Cover photo: Madrid · Emilio J. Rodríguez Posada · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Europe / Spain · TRAVEL GUIDE

MadridCommunity of Madrid · Spain

DISCOVER · PLAN · GO

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

One destination.
A thousand ways to live it.

Madrid wins you over with its energy, major museums and lively neighborhoods, where elegant avenues coexist with popular squares and tapas bars. It’s a city to savor unhurriedly: between a cultural visit and a stroll through the greenery, there’s always a chance to stop for a meal or enjoy the evening.

5 places to see1 / 3 / 7-day itinerariesInteractive map

THE PLACES THAT TELL MADRID

Worth seeing, worth remembering.

All places on the map ↗

Prado Museum

One of the world’s most important art museums, it houses masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and El Bosco. Set aside at least a few hours for its galleries and check the admission arrangements in advance.

Royal Palace of Madrid

The official residence of the Spanish monarchy impresses with its monumental size and lavish interiors. Right next door stands Almudena Cathedral, completing one of the city’s most scenic views.

This arcaded square is one of the most recognizable places in the historic center and a great starting point for exploring Madrid de los Austrias. Stop to admire the façade of the Casa de la Panadería and the details of the arcades.

Retiro Park

The large historic park in the heart of Madrid invites you to wander among tree-lined avenues, gardens and the lake with the monument to Alfonso XII. Don’t miss the Crystal Palace, often home to temporary exhibitions.

Reina Sofía Museum

The museum of modern and contemporary art houses Picasso’s famous Guernica, along with works by Dalí and Miró. It’s a key stop on the Paseo del Arte, a short distance from Atocha station.

CHOOSE YOUR PACE

How much time
do you have to get lost?

From a first stroll to a week of discoveries. A starting point to make your own.

A day dedicated to the three great museums on the Paseo del Arte — the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía — and to Retiro Park. Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace remain an alternative for another day and are not included in the itinerary.

1Museo del Prado
2Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
3Museo Reina Sofía
4Retiro Park

Explore on the map

Three days alternating between the museums of the Paseo del Arte, the historic center, and the atmosphere of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods.

A week to explore the capital without rushing, visit museums and different neighborhoods, and set aside a day for an excursion in the surrounding area.

GET YOUR BEARINGS, THEN EXPLORE

The city takes shape.
Stop after stop.

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BEFORE YOU GO

A well-planned trip.

Getting around

The center is easy to explore on foot, while the metro and bus network makes it simple to reach the farther neighborhoods. For short trips you can also use taxis and mobility services, but check for any low-emission zones if you rent a car. From Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, you can reach the city by metro, bus, taxi or train, depending on the terminal and your destination.

When to go

Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures for strolling around and visiting museums. Summer can be very hot, especially during the middle of the day, while winter is often cold but well suited to a cultural trip. In spring and during the holidays, the city is especially lively: it’s best to book accommodation and in-demand tickets well in advance.

Where to eat

To sample tapas and traditional dishes, explore La Latina, the Barrio de las Letras, and the area around ; the Mercado de San Miguel is convenient for a casual tasting, though it is often crowded. Look for specialties such as cocido madrileño, bocadillos de calamares, and churros with chocolate. For a more relaxed meal, move away from the main squares and choose places popular with locals.

Quick tips

Book the most in-demand museums in advance and check official websites for opening hours and any free-entry time slots.
In summer, bring water, a hat, and sunscreen: the heat can be intense and many squares offer little shade.
At dinner, meal times are often later than in Italy; for tapas and popular spots, it can help to arrive early or make a reservation.

BEYOND THE GUIDE

Live something worth telling.

Demo examples: not bookable experiences, nor real prices or availability.

Example · not bookable

Madrid: Tour a piedi del centro storico

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Madrid: Tour gastronomico street food

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Madrid: Crociera / battello panoramico

YOUR STARTING POINT

Wake up in the right place.

Avenida General 43, Madrid

8.8

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Stay total: 1 night · 2 adults · 1 room · USD

Your next story starts here.

MadridCommunity of Madrid · Spain

One destination.A thousand ways to live it.

Worth seeing, worth remembering.

Prado Museum

Royal Palace of Madrid

Plaza Mayor

Retiro Park

Reina Sofía Museum

How much timedo you have to get lost?

Paseo del Arte and Retiro4 stops · 1 day

Madrid through art and neighborhoods11 stops · 3 days

Madrid at a relaxed pace and beyond16 stops · 7 days

The city takes shape.Stop after stop.

A well-planned trip.

Getting around

When to go

Where to eat

Quick tips

Live something worth telling.

Madrid: Tour a piedi del centro storico

Madrid: Tour gastronomico street food

Madrid: Crociera / battello panoramico

Wake up in the right place.

Check availability

Ilunion Alcalá Norte

Senator Barajas

Agumar Atocha

Vértice Roomspace

Dear Hotel Madrid

Generator Madrid

Ilunion Pio XII

Hotel Maydrit Airport

Zleep Madrid Airport

Hotel Chamartin The One

Hotel Mediodia

Hotel Nuevo Boston

Letoh Letoh Gran Vía

SLEEP'N Atocha - B Corp Certified

Ibis Madrid Aeropuerto Barajas

Emperador

Vincci Soho

Hotel Puerta America

Elba Madrid Alcalá

TaCH Madrid Airport

Vincci Capitol

Radisson RED Madrid

Grupotel Mayorazgo

Clement Barajas

One destination.
A thousand ways to live it.

How much time
do you have to get lost?

The city takes shape.
Stop after stop.