Madrid travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

March to June and September to November are the most comfortable months. July and August are very hot, with daytime temperatures often above 35 degrees Celsius, and many residents leave the city. Winter is cold and dry, with bright days.

Holy Week in spring and the San Isidro festival in mid-May bring processions and crowds. Madrid Pride in early July fills the city centre.

How many days you need

Three days is a good plan. One day for the Prado Museum and the Retiro Park, one for the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and the old centre, and one for the Reina Sofía with Picasso's Guernica and the Malasaña and Chueca districts.

A fourth or fifth day lets you visit Toledo or Segovia by train or coach.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Madrid Barajas (MAD): Metro line 8 runs from the terminals to Nuevos Ministerios, where you change to other lines. It takes about 12 minutes from the terminals other than T4 and under 20 minutes from T4. An airport supplement is added to the ticket. The Exprés Aeropuerto bus runs between the terminals, Cibeles and Atocha station. After it stops for the night, a night bus serves the airport. Commuter trains also run to T4, and taxis charge a fixed fare for trips between the airport and the area inside the Calle 30 ring road.

Getting around

Madrid has a wide Metro network, buses and Cercanías commuter trains. The Metro is fast and easy to use. Since 1 June 2026 you can pay for a single Metro ticket by tapping a contactless bank card or phone at the gates. Visitors who ride often load a rechargeable transport card with several trips. A Tourist Travel Pass gives unlimited rides for a set number of days within chosen zones.

The centre is walkable. The Prado, Retiro, Reina Sofía and Atocha are all within a short walk of each other. The Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor are close together.

Where to stay

Sol and the Austrias area is central and close to the main sights, but busy and noisy. Salamanca is elegant, quiet and good for shopping. Malasaña and Chueca have bars, cafés and an energetic evening life. The Retiro and Atocha area suits visitors who plan to spend time at the museums. Lavapiés is a multicultural district with small restaurants and a more local feel.

What to book in advance

The Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums sell tickets online, and booking avoids queues. They also have free-entry hours, but queues are long then, and the Reina Sofía still asks for a free ticket booked online. The Royal Palace is also best booked ahead, and it closes for official ceremonies. Check the official website for the date you plan to visit.

Check closing days. The Reina Sofía is closed on Tuesdays and on some public holidays.

Common mistakes to avoid

Planning dinner at 7 pm. Many restaurants only open after 8:30 pm.

Walking in the middle of a summer afternoon. Plan indoor visits between 2 pm and 6 pm.

Visiting on Sunday and expecting shops to be open. Many are closed.

Leaving bags unattended on a terrace or in the Metro. Pickpocketing is common around Sol and Gran Vía.

Skipping the menu del día. Many restaurants offer a fixed-price lunch with several courses.

Money, tipping and practical notes

Spain uses the euro. Cards are accepted widely, and cash is useful in small bars. Tipping is not required. Most people round up or leave a few coins for good service.

The plug type is C and F, at 230 volts. Tap water is safe to drink. Check the official Spanish government site for visa rules based on your nationality.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

Things to do in Madrid