The colourful and dynamic capital of Spain, Madrid is an attractive city that rivals the great European capitals. A visit to Madrid is ideal for a weekend or short stay.
Long in the shadow of Barcelona Madrid is back in the limelight. The city has been completely redesigned and the city center has been adorned with numerous pedestrian streets. The atmosphere in Madrid is incredible. In the evening, everyone meets in the squares or in the streets of the city.
As for flights, we advise you to consult the flight comparator skyscanner to book your plane ticket in a minimum of time and at the best price.
Madrid is not only lively and energetic, it also has many facets: gastronomy, architecture, culture, shopping, and nightlife. We spent a long weekend there recently. It had been 10 years since we had been to Madrid. It was a good opportunity to visit Madrid again and get some fresh information.
1. When to visit Madrid?
We advise you to visit Madrid in spring or autumn. Indeed, it is very cold in Madrid during the winter. Remember that Madrid is one of the highest capitals in Europe! Summer can be very hot. You have to be able to stand temperatures of around 35°C.
2. How to get around Madrid?
Visit Madrid on foot! This is the best way to get around Madrid.
By public transport. If you are staying far from the centre or planning to travel frequently or outside the city, the MetroBus is the best option. This ticket combines 10 trips for €12.20, which you can use to travel by metro and bus. In addition, it should be noted that Madrid airport(Aeropuerto de Barajas, 12 km north-east of the city) is connected to the metro network (line 8). This is a very convenient way to get directly to the city centre. Do you want to fly to Madrid? You can find a cheap plane ticket on liligo.fr.
By tourist bus. This is always the best way to get a good first impression of a city like Madrid.
By train! Even if you don't take the train, the Atocha station is worth a visit. Madrid's main train station is unique. It has a magnificent tropical garden at its heart, under a large vaulted glass roof. There is even a pond with fish and turtles. Catering is available on site.
If you want to visit Madrid in a different way, why not try this offer which combines a night tour by tourist bus with dinner at the "Café de la Ópera". This tour is much more than a guided tour and will allow you to discover the Spanish capital with a different eye.
3. The districts to visit in Madrid
Visiting Madrid is like visiting a big city with its own distinct neighbourhoods, like little villages to visit.
El Centro (centre) of Madrid is full of history and things to see and do: Puerta del Sol, Plaza del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel,...
MalasañaMalasaña is the district of choice among Madrid's young and trendy crowd.There are many boutiques, craft shops and restaurants. The cobbled streets, graffitied walls and eclectic shops give this area a certain charm.
Lavapiés. This is the neighbourhood of the immigrants and the bohemian population of Madrid. In this neighbourhood you can eat any kind of food, all countries are represented. It is also where the famous Sunday flea market is held: the Rastro.
Chueca. Quite quiet during the day, Chueca comes alive in the evening and at night. The nightlife here is the liveliest in the city. There are countless tapas bars, trendy restaurants and clubs.
Retiro is a pleasant neighbourhood. In addition to the museums and the beautiful buildings lining the streets, it is the park of the same name that characterises this neighbourhood. It is a pleasant place to stroll on a sunny day.
Palacio, the Palace of the Kings of Spain, can be visited. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
4. Must-see places in Madrid
4.1. The Plaza Mayor of Madrid
Located not far from the Puerta del Sol in the heart of old Madrid, the Plaza Mayor is a large rectangular square with typical Castilian architecture. The square is surrounded by majestic ochre buildings. It is a must-see square when you decide to visit Madrid.
4.2. Visiting Madrid: The Palacio Real (Royal Palace)
The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Madrid is the official residence of the King of Spain. However, the King and Queen prefer to reside in the Palacio de la Zarzuela, where they have lived since their wedding in 1962. The Royal Palace is surrounded by several gardens:
The Campo del Moro gardens, located between the main building and the Virgen del Puerto street.
The gardens of the Plaza de Oriente.
The Sabatini Gardens, which are much smaller.
The Palacio Real is open to the public all year round except on days of official ceremonies and receptions. It is located on Bailén Street, west of the Centro. The nearest metro station is Opera.
It is advisable to book a guided tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid with a ticket for the public. You will be able to say goodbye to the usual waiting hours to visit the Palace!
5. Must-see museums in Madrid
You can't visit Madrid without visiting the 3 must-see museums of the city: Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen Bornemisza. In addition to these famous museums with their magnificent permanent collections, there are also many other museums, cultural centres and art galleries. We advise you, especially for the Prado, to book a a guided tour with a ticket to save time. to save time.
The Reina Sofia Museum
The Reina Sofia Museum is our favourite museum in Madrid. Obviously for the imposing and masterful Guernica by Picasso and the large collection of works by Dali, but also for its architecture.
Agood idea: don't hesitate to go to the top floor of the building, recently redesigned by Jean Nouvel. You'll have a beautiful view of Madrid and in particular of the Atocha train station located opposite the museum. Visit Madrid differently!
A good way to visit the Reina Sofia museum
6. Visit Madrid and its parks and gardens
6.1. Retiro Park
Retiro Park is the most popular park in Madrid. It welcomes many Madriders at weekends. The park comes alive with musicians, painters, jugglers and fortune tellers. You can also take a boat ride on the emerald green lake.
Still in the Retiro Park and not far from the lake, you can admire the Palacio de Cristala magnificent glass building. This palace, built in 1887, was originally used as a greenhouse. Today it houses temporary exhibitions. Not to be missed.
6.2. Unusual visit to Madrid: The Temple of Debod
Egypt in the heart of Madrid! The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple located near the Plaza de España. This temple, dating from the 4th century BC, was moved to Madrid in 1971 as a thank you to Spain for its help in saving Abu Simbel. The Temple of Debod was originally located in the Nile Valley, near Aswan. It is dedicated to the God Amun and the Goddess Isis.
7. Where to eat and drink in Madrid
We eat well in Madrid! During our stays in Madrid, we especially like to enjoy the city's markets. We give you all our favourite addresses below. When it comes to nightlife, you'll have plenty to choose from. Madrid, like Barcelona, is a very lively city.
And yes, the Spanish love to party!
At nightfall, the city's streets fill up, as do the café terraces. People often meet outside and go from bar to bar looking for a nice place to party. Head to Chueca for a trendy atmosphere and to the Latina or Malasana neighbourhoods for a more relaxed atmosphere. In terms of time, everything happens later in Spain. They have lunch and dinner later than in France.
7.1. San Miguel Market
Good plan to visit Madrid: Located in the historic heart of the city, this market is one of our favourites. The place is magnificent. You go from stand to stand, tasting different typical Spanish dishes.
7.2. Other addresses in Madrid
El Tigre
Calle de las Infantas, 30 (close to Chueca square)
This bar is an institution, a must when visiting Madrid. Just order a beer(una caña) and you will be served a plate full of tapas (assorted tortillas, croquettes, hams, ...). It's a great place to eat for free and to meet people! The bar is often crowded so if you want to avoid the crowd go early in the evening.
Café Ginés
Pasadizo de San Ginés (Near Plaza Mayor)
Hmmm you're in for a treat at this café. And it's a great stopover when you're visiting Madrid. This café has been an institution for almost 120 years. All the celebrities of the world staying in Madrid have passed through here. The chocolate and churros are prepared in the purest tradition. You have to order and pay at the counter before choosing your table. We highly recommend this renowned establishment.
8. Where to stay in Madrid?
Do you want to minimise transport costs when visiting Madrid? That's what we wanted to do when we were planning our trip. So, in order to visit Madrid on foot, we chose to sleep in La Chueca. If you are looking for accommodation in Madrid, think about renting a flat. It's nice to live like a local! That's what we did and we really didn't regret it.
Join Airbnb and get a 25€ discount on your first stay of a minimum of 65€! Click here.
If you prefer hotels, there are plenty to choose from in Madrid. Check out the offers below and find your dream hotel in Madrid.
Find your dream hotel in Madrid
Visiting Madrid or Barcelona?
If you like Madrid, you'll love Barcelona! The two cities are very different and each has its own charm. Want to know more? Find out all our tips and advice, district by district, about the Catalan capital, in our Barcelona City Guide accessible from Madrid by train in particular. We'll tell you everything.
