Car

Travelling by car hire in Madrid is safe and affordable. Cars can be used to either drive long or short distances within the city or the surrounding areas. Perhaps the biggest benefit to renting a car in Madrid is the flexibility that it offers. You can stop and start wherever you please and at any time. Cars can be rented at extremely affordable prices due to the competition between rental companies.

No matter which form of transportation you choose to take, our Local Designers are here to help you feel as comfortable as possible and give you the best tips to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

Sol 

Named after the classic Puerta Del Sol Plaza, Sol is at the heart of Madrid. You could spend days shopping, sightseeing, eating, and drinking your way throughout this bustling square.. Sol is the perfect introduction to Spanish culture. No matter what activities you may crave, you can guarantee that Sol will satisfy you.

In spite of being a modern hub for tourists and an ever-evolving town, Sol is still home to some of Madrid’s most traditional landmarks and sights. Past and present cultures combine to make walking the streets an exciting and invigorating experience. If you want to be surrounded by unlimited possibilities, then Sol is the place for you. Sol also has fantastic transportation links and over 300 hotels to stay in, making it easy to make decisions based on your budget requirements.

Lavapiés

Situated south of central Madrid and only a 10-minute walk from Sol, Lavapiés is a bright and multicultural paradise built from steep, cobbled medieval roads that lead to wondrous sights and activities. The roads lead to the Manazares River, which runs all throughout Madrid and is thought to have been formed during prehistoric times. 

Lavapiés is the ultimate dark horse of Madrid. It is less tourist-heavy whilst still holding everything you need to experience true Madrid culture. When walking the bohemian-styled streets, you will notice various wall art and a diverse range of restaurants offering a variety of cultural food. Due to its hipster nature, it has been termed the “Triangle of Art”, named for its three most famous art centres: La Casa Encendida, La Tabacalera, and Museo Reina Sofía. For an experience that shows you a different side of Madrid and surrounds you with a multicultural atmosphere, this is the place to be.

Retiro

For those looking to kick back and relax in a more tranquil and settled area, Retiro fits the bill. Centred around the famous El Retiro Park, Retiro is largely a residential, family-friendly, and working neighbourhood that is brimming with life during the day. Home to an assortment of art museums and grand hotels, Retiro is a convenient area of Madrid and is recommended for anybody who still wants to enjoy central Madrid whilst being in a more suburban area.  It is encompassed by landscapes, with one of the biggest parks in Europe only a five-minute walk away, offering a laidback retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

With Madrid having over forty neighbourhoods, it can be overwhelming to know what to eat and where to visit for food. However, in this travel guide to Madrid, we have chosen some standouts that are not to be missed! If you would like more insight on the best places to eat, you can contact one of our expert Local Designers for inspiration.

Botin 

Not only does Botín serve the best suckling pig in Europe - but it also provides unforgettable adventure. Founded in 1725, Botín does not merely take the crown for being the oldest restaurant in Spain but also in the entire world, according to The Guinness Book of World Records. 

Botin is famous for its mouth-watering specialities:  Castilian-style suckling pig and roasted lamb that slide from the bone and are smoked in a wood oven. With stone archways and ancient ambience, Botín is a fascinating peek into a way of Spanish culture that has remained largely untouched for centuries. You’ll encounter a culinary experience like no other when you step into this little gem of a tavern.

La Bola

The outstanding La Bola stands on a street corner and is another well-established restaurant. Notable for its red exterior and wooden panelled interior, the charming La Bola tavern was founded in 1870 and has since taken the world by storm.  

Even celebrities have passed through to sample its classic Spanish stew, which is heated carefully over charcoal for four hours and served in individual earthen pots to match the traditional aesthetic of the restaurant. La Bola is not just a place to eat, it is an opportunity to immerse yourself in 19th-century Spanish décor that has been untouched for over one hundred years.

Los Huevos de Lucio

When looking at Los Huevos de Lucio’s slogan, its translation reads ‘fast food from the 17th century. All around the restaurant, hints of Spanish culture can be seen - from the locals who eat there and the promise of home-cooked food. When visiting the restaurant, you will find locals joyfully pushing tables together and celebrating family values. 

A visit to the innovative Los Huevos de Lucio is not the same without delving into some of the tapas from the restaurant bar, alongside its signature dish, huevos rotos, a combination of beautifully seasoned eggs, potatoes, and chorizo, all generously piled together. A place for comfortable meals and lively conversation, Los Huevos de Lucio is the place to see and experience how the Spanish people eat on a daily basis.

Noche en Blanco

All around the city, the Noche en Blanco (Night on White) celebration is held each year to honour the city's many cultural offerings, including literature, cinema, music, theatre, and much more. During one night in September each year, shops around Madrid remain open 24/7 to celebrate the city's unique cultural mix. 

Nearly every local public square will have activities, parties, markets, and live music that all operate into the early hours of the morning. Museums and cultural centres are also open all night, providing a unique viewing experience from the daily norm. To soak up Madrid's vibrant culture, this is the place to go for an out-of-the-ordinary night out.

Carnaval

Carnaval is a thrilling holiday that features spectacular outfits, dance, parades, masquerade balls, and musical performances for everybody to enjoy. The Carnival Festival in Madrid is less busy than in other places, making it ideal for a family vacation. The Madrid Carnaval offers a number of festivities oriented exclusively toward children. 

In addition to the Masquerade Ball and the Carnaval Parade, which are always held in February, other prominent Carnaval traditions include the yearly throwing of the puppet ceremony. There are also street entertainers and the symbolic sardine burial, which marks the conclusion of the festivities.

Madrid is the warmest capital in Europe, so be sure to pack light clothing and bring sunblock. 

Most businesses close between 2-5 pm for what is known as a siesta. It is advised that you run any errands before or after these times. Remember not to be loud or disruptive during these hours.

Plan to dine later – although there are tapas during the day, lunch is not typically served in Madrid until 3 pm, whilst dinner is not usually served until 10 pm.

English is widely spoken in Madrid, depending on the area, but learning basic Spanish phrases will help you communicate and navigate the city. Travelling around can be made even easier by downloading apps such as Uber and the EMT bus app.

In Spain, alcohol consumption is a common occurrence at various times throughout the day. Relax and indulge in the easygoing atmosphere while staying respectful and aware of your surroundings.

It is advised that you book major attractions in advance to avoid long waiting lines. Some attractions even offer passes to skip the queue entirely. 

The currency in Spain is the Euro; USD$1 currently equals €0.95.

Tipping in Madrid is not essential. However, if you do feel like you want to and receive good service, then you can.

Madrid is unlike any other European city, with a diversity of sights to visit and people to meet. Madrid offers the hottest days and the most ideal mild evenings at the correct time of year, and it's not all about the nightlife.  As the city of art and architecture, Madrid passionately displays its past while keeping up with present trends - a visit there will always leave you impressed and desiring more. You'll feel educated and rejuvenated whether you stay in one of the charming outside districts or thoroughly immerse yourself in the city centre.

Madrid is Spain's capital and one of Europe's most visited cities for a reason. With a long-established and respected dining scene featuring local taverns and restaurants, festivals that glisten with a rainbow of colours and a parade of acts, and centuries-old sights, Madrid has so much to show that you'll want to come back for more. Discover Madrid and get started building your dream trip by connecting with our team of Local Designers.