Metro Line 8
Runs from the Barajas terminals to Nuevos Ministerios with easy transfers to other lines. An airport supplement is added to the regular fare.
Madrid Travel Guide
Spain's capital is known for world-class art museums like the Prado, lively tapas culture and nights that run late. It suits art and food lovers and makes a great base for day trips to Toledo and Segovia.
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At a glance
- Currency
- EUR (€)
- Power & plugs
- 230V · Type C/F
- Driving side
- Right
- Tipping
- Optional (small, for good service)
- Local language
- Español
- How long to stay
- 3 to 4 nights
Emergency numbers
When to go
April to June and September to October are the most pleasant. July and August often reach 35-40°C, and some businesses close for August holidays. Winters are dry and chilly but often sunny.
Airport to the city
Airport Express Bus
Runs 24 hours to Cibeles and Atocha (Cibeles only at night). Pay the driver by card.
Cercanías C1 (from T4)
Commuter train from Terminal 4 to Atocha and Chamartín stations, handy for hotels near Atocha or onward rail connections.
Flat-rate Taxi
A fixed fare applies between the airport and anywhere inside the M-30 ring road.
Getting around
Metro
Extensive and clean, reaching almost every sight. Runs until about 1:30 am.
Tarjeta Multi Card
Buy the card at station machines and load single or 10-trip tickets; the 10-trip ticket works on both metro and city buses and saves money.
Tourist Travel Pass
Unlimited public transport for 1 to 7 days, worthwhile if you plan to ride a lot.
Walking
Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the Prado are all within about 20 minutes' walk of each other.
Buses & Taxis
Buses complement the metro well, and taxis are relatively affordable compared with other European capitals.
Where to stay
Sol / Plaza Mayor
Good for: First-timers, transport hub
The very center, walkable to everything with many metro lines. Busy and can be noisy at night.
Barrio de las Letras
Good for: Museums, tapas bars
Between the Prado and Sol, a great location packed with tapas bars.
La Latina
Good for: Tapas crawls, local vibe
Narrow streets full of bars, liveliest in the evenings and Sunday afternoons when El Rastro flea market runs.
Malasaña / Chueca
Good for: Cafes, shopping, nightlife
Young, trendy neighborhoods with cafes, vintage shops and bars. Loud on weekend nights.
Salamanca
Good for: Upscale shopping, quiet stays
An elegant residential district with designer boutiques, close to Retiro Park and calm.
Top sights
Prado Museum
Masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and El Greco. Entry is free for roughly the last two hours before closing, though lines can be long.
Reina Sofía Museum
Modern art museum home to Picasso's Guernica. Usually closed Tuesdays, with free entry during some evening hours.
Royal Palace of Madrid
One of Europe's largest palaces, with paid interior visits. Combine with Almudena Cathedral and the Sabatini Gardens.
Retiro Park
A free park where you can row on the lake and visit the glass Palacio de Cristal.
Plaza Mayor & Puerta del Sol
Madrid's central squares; cafes on the square are pricey, so try bars in side streets.
Mercado de San Miguel
An iron-and-glass market hall serving many tapas; aimed at tourists, so a bit pricier.
Temple of Debod
An ancient Egyptian temple relocated to a hilltop park, famous for sunsets. Free to view outside.
Gran Vía
A grand avenue of shops and theaters; rooftop terrace bars offer great views.
What to eat
Tapas
Hop between bars for gambas, patatas bravas and croquetas; about €4-12 (~$4-13) per plate.
Bocadillo de Calamares
Madrid's famous fried squid sandwich, sold around Plaza Mayor for about €4-6 (~$4-7).
Churros con Chocolate
Churros dipped in thick hot chocolate, popular for breakfast or late at night, about €4-6 (~$4-7).
Jamón Ibérico
Cured ham from acorn-fed Iberian pigs, about €15-25 (~$16-27) per plate at a bar.
Menú del Día & Cocido Madrileño
The weekday set lunch costs about €13-18 (~$14-20) and is great value. In winter, try cocido, a hearty chickpea stew.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout €60-80 (~$65-87) per day - hostels, tapas and menú del día, free museum hours
Mid-rangeabout €150-220 (~$165-240) per day - mid-range hotel, restaurant meals, one or two paid sights
Comfortabout €400+ (~$435+) per day - luxury hotel, fine dining, guided tours
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Puerta del Sol → Plaza Mayor → lunch at Mercado de San Miguel → Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral → sunset at Temple of Debod → tapas in La Latina.
- Day 2
Prado Museum in the morning → Retiro Park and a boat ride → Reina Sofía in the afternoon → dinner in Barrio de las Letras.
- Day 3
Day trip by train to Toledo or Segovia → back for evening views from a Gran Vía rooftop bar.
- Day 4
El Rastro flea market if it is Sunday → shopping in Salamanca or cafe-hopping in Malasaña → finish with churros.
Local tips
- With the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) in place, non-EU travelers may have fingerprints and a photo taken at the border. Check the official EU website before travel for the current status of ETIAS.
- Spaniards eat late: lunch around 2 pm and dinner after 9 pm. Some restaurants won't be open if you arrive early.
- Tipping is not required; leave small change or about 5-10% for good service.
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and contactless payment is common.
- Watch for pickpockets around Sol, on the metro and at El Rastro, and don't leave your phone on terrace tables.
- Non-EU residents can get tax-free forms in stores and claim a VAT refund when leaving; bring your passport.
- Summer afternoons are scorching, so plan outdoor sights for mornings and evenings and museums for midday.
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Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.