Madrid is a city that never seems to sleep. Spain’s capital combines world-class art museums, grand boulevards and leafy parks with tapas bars that stay busy long past midnight. Whether you are an art lover, a football fan or simply want to soak up the atmosphere of a great European capital, this Madrid travel guide covers what to see, where to stay and where to shop.
Top attractions in Madrid
The Prado Museum
The Prado is one of the most important art museums in the world, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco and Bosch. Together with the nearby Reina Sofía (home of Picasso’s Guernica) and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, it forms Madrid’s famous “Golden Triangle of Art”.
Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol
The arcaded Plaza Mayor is the historic heart of the city and a perfect place to start exploring. A few minutes’ walk away, Puerta del Sol is where you will find the “Kilometre Zero” plaque, the official centre of Spain’s road network.
El Retiro Park
Madrid’s most beloved park is a huge green space with a boating lake, shady avenues and the stunning Crystal Palace. It is ideal for a stroll or a picnic, and on weekends it fills with street performers.
The Royal Palace
One of the largest royal palaces in Europe, with lavish state rooms and the Almudena Cathedral right next door.
Mercado de San Miguel
This elegant iron-and-glass food market is a great place to sample Spanish specialities, from jamón and cheese to seafood and pastries, all under one roof.
Gran Vía
Madrid’s grand main avenue is lined with early 20th-century buildings, theatres, flagship stores, cafés and rooftop bars.
The Santiago Bernabéu: a must for football fans
The home of Real Madrid is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. The stadium tour takes you through the trophy room, the dressing rooms and the players’ tunnel, with close-up views of the pitch. For any football fan, it is an unforgettable experience.
Five recommended hotels in Madrid
- Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid: the city’s legendary luxury hotel, right next to the Prado, with elegant rooms and impeccable service.
- Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques: a central hotel with a charming garden and spacious rooms, close to the Royal Palace.
- Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid: a young, stylish atmosphere in the lively Chueca neighbourhood.
- Hotel Urban: striking contemporary design and a rooftop pool, close to the main nightlife areas.
- ME Madrid Reina Victoria: great views over Plaza Santa Ana and a popular rooftop bar, near the main attractions.
Where to shop in Madrid
- Gran Vía: the central shopping street, with big department stores and international brands.
- Puerta del Sol and Calle Preciados: busy pedestrian streets with a wide variety of shops.
- Calle Serrano: Madrid’s luxury shopping street in the upmarket Salamanca district, with designer stores and boutiques.
- Mercado de San Miguel: more than a food market – a great place for edible gifts.
- El Rastro: Madrid’s famous Sunday flea market, selling everything from antiques to souvenirs.
Practical tips for visiting Madrid
- Eat like a local: lunch is usually served from around 2 pm and dinner rarely before 9 pm.
- Getting around: the Metro is extensive, efficient and connects directly to the airport.
- Free museum hours: the Prado and the Reina Sofía offer free entry at certain times in the evening – check their websites.
- When to go: spring and autumn are ideal. July and August can be very hot.
Getting to Madrid
Flights land at Madrid Barajas Airport, and our guide explains the terminals and the best ways into the city. If you want to combine the capital with the south or the coast, see our Malaga guide and our guide to Valencia. Heading on to France? Read our Paris travel guide.
