madrid travel guide book

Welcome to Madrid

• I forgot my password
• At a glance
• Neighbourhoods
• Choose your Madrid
• Art and culture
• Madrid for kids
• Food and drink
• Parks and gardens
• Amusement parks and zoos
• Day trips and itineraries
• Exhibitions
• Theatre and dance
• Special events
• Conferences and trade shows
• Madrid Events Calendar
• Where to stay
• Getting around
• Getting here
• Essential information
• Accessibility
• Visitor Services
• Maps and guides
• Learning Spanish
• Other cultures
• Bloggin' Madrid

The official Madrid Guide

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In our guide, you’ll find everything you need to make your trip unforgettable. You’re about to discover the place that great masters of world art, like Goya and Velázquez, chose as their home after falling in love with the colours of a sky that we know will captivate you too.

There’s so much to do in Madrid that you’ll be spoilt for choice. But don’t worry: we’ve put together some helpful hints, tips and essential stops for you, to make sure you don’t miss out on anything.

We’ve added QR codes to make things even simpler for you. You can use them to:

• Check which exhibitions and shows are on today.
• Check out prices and buy tickets online from the official websites.
• Get additional information about the city from esmadrid.com

- Download your copy of the official Madrid Guide (PDF, 27MB)

© MADRID DESTINO CULTURA TURISMO Y NEGOCIO, S.A. All rights reserved.

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Madrid Apps

Discover the mobile apps that will help you make the most of Madrid.

HOW LONG ARE YOU STAYING?

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Madrid Maps and Guides

Download free maps and guides to the city to help you plan your trip.

OFFICIAL PRODUCTS

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Madrid City Card

The city’s new official sightseeing and tourist travel pass.

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Panoramic views

An observation deck at 92 metres.

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Official Madrid Shop

Our online store (in Spanish) sells artisan souvenirs.

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Lonely Planet Madrid 9 (Travel Guide) Paperback – Folded Map, January 15, 2019

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Lonely Planet: The world's number one travel guide publisher*

Lonely Planet's Madrid is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. View the marvellous frescoes at Plaza Mayor, enjoy tapas in La Latina and take a stroll with the locals in the Parque del Buen Retiro - all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Madrid and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet's Madrid :

• Colour maps and images throughout
• Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
• Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
• Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices
• Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
• Cultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - covering history, people, music, religion, cuisine, politics
• Covers Salamanca, Plaza Mayor, Royal Madrid, La Latina, Lavapiés, Malasaña, Chueca, Parque del Oeste, Sol, Santa Ana, Huertas, El Retiro, and more

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Madrid is our most comprehensive guide to Madrid, and is perfect for discovering both popular and offbeat experiences.

Looking for just the highlights? Check out Pocket Madrid , our handy-sized guide featuring the best sights and experiences for a short visit or weekend away.

About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more.

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*Source: Nielsen BookScan: Australia, UK, USA, 5/2016-4/2017

• Print length 256 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Lonely Planet
• Publication date January 15, 2019
• Dimensions 5.1 x 0.5 x 7.75 inches
• ISBN-10 1786572761
• ISBN-13 978-1786572769
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Passionate, sophisticated and devoted to living the good life, Spain is both a stereotype come to life and a country more diverse than you ever imagined.

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lonely Planet; 9th edition (January 15, 2019)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1786572761
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1786572769
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.1 x 0.5 x 7.75 inches
• #95 in Madrid Travel Guides
• #1,139 in General Spain Travel Guides
• #1,839 in General Europe Travel Guides

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Madrid Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Like its rival Barcelona , Madrid embraces the night. Dinner doesn’t happen until 9pm or 10pm and the partying doesn’t kick off until several hours after that. It’s a city for night owls.

Though it’s somewhat sprawling, Madrid’s numerous neighborhoods are perfect for getting lost in, binging on tapas, and drinking sangria. The warmth of the locals and the slowness of the meals will keep you out late as you soak in the city’s pace. If you embrace the late (and long) meals and the late-night partying and live your life on Madrid’s terms you’ll have a much deeper, enriching visit.

This Madrid travel guide will give you everything you need to know to eat well, save money, and see the best sights the city has to offer!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Madrid

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Madrid

1. stroll plaza mayor.

The Plaza Mayor, which dates to the 15th century, is Madrid’s main square. While walking this plaza, which was designated a Spanish Property of Cultural Interest in 1985, don’t miss Ayuntamiento (the impressive city council building), the Baroque Church of San Pedro, the 18th-century San Francisco el Grande Basilica, and Calle de Cuchilleros (a popular place to eat, but expect tourist prices). In summer, the plaza hosts various festivals and music events, and in winter, it’s home to a sprawling Christmas market.

2. Visit the Prado Museum

The Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado) is one of the world’s greatest art galleries and the largest art museum in Spain. It’s also one of the most-visited museums in the world and has earned that title because it’s a great destination even for those who aren’t “museum” people. See a dazzling display of around 20,000 works by the great European masters housed in a grand 18th-century building that opened as a museum in 1819. The museum is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Spanish Property of Cultural Interest, home to works by Goya, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Bernini, Monet, and many others. Admission is 15 EUR, and it takes about 3 – 4 hours to see the highlights of the museum.

3. Unwind in El Retiro Park

Officially known as The Buen Retiro Park, this is the main park of Madrid. It’s a leafy oasis with more than 15,000 trees and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the perfect place to relax on a sunny day. The park dates back to the 17th century and spans over 350 acres. There is a large lake where you can hire a rowboat, a monument to the victims of the Madrid terrorist bombings (which killed 193 people and injured over 2,000 in 2004), and the Crystal Palace (a 19th-century conservatory that once held a human zoo).

4. Visit the Palacio Real

While the King of Spain no longer lives in the palace, it is used for state ceremonies. Built in the 18th century, the Baroque-style palace is the largest functioning palace in Europe, home to over 3,400 lavishly decorated rooms. The palace was originally built on a former 9th-century Muslim fort and today functions much like an art museum with numerous works, including pieces by Caravaggio, Juan de Flandes, and Francisco Goya. Admission is 14 EUR for self-guided tours and 20 EUR for a guided tour. Audio guides are available for 5 EUR. It’s free for EU citizens on Wednesdays.

5. Take a food tour

Other things to see and do in madrid.

1. Take a free walking tour

Free walking tours are one of my favorite activities to do in a new city. You’ll get the lay of the land, learn about the history and culture, and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. New Europe, Free Walking Tours Madrid, and Cat’s Hostel Walking Tours are the best free tours in the city. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

2. Check out Puerta del Sol

This is Madrid’s most famous and central square. Originally, it was the site of one of the east-facing city gates and was adorned with an image of the sun, hence the square’s name (“The Sun Gate”). The square is actually semi-circular in shape and owes its current form to the major renovation work carried out between 1854-60. There’s a stone slab on the ground in front of Casa de Correos’ main entrance (the current headquarters of the Madrid regional government) to mark kilometer 0, as this is also the center of Spain’s radial road network. The area has plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops, and makes for an easy central location to meet up with friends. People congregate here on New Year’s Eve to celebrate under the clock on top of the Casa de Correos building. It’s tradition to eat a “lucky” grape for each of the 12 strokes of midnight.

3. See flamenco dancers

The highly emotive dance set to guitars and singing originated in Andalusia and migrated to Madrid by the early 19th century. Based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain, the shows will leave you transfixed. You’ll find flamenco shows in many bars and taverns across the city, such as Las Carboneras where you can enjoy a flamenco show with a glass of wine for 45 EUR. The historic Corral de la Morería offers shows for 49.95 EUR, including a drink.

4. Visit the National Archaeological Museum

This museum is a must for those who love ancient artwork and archeological finds. You’ll find an incredible collection of everything from ancient statues to ornate gold chandeliers from across the Iberian Peninsula. There are items from ancient Greece and Rome, along with artifacts from the Visigoths, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Don’t miss the famous La Dama de Elche (a near-perfect condition bust of a 5th-century Iberian woman) and the Altamira pre-historic cave paintings. You’ll also see the Guanche Mummy of Madrid. He was embalmed by the indigenous people of the Canary Islands between the 11th and 13th centuries. Admission is 3 EUR.

5. Explore the Naval Museum of Madrid

When you think back on the world’s historical naval powers, the 16th-century Spanish Armada likely comes to mind. You can come here to learn about the nation’s rich naval history through historic maps from as early as the year 1500. It also has lots of old drawings, weapons, and navigation equipment, and a really interesting and detailed section on the Spanish Armada. It’s located on Madrid’s Art Walk near the Prado Museum and makes a nice stop in between the larger, more crowded galleries (most people skip this one). Admission is free, but donations of 3 EUR per person are suggested. It’s closed on Mondays.

6. Admire some modern art

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Reina Sofía National Art Center) offers a fantastic collection of modern art. Works by masters like Picasso, Miró, Kandinsky, Dalí, and Bacon can all be found here. The centerpiece of the exhibit is Picasso’s famous Guernica painting, a 1937 oil painting that’s considered the most moving anti-war painting in the world. While I don’t love modern art, even I enjoyed this museum more than I thought I would. Admission is 12 EUR though free admission is available from 7pm-9pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays as well as from 12:30-2:30pm on Sundays.

7. Shop at the Mercado de San Miguel

This iconic indoor market is a fun spot to do your grocery shopping. It’s the oldest covered food market in the city and is also an iconic architectural landmark for its striking iron and glass structure. It’s the perfect place to snack on cheap tapas, pick up ingredients for supper, or do some people-watching. Open seven days a week, the market is a five-minute walk from Plaza Mayor and attracts the after-work drinks crowd in the evenings.

8. See the ancient Temple of Debod

The Temple of Debod is an Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BCE. It was given as a gift to Spain by the Egyptian government as a thank you for helping them relocate monuments from the Aswan Dam site to avoid flooding (the Aswan Dam is the largest embankment dam in the world and was built across the Nile in the 1960s-70s). The temple was rebuilt in Spain between 1970-1972 and can now be found in Madrid’s Cuartel de la Montaña Park on the top of a hill. Although the inside of the temple is off-limits, you can still walk along the outside while also admiring panoramic city views. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-8pm. It’s closed on Mondays. Admission is free.

9. Spend time in the Barrio de La Latina

This upbeat neighborhood and its maze of narrow lanes and streets lined with tapas bars, restaurants, and cantinas is perfect for exploring on foot. If you’re here on Sunday, peruse the offerings at the El Rastro flea market (open 8am-3pm) and stuff your face at one of the many food stalls. Be sure to step inside the 18th-century San Francisco el Grand Basilica or the Moorish San Pedro el Real church, which originally dates to the 14th century.

10. See the Plaza de Cibeles

Plaza de Cibeles is a famous plaza in Madrid, located along the central Calle de Alcalá and adjacent to Paseo del Prado. Here you can find the Buenavista Palace, now the headquarters of the Spanish Army. Free guided tours are available, and you see the changing of the guard here on the last Friday of most months. There’s also a Neoclassical 18th-century fountain dedicated to the Roman goddess Cybele (the mistress of wild nature). There is an observation deck at the city hall building (called the Mirador del Palacio de Cibeles) so you can take in the view (closed on Mondays). Admission is 3 EUR.

11. Watch a Real Madrid soccer match

Madrid’s soccer team is one of the best, not only in Spain but in the world. If you want to see soccer (or football as they say in Europe) at its best, watch a game. The stadium is always full, holding over 81,000 people, and the crowds get wild. If you want to experience local life, this is a must. Tickets start at 35 EUR.

12. See the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales

The Convent of Las Descalzas Reales (which means “Monastery of the Royal Barefooted”) was built in the 16th century and was the former palace of Emperor Charles V and Empress Isabel of Portugal. Unmarried princesses and “spinster” noblewomen came here to live as nuns and they brought any wealth they had accumulated with them. These days, just a few nuns look after the grounds and its relics, which include (alleged) pieces of Jesus’s cross and the bones of St. Sebastian, who died around 288 CE. A Spanish Property of Cultural Interest, inside the building, you can see many works of art. For example, the main staircase is decorated with murals that date to the 16th and 17th centuries. Admission is 6 EUR.

13. Stroll Around the Royal Botanical Garden

Spanning some 20 acres, these botanical gardens are home to more than 5,000 species of plants and trees spread out over four picturesque terraces. There are also greenhouses, sculptures, and some immaculately landscaped gardens here too. Founded in 1755, the park has lakes, labyrinths, fountains, and lots of flowers that make it a serene and beautiful place to relax. For plant history lovers, there is also a library and archives building that contains over 2,000 works and antique drawings related to botany. Admission is 4 EUR.

14. Explore the Museo de la Historia de Madrid

Madrid’s Museum of History opened in 1929 and sheds light on the city’s evolution from the 16th century (when it became the capital) to World War I. A walk thorugh the small museum helps you experience the city as it was throughout the ages through a series of exhibits, artifacts, maps, paintings, and sculptures, including works by famous artists like Francisco Goya. Admission is free, and you can see the entire museum in about an hour.

  For more information on other cities in Spain, check out these guides:

• Barcelona Travel Guide
• Granada Travel Guide
• Seville Travel Guide
• Valencia Travel Guide

Madrid Travel Costs

During the off-season, a bed in a room with 8 beds or more costs from 35-40 EUR per night while smaller rooms start at about 45-50 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard, and many hostels in the city also include free breakfast.

A basic private room for two with a private bathroom starts at 160 EUR per night during both peak season and off-season.

There are limited options for camping outside the city and prices are often more than hostels. Most charge around 20-30 EUR per night for a basic tent plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget 2-star hotels start at 125-150 EUR per night during peak season. Expect to pay 90-100 EUR per night in the off-season.

Airbnb type rentals is available for those wishing to have more privacy or kitchens to cook their own food. Private rooms start around 50 EUR per night though they average closer to 80 EUR. Entire homes/apartments average 180 EUR per night though you can find them for as little as 100 EUR if you book early.

That said, Airbnb has caused a lot of problems in Madrid as it has pushed locals out of the city center and authorities are clamping down on illegal listings. Be sure yours has listed its tax ID number and avoid staying with hosts who have multiple listings (they are corporate housing disguised as Airbnb).

Food – Spain has a strong food culture, where meals can last hours and dinner isn’t served until after 8pm. Each region in the country has its own local dishes and food culture, all of which you can find in Madrid as it’s something of a culinary hub. Be sure to try local favorites such patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), beef stew, tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelet), and, of course, churros.

You can get a meal of cheap tapas for around 15 EUR. If you want wine included, expect to spend at least 20 EUR. At nicer tapas places you should plan to spend around 30 EUR for a meal with a drink.

Like any city, Madrid has meals for any budget. Most sit down spots cost around 35 EUR for a mid-range dinner of a dish like paella with a drink. On the other end of the spectrum, cheap fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 8 EUR for a combo meal. Chinese food is around 9-12 EUR while pizza costs 10-15 EUR for a large.

Beer is 3–4 EUR, a glass of wine is 2-4 EUR, and a latte/cappuccino is around 2.50 EUR. Bottled water is about 1.50 EUR. (In general, tap water is safe to drink in Spain.)

If you buy your own food, expect to spend about 50-65 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Madrid Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Madrid, expect to spend around 80 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like free walking tours and relaxing in the parks. Add 10-20 EUR per day to your budget if you plan on drinking or partying a lot.

On a mid-range budget of 205 EUR per day, you can stay in a private room in an Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out at inexpensive restaurants for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like cooking classes and museum visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 365 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a nicer hotel, eat out more often, drink with most meals, take more taxis, and do more guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Madrid Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Madrid can be an expensive city, especially if you indulge in the city’s famed food and drink. Accommodation prices have also risen a lot since COVID. Fortunately, you can trim your costs if you follow a few simple tips and tricks. Here are some general ways to save money in Madrid:

• Eat a large lunch – Lunch is much cheaper than dinner in Madrid. You can find “menu del día” which costs around 10-15 EUR for a large meal, typically consisting of an appetizer or salad, a main meat or fish dish, and a glass of wine or beer. Many also include a small dessert.
• Get the Madrid city card – The pass offers free public transportation and discounts to the Prado and other museums, as well as discounts to other popular tourist sites across the city. You can purchase a 24-hour card for 8.40 EUR, a 2-day card for 14.20 EUR, a 3-day card for 18.40 EUR, or a 4-day card for 22.60 EUR.
• Embrace free museum days – Lots of museums in Madrid are free on certain days or at certain times throughout the day. Others have free hours. For example, the Prado offers free entry Monday through Saturday between 6-8pm and Sundays between 5-7pm Be sure to check before you go because it’s far better to see one of the world’s best museums for free versus paying full price. You can ask at the tourism office as they hold a list there.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a great way to save money on accommodation while also getting some insight from the locals. While hostels aren’t too expensive in the city, this is still the best way to save money (as your biggest budget item is typically accommodations) and connect with an insider who can share their expert tips and advice.
• Take a free walking tour – This is one of my favorite ways to get to know a new destination — and you can’t beat the price! New Europe Walking Tours and Cat’s Hostel Walking Tours are the two most popular free tours in the city. Please remember to tip your guide at the end of the tour.
• Grocery shop at the markets – Fresh food can be bought for cheap at some of the daily markets in the city. Check out the Mercado de la Paz or Mercado de Maravillas for fresh produce, meat, and even some prepared foods like Tortilla Española (Spanish omelet with potatoes). You’ll save a ton compared to the supermarket and will have a chance to choose from the most seasonal produce.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Madrid

Madrid has a ton of choices in a variety of neighborhoods and budgets. Here are the best hostels and budget hotels in Madrid:

• The Hat Hostel
• Sungate One
• Cats Hostel
• Petit Palace Puerta del Sol
• Hotel Indigo Madrid–Princesa

How to Get Around Madrid

Public buses run all over Madrid from 6:30am-11:30pm (with some night routes also), and they cost the same as the metro. You can also get 10-journey cards from 11.20 EUR depending on your zones.

Tourist passes are available for unlimited usage on all public transportation, ranging from 1-7 days. They cost 8.40-17 EUR for a daily pass or 35.40-70.80 for a weekly pass, depending on the zones you need. Most tourists will only need a Zone A pass.

Bicycle – Madrid has an electric bike-sharing program called BiciMAD. Rentals start at 2 EUR per hour, and then it’s 4 EUR per extra hour.

Taxis – Taxis start at 3.25 EUR and then 1.10 EUR per additional kilometer. Skip them if you can, as prices add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Madrid but Cabify is the more popular option for residents.

When to Go to Madrid

Madrid is a year-round destination like the rest of Spain, but during peak season (June-August) crowds are heavy, prices are highest, and the heat is oppressive. Daily temperatures soar well above 30°C (86°F) in the summer, so plan for hot weather. While the city is lively, you’ll need to book everything in advance as places sell out.

Personally, I think the shoulder season is the best time to visit Madrid (April-May and September-October). Tourist sites are much less congested, and prices for accommodation are lower. Temperatures are moderate, with average temperatures hovering around 64°F (18°C), which makes walking around or enjoying outdoor hikes or cycling much more pleasant Just bring a raincoat in case there are brief showers. In spring, expect parks full of blossoms, and in fall, outdoor events are still going strong.

Visiting in the winter is also doable, though the days can be chilly. While the weather isn’t great, you’ll get much of the sights and museums to yourself, and prices will be lower. Expect daily highs around 10°C (50°F). If you go in December, you’ll see the main squares decorated with large Christmas displays and bakeries full of seasonal treats.

How to Stay Safe in Madrid

Madrid is a safe city. Violent crime is very rare, though pickpocketing and petty theft are common, especially in the major tourist areas and on the metro. You need to be really careful with your stuff and always watch your pockets when you’re out and about — especially while on public transportation. The pickpockets here (and across Spain in general) a very talented!

If you need a taxi, especially from the airport, be sure to use the official white city taxis with a red stripe (there are some rogue drivers who may try to scam you into believing they are licensed. The fixed rate from the airport to the city center is 33 EUR, and you should not be charged extra for luggage that fits within the trunk.

If you go out at night, only bring the money you need. Leave the rest in your accommodation just in case.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk around intoxicated at night, etc.). There are options for female-only hostels and some sites for female-only accommodation sharing. You can visit any one of the numerous solo female travel blogs for specific tips, as they will be able to provide advice.

Tourist scams are prevalent in the city, so keep an eye out for groups of kids trying to distract you, as they’re probably trying to take your money. Moreover, be wary of people offering to carry your luggage or take your photo, as they may try to charge you a large fee for the service. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for police, ambulance, and fire services.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Madrid Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Spain.

Madrid Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Spain travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 7 Best Hotels in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Seville

The Perfect 3 Day Granada Itinerary

The 7 Best Hostels in Seville

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Madrid has excellent art museums, phenomenal food, enormous parks and Europe’s largest palace, but its inclusive atmosphere is what really makes the city soar.

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Best things to do, leave the planning to a local expert.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museo del Prado

Welcome to one of the world's premier art galleries. More than 7000 paintings are held in the Museo del Prado’s collection (of which only around 1500 are…

Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

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Parque del Buen Retiro

Spend a day exploring the vast grounds of Madrid’s emblematic park.

Basílica de San Francisco El Grande

La Latina & Lavapiés

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Plaza de Toros Las Ventas

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Templo de Debod

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Palacio Real

Spain's jewel-box Palacio Real is used only occasionally for royal ceremonies; the royal family moved to the modest Palacio de la Zarzuela years ago.

Wanda Metropolitano

The state-of-the-art new home of Atlético de Madrid – they moved in in late 2017 – seats 67,703 people and has already become a firm favourite among fans,…

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu

Football fans and budding Madridistas (Real Madrid supporters) will want to make a pilgrimage to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, a temple to all that’s…

One of the better flamenco stages in town, Cardamomo draws more tourists than aficionados, but the flamenco is top-notch. The early show lasts just 50…

Plaza de España

This central Madrid square was being given a major overhaul when we last visited. They'll no doubt find room for the 1927 statue of Cervantes, alongside a…

Corral de la Morería

This is one of the most prestigious flamenco stages in Madrid, with 50 years of experience as a leading venue and top performers most nights. The stage…

Palacio de Cristal

Hidden among the trees south of Parque del Buen Retiro's lake is the Palacio de Cristal. Built in 1887, it's a magnificent metal-and-glass structure and…

El Ángel Caído

At the southern end of the park, near La Rosaleda with its more than 4000 roses, is a statue of El Ángel Caído (The Fallen Angel). Strangely, it sits 666m…

Plaza de la Puerta del Sol

The official centre point of Spain is a gracious, crowded hemisphere of elegant facades. It is, above all, a crossroads: people here are forever heading…

La Venencia

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A Sunday morning at El Rastro flea market, Europe's largest, is a Madrid institution. You could easily spend the entire morning inching your way down the…

La Rosaleda

At the southern end of the Parque del Buen Retiro is La Rosaleda with its more than 4000 roses.

Las Tablas has a reputation for quality flamenco and reasonable prices; it's among the best choices in town. Most nights you’ll see a classic flamenco…

Casa de Correos

The main building on the Plaza de la Puerta del Sol houses the regional government of the Comunidad de Madrid. The Casa de Correos was built as the city’s…

Plaza Mayor

Madrid's grand central square, a rare but expansive opening in the tightly packed streets of central Madrid, is one of the prettiest open spaces in Spain,…

Teatro Flamenco Madrid

Malasaña & Conde Duque

This excellent new flamenco venue is a terrific deal. With a focus on quality flamenco (dance, song and guitar) rather than the more formal meal-and-floor…

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Casa de Lope de Vega

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Campo del Moro

These gardens beneath the Palacio Real were designed to mimic the gardens surrounding the palace at Versailles; nowhere is this more in evidence than…

Biblioteca Nacional & Museo del Libro

Perhaps the most impressive of the grand edifices erected along the Paseo de los Recoletos in the 19th century, the 1892 Biblioteca Nacional (National…

Museo de Historia

The fine Museo de Historia (formerly the Museo Municipal) has an elaborate and restored baroque entrance, raised in 1721 by Pedro de Ribera. Behind this…

Museo al Aire Libre

This fascinating open-air collection of 17 abstract sculptures includes works by renowned Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, Catalan master Joan Miró, as…

Iglesia de San Ginés

Due north of Plaza Mayor, San Ginés is one of Madrid’s oldest churches: it has been here in one form or another since at least the 14th century. What you…

Sociedad General de Autores y Editores

This swirling, melting wedding cake of a building is as close as Madrid comes to the work of Antoni Gaudí, which so illuminates Barcelona. It’s a joyously…

Museo de San Isidro

This engaging museum occupies the spot where San Isidro Labrador, patron saint of Madrid, ended his days around 1172. A particular highlight is the large…

Estación de Chamberí

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Iglesia de San Jerónimo El Real

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Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida

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Planning Tools

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Things to Know

Everything you need to know ahead of your trip, from how many days to spend in town to the best ways to get around.

Best Neighborhoods

Each of Madrid's vibrant neighborhoods has a distinct character. These are the best barrios to explore.

Visit beautiful villages, Roman ruins and walled cities on these day trips beyond Madrid.

Money and Costs

Make the most of your trip to the Spanish capital with these savvy spending tips.

Transportation

Commuter-friendly Madrid has a great public transportation network to get travelers around the city and its surrounding towns.

Free Things to Do

The Spanish capital is a city of fine food and rich culture, but costs can mount up quickly. Here's our guide to the best free things to do in Madrid.

Traveling with Kids

With amusement parks, playgrounds and a laid-back dining culture, Madrid is a family-friendly holiday destination.

Spending Diaries

How to book accommodation, take in museums and eat very well in the Spanish capital for under €500.

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