Madrid

Travel Guide
Madrid
Madrid
Almudena Cathedral
Madrid
Madrid
Madrid is the stylish,cosmopolitan and bustling capital of Spain.With its vast array of major parks, museums and galleries, cafés, and ornatechurches, this is a city that’s going to keep you entertained. The livelyatmosphere, fascinating history, renowned museums and stunning architecturemake Madrid one of the most popular cities inEurope.

In the city are some of the largest art galleriesin the world, and visitors could become lost in them for days. Tour of thePrado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado) and peruse the works of great artists likeGoya and Velázquez, or visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (MuseoThyssen-Bornemisza), which displays collections spanning different centuriesthroughout history, from medieval realism to modern art. And don’t forget tostroll through the Reina Sofía Museum (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte ReinaSofía) and admire the domestic works by Spanish masters such as Picasso andDalí.

When it’s time to fuel up, enjoy lunch in the mainsquare, the 18th century Plaza Mayor, or take a tour through the old town hall(Casa del Ayuntamiento).

The King of Spain now lives on the outskirts of thecity, meaning visitors can visit to the Royal Palace in the centre (PalacioReal) with its richly decorated rooms and impressive array of treasures. Wealso recommend you check out the AlmudenaCathedral (Santa María la Real de la Almudena), the construction ofwhich took more than a century.

The iconic Puerta de Alcalá can be found on thecorner of El Retiro (El Parque de Retiro), an impressive green space witharchitectural jewels, gardens and ponds, and the Casa de Campo is an evengrander city park. Visit the Natural History Museum (Museo Nacional de CienciasNaturales) and find out all about the local flora and fauna, amongst otherthings.

Spend an evening visit to Puerta del Sol. You’llfind some of the best 'tabernas' and clubs of Madridaround this square. Traditionally, people eat here quite late, so if you wantto join the Spanish locals, then you better be willing to come out at midnight.Make sure you try the local cuisine, including tapas and paella – you won’t bedisappointed – and wash it all down with a refreshing sangria or Rioca.

Madrid is one of themost dynamic cities in Europe. You are guaranteed to love this city!

Where to stay in Madrid

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Madrid Centro

4.5/5(745 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Madrid Centro. Check out top attractions like Gran Via and Puerta del Sol, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.

Madrid Centro
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Salamanca

4.5/5(128 area reviews)

Salamanca is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like El Corte Inglés and Golden Mile. See more of Madrid by jumping on the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station.

Salamanca
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Sol

If you're spending time in Sol, check out sights like Gran Via or Puerta del Sol and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.

Sol
Madrid featuring religious elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Retiro

4/5(68 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Retiro. You can visit top attractions like Glass Palace and El Retiro Park, and jump on the metro at Sainz de Baranda Station or Conde de Casal Station to see more of the city.

Retiro
Madrid showing railway items

Atocha

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Atocha, you might enjoy attractions like Atocha Station Memorial and Paseo del Arte. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's fascinating museums before hopping on the metro at Mendez alvaro Station to see more of the city.

Atocha
Paseo de la Castellana

Chamartín

4/5(45 area reviews)

Travellers choose Chamartín for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Colombia Station or Concha Espina Station and check out top sights like Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Chamartín
Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
3 out of 5
Avenida de Aragón 402, Madrid
The price is €60 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
€60
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2025
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Madrid. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,603 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on 11 Dec 2024

Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
Hotel Emperador
Hotel Emperador
4 out of 5
Gran Via 53, Madrid, Madrid
The price is €139 per night from 6 Jan to 7 Jan
€139
includes taxes & fees
6 Jan - 7 Jan 2025
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,413 reviews)
"Their staff is amazing! they are always ready to serve you, and assist you in every detail or needs that we may have, we are super happy, and we recommend this Hotel to our friends and family... We have stayed in Hotel Emperador many times before and we always come back to Hotel Emperador every time ..."

Reviewed on 17 Dec 2024

Hotel Emperador
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Hotel Riu Plaza España
4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
The price is €179 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
€179
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,736 reviews)
"Not easy to find a nice restaurant"

Reviewed on 18 Dec 2024

Hotel Riu Plaza España
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gran View Apartments
Gran View Apartments
4 out of 5
C/ Gran Vía 48, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (932 reviews)
"Great location; the staff was very helpful and the room apartment was great for our needs."

Reviewed on 18 Dec 2024

Gran View Apartments
Compostela Suites Apartments
Compostela Suites Apartments
3 out of 5
C/ Zambrana, 4, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (485 reviews)
"Excellent amenities"

Reviewed on 18 Dec 2024

Compostela Suites Apartments
SmartRental Collection Gran Via Centric
SmartRental Collection Gran Via Centric
4 out of 5
Gran vía 42, Madrid
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (821 reviews)
"I think this is a very convenient location for those visiting Madrid for the first time. Although there is no lobby, the 24/7 reception on the ground floor makes it very convenient. Breakfast was a great choice."

Reviewed on 17 Dec 2024

SmartRental Collection Gran Via Centric
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Madrid

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
736
" "5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
362
" "4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
56
" "3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Visits to The Prado, Thyssen Bornemisza and Reina Sofia Museums fantastic. Plaza Santa Ana great for nightlife. Atocha Station very near. Trip to Toledo by train well worth it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Locals very friendly in a cosmopolitan city would love to visit again

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Really lovely capital.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Having been a citicen of the capital I enjoy my stay

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Cut is clean and easy to get around on foot. Seems quiet for a capital city. Liked the fact that people live in the city centre