Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is a city of art, culture, and history. It’s known for its nightlife, cuisine, and architecture, making it a top Europe destination. This Madrid travel guide provides all the information you need to explore the best attractions, find great places to eat and stay and make the most of your trip to this incredible city.
Madrid is a very large city, therefore I would recommend staying around 3 days to visit all the attractions, but even if you spend a whole week, you will barely scratch the surface of this historic and amazing city filled with culture.
The official language spoken in Madrid is Spanish. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases to help with communication.
The official currency of Madrid (and all of Spain) is the Euro (EUR). You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, and ATMs.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Madrid, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash as well. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and most accept international cards.
Madrid has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild.
Madrid has a great public transportation system, which includes buses, metro, and trains. You can also get around by bike, car, or taxi. Biking is becoming increasingly popular, with many bike rental companies offering daily or hourly rentals. Taxis are widely available and are usually reasonably priced. Car rental is also an option, but it’s important to note that driving in the city center can be challenging and parking can be difficult to find.
Located in the city center, this hotel offers simple yet comfortable rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. It’s just a short walk from Gran Via and many other popular attractions. Check out Hotel Mayerling.
Location: Calle de las Infantas, 29, 28004 Madrid, Spain.
Accommodation: Hotel
Price range: €107 +
This trendy hostel offers dormitory-style accommodations with modern amenities such as a rooftop terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi. It’s located in the heart of Madrid’s hip Chueca neighborhood, known for its lively nightlife and trendy restaurants. Check out Room007 Chueca Hostel.
Location: Calle Hortaleza, 74, 28004 Madrid, Spain.
Accommodation: Hotel
Price range: €26 +
This traditional hotel offers cozy rooms with a classic Spanish design, as well as modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. It’s located just a few steps from the famous Puerta del Sol square and close to many other attractions. Check out Hotel Moderno Puerta del Sol.
Location: Arenal, 2, 28013 Madrid, Spain.
Accommodation: Hotel
Price range: €169 +
This budget-friendly hostel offers comfortable accommodations with a great location near the Gran Via and Puerta del Sol. It features a 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi. Check out this high end Hostal Oporto.
Location: Calle de la Victoria, 1, 28012 Madrid, Spain.
Accommodation: Hotel
Price range: €258 +
This stylish hotel offers modern rooms with a vintage-inspired design and free Wi-Fi. It’s located in the heart of Madrid, just steps away from Gran Via and other popular attractions. Check out Hotel Madrid Gran Vía 25.
Location: Gran Vía, 25, 28013 Madrid, Spain.
Accommodation: Hotel
Price range: €145 +
This apartment-style hotel offers spacious accommodations with kitchenettes, making it a great option for travelers looking to save money on meals. It’s located in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood, known for its hip cafes, bars, and boutiques. Check out Aparthotel Tribunal.
Location: Calle San Vicente Ferrer, 1, 28004 Madrid, Spain.
Accommodation: Hotel
Price range: €145 +
This is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike for a traditional Spanish breakfast of churros and hot chocolate. The prices are very reasonable, with a serving of six churros and a cup of hot chocolate costing around 4 euros.
Location: Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, 28013 Madrid.
Price range: €
This Australian-style cafe is known for its delicious coffee and brunch items. The menu features a variety of dishes from around the world, such as avocado toast, eggs benedict, and pancakes. Prices are a bit higher, with most dishes costing around 10-12 euros.
Location: Plaza del Conde de Barajas, 3, 28005 Madrid.
Price range: €€
This is a great option for those who want to try a variety of Spanish dishes in a casual setting. The market features over 30 stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to Iberian ham to paella. Prices vary depending on the stall, but you can easily get a filling meal for under 10 euros.
Location: Plaza de San Miguel, s/n, 28005 Madrid.
Price range: €
This charming restaurant serves up classic Spanish dishes with a modern twist. The menu changes frequently, but you can expect to find dishes like roasted octopus, grilled Iberian pork, and sauteed mushrooms. Prices range from 15-20 euros per dish.
Location: Calle de la Palma, 59, 28004 Madrid.
Price range: €
This historic bar is known for its excellent sherry selection and traditional Spanish tapas. The atmosphere is cozy and authentic, with old barrels and bottles lining the walls. Prices are very reasonable, with most tapas dishes costing around 3 euros.
Location: Calle de Echegaray, 7, 28014 Madrid.
Price range: €€
This restaurant serves up delicious Spanish cuisine with a creative twist. The menu features dishes like roasted lamb with pumpkin puree, Iberian pork cheeks with parsnip puree, and chocolate truffles with olive oil and sea salt. Prices range from 20-25 euros per dish.
Location: Calle de la Libertad, 16, 28004 Madrid.
Price range: €€
The Prado Museum is one of the world’s most famous art museums, housing an impressive collection of European art from the 12th to the 20th centuries. Tickets cost €15 for general admission.
Retiro Park is a sprawling park in the heart of Madrid, offering plenty of green space, fountains, and sculptures to explore. Admission is free. Address: Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid, Spain.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can take guided tours of the palace’s opulent interior for €13.
Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid’s most famous landmarks, featuring a large clock tower and a bustling public square. It’s also home to the city’s “kilometer zero” marker. Admission is free. Address: Puerta del Sol, 28013 Madrid, Spain.
The Plaza Mayor is a bustling public square in the center of Madrid, surrounded by historic buildings and popular restaurants and cafes. Admission is free. Address: Plaza Mayor, 28012 Madrid, Spain.
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is the home of Real Madrid, one of the world’s most successful football clubs. Visitors can take guided tours of the stadium, including access to the team’s trophy room and locker rooms, for €25.
Gran Vía is Madrid’s main shopping street, lined with high-end fashion stores, theaters, and restaurants. Visitors can stroll down the street and take in the city’s lively atmosphere for free. Address: Gran Vía, 28013 Madrid, Spain.
San Miguel Market is a vibrant food market located in a historic iron structure. It offers a wide variety of traditional Spanish dishes and drinks, making it a great place to sample the city’s cuisine. Address: Plaza de San Miguel, s/n, 28005 Madrid, Spain.
These attractions offer a mix of art, history, nature, and cuisine, providing something for every type of traveler. Their central locations and varying admission prices make them accessible to visitors of all budgets.
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