Madrid : Everything you need to know to plan your trip

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Things to do at Madrid

A sunny capital with a rich history, Madrid is full of treasures to discover between strolls through its lively streets. Here are the places not to be missed during your visit:

The Royal Palace: one of the largest in Europe, a true symbol of the Spanish monarchy.
The Plaza Mayor: an emblematic square, perfect for a coffee on the terrace.
Prado Museum: a must for lovers of classical art, with works by Goya, Velázquez and Rubens.
Retiro Park: a haven of greenery right in the centre, ideal for a break by the lake.
The Reina Sofía museum: famous for housing Picasso's Guernica.
The Malasaña district: lively and bohemian, perfect for shopping, bars and the local atmosphere.
The Temple of Debod: an ancient Egyptian temple offering superb views at sunset.

La Gran Vía: the lively avenue par excellence, with shopping, theatres and architecture.

The Temple of Debod

The Plaza Mayor

Retiro Park

Activities

Want to experience Madrid in a different way? Between guided tours, unusual excursions and local experiences, let yourself be carried away by Madrid's energy in all its forms.

When to go to Madrid

You can visit Madrid all year long, but there are ideal periods as well. Spring (April to June) is without a doubt the best time to visit the Spanish capital: sunny days without the heat, parks in full bloom, and the terraces are buzzing with atmosphere! Autumn (September to October) also has mild pleasant weather and lower numbers of tourists than the summer, so it is also a great time to see the city with a little more space. In the summer, it can be hot in Madrid, with temperatures easily exceeding 35°C. However, some types of accommodation are often cheaper (because some residents leave) so if you are interested in staying in an Airbnb and going to Madrid on a budget, the summer is a cheap option. Finally, winter is cooler but remains bright and dry. It is an excellent time to visit for budget travel with reduced tourist numbers and attractive prices. Regardless of the season, Madrid has wide appeal for everybody.

What's the temperature like?

How many hours of sunshine?

Global budget

Madrid is flexible in terms of budget - there are options for both budget travellers and those looking for a high-end experience. Generally speaking, you should expect to pay between €59 and €815 per person for a day in Madrid, depending on the type of trip you choose. The price of accommodation can vary considerably: an evening for two people can cost from €70 to over €900, depending on the range and destination. Meals are also relatively cheap: in budget restaurants, lunch menus cost between €12 and €24, and dinners in more traditional restaurants between €45 and €100 for two people. Drinks, such as a beer or a bottle of water, are still reasonable. Transport is cheap, so you can expect to pay less than €2.50 for a ticket. Activities vary depending on what you are interested in, for example museums can cost a few euros for some and be more exclusive for others. In Madrid, there is always choice, at any pace and at any price.

One night in a hotel for 2 people

70€1000€

Meal in a cheap restaurant

11.5€24€50€

Local beer (33cl)

3€5€10€

Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant

45€100€200€

Bottle of water

1€3€5€

Public transport single ticket

1.2€2.5€5€

Taxi ride (per km)

2€

Visits and activities

2€240€500€

Average overall budget for one person per day: from 59.00€ to 815.00€

Convert to $

Itinerary ideas

Start your morning in Madrid at a local café, sipping hot chocolate and nibbling crispy churros. The next stop on your journey is the Royal Palace, one of the largest in Europe, where you'll be immersed in Spanish history! Then head for the La Latina district, where you can wander through the maze of narrow, authentic streets and discover the soul of Madrid.

At midday, treat yourself to a terrace lunch at the San Miguel market, where you can choose from an endless array of products to sample in a lively atmosphere. Then it's on to the Museo del Prado, an art museum featuring all the stars of the genre: Velázquez, Goya and Rubens, among others.

At the end of the afternoon, you'll be ready to relax and unwind in Retiro Park: stroll around the lake, admire the rose garden and the Crystal Palace. To round off the day, head up to the Círculo de Bellas Artes and admire the spectacular sunset from its roof.

In the evening, you can enjoy a typical flamenco dinner in an Andalusian tavern and/or in the bars of Malasaña, which have a festive, modern atmosphere. Madrid guarantees an unforgettable day full of vitality!

Practical information about Madrid

Madrid is a well-connected capital, with an international airport (Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) just 30 minutes from the city center by metro or express shuttle. The city has an excellent public transport network: metro, bus and suburban trains make getting around easy and inexpensive (around €1.20 - €2.50 a ticket). Most museums are open from Tuesday to Sunday, and some offer free admission at the end of the day. During the summer months, temperatures can exceed 35°C. It is therefore advisable to bring drinking water and sunscreen, and to visit in the morning or evening. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons to explore the city. As far as safety is concerned, Madrid is a very safe city, but it is advisable to take precautions against pickpockets, as in any major tourist city, especially in crowded places such as the Puerta del Sol and busy metro stations. Mealtimes in Spain are staggered: lunch around 2 p.m., dinner from 9 p.m. onwards. And don't forget that many stores close in the afternoon for several uninterrupted hours. And don't forget to bring a rechargeable travel card and a pair of comfortable shoes for strolling the capital's lively streets.