Madrid Travel Guide: Your Complete Handbook to the Spanish Capital
Introduction to my Madrid travel guide
Are you planning to visit Madrid? Do you want to know the best things to do and see in the capital of Spain?
- Congrats! You are in the right place. My Madrid travel guide has everything you need to know!
My goal is to assist you in planning your next trip to Madrid wisely and ensure you get the most out of your vacation in Spain.
But first, let me introduce myself. My name is Sara and I will be your personal travel guide on your visit to one of the most historic, monumental and cosmopolitan cities in the world. But why is this the best Madrid travel guide?
- It’s written by a local. I was born and lived all my life in Madrid and I am sharing with you all my expertise.
- I’m a professional travel blogger and I have visited more than 45 countries. I know first-hand how important is to properly plan a trip.
- I’m continuously updating this Madrid travel guide to ensure you get all the actual information and benefit from the best offers and discounts.
This Madrid travel guide by Madrid Traveling is quite extensive. Be sure to bookmark this page and return whenever you need to find out the best things to do in Madrid. Plus, each section links to specific posts with detailed information.
Is Madrid safe?
Yes. Madrid is a safe destination. Like other well-developed European cities, the living standards and personal safety are very high in Madrid.
Pickpocketing is the most common form of street crime in Madrid, especially around popular tourist attractions. Scams are also a risk around tourist spots.
The Madrid Pride festivities, famous worldwide, are a good example of the existing freedom, tolerance, and respect. The biggest day is the Madrid Pride Parade, which brings more than a million and a half people each year to the streets of the capital to continue demonstrating for LGBTQ+ rights.
Spain is considered one of the safest countries for solo travelers, even at night. However, just like any other city in the world, crime rates rise after midnight so you need to be especially careful, especially in these 10 neighborhoods tourists should avoid.
Best time to visit Madrid
There are lots of reasons to visit Madrid, but one of the best is the good weather!
I could simply say that the best time to go to Madrid is anytime. Every season is different and unique and I’m sure that you will fall in love with the city no matter when you go.
In my personal opinion, the best time to visit Madrid is from March until the end of June or mid-July, September, and October. During these months, you’ll encounter fewer crowds, moderate temperatures perfect for sightseeing, and long days to make the most of your vacation.
However, as every person is different, keep reading my Madrid Travel Guide and consider the following factors before deciding when to travel to the Spanish capital:
How is the weather in Madrid?
- Weather. The weather in Madrid is quite predictable with quite extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
- Summer in Madrid is warm and dry, especially from mid-July until mid-August where the temperatures could reach 35-40 ºC (95-104 ºF).
You can take advantage of the long days by planning your outdoor activities for the early morning and late evening when the temperatures are cooler. Reserve indoor activities for midday, when the sun is at its hottest. You can also enjoy the famous Spanish “siesta” and take a nap after lunch.
- Deep winter in Madrid downtown is cold but not extreme. Rainy days are not usual and the city center rarely receives snow.
As thermometers don’t usually go down from 0 ºC (32 ºF), you should be fine with just a coat. It’s only during January that travelers may get a glimpse of -4 ºC (25 ºF) nights.
Besides, most days are sunny and the thermal sensation goes up with the daylight, this will help you to enjoy all the outdoor things to do in Madrid.
Keep in mind that the highest and lowest temperatures may not feel as extreme due to the low humidity levels.
- Madrid at Christmas time is especially beautiful, you can breathe the magic. It’s a time for family and traditions. I love wandering through the streets of Madrid with the Christmas lights shining and the smell of the roasted chestnuts.
- Spring and autumn are very pleasant seasons, they don’t last long though. Summer usually overlaps spring, and winter does the same with the autumn. They are my favorite months though.
Once the winter cold is finally gone, the Spring in Madrid bursts with new life in its parks, streets, and terraces.
In Autumn, visitors will be rewarded with really nice weather, moderate temperatures and with the colorful trees and flowers in Madrid beautiful parks and gardens.
As a general rule, no matter the season, rain boots and umbrella should not be a priority in your luggage.
Is Madrid an expensive city?
- Price. Most people cannot choose the best time to visit Madrid.
They often have to consider work schedules, school calendars, and other daily responsibilities, which dictate when they can travel.
As a result, most people can travel just during the summer or winter holidays. And you will notice a significant increase in the prices of flights and accommodation during these peak seasons in Spain. Madrid also tends to be quite crowded during Holy Week.
Therefore, I would recommend you to fly off-season to Madrid if you want to save some money. You can also follow these tips to find cheap flights to Madrid:
- Anticipate, but not too much.
- Be flexible with dates.
- Follow up on the evolution of the price and establish alerts.
- Use the “Incognito” mode.
- Avoid weekends.
- Don´t discard connecting flights.
When is the peak season?
- Crowds. The number of tourists visiting Madrid remains fairly consistent throughout the year, with a slight dip typically occurring from November to February, except during the Christmas holidays. However, the crowds are never overly intense.
You need to know that most of the residents in Madrid (“madrileños”) take off most of July and August and leave the city. Therefore, you could find some stores closed and some of the top-rated attractions will have reduced the opening hours.
To avoid long lines at attractions, consider visiting outside of the peak summer holiday season, if possible.
How many days to spend in Madrid
Are you wondering which is the minimum number of days to stay in Madrid?
As you’ll find in my comprehensive Madrid travel guide, there’s no shortage of landmarks, tours, and activities to explore during your visit. Additionally, beyond the capital, you’ll discover unique destinations for day trips from Madrid that are unlike anywhere else in the world.
In the itineraries section, you will find a variety of routes tailored to every visitor, showcasing the best things to do in Madrid, regardless of the duration of your stay. Summarizing, I will highlight 3 options:
Duration of your trip to Madrid
- Express: In my opinion, 2 days is the minimum stay to see the essential landmarks in Madrid, enjoy the most important parks and have an overview of the main neighborhoods. Planning in advance what to do in Madrid will help you to optimize your stay.
However, if you are just spending one day in the capital check out the step-by-step itinerary of my Madrid Travel Guide to make the most of your day. At night you will have some time to taste the typical food and attend to a popular show.
If you spend only 2 days in Madrid, you will probably have no much free time for wandering around or other leisure activities like shopping. You need to go straight to the point without wasting any time. Entering museums must not be a priority as they are quite time-consuming.
- Standard: 3-4 days is my usual answer every time someone asks me.
You will not depend so much on public transport and you can often enjoy a stroll to the points of interest within walking distance. I love wandering around the cities I visit, it makes the experience much more rewarding.
You will have time to visit the most important museums in Madrid, trying to avoid peak hours. You will also have more time to enjoy the Spanish typical foods and attend some shows. Maybe some free time for shopping.
- Advanced: 5 days or more are great if you want to live the full experience.
You’ll have the opportunity not only to see but also to understand and immerse yourself in the history of all the landmarks in one of the most historic cities in the world.
Take a break and unwind on a terrace, spend an afternoon shopping on some of Europe’s most exclusive streets, or embark on a one-day trip to unique cities like Alcalá de Henares, Toledo, Segovia, or Avila.
Cheap flights to Madrid
Once you’ve decided when to visit Madrid and for how long, you’re ready to start searching for flights.
The prices of plane tickets to Madrid can vary greatly. By keeping a close eye on prices and following my tips, you’ll be able to secure the best deals and save a significant amount of money. Keep in mind that if you’re traveling with family, the savings can multiply by 3 or 4.
If you’re traveling from a distant location, direct flights are undoubtedly the most comfortable option. However, don’t overlook connecting flights, as a single stop can often result in significant savings.
One of the goals of my Madrid Travel Guide is to help you save money on your trip. In my guide to finding the cheapest flights to Madrid, I explore additional aspects such as anticipation, flexibility, using “incognito” mode, and setting up Skyscanner alerts. These strategies will help you find the best bargains for your trip.
Accommodation
The range of accommodations in Madrid is extensive, diverse, and caters to all budgets. You’ll find numerous options including hotels of various categories, apartments, and more.
Another advantage is the efficient public transport in the city. It allows you to easily move in the city center no matter the neighborhood where you stay. Public transport will be your ally to visit the best things to see in Madrid.
So, don’t worry if you cannot find a hotel close to the Royal Palace, Sol, La Latina or Chueca. Hotels in contiguous areas like Retiro, Salamanca, Chamberi, Moncloa, and all along Castellana street are very well located and communicated too.
Apartments may be an excellent choice too. They are as clean as hotels, and they usually are cheaper, more spacious, and have a kitchen, which gives you more flexibility for meals.
The best hostels in Madrid offer budget-friendly accommodation, fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities for social interaction among travelers.
Travel insurance, don´t worry about unexpected events
Expect the unexpected – it’s a valuable lesson I’ve learned through my travels.
While Madrid is a safe city, unexpected events like cancellations, illnesses, or pickpocketing incidents can easily disrupt your vacation plans and result in significant financial loss.
That’s why I always prioritize safety. It’s especially important when considering the well-being of my family and the affordable rates of family travel insurance available today.
I’m always grateful to return home safely without needing to use the travel protection plan, as it indicates that everything went smoothly. To me, the cost of travel insurance isn’t an expense, but rather an investment in my peace of mind.
Documentation for your trip to Madrid – Visa and Passport
Will you need a Visa for your vacations in Madrid? Is it required a six-month buffer on the passport’s expiration date?
My user-friendly Madrid travel guide helps you identify the entry requirements to Spain from your home country. The documentation required in Spain for tourist purposes varies according to the country of origin:
- Citizens from any State of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein only need a valid national identity document or passport. Be aware that a driving license does not count as a valid ID.
- Citizens from the United Kingdom and Ireland will require a passport since their countries are not members of the Schengen Area.
- Citizens from countries like US, Canada or Australia traveling to Spain for less than 3 months do not need a VISA, just a valid passport for at least three months (six months recommended) beyond their stay.
- Tourists from other countries could need a short-stay or Schengen visa. This document allows you to stay or travel around Schengen countries for no longer than three months (90 days) within a six-month (180-day) period from the date when you first enter the Schengen Area.
Visitors, on some occasions, could be requested to justify they have sufficient funds for the stay and a return airline ticket.
For all nationalities, and visitors with other purposes different to tourism, I recommend to check the latest regulations in the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation’s website or contact the Spanish Embassy or Consulate to check all the requirements before starting your journey.
Besides, there could be additional requirements or certificates associated to the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, don´t forget to check the most updated entry requirements for the country you are traveling from.
From Madrid Airport to the city center
Do you want to know which is the fastest and cheapest way to go from Madrid Barajas Airport to downtown?
Public transport in Madrid is excellent in quality and price. Once you get to the airport my recommendation is to use public transport to go to downtown, where you will have probably booked your accommodation.
Regarding all the information below, please consider that children under 4 years old travel for free on metro and bus, and under 6 years old on Cercanias trains.
- Metro
The total cost of traveling from Madrid airport to the city center via Metro Madrid is under €5, which I find quite affordable compared to other cities I’ve visited worldwide.
Metro line number eight serves the airport with two stops: Terminals 1, 2, 3, and Terminal 4.
Don’t worry about Metro Madrid’s operating hours – the line runs from 6:05 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Just note that the metro station named “Barajas” is in the town, not at the airport.
You may need to transfer to a different line to reach the subway line closest to your accommodation. Navigating Metro Madrid is incredibly straightforward, and you’ll find subway maps in all stations and trains.
Keep in mind that you’ll need a “Multi” Public Transport Card loaded with a valid ticket to use Metro Madrid.
- Taxi
I understand the appeal of taking a taxi straight to your accommodation after a long flight, especially when you’re lugging heavy luggage.
If this sounds like your situation, you’ll be pleased to know that taxi fares from the airport to Madrid’s old town are quite affordable.
The flat rate for a taxi ride from Madrid-Barajas airport to the downtown area (within the M-30 interior) is €33 one way, with no additional supplements. Credit card payments are accepted.
Taxis are typically the fastest option for reaching the city center, although travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions.
- Bus
The Airport Express Bus runs 24 hours 365 days a year and the rate is € 5. You can pay the driver directly with cash or credit card.
The buses run every 15-20 minutes during the daytime and every 35 minutes at night (23:30-6:00), and the complete journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
- Train
There is a train connection between the Madrid airport and the city center through the Cercanías C1 and C10 lines.
The service is quite fast too. For instance, it takes 15 minutes to get to Chamartin, 22 minutes to Nuevos Ministerios or 29 minutes to Atocha.
The frequency is every 15-20 minutes and the single-ticket fare is € 2.60.
Madrid tourist cards
In my Madrid travel guide, I want to show you the main tourist cards and whether they are worth it.
The Madrid Tourist Travel pass and the Paseo del Arte pass will allow you to save money on your visit to Madrid. Recently, the city council has also launched the Madrid City Card.
- Madrid Tourist Ticket, also referred to as Tourist Travel pass and Madrid city pass, allows visitors to use all types of public transport (metro, urban buses, and Cercanias trains) in Madrid.
You are allowed to take unlimited trips within your chosen timeframe: 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 calendar days.
Most tourists should be fine with just Zone A, and the prices are € 8.4 for 1 day, € 14.2 for 2 days, € 18.4 for three days, € 22.6 for four days, € 26.8 for five days, and € 35.4 for seven days.
Children under 11 years old have a 50% discount when purchasing the Madrid city pass.
Visitors can purchase the tourist travel pass in any metro station. The Tourist Travel Passes are pre-loaded onto the Multi Card and once the Pass expires, you will be able to top up the Card with pay-per-ride tickets.
- The Paseo del Arte Pass grants one visit to each of the following three museums: Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza. These museums should be a must on your list of what to do in Madrid.
The price is € 30.4, which implies a 20% discount on the total cost of all three tickets if they were bought separately.
Another advantage is direct access to the top-rated museums in Madrid without the need to wait in line.
You can purchase the card online or in the ticket offices of the museums. The pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Best things to do in Madrid - Essential landmarks
Do you know what to see In Madrid? Which are the most famous landmarks in Madrid?
There are so many things to see in Madrid that planning daily activities for your vacation can be overwhelming for some tourists. With my help, you will get the perfect schedule to visit the most popular landmarks in Madrid.
I highly recommend checking out my comprehensive guide on what to do in Madrid. I include below just a brief summary of the landmarks I have featured:
- Museums: Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Real Madrid.
- Constructions: Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Royal Theater, 4 Towers, Bank of Spain.
- Monuments: Cibeles, Puerta de Alcala, Debod Temple, Faro de Moncloa.
- Squares: Plaza Mayor, Colon, Oriente, Castilla, 2 de Mayo, Plaza de España, Puerta del Sol.
- Parks & gardens: El Retiro, Campo del Moro, Sabatini, Casa de Campo, Parque del Oeste, Madrid Río.
From iconic landmarks to local hotspots, my Madrid travel guide unveils the best of the city. All of the previous ones are a must-see in Madrid but they’re not the only ones. The tourist map by Madrid Traveling is essential for efficient planning and making the most of your trip to Madrid.
Madrid is a city of art, culture, and history, but not many locals and visitors know that it is also a hub of street art too.
Eat and drink
I love Spanish food. It is one of the things I usually miss when traveling abroad. However, I’ve noticed that many Spanish restaurants outside of Spain don’t quite capture the true essence of Spanish cuisine.
One of the highlights of my Madrid travel guide is the gastronomic offer and the wide variety of excellent restaurants in the city.
The eating and drinking culture in Spain is one of the greatest attractions in the country. Some Spanish chefs are currently at the forefront of contemporary cooking worldwide.
In addition, wine-producing regions like La Rioja and Ribera del Duero have gained international recognition. If you eat out, you have to try some of Spain’s great wines. Wine is probably the most popular Spanish drink.
- Enjoying the Spanish food and wine is one of the best things to do in Madrid.
Best Spanish foods
I recommend you to choose carefully the restaurants you try, skipping the ones aimed at a foreign clientele. You’ll find my restaurant recommendations in the “Eat and Drink” section.
In Madrid, you will be able to try some typical dishes of the capital, but also from other Spanish regions. Some of the most typical dishes are:
- Madrid: Cocido, broken eggs with ham, croquetas, patatas bravas, squid baguette.
- Rest of Spain: Potato Omelette, Iberic Ham, Salmorejo and Gazpacho, Rice and Paella.
Apart from this, meat, fish, and seafood are an excellent choice in most of the restaurants I recommend.
Taking advantage of the pleasant weather, locals enjoy grabbing an aperitif and some tapas with family or friends at the many outdoor terraces around the city.
Fun and entertainment – Shows and events in Madrid
Are you ready for some fun? Do you know which are the best shows to see in Madrid?
Madrid has an outstanding scene of shows for children and adults, with many types of performances and events ranging from opera or theater to musicals, concerts, festivals, and flamenco shows.
Flamenco shows are a must-see in your visit. You will fall in love with the passion of the music and energy of the dancing, one of the roots of the Spanish culture and traditions.
The agenda of musicals in Madrid is very attractive and complete, full of successful shows which are currently triumphing on the billboard.
And if you love sports, you cannot miss a soccer match with some of the best players in the world. You won’t find any other place gathering two top soccer teams like Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid.
Shopping in Madrid
To go on a shopping spree in Madrid is an amazing experience for many visitors and locals.
In fact, shopping in Madrid is one of my favorite activities. Most times I return home empty-handed, but that is not important. I really enjoy strolling along the beautiful streets of the old town looking at the store windows.
There are thousands of places to shop in Madrid. Consequently, it can be difficult to identify which are the most suitable shopping areas for you. I have grouped included below a list of the 6 most important shopping zones in Madrid:
- Salamanca: The ideal place for those looking for high-end boutiques.
The Golden mile in Madrid is made up of exclusive streets as Ortega y Gasset, Claudio Coello, and Serrano. Loewe, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel, Carolina Herrera, and Adolfo Domínguez are a few examples of both national and international designer stores you will find.
- Gran Via, Preciados and Carretas: In the very center of Madrid, you will find the most important and international Spanish retailers like Zara. Full of fashionable clothes shops, these are some of the most popular shopping streets in Madrid.
- Fuencarral, Malasaña, and Chueca: In this trendy and bohemian shopping area, visitors will find lots of fashionable brands, emerging designers, tattoo parlors, interior design shops, bookshops, and plenty of vintage stores.
- El Rastro: It’s a famous flea market located in the popular neighborhood of La Latina.
It’s held every Sunday and public holiday with 3,500 stalls selling extremely varied objects. It has become one of the most popular things to do in Madrid. It usually gets very crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings and pickpockets.
- El Corte Ingles: El Corte Ingles is the most important department store in Spain. You can find several stores in Madrid city center like in Nuevos Ministerios, Preciados-Callao, Serrano, and Goya.
El Corte Ingles offers a wide range of products, from clothing, jewelry, and sports to technology, books or food.
- Las Rozas Village outlet: The best outlet is located on the outskirts of Madrid.
Las Rozas Village is an outdoor shopping center, constructed like a small village with individual buildings housing the various stores. It reminds me of some of the Premium Outlets I visited in the US.
Madrid with kids
Madrid is an amazing city if you are traveling with kids. There are plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions for your children.
Most of the children won’t fully enjoy a whole day visiting art galleries and monuments. That is totally understandable. You need to find the perfect balance between tourism and fun.
These are a few of the attractions available to enjoy Madrid with kids:
- Madrid Amusement Park: One of the most complete and modern European theme parks.
Your children will love the 48 attractions available and the amazing shows of the park. One of the park’s latest attractions is The Walking Dead Experience, inspired in the US TV show.
- Warner Park: Your kids will be greeted by their favorite characters and theme areas.
They will love the large collection of thrilling rides and fun attractions like the Scooby-Doo Adventure interactive ride, the Yogui Bear, the Superman steel attraction, and the Stunt Fall. Fun guaranteed for all ages.
- Faunia: Faunia is an extensive themed and natural space where adults and kids will learn everything about over 3,000 animals.
The park is divided into ecosystems and themed areas adapted to each species, with their own habitat, temperature, light and humidity conditions. Visitors will be able to enjoy from the extreme cold of the Antarctic to the tropical heat of the Amazon jungle.
- Zoo Aquarium: One of the most important zoos in the world.
The Madrid Zoo collects from the smallest insect to the biggest mammal. Children will contemplate over 6,000 animals including elephants, gorillas, koalas, dolphins, sharks, giraffes, kangaroos, and bears.
The Zoo Aquarium is a good opportunity to educate the children and teach them the need for protecting animals.
- National Museum of Natural Sciences: The main goal of the museum is to promote a more complete understanding of the diversity of the natural world.
Kids will contemplate thousands of minerals, plants, animals, tools, arms, and objects from various cultures and ages, and precious minerals from all continents. Kids will enjoy learning.
Getting around Madrid
Do you know which is the best option for getting around Madrid?
I enjoy exploring new countries by wandering around and visiting attractions on foot. It’s a great way to immerse myself in the local culture.
Exploring Madrid’s old town on foot with my Madrid travel guide in hand is truly remarkable. Many of the top attractions are within walking distance.
However, if the distances are too far or you’re short on time, relying on Madrid’s public transportation is invaluable. It’s one of the most efficient, safe, and affordable networks in the world.
- Metro and taxi are the quickest and the most comfortable ways to get around the city. Buses and Cercanias trains are a good alternative, with plenty of different routes, including the night services, and connections with the airport.
- The BiciMAD e-bike rental service is becoming an increasingly popular way of getting around. Bike rental is my favorite choice after walking in Madrid, it’s a sustainable and fun way of transport.
- Every day more tourists rent segways in Madrid as a mean of transport to see the most emblematic spots in Madrid.
- Online services Uber and Cabify and services such as Car To Go, Emov and Zity, that rent e-cars by the minute, are growing in Madrid.
- The tourist bus is a great way to visit the most important things to do in Madrid, allowing you to get a good overall view of Madrid, with the flexibility to hop-off the bus to further explore any attractions you particularly like.
It’s worth to mention the Madrid Cable Car (Teleferico), which allows you to gaze from the air the Madrid skyline. Monumental buildings, parks, and gardens are at your feet, offering some of the most remarkable views of Madrid.
Finally, there are times when renting a vehicle could prove more convenient, particularly for excursions beyond Madrid. In such instances, familiarize yourself with these 10 essential aspects of driving in Madrid before hitting the road.
One-day trips
There are numerous amazing and distinctive places near Madrid that you can explore on a day trip, enhancing your experience in Spain to the fullest. Alcalá de Henares, El Escorial, Aranjuez, Toledo, Segovia, and Avila are just a few excellent examples that should definitely be part of your itinerary.
- Alcalá de Henares was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998 due to its historical, cultural and artistic legacy. The city center remains essentially medieval, with many winding cobbled streets, and amazingly preserved historic buildings.
Alcalá de Henares is where the famous Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes was born. His book “Don Quixote de la Mancha” has been translated into more than 140 languages and dialects, making it one of the most translated books globally, just after the Bible.
- San Lorenzo de El Escorial is one of the municipalities with greater cultural interest in Madrid. Its main attraction is the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial (El Escorial Monastery), which was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1984.
Juan de Herrera was the architect behind the design, known for emphasizing clean lines over excessive decoration, allowing the focus to remain on the essential elements of the structure.
- For centuries, the Royal families of Spain have chosen to spend the spring months at the Palace of Aranjuez. Thanks to its vast, stunning gardens, the Cultural Landscape of Aranjuez was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.
- Toledo is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Spain. It is usually referred to as the city of the three cultures due to the strong influences of Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
- Segovia is famous for the Roman aqueduct, built in the second half of the first century. You will also be amazed by the Cathedral, the Alcazar, churches, monasteries, and many other astonishing landmarks.
- The medieval Walls are the standout feature of Avila. Stretching 2.5 kilometers, they remain exceptionally well-preserved.
Packing Essentials
I always create a checklist before traveling to make sure I don’t overlook any essential items, especially those travel accessories that may not be available at my destination.
Here are my top 10 travel essentials for your trip to Madrid:
- Valid passport or ID, and visa if necessary.
- Travel insurance and medical cards.
- Credit card (and some cash).
- Bookings and reservations.
- Medications and first aid kit.
- Clothes depending on the season and comfortable footwear. Underwear.
- Toiletries.
- Sun protection (Sun glasses, Sun screen, Cap or hat).
- Electronics. Cell phone/laptop/tablet, chargers and plug adapters.
- Camera and memory cards.
Don´t forget to check out my post with the 30 best travel accessories for women.
Practical information
I want to conclude my Madrid travel guide with some basic information you need to know previous to your trip to Madrid:
- Madrid is the capital of Spain, and one of the most important cities in Europe.
- It lies at the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula and presents a dry Mediterranean but nearly Continental climate.
- Madrid time zone is Central European GMT/UTC +1 hours. In summer GMT/UTC +2 hours.
- Spanish is the official language in Madrid.
- The currency in Spain since 2002 is the Euro (€).
- In Spain, the power sockets used are of type C and type F. 230V.
- The phone country code for Spain is +34.
- The emergency number in Spain (equivalent to 911 in the U.S.) is 112. This number is available 24/7.
- Regarding meal times, in general terms breakfast is served between 8.00 and 10.00, lunch from 13.00 to 15.30, and dinner from 20.30 to 23.00.
- Business opening hours start between 9.00-10.00 a.m. and finish between 20.00-22.00. Some small businesses can close for 2 or 3 hours at lunchtime.
- It is safe to drink tap water in Madrid.
- Tips are not mandatory but they are welcome especially in restaurants. In case you receive a nice service, a 5%-10% tip will express your gratitude.
- Restaurants often include in their menus the prices excluding VAT. The VAT in Madrid is 10% for food and non-alcoholic drinks, and 21% for alcoholic beverages.
- Plenty of free wi-fi hotspots are available for tourists. Some examples are the Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas airport, tourist information offices, public transport (buses) as well as some squares, parks, and museums.
- It is forbidden to smoke in enclosed public spaces (bars, health centers, schools, workplaces, etc.). Fines for smoking in unauthorized areas can reach € 600.
- Alcohol may not be sold to people under 18 years old. It is also forbidden to consume alcohol on the street, except in outdoor cafés and bars.
I hope you found my Madrid travel guide useful! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there is something for everyone.
If it has been helpful to you, don’t forget to share it and leave your comments below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
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It’s the most helpful blog I’ ve seen as my wife and I are planning a trip to Madrid then Barcelona and then a 14 day cruise to the Mediterranean to celebrate our 50 plus years of marriage. We are from Puerto Rico and of course our first language is Spanish.
Thanks for your comment Luis. I hope you enjoy that wonderful trip with your wife, it looks awesome.
Very nice guidelines for a traveller. Thank you for your brief explanation of the main spots
You are by far the most informative blogger I have found for the trip I’m planning. Thank you so much. So much detail, thank you thank you thank you!
Thanks so much! We are so happy that you find the blog really useful. Let us know if you need any help planning your trip to Madrid!
Estamos planeando nuestro viaje a Madrid, Espana y esta pagina contesto la mayoria de las preguntas que teniamos y aclaro muchas dudas. Me gustaria si es posible que me dieras el web site de la estacion de trenes , para comprar tickets.Pensamos ir de Madrid a Toledo, Sevilla y Barcelona y no queremos ir a paginas que no son reales y perdamos el dinero. Es reconmedable comprar los tickets adelantados? O simplemente llegamos a la estacion y los compramos? Cuando es la temporada de toros? Y por ultimo, donde se come la la mejor paella?
GRACIAS
Angel Vargas
Hola Angel, me alegro de que el blog haya sido de utilidad. Para comprar los billetes de tren te recomiendo que lo hagas a través de la web de renfe.com. Es mejor comprar los billetes por adelantado para asegurar la disponibilidad y porque es más sencillo encontrar mejores precios. En el blog también encontrarás un post sobre los mejores sitios para comer paella en Madrid, puedes usar el buscador si no lo localizas. Un saludo!