Madrid travel guide

The local currency in Madrid, Spain is the Euro (€). You can exchange your currency for Euros at banks, post offices, and exchange bureaus. It's recommended to have some cash on hand, as smaller establishments may not accept card payments. However, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most places, including hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express is less so. ATMs are abundant and offer a convenient way to withdraw cash. Keep in mind that some foreign banks may charge fees for international transactions. When budgeting for your trip, remember that Madrid is a relatively affordable European capital, though prices can be higher in tourist-heavy areas. A daily budget of €50-€100 is a good estimate for budget travelers, though this can vary depending on your planned activities.

In Madrid, the official language is Spanish, and while English is understood in many areas, it's advisable to learn a few basic Spanish phrases. Greetings such as 'Hola' (Hello), 'Gracias' (Thank you), 'Por favor' (Please), and 'Lo siento' (Sorry) can go a long way.

For navigation, phrases like '¿Dónde está...?' (Where is...?) can come in handy. Also, the Spanish in Spain is different from Latin American Spanish, especially in pronunciation and vocabulary. So, a quick refresh on Castilian Spanish (Spain Spanish) can be beneficial.

Consider using language apps for on-the-go translations. Remember, Spaniards appreciate when foreigners make an effort to speak their language, so don't be shy to practice your Spanish, no matter how basic it is.

Madrid, Spain's capital, features a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. Summer, between June and August, sees average highs of 30-35°C, while nighttime temperatures drop to a more comfortable 15-20°C. The city can occasionally experience heatwaves during this period with temperatures soaring above 40°C. On the other hand, winter, from December to February, is quite mild with daytime temperatures hovering around 10-15°C. Nights can get chilly with temperatures often dropping to around 3-6°C. Snow is infrequent but possible.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant seasons to visit Madrid, with moderate temperatures and less rainfall. Madrid gets relatively low rainfall throughout the year, but the wettest months are April, May, and November. The city has a high altitude, meaning that the sun can feel stronger than the actual temperature might suggest. Therefore, it's wise for travelers to stay hydrated and use sun protection, regardless of the season.

Home to plenty of top attractions, Madrid is more than just a wonderful city in Spain. Madrid is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Spain.

One fascinating sight in Madrid is the unforgettable El Retiro Park. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Madrid. This remarkable attraction is located at 28009 Madrid, Spain and is open for visitors Monday - Sunday, between 06:00-22:00.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Spain, check out our list of top attractions in Madrid below. Discover the best places to visit in Madrid, including the fascinating El Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, San Miguel Market, and Museo Nacional del Prado.

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Madrid.

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of Madrid.

Madrid offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Historical Tours, Walking Tours, and Bus Tours are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in Spain.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Madrid by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Travelers in Madrid can choose from 21 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. If you're curious about what the most frequently recommended experiences in the city are, Cultural Tours is the answer.

The most popular tour in Madrid is the fantastic Private Guided Bike Tour in Madrid . By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Madrid one of the best travel destinations in Spain.

Madrid also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Guided tour of the Madrid of spies is the cheapest tour in the city, and is a popular Historical Tour. This experience costs around 3 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Madrid. This Historical Tour is available in 2 languages: English, and Spanish. Around 25 travelers have given this activity an average rating of 5 stars out of 5.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Madrid and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Madrid below.

Discover the best things to do in Madrid. Choose from 948 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Madrid. Click the green button to view your options.

When exploring Madrid's vibrant culinary scene, you'll be spoiled for choice with the array of traditional dishes and innovative cuisine. The best places to eat in Madrid range from bustling food markets to Michelin-starred establishments. Start your gastronomic journey in Mercado San Miguel, a food market offering a variety of Spanish tapas, local wines, and fresh produce. In the Barrio de Salamanca district, high-end restaurants such as DiverXO, the only restaurant in Madrid with three Michelin stars, serve avant-garde dishes while maintaining a deep respect for Spanish culinary traditions. For a taste of Madrid's traditional cuisine, be sure to try Cocido Madrileño, a hearty stew made from meat, chickpeas, and vegetables, or Callos a la Madrileña, a spicy tripe dish. Churros con Chocolate, a popular sweet treat, is a must-try, ideally at the famous Chocolatería San Ginés. Dining in Madrid is more than just a meal, it's an immersive experience, so take your time to savor the unique flavors and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Madrid, the stylish capital of Spain, boasts an incredible shopping scene, filled with boutiques, markets, and shopping malls. The Golden Mile, the best place to go shopping in Madrid, is a luxurious neighborhood housing designer boutiques like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. For a more local experience, visit El Rastro, Madrid's largest open-air flea market, held every Sunday. Here, you'll find everything from vintage clothes to handcrafted jewelry. If you're in search of the city's distinct fashion, head to Fuencarral Street, known for its trendy and alternative boutiques.

Madrid's shopping malls, such as ABC Serrano and Moda Shopping, offer a wide range of international and Spanish brands. For traditional Spanish craftsmanship, visit the Royal Tapestry Factory, where you can buy beautifully woven goods. Madrid is also famous for its fan shops, the best of which can be found on Calle de la Paz. Be sure to pick up a traditional Spanish fan as a must-buy souvenir. To enhance your shopping experience, most shops in Madrid are open from 10 am to 8 pm, with a siesta time between 2 pm and 5 pm. Happy shopping in Madrid!

Uncover the magic of Spain's capital without breaking the bank with the best free things to do in Madrid. Begin your exploration in the heart of the city at Puerta del Sol, a bustling square filled with iconic landmarks. Next, wander through the Retiro Park, a 350-acre oasis of lush gardens, striking monuments, and serene lake. Don't miss the Crystal Palace, a breath-taking glass and metal structure that hosts free art exhibitions. On Sundays, join the locals for El Rastro, the largest open-air flea market in Madrid teeming with curiosities and vintage treasures. Immerse yourself in Madrid's rich history with a visit to the Basilica de San Francisco El Grande, a stunning church boasting one of the largest domes in Christendom. Explore the world-class Prado Museum, which offers free entry in the evenings. The museum houses a vast collection of European art from the 12th to the 20th century. Lastly, enjoy Madrid's vibrant street life in the La Latina neighborhood, famous for its lively bars, rustic eateries, and colorful graffiti. Indeed, Madrid offers a rich tapestry of experiences that are not only memorable but also completely free.

The most popular way to experience Madrid is by visiting the city as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in Spain. However, it is also common for travelers to go to Madrid on both shorter and longer getaways, to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in Spain, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across Spain, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Madrid, there is a vacation package for you.

Discover the most popular vacation packages in Madrid below.

Travelers have a great selection of vacation packages to choose from in Spain.

Get more Madrid vacation ideas on this site and discover the greatest selection of vacation packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Spain that match your needs and budget.

Discover and compare vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Madrid.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Madrid get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Spain. Your customized holiday package to Madrid is only a few clicks away!

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Madrid, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Spain. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Madrid, Spain, in May.

The cheapest one-way flight to Madrid costs around 18 EUR and is offered by the airline Ryanair. The flight leaves on May 31 at 2 and departs from Rabat–Salé airport in Rabat, Morocco.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Madrid cost approximately 27 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on December 30 and the return flight is scheduled on December 30. The flight time is around 2 hours per way.

The return flight is operated by Barcelona–El Prat.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Spain and the city of Madrid from your city of departure.

Travelers visiting Madrid in Spain can fly to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas airport directly from 2060 destinations worldwide.

The three most popular routes to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas airport and the city of Madrid in Spain depart from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas airport in Madrid, Spain, Albany airport in Albany, Australia, and Santa Rosa airport in Santa Rosa, Argentina.

Travelers can fly to Spain by choosing from from 1 weekly flight(s) from Madrid; from 1 weekly flight(s) from Albany; and from 1 weekly flight(s) from Santa Rosa.

The airline that operates most flights to Spain is Cambodia Angkor Air. Cambodia Angkor Air offers 2 scheduled flight routes to Spain.

Discover the most popular flights to Madrid below. Click to view flights to Madrid, Spain from destinations all across the globe.

A trip to the fascinating Madrid, Spain, means opportunities to relax at any of the 6 different types of places to stay in the city. Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 2344 vacation rental apartments, 1731 hotels, 28 hostels, 17 cottages, 6 guesthouses and 2 bed & breakfasts. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Madrid provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all these choices available in the city, ILUNION Alcala Norte is one of the top picks of travelers in Madrid.

The hotel is located at Calle San Romualdo 30 (near Arturo Soria; Lineal; IFEMA and Madrid-Barajas Airport) and boasts many great utilities, including 24-hour front desk, Air conditioning, and Bar.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Madrid. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Madrid, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Hostal La Estrella. For approximately 14 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Unknown at this popular hotel.

Below is a list of all 6 different types of places to stay in Madrid. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Madrid for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the city is home to around 4,128 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Madrid provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Madrid are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Madrid.

Pestana CR7 Gran Vía offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in Madrid. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out ILUNION Alcala Norte, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Madrid, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Rincon de Gran Via, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Madrid. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Madrid on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Madrid that match the information provided.

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Madrid to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Madrid can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore Spain at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Madrid is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Madrid is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Madrid.

Check out all options available in Madrid and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in Spain below.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Madrid. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Madrid, Spain, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Spain. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Travelers in Spain can catch flights to domestic airports in Valencia, Seville, Santiago de Compostela, Tenerife, and Palma de Mallorca. Domestic flights in Spain are operated by 6 airlines: Iberia Airlines, Vueling, Air Europa, Ryanair, and Iberia Express. There are around 38 scheduled flight routes operating to Madrid on a weekly basis.

From Madrid, travelers can book scheduled flights to 26 domestic destinations. The most popular flights from Madrid depart to many top-rated destinations in Spain and are offered by Iberia Airlines, Vueling, and Air Europa.

Traveling to another city or region in Spain? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Madrid to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Spain on the selected dates.