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 In the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, surrounded by mountains and natural parks, Madrid is an irresistible destination that boasts a wealth of cultural and leisure offers. It is home to renowned museums, art galleries, elegant buildings, and charming squares, as well as two world-class football teams, Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid. The capital of the Kingdom of Spain also boasts unique neighbourhoods, bustling nightlife, and scrumptious cuisine. Brimming with energy and character, Madrid is a city that is sure to captivate the hearts of many travellers.

The City

Madrid is not as large as it might seem, especially its central districts. The heart of the city is marked by the Puerta del Sol, a bustling intersection from which all distances are measured. The oldest area of Madrid, Los Austrias, is located south of Calle Mayor and includes historic landmarks such as the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and the well-trodden square Plaza Mayor.

To the east and south of Sol lies a vibrant triangular region, where Plaza de Cibeles, Atocha Station, and Sol converge. This neighbourhood is brimming with restaurants and bars and is home to the three renowned museums of Madrid, as well as the expansive Parque del Buen Retiro.

Lavapiés, just south of Sol, was previously a working-class district but has transformed into a melting pot of ethnic diversity, thanks to an influx of immigrants from Africa and Asia.

On the other side of the Puerta del Sol and the grand avenue of Gran Vía, one can find the Malasaña and Chueca neighbourhoods to the north. The former has undergone gentrification over the past two decades while retaining its reputation as one of the city's most laid-back bar districts. The latter, once a predominantly gay neighbourhood, has evolved into Madrid's trendiest quarter, a hub of nightlife, restaurants, and boutique stores catering to an open-minded clientele.

Explore the city like a local and discover the top things to do and see in Madrid, as well as the best restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafés, and hotels Spain's capital city has to offer, with our comprehensive, up-to-date, and free Madrid travel guide.

Couple in la Puerta del Sol of Madrid Goodluz/Shutterstock.com

Do & See

Madrid is an enchanting city that offers a plethora of activities — from casual strolls around verdant parks to world-renowned museums to frantic nights on the town. Its streets are always bustling with people, and the city is brimming with culture. Even if you're not a history buff, you'll find yourself captivated by Madrid’s stunning architecture and the constant reminders of its illustrious past.

Madrid's unique blend of old-world charm and modern flair creates a dynamic atmosphere that's unlike any other city in the world. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in art and culture, explore the city's vibrant nightlife, or simply soak up the local ambience, Madrid is the perfect destination.

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Prado Museum

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Plaza Mayor

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El Rastro Flea Market

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El Retiro Park

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Reina Sofía National Art Center Museum

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Royal Palace of Madrid

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Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Tour

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San Miguel Market

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Avila & Salamanca Tour from Madrid

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Flamenco

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Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

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The Three Big Art Galleries — Paseo del Arte (Art Walk)

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Casa de Campo Park

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Toledo

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Teleférico de Madrid

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Moncloa's Lighthouse

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Parque Juan Carlos I

Lázaro Galdiano Museum

Salamanca

Naval Museum

Teatro Lara

National Museum of Romanticism

A plate of Spanish tapas in a restaurant in Madrid, Spain JuanSalvador/Shutterstock.com

Dining

Madrid's gastronomy is a fusion of the diverse culinary traditions found throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Some experts even debate whether Madrid has a unique culinary identity of its own, given its blend of various regional styles.

The city's food culture has been enriched by migrants from different parts of Spain and across the globe, including Andalucia, Galicia, Asturias, and beyond.

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Paco Roncero Restaurante

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Ribeira do Miño

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El Club Allard

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Restaurante Lúa

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Metro Bistro

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Casa Lucas

Sobrino de Botín

Couple of tourists eating churros in Madrid, Spain Goodluz/Shutterstock.com

Cafés

Spanish coffee culture is a social and animated affair. 'Café con leche' (coffee with milk) usually accompanies breakfast, preferably with a croissant. Around mid-day, especially after a meal, locals have an espresso, 'café solo', or a 'cortado', which is an espresso with milk. Café Americano is what some would call watered-down versions of the first two coffees. In the afternoon, or after dinner, order a café solo corto, a strong espresso, or a 'carajillo' — a café solo with Spanish brandy.

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Chocolatería San Ginés

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Celicioso

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Churrería Madrid 1883

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Café Manuela

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Café Murillo

Café Gijón

Madrid in a beautiful summer night in Spain S-F/Shutterstock.com

Bars & Nightlife

Because the clever Spaniards think you should always eat when drinking, most bars also serve food — usually tapas. And despite the efforts of the authorities, Madrid's nightlife still happens later than in most other cities and goes on for longer as well. For the real party animals, the neighbourhoods of Malasaña and La Latina are a mandatory stop at night.

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Sala Siroco

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Bar Cock

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Del Diego Cocktail Bar

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El Parnasillo del Príncipe

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Discoteca El Son

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Cardamomo Tablao Flamenco

Joy Eslava

Museo Chicote

Taberna Almendro

Café Central

Círculo de Bellas Artes

Woman with shopping bags walking in Madrid, Spain Quintanilla / Shutterstock.com

Shopping

In Madrid, there are three primary shopping districts: Centro, which spans the area between Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía; Chueca, located directly north and east of Centro; and Salamanca, situated a bit further to the east. Each of these areas offers a distinct shopping experience, particularly in terms of the range of products available.

Centro offers a middle-of-the-road shopping experience, while Chueca caters to trendy shoppers seeking the latest styles. On the other hand, Salamanca features expensive designer fashion labels, making it the go-to destination for luxury shopping.

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El Corte Inglés

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El Rastro Flea Market

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Las Rozas Village

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Lavapiés

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Lavinia

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Adolfo Domínguez

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Getafe The Style Outlets

Centro Comercial ABC Serrano

Mercado de la Paz

Centro Comercial Príncipe Pío

Metro Station Sign in Madrid Spain prochasson frederic/Shutterstock.com

Tourist Information

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), commonly known as Barajas Airport, is the main international airport serving Madrid. It lies a little over 10 km northeast of the city. The cheapest way to get to Madrid is by metro: line 8 goes to Nuevos Ministerios (the journey takes about 30 minutes). A taxi ride costs more at night and on Sundays, and takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Numerous car rental companies are also available at the airport.

Address: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, Madrid

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Phone: +34 913 21 10 00

Website: www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas.html

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Passport / Visa

Spain can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

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Best Time to Visit

As it is located in the heart of Spain, Madrid boasts a predominantly dry climate with minimal rainfall or snowfall throughout the year. This makes it a great destination for travelers to visit all year round. During the summer, the city can become crowded with tourists, while locals seek respite from the heat by heading to the coast. In spring and autumn, mild temperatures and reduced accommodation prices make it an ideal time to explore the city.

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Public Transport

With over 300 stations and 12 lines serving the city and its suburbs, Madrid's metro system is the most efficient way to travel around the city. The metro operates from 6 am to 1:30 am daily. Additionally, the EMT bus network includes approximately 200 lines, including a useful "circle route" (marked with a C) that passes through key attractions such as El Retiro Park, Gran Vía, Paseo del Prado (and all the museums on that street), and the Royal Palace. Buses run from 6 am till 11:30 pm on weekdays and from 7 am till 11 pm on weekends and public holidays, with slightly less frequency. After 11:30 pm, the city operates night buses known as "búhos" (the Spanish word for owls).

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Website: www.metromadrid.es/en

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Taxi

When taxis are available for hire, this is indicated by a “Libre” sign on the front windshield and a green light on the roof.

Radio-Taxi Independiente
+34 914 05 12 13

Tele Taxi
+34 913 71 21 31

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Cabify are also available in Madrid.

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Post

The majority of post offices in Madrid are open between 8:30 am to 8:30 pm from Monday to Friday. The main post office is located on Plaza de Cibeles.

Address: Paseo del Prado, 1, Madrid

Email:

Phone: +34 915 21 25 89

Website: www.correos.es/es/es/particulares

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Pharmacy

All chemists have a list or a sign in the window with details of the pharmacies on duty each night, with the nearest one highlighted. There are two chemists that are open at all times:

Farmacia Central
Paseo de Santa Maria de la Cabeza 64, Madrid
Opening hours: daily 9:30am–11pm
+34 914 73 06 72

Farmacia Lastra
Calle del Conde de Peñalver 27, Madrid
Opening hours: daily 9am–9:30pm
+34 914 02 42 72

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Telephone

Country code: +34
Area code: 91

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Electricity

220 volt (125 volt in some older buildings)

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