Natalie
Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, often plays second fiddle to its northern neighbor Barcelona. However, this city has so much to offer that it deserves its time in the spotlight!
Madrid is a gem to explore, from delectable cuisine and affordable living to upscale shopping and cultural delights. Discover the secrets locals cherish, including the abundance of rooftop bars, bustling nightclubs, captivating museum exhibitions, and serene green parks.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the best of Madrid with this ultimate travel guide!
WHAT TO EXPECT IN MADRID
Experience Madrid’s captivating blend of tradition, history, and modern urban lifestyle, a city that truly has it all. As you navigate through Madrid, here are some essential basics to keep in mind for your trip:
- Language: The official language is Spanish, so having some basic Spanish phrases is helpful. However, many people in tourist areas and establishments speak English.
- Currency: The currency in Madrid is the Euro (€).
- Credit Cards and Banks: Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout the city for cash withdrawals.
- Siesta: Madrid follows the Spanish tradition of siesta, where many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon, usually from around 2 pm to 5 pm. During this time, some shops and smaller establishments may be closed.
- Climate: Madrid has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summers can be pretty hot, with temperatures often exceeding. 86°F, while winters are generally mild, with temperatures averaging around 50°F.
- Safety: Madrid is relatively safe, but it’s important to take standard safety precautions like any major city.
GETTING AROUND IN MADRID
Madrid has big city traffic, so I’d recommend not taking a car unless you’re traveling outside the city.
- Metro: Madrid’s metro network is easy to navigate, even for non-Spanish speakers. It covers the entire city and offers easy access to major attractions and neighborhoods. The Madrid metro operates from 6:00 am until 1:30 am. You can purchase a rechargeable metro card, called the “Tarjeta Multi,” for seamless travel (it’s also one of the cheapest metro systems in Europe!)
- Car: Driving and parking in Madrid can be a challenge, to say the least. If you are arriving by car, call ahead to your hotel to figure out the parking situation. Uber and Lyft are readily available in the city.
- Arriving by Plane: The Madrid airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, only a few minutes from the city center. You can take a taxi, airport shuttle bus, or metro to the city center. The Metro Line 8 connects directly to the city center, making it a cheap and convenient option.
WHERE TO STAY IN MADRID
Madrid is a big city, but its public transportation makes it easy to explore regardless of where you are staying. When picking which neighborhood to stay in one that fits your vibe best.
The most popular neighborhoods for tourists are Salamanca and the area near Retiro Park—these areas tend to be quieter and safer, albeit at a slightly higher cost. Centro, La Latina, Malasaña, and Chueca are also great options known for their trendy bars, eclectic shops, and vibrant nightlife scene.
Palacio de los Duques Gran Melia
This beautiful hotel, completely inspired by Velazquez’s masterpiece “Las Meninas”, combines two historic buildings updated to an avant-garde style.
📍Centro
⭐️ 5 Star
💲 $$$
Hotel Orfila
With elegant rooms, a tranquil garden, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, this hotel offers a refined and sophisticated atmosphere.
📍Salamanca
⭐️ 5 Star
💲 $$$
Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII
Situated right across from the iconic Retiro Park, guests can enjoy stunning views of the park and easy access to its peaceful ambiance.
📍 Retiro Park
⭐️ 4 Star
💲 $$
Melia Madrid Serrano
With its prime location on the renowned Serrano Street, guests can indulge in the city’s luxury shopping, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife just steps away.
📍 Salamanca
⭐️ 4 Star
💲 $$
Petit Palace Chueca
Situated in the heart of the city, this boutique hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms equipped with state-of-the-art amenities
📍 Chueca
⭐️ 3 Star
💲 $
H10 Villa de la Reina Boutique Hotel
Nestled in a beautiful historic building, this boutique hotel blends classic and contemporary design.
📍 Chueca
⭐️ 3 Star
💲 $
WHERE TO EAT IN MADRID
Similar to the rest of Spain, Madrid has a ton of local delicacies you have to try on your visit.
As a region known for its love of pork, you must try the rich flavors of cocido madrileño, a hearty pork stew, and the succulent roast suckling pig. If you’re more of a seafood enthusiast, try puplo (octopus), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and bocadillo de calamares (a crispy fried squid sandwich).
SALA DE DESPIECE
🍴 Modern Spanish
Sala de Despiece in Madrid is my absolute favorite restaurant, and their tasting menu is a culinary experience like no other. We did the tasting menu, and each course was another adventure – we loved this beef carpaccio,
DSPEAK
🍴 Fusion
With his expertise and innovative approach to cooking, Chef Juanjo brings a unique twist to traditional flavors. Some of the most popular dishes at Dspeake include the delicate Tuna Tataki with yuzu and soy sauce, the succulent Iberian Pork Secreto with roasted vegetables, and the indulgent Chocolate Mousse with raspberry coulis. Each dish reflects Chef Juanjo’s mastery of combining textures, flavors, and presentation to create an extraordinary culinary experience.
MERCADO DE SAN MIGUEL
🍴 Tapas
The variety of food options at Mercado de San Miguel is astounding. From freshly shucked oysters to flavorful Spanish tapas, there’s something to satisfy every craving. I indulged in mouthwatering jamón ibérico, creamy cheeses, and succulent grilled seafood.
The market’s central location near Plaza Mayor makes it easily accessible and a perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing.
KAPPO
🍴 Japanese
Kappo offers an authentic and refined dining experience, showcasing the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine. With a focus on meticulous preparation and attention to detail, the skilled chefs present dishes that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. Guests can enjoy the simplicity and elegance of Kappo-style cooking, immersing themselves in a culinary journey that respects the traditions and techniques of Japanese gastronomy.
CASA DANI
🍴 Spanish
Casa Dani delivers an authentic taste of Spain with its traditional dishes and warm atmosphere. The menu showcases classic Spanish flavors, and the skilled chefs bring them to life with their expertise and passion. Whether you’re savoring their famous tortilla de patatas or indulging in the rich flavors of their paella, Casa Dani offers a delightful culinary experience that will leave you feeling satisfied and longing to return.
TABERNA LA CONCHA
🍴 Tapas
La Concha is the cutest tapas restaurant in the heart of La Latina, offering an authentic Spanish dining experience. The tapas selection is a delight, with must-try dishes like crispy patatas bravas and garlic-infused gambas al ajillo. Don’t miss the iconic paella, a fragrant blend of saffron-infused rice and succulent seafood.
WHAT TO DO IN MADRID
For me, Madrid has a little bit of everything no matter what type of traveler you are.
Madrid has history, art, luxurious squares, shopping, and parks where you can enjoy a bottle of Spanish wine and meats. Here is a sampling of the best things you can do in Madrid – but there is so much more to explore!
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest royal palace in Western Europe by floor area, covering over 135,000 square meters. Despite its size, the palace is not the official residence of the Spanish royal family but instead serves as a venue for official ceremonies and state functions. Make sure to check out the gardens during your visit.
Retiro Park, one of the largest parks in Madrid, is not only an oasis in the middle of the city but also holds a fascinating history. Did you know that the park was once exclusively reserved for the Spanish royal family? In the past, it was a private retreat for the kings and queens of Spain. Today, Retiro Park is open to the public and offers a wide range of activities, including boating on the lake, exploring the beautiful gardens, and even attending open-air concerts and cultural events.
The ancient Egyptian temple was a gift from the Egyptian government to Spain in the 20th century, as a gesture of gratitude for Spain’s assistance in saving several historical sites in Egypt. Today, you can explore the temple’s beautifully preserved structures, and hieroglyphics, and even enjoy and hieroglyphics and stunning views of the city from its surroundings.
In the past, Plaza Mayor was a venue for various events throughout history, including bullfights, markets, and even public executions. In the past, the plaza was used as a central gathering place for these activities, attracting both locals and visitors alike. Today, Plaza Mayor is a vibrant and bustling square filled with outdoor cafes, shops, and lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot for tourists to soak in the rich history and vibrant energy of Madrid.
Gran Vía is that it was originally known as Avenida de Rusia (Russia Avenue) when it was first planned in the early 20th century. The initial concept was to showcase the strong political and cultural ties between Spain and Russia at the time. However, due to political changes and World War I, the plans were altered and the avenue was eventually named Gran Vía, which means “Great Way.” Today, Gran Vía is one of the most famous and vibrant streets in Madrid, lined with iconic buildings, theaters, shops, and restaurants, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
The Prado Museum is home to one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of European art. The museum boasts over 8,000 paintings, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez, and El Greco.
