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Spain

Madrid: itinerary & travel tips

Madrid is the highest-lying capital in the EU and a city where you can do a lot on foot. Three world-class museums, a royal palace and a large city park sit within a compact area. Add to that a food culture that shows itself in market halls, tapas bars and late dinners.

Madrid is particularly well suited to a short trip, because the flight from Germany, Austria and Switzerland takes only about 2.5 to 3 hours. Life starts later here than at home: dinner is often not served until 9 pm, and the bars stay full until late. If you adapt to this, you will experience the city most intensely.

Ready-made itineraries

What to see

  • Museo Nacional del Prado

    The most important collection of Spanish painting, with works by Velázquez, Goya and El Greco.

  • Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

    Picasso's "Guernica" hangs here, along with a lot of 20th-century Spanish art.

  • Palacio Real de Madrid

    The Royal Palace, with its lavish halls, is one of the largest palaces in Europe.

  • Parque del Retiro

    The large city park with a lake, the Crystal Palace and walking paths is a good place for a break between museums.

  • Plaza Mayor

    This arcaded square from the 17th century is the historic heart of the old town.

  • Mercado de San Miguel

    The iron-and-glass market hall is an easy introduction to Spanish tapas, though rather touristy.

Where to stay

  • Sol and the Old Town (Austrias)

    Ideal for short stays, as almost all sights are within walking distance, but quite noisy in the evening.

  • Malasaña

    For anyone who enjoys cafés, vintage shops and a young nightlife.

  • Chueca

    A lively, open-minded neighbourhood with many bars and restaurants, central and well connected.

  • Salamanca

    Quieter and more upmarket, with boutiques and good restaurants, suited to travellers with a higher budget.

Best time to visit

April to June, as well as September and October, are the most pleasant, with mild to warm temperatures. In July and August it often gets hotter than 35 degrees and many locals are away, and some small restaurants close. Winter is clear and cool, and it can be frosty at night, but flights and hotels are often cheaper. Around Easter and in May (public holidays around San Isidro), expect more crowds and higher prices.

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Getting there

Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is about 13 km north-east of the city centre and has direct flights from German-speaking countries. Metro line 8 runs from the terminals to Nuevos Ministerios station, and from there you can reach the centre with a change; the journey takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Alternatively, the express bus 203 runs to Atocha, and a taxi to the city centre costs a flat fare of about 30 euros. You mainly reach Madrid by train from other Spanish cities; the stations are Atocha and Chamartín.

Getting around

The old town is easy to explore on foot, and for longer distances the Metro is fast and frequent. A rechargeable card (Tarjeta Multi) is worthwhile for several journeys, as are ten-trip tickets or tourist tickets for several days. Buses complement the network but are usually not necessary for short stays.

Daily budget

budget

€55

mid-range

€110

per person, without accommodation. Set lunch menus and tapas are inexpensive, whereas admission to major museums and drinks in tourist spots cost considerably more.

Local tips

  • Use the "Menú del día" at lunchtime: two courses with a drink often cost considerably less than dinner.
  • The Prado and the Reina Sofía have reduced-price or free admission hours on certain evenings; check the current times in advance.
  • Don't eat dinner before 9 pm, otherwise you'll be sitting in empty, often touristy restaurants.
  • Avoid restaurants right on Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol and head for side streets such as those in La Latina.

FAQ

How many days do you need for Madrid?

2 to 3 days are enough for the main sights. With 4 days there is time for another museum or a day trip to Toledo or Segovia.

Where is the best place to stay in Madrid?

For short trips, the centre around Sol, La Latina and Huertas is ideal, because you can reach almost everything on foot. Malasaña and Chueca offer more nightlife, Salamanca more peace and quiet.

Is Madrid expensive?

Compared with Germany, Austria or Switzerland, Madrid is usually cheaper for food and public transport. Accommodation in the centre and museum admissions add up the most.

How do I get from the airport to the city centre?

The fastest and cheapest way is by Metro or the express bus 203 to Atocha. A taxi costs a flat fare of about 30 euros and takes around 25 to 40 minutes.

Is Madrid safe for tourists?

Madrid is considered safe, but pickpocketing is common on the Metro, in squares and in the old town. Keep valuables close to your body. Tipping is not obligatory; a few coins or rounding up is usual.

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