Our Best Madrid Tips – How To Plan The Perfect Trip

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Last updated on October 11th, 2024 at 09:36 am

A trip to Madrid can never be a bad idea and this list of the best Madrid tips is a valuable tool to help you plan your escape to the Spanish capital.

From where to stay and eat to how to get around, what to pack and how long to stay in Madrid, this guide is complete with all the Madrid tips you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Spain’s capital.

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Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Trip To Madrid

Where Is Madrid?

The capital city of Spain, Madrid is situated in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. Madrid is built along the Manzanares River, 60 kilometres south of the Guadarrama mountain range. An interesting fact about Madrid is that it sits at an average elevation of 650 metres, which makes it the second-highest capital in Europe.

Why Visit Madrid?

A capital city like no other, Madrid is a diverse, open-minded and extremely lovable city.

From wandering around its many neighbourhoods to visiting the world-renowned Golden Triangle of Art, namely the Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Reina Sofia Museum, to admiring its beautiful architecture and impressive landmarks, such as the Royal Palace of Madrid and Templo de Debod, to tasting mouthwatering Spanish tapas, Madrid promises a European getaway to remember.

Best Time To Visit Madrid

It may sound cliché, but Madrid is a year-round destination. Although spring and autumn are always the best times to travel, Madrid is actually one of the top destinations to visit in Spain in the off-season thanks to its mild winters.

Visiting Madrid during the colder season isn’t a bad idea. Especially if you’re looking to avoid the soaring temperatures, prices and crowds the summer inevitably brings.

Just make a note not to visit Madrid at the beginning of December. Two public holidays, one on the 6th of December and the other on the 8th of December, attract unbearable crowds of – mostly Spanish – people.

For more Madrid tips that can come in handy during the colder season, watch our YouTube video about what to do in Madrid in winter:

Where To Stay in Madrid

Similar to several other European cities, Madrid is negatively affected by the Airbnb effect. This is why we recommend staying at one of the city’s fantastic hotels instead of booking a short-term rental.

The best area to stay in any city, especially if it’s your first time there, is usually the city centre. Madrid is no exception. Most tourist attractions are within walking distance from Plaza Mayor or Puerta del Sol, both great options for your accommodation.

As an alternative, anywhere around Gran Via is also a great idea. Gran Via is the main shopping district and you can find several fancy and vibrant bars and restaurants in the neighbouring Chueca and Malasaña districts.

Here are our top choices for your accommodation in Madrid:

• Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid for a luxurious stay and the unique chance to sleep within the walls of one of the gorgeous buildings surrounding Plaza Mayor.
• B&B Hotel Madrid Centro Puerta del Sol for a central stay at an excellent location, a few steps from Puerta del Sol.
• 7 Islas Hotel for a memorable stay in the heart of Chueca and Malasaña, a stone’s throw from Gran Via and the metro station.

How Many Days in Madrid

We’ve been to Madrid twice, spending one week there each time. We can safely say that, with so many attractions, the vibrant capital of Spain deserves more than just a weekend trip. If you plan to explore Madrid’s tourist attractions and food scene but also want to venture out of the city on day trips, you need to spend at least 5 days in Madrid.

Some of the best places to visit on a day trip from Madrid are Toledo, Segovia, Avila and El Escorial. The best way to visit a couple of those in one go is to join a guided day trip with a private transfer.

How To Get To Madrid

By Air

Madrid’s international airport is Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport. It’s located only 12 kilometres from the city centre. Madrid is well connected by direct flights to many European and American cities. Read our guide on how to book a flight for beginners to find the best deals.

You can reach Madrid’s city centre from Barajas Airport with the 203 airport shuttle bus. The ride takes about 40 minutes. This bus is convenient if your accommodation is near the Atocha Train Station or the Cibeles Fountain. Otherwise, it’s best to book a private transfer with a local English-speaking driver that will take you from Madrid Airport directly to your hotel.

By Train

Spain’s railway network is one of the best in Europe. Besides Renfe, the national railway company, there are also private companies featuring highspeed and regional trains that connect Madrid to almost every part of Spain. Taking the train is a great option if you plan to add a few days in Barcelona or visit Seville alongside Madrid. Choosing to travel by train instead of flying is also one of the best ways to travel sustainably.

The central train station in Madrid is the Atocha Train Station, a 30-minute walk from Plaza Mayor. Check out train routes and timetables from and to Madrid here.

By Bus

Unlike trains, buses are much slower but still convenient for short-distance trips. Mendez Alvaro Bus Station is a 20-minute drive from Plaza Mayor. Check out bus routes and timetables from and to Madrid here.

How To Get Around Madrid

Madrid’s centre is generally flat and easy to walk. If the weather allows and your accommodation is central, you can reach almost every attraction on foot. That said, while exploring the neighbourhoods around the city centre, such as La Latina and Lavapies, you may have a hard time climbing up the steep narrow streets.

Madrid has a reliable metro system. The bus network is also very efficient with night buses running across Madrid. Both the Madrid metro and buses are accessible to travellers with disabilities. If you plan to use public transportation during your trip to Madrid, consider purchasing the Tourist Travel Pass. You can get the Tourist Travel Pass at any Metro station.

A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour is always a good option if you want to see the city’s main sites in a comfortable and fun way. An alternative and eco-friendly way to get around Madrid is to use electric bicycles. There are docking stations located at many central locations.

Madrid Tips For Food & Dining Etiquette

Madrid’s Tapas Bars

Similar to any other Mediterranean country, Spain’s culture is intertwined with good food and tapas bars are the best spots to get a taste of traditional cuisine while mingling with locals. In Madrid, you can taste delicious tapas from all over the country.

Madrid’s Menu del Dia

Madrid’s restaurants are the ideal places to try the quintessentially Spanish Menu del Dia. The latter is a set lunch menu that includes a first course, second course, drinks and coffee or dessert. This set menu is ideal for a lunch break in between your sightseeing sessions and a great way to sample traditional local dishes. Also, at most restaurants, you can order half portions, which is often more than enough food.

Lunch & Dinner Times in Madrid

One of the most useful things to know about Madrid is that lunch and dinner times are different than in other European capitals. A typical lunch starts around 2 PM and dinner at 9 PM. If you plan to head outside the city centre, don’t forget siesta times. Many businesses close in the afternoon for lunch and a bit of relaxation.

Food Markets in Madrid

Visiting Madrid’s food markets is a great way to enjoy Spanish food. The most popular food market in Madrid is the gorgeous Mercado de San Miguel where you can find fancy and gourmet tapas. However, we recommend visiting some of the more low-key food markets that are mostly frequented by locals, such as Mercado Anton Martin or Mercado de San Anton.

What Is a Caña?

When it comes to drinks in Madrid, do it like the locals by ordering a caña. In Spain, a caña is a unit measuring beer and it’s the standard order at most bars. In Madrid, a caña equals 200 ml.

Best Tapas Bars & Restaurants For Veggie & Vegan Food in Madrid

If you are vegetarian or vegan, there are plenty of great options across the city. Our favourite places for vegetarian or vegan food in Madrid are:

• Viva Chapata in Lavapies for the best vegan versions of Bocadillo de Calamares (Madrid’s iconic squid sandwich) and Tortilla Española (Spanish omelette).
• La Oveja Negra Taberna Vegana in Lavapies. Check out their Menu del Dia. We tried – and absolutely loved – their vegan Cocido Madrileño, a typical dish of Madrid originally made with chicken, chorizo and pork.
• Calle de La Cava Baja is a lively street in the neighbourhood of La Latina with many tapas bars and restaurants. Most of them have veggie and vegan options.
• Meson del Champiñon just outside Plaza Mayor serves the most delicious mushrooms. Typically, mushrooms are served with ham, so make sure you order your mushrooms without it (sin jamón, por favor).
• Casa Julio in Malasaña is an excellent choice for fantastic croquettes in a traditional setting that even the famous band U2 loved.
• Chocolatería San Ginés is the perfect place to try Spain’s emblematic Churros con Chocolate at their crunchiest. This place is open 24/7 and is usually crowded but it’s not a tourist trap. It does serve the best Churros in Madrid.

Is Madrid Safe?

If you’re wondering about safety in Madrid, you should know that it’s a very safe destination for international travellers, including solo, female or LGBTQ+ travellers. However, always use your common sense, especially if you accidentally find yourselves in dark or sketchy places. Pickpocketing may occur in crowded places, the same as in many other big cities in Europe.

Money in Madrid

Like in most European countries, the local currency in Spain is the Euro (€). Most places in Madrid accept credit cards. However, it’s always a good idea to have some cash and small change.

If your currency isn’t the Euro, we recommend ordering a Wise Card to ensure the best exchange rates and make transactions in the local currency in a hassle-free way. This is one of our favourite Madrid tips.

Languages Spoken in Madrid

The language spoken in Madrid is Spanish or Castillian Spanish, which is the official language in Spain. That said, English is widely spoken in Madrid. Therefore, you won’t face any serious communication problems if you don’t speak Spanish.

However, it’s not bad to learn some basic Spanish before your trip to Madrid. Not only will that make your experience a lot more immersive, but also a few words can ease your way into the locals’ hearts.

Some phrases to remember are:

• ¡Hola! = Hi!
• ¿Qué tal? = How are you?
• ¡Gracias! = Thanks!
• ¡Una caña bien fría, por favor! = A very cold beer, please! (Our personal favourite.)
• Querría comida sin carne, por favor. = I would like food without meat, please. (Fellow veggies, we know that’s a life-saver to remember.)

What To Pack For Madrid

Sunny days are common in Madrid, so packing your sunglasses is essential. If you plan to visit Madrid in spring or autumn, pack some warm layers for the night and light clothes for the day when the sun is up. However, from November to March, you should expect low temperatures and rainy days. Therefore, pack a raincoat and a travel umbrella.

Of course, don’t forget to pack your plug adaptor if you’re travelling from the USA or the UK.

Shopping in Madrid

One of the top things to do in Madrid is shopping. Madrid is the best place to buy hand-crafted traditional Spanish espadrilles, called Alpargatas. You can find this popular Spanish footwear in different colours and styles at Casa Hernanz, a historic shoe shop a few steps from Plaza Mayor.

Gran Via is the main shopping area in Madrid. There, you can find popular clothing stores housed in the street’s historic buildings. For vintage clothes, ceramics, antiques and other accessories, head to El Rastro, the largest open-air market in Madrid. El Rastro flea market is one of Madrid’s major attractions and you can visit it on a Sunday or a public holiday.

Madrid is among our favourite cities in Europe and one we keep going back to. We hope that this thorough Madrid travel guide can save you some time when planning your own trips to Madrid. If you have any insider tips we should enrich this guide to the best Madrid tips with, let us know in the comments!

WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria