Quick facts about Madrid
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: Spanish
Population: ≈ 3.3 million (Madrid City); ≈ 6.7 million (Madrid Metropolitan Area)
Climate: Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1
Visa: Spain is part of the Schengen Area. Most EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter visa-free, as can visitors from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and several other countries for up to 90 days.
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Is Madrid Worth Visiting?
If your ideal vacation is sitting on a beach drinking cocktails under a tropical cover, then no, take the time back and skip this post.
If the picture above appeals to you, then Madrid might be the right choice. Madrid is an inland European city that will appeal to history and culture enthusiasts, art lovers, foodies, nightlife seekers, sports fans, and those looking for a vibrant city experience.
Top Tips for First Timers Visiting Madrid
Taxis from the airport to the center are a capped fixed price (€30). Uber is the same price as a taxi, but you will have to wait, and if you have more than 2 people and luggage, you may not be guaranteed a large enough car. Taxis, regardless of size, will be waiting for you, and you'll be at your hotel in about 30 minutes.
Buy train tickets as far in advance as possible. Train tickets in Spain are dynamically priced, meaning the closer it is to travel, the more expensive they become. Plan your trip using Google Maps to find the train, then buy tickets directly from the carrier. Don't expect to show up at Atocha station on the day you want to head to Barcelona and pay less than €100.
Low-cost trains (IRYO & OUIGO) run between major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. OUIGO tickets can be as low as €10 if you book early. Last-minute prices can be 7-10x higher.
Buy a metro card and use public transit. Madrid's metro system is clean, safe, convenient, inexpensive, and extensive, with 12 lines and over 300 stations. A single ticket costs €1.50, and multi-ticket options are available.
Purchase a SIM card once in the city, not at the airport. Go to your hotel first, connect to Wi-Fi, then head to the nearest Vodafone store for a SIM card (around €15). If you need data immediately, use a service like Airalo (e-sim option), though it’s 2-3x more expensive.
Free Places to Visit in Madrid
Main Plazas and Tapas
Plaza Mayor, Plaza del Sol, and Mercado San Miguel are must-sees. However, if you're not fond of crowds, I recommend walking in the following order: Plaza Mayor to Plaza del Sol, and finally to Mercado San Miguel. After this 600m walk, you'll likely be hungry—check out Amicis or El Minibar for a quieter, satisfying tapas experience.
El Corte Ingles on Callao for a Beer
Head up to the top floor of El Corte Ingles for a great view of Madrid and some excellent food. While the beer isn’t free, the view certainly is. My recommendation: Go for sunset, but arrive early to snag an outdoor table. If you're feeling peckish, I count El Camino Sacramento among my top 10 favorite food stalls in the world & my top 10 favorite steaks in the world.
Enjoy the Green Spaces
My three favorite parks are:
Casa de Campo: Features a lake, amusement park, zoo, and cable car. Stay on the southern side of the park for easy metro access.
Templo de Debod: An ancient Egyptian temple offering great city views.
Parque de El Retiro: Perfectly paired with a visit to the art museums. Check out the Crystal Palace (free art exhibitions) and the Monument to Alfonso XII.
El Rastro
If you're in town on a Sunday, don’t miss El Rastro, the famous flea market. Held in La Latina, it’s packed with goods, from antiques to clothing. Be aware of pickpockets, and if the crowds overwhelm you, duck into a side street.
Paid Attractions & Restaurants
Visit Reina Sofia
While El Prado is a must-see, I personally prefer the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (also known as the Picasso Museum). You’ll find his masterpiece "Guernica" here. For a quick bite afterward, head to El Motteau, one of the best bakeries in the world. They often sell out, so don’t go right before closing.
Check Out Trains at El Museo de Ferrocaril
This museum is housed in a historic train station and features steam trains. It’s €5 for admission, and a fun activity, especially if you’re into family-friendly events.
Everyone Has to Eat Chocolate y Churros in Madrid
Skip the tourist-heavy San Gines and instead go to Chocolat for a more boutique and higher-quality experience. If you're in the mood for a greasy, counter-service churro, head to Churreria Santa Anna (cash-only). It's perfect if you're visiting El Rastro on Sunday, but be prepared for a long line—it moves quickly.