If this is your first time in Madrid, your first question should be “what should I not to miss when I get there?” By following the list of top things to visit below, you’re guaranteed a great time in the city, full of unforgettable sights and monuments.
This survival guide to travelling to Madrid contains all the relevant and practical information you need to read about. It guides you step by step through all the main decisions you have to take and answers to the ‘Big 5’ – who, what, when, where, how.
Is this your first time in Madrid? Why should you go?
While Barcelona is usually considered the most EU city in Spain, Madrid has had centuries of culture behind it and it offers plenty of cultural activities which make it an enormously popular destination for anybody searching for some time away in a fascinating and different European capital.
The city is full of great monuments and interesting museums. It’s also a great place to have a glimpse at flamenco, Spain’s most popular dance. And if you happen to be a sport enthusiast, fútbol is sacred in Spain, but the real question here is Real Madrid or Atlético?
Madrid is not a particularly dangerous city. You should be wary of pickpockets in certain areas (those frequented by tourists as you would have guessed). But in general, you shouldn’t act differently than at home. Take some basic precautions and everything will be fine.
If you intend to get to Madrid by plane, have a look at this complete guide to fly to Madrid where I show you how to find very cheap international flights.
How much time should you spend in Madrid?
To travel smartly, your first decision must be determining how many days you should spend in Madrid, especially if you are a first-time visitor. You could visit Madrid for weeks and still not see half of what’s interesting!
No matter how much time you have in the city, have a look at my Madrid itineraries, which are designed to help you make the best of your time.
What should you see in Madrid?
I’m personally not a big fan of travel checklists and “must-see” tourism. Still, there’s no denying that Madrid has a bunch of attractions that you should check out.
Here are some things I consider must-see attractions and activities in Madrid: the Museo del Prado, the Museo Thyssen, the Reina Sofía, the Royal Palace, attend a flamenco show, try some delicious tapas in one of the many tapas bars scattered around Madrid, and walk around off the beaten path.
The Madrid Tourist Card gives you access to tons of attractions, all in one ticket. So, it’s definitely the cheapest and most convenient way to visit Madrid.
And if you have limited time, check out my ‘Madrid in 9 Walks’ guide.
When is the best time of the year to visit Madrid?
Madrid is an exciting city that offers plenty of activities all year round, and with a nice weather. However, certain months are much better than the rest.
The best time of the year to visit Madrid is May and June when the weather is perfect and there are lots of events going on. This season is very popular, for obvious reasons, but it’s also very crowded.
Alternatively, you can also visit the city in October and November, after the heat of the summer has died down.
Have a look at the best time to visit Madrid and decide accordingly.
What are the top things to do and see in Madrid?
The month-to-month Madrid events calendar is a summary of the top things to do and see.
You won’t find most of these Madrid events in your travel guide or asking at your hotel’s lobby. Actually, cool events don’t get advertised, they are either spread by word of mouth or can be found in local magazines or newspapers. And best ones can only be found online, usually subscribing to this or that newsletter.
But most importantly, all this information is in Spanish… To make things easier for you, I go through every list, select only the best ones and translate every single detail. You won’t miss anything, I promise.
Where should you stay in Madrid?
Madrid has a wide range of excellent hotels, from international brands to beautiful boutique hotels.
Another good option for families and those who want their own, self-catering space is a Madrid vacation rental, giving you the feel of living in your own apartment.
Finally, there are also numerous backpacker hostels and low cost hotels for the budget conscious.
Is it easy to get around Madrid?
Despite being a relatively big city, Madrid offers an excellent public transport system. It’s very easy to get around.
Even if the central areas are walkable and I always recommend going on foot whenever it’s possible, it’s also nice to have some alternatives if you plan to go further away or you suddenly feel tired.
The Madrid Traveller maps will surely prove helpful.
Do you need a visa to travel to Madrid?
If you plan to travel to Spain, visa procedures will depend on your nationality. Not everybody needs a visa to enter Spain and special conditions apply to most European countries, especially to member countries of the European Union.
Keep in mind that the tourist visa has time limitations that you should be aware of! And don’t forget that the validity and obligations of the visa apply to all Schengen countries.
Is Madrid a safe city?
Madrid is a safe city to visit, but I recommend that you take some basic precautions measures since it’s known to be crawling with pickpockets, especially around popular tourist landmarks and museums.
There have also been cases of thieves on motorbikes driving by women and grabbing their purses, so keep it tightly by your side at all times.
Be extremely careful in bus or train stations and other similar crowded places, because pickpocketing is common there.
Also, exercise caution at El Rastro (Madrid’s flea market) over the weekends.
Should you get a travel and health insurance?
In short, yes.
Travel insurance is vital for Spain and indeed anywhere in the world. Spanish health care is excellent, but also expensive especially in the event of an illness or accident. Besides your health, you want to be protected against cancelled flights, missing baggage etc. Hopefully you’ll never have to use it, but travel insurance makes all the difference if you do.
Getting a travel insurance is a must if you’re spending a lot on your trip, bringing valuables along, or want comprehensive trip protection and medical coverage.
How do you get to Madrid?
Madrid is an extremely well connected city that provides several options to get to, either from other parts of Spain or other cities around the world. The city has a major international airport, Barajas International Airport (MAD), linking to every possible destination you can think of.
If you’re coming from other parts of Spain, Madrid is well served by the high-speed train (AVE) and bus.
And before getting your plane tickets, consider the benefits of online travel insurance. When traveling, better safe than sorry!
Where can you get more information about other destinations in Spain?
Additionally, you can explore the charms of Central Spain planning several day trips from Madrid, or you can decide to go further away, including other destinations around the country in a longer itinerary.
There are several must-see destinations in Spain within easy reach of Madrid. They all make great additions to any Madrid itinerary. As the site grew, it was a natural move to create additional travel practical information for those like you, who want to discover these destinations’ secrets and enjoy them as a local. These concise guides provide details about what to see and do.
In addition to this, since most of you travel to other exciting Spanish cities, the Spain Traveller eBooks collection have been designed and written to help you maximize your time and enjoy your trip to Madrid.