Madrid: Practical Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid and need practical guidance, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information. You’ll find details on how to get to the city, how to get around, where to stay, places to go out, and much more.

In this article, I will focus on the practical aspects of a visit to Madrid. If you want to know what to see, I recommend reading my article, Madrid: 3-day Itinerary (by a local).

This is the detailed breakdown of the contents of this article for those who would like to skip to a specific section:

A. Interesting Facts about Madrid

Before discussing the topic, here’s some relevant information for non-Spanish readers:

Location

Madrid is located in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula and is the capital of the Community of Madrid and Spain.

Extension

604 square km (60,400 hectares).

Population

More than 3.2 million inhabitants.

Demonym

Those born in Madrid are called Madrileños and Madrileñas. Colloquially, they are also called “cats” (you can find the complete explanation in my article 10 Curious Things about Madrid).

Language

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a culturally rich destination where Spanish is the primary language spoken.

Remember that you can check the language spoken in each country using the tables that I attach to my articles Countries by Language and Best Time to Go.

Currency

Spain is part of the European Union; therefore, the currency used here is the Euro.

In my post Currency exchange, cards and cash abroad (Complete Guide), there is a table that allows you to see the currency used by entering the name of the country you are interested in. Additionally, this article provides all the essential information you need to know about money and travelling.

When to Visit and for How Long

Madrid, like most of central Spain, experiences extreme weather conditions. The winters are often cloudy and cold, with occasional rainfall. Conversely, the summers are hot and dry, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40 °C.

Spring and autumn are very brief seasons, sometimes even non-existent. Therefore, the ideal months to visit the city are April, May, and mid-September to the end of October. During these months, the temperatures are milder, which will enhance your experience of the city.

If these dates don’t work for you, and you would instead pick a different travel destination based on the most suitable time to visit, I recommend checking out my posts Best Time to Go and Where to Travel Each Month. It will help you plan your trip better.

If you’re wondering how many days you need to visit Madrid, it depends on the pace you want to take. Generally speaking, 3 days is the minimum required to see the city’s main attractions at a reasonably fast pace. However, if you prefer to take it slower and explore the town more leisurely, you will need more days.

The flag of the Community of Madrid

Each of its seven stars represents the corresponding main stars of the Ursa Major constellation, which can be seen from the Sierra de Guadarrama.

The five points of each star represent the five provinces surrounding the Community: Ávila, Segovia, Guadalajara, Cuenca and Toledo.

The crimson red represents the origin of Madrid as a Castilian town.

In many places, you will see the Spanish flag displayed alongside it.

City’s Coat of Arms

The Bear and the Arbutus have been the symbols of Madrid since the 13th century. They are both depicted in the city’s coat of arms surrounded by seven five-pointed stars that correspond to the main stars of the Ursa Major constellation. The blue background of the coat of arms represents the sky.

I explain the legend about the shield in my article 10 Curious Things about Madrid.

B. Practical Information about Madrid

1. How to get to Madrid

On the following map, you can see the entry points to the city, which I will explain below.

Plane

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport, 12 km from the centre, is one of the five most important in Europe. It consists of 4 terminals and four runways. There is a free shuttle bus from terminals T1-T2-T3 to T-4, which is the furthest.

From there, you can get to the city centre in several ways:

The metro line 8 (from 6:00 am to 1:30 am).
The line of Barajas Airport Express Bus (24 hours)
The train, lines C-1 and C-10, from T-4 to Chamartín station (between 6:00 am and 23:00 approx., depending on the route, and with a frequency of about 30 minutes).
The taxi. The fixed rate between the airport and the city centre area is 30 euros.

For more information, consult the AENA page.

Train

Madrid is conveniently located in the centre of Spain, making it easy to travel to other cities by train. Every national destination can be reached within eight hours.

In addition, Madrid is connected to 11 Spanish and 6 French cities through RENFE’s star product: high speed.

The city has two main train stations:

Atocha (Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V): It’s the largest station located in the city’s southern centre.
Chamartín (Agustín de Foxá s/n): Located to the north, it is the second largest.

You can quickly check all the commuter lines on the Renfe website.

Road

Madrid is the hub of road transport in Spain, with Puerta del Sol as the starting point (kilometre 0) for all the roads connecting the capital to the rest of the Peninsula. The city has six entrances from old national roads that have been modernised and converted into highways.

A-1. Madrid-Irún. Northern Highway: From here, you can reach Plaza de Castilla, where the iconic towers “Gate to Europe” are situated.
A-2. Madrid-Barcelona. Aragón or Northeast Highway: Offers the most direct (and free) connection to the capital from the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport.
A-3. Madrid-Valencia. Valencia or Eastern Highway: Main access road from Valencia, Albacete, Alicante or Murcia.
A-4. Madrid-Sevilla. Andalusian or Southern Highway: It is the highway that connects the capital with the southern regions of the Peninsula. It also intersects with other roads that provide access to cities such as Málaga, Cádiz, and Almería.
A-5. Madrid-Badajoz. Extremadura or Southwest Highway: This highway reaches the border with Portugal and is an alternative route to access the western part of Andalusia.
A-6. Madrid-A Coruña. A Coruña or Northwest Highway connects Madrid with Galicia through Castilla y León and also serves as a connection with Asturias.

For more information on Madrid’s ring roads and radials, visit the official tourism page of the Community of Madrid.

Bus

Madrid has multiple bus stations offering various destinations, allowing you to travel within and beyond the country.

South Bus Station (Méndez Álvaro, 83): Located in the Vallecas neighbourhood, in the south of the city, it is the largest in Madrid. It offers a wide variety of both national and international destinations.
Avenida de América Station (Av. América 9): It’s another one of the most important transportation hubs in the city, offering urban, intercity, and long-distance bus services.
Príncipe Pío Station (Glorieta de San Vicente): Formerly known as ‘Estación del Norte’ (North Station), it offers urban and interurban bus services.

2. How to get around Madrid

The best way to explore Madrid City Centre is on foot, especially with a well-planned route. For longer distances, the most convenient and efficient mode of transportation is the metro (underground).

Metro (Underground)

The Madrid Metro is widely recognised as one of the best in the world and features on all significant lists. The network has expanded significantly since the section between Sol and Cuatro Caminos was inaugurated in 1919. Currently, the Madrid Metro comprises 12 lines and the Opera-Príncipe Pío Branch.

Here, I leave you the link to the different Madrid Metro Maps.

Light Rail Network — Tram

Madrid has had a light rail network since mid-2007, which spans 35.4 kilometres. The network consists of four lines that connect the northern area of Madrid with the city centre, as well as the towns of Pozuelo de Alarcón, Boadilla del Monte, and Parla. In total, there are 52 stations on the network.

If you plan to travel around Madrid, you can find more information about the light rail network on the Madrid Light Rail website.

Bus

Madrid’s buses are efficient and clean, announcing stops like the metro. The advantage of the bus over the metro is that you can enjoy the views while travelling. The disadvantage is that it is slower, for obvious reasons.

‘Cercanías’ Trains

These trains are cheap and fast. They connect different parts of the city with central metro stations, making them ideal for moving to the suburbs and connecting with the main towns around the Community of Madrid.

To use public transport, you need to purchase a Multi Card (€2.50) and add the necessary tickets. Multiple people can also use it.

On the Madrid Transport Consortium website, you can find all the information regarding transportation options, including lines, stations, schedules, and rates.

Taxi

It is the most comfortable way to travel, as it takes you directly to your destination but is also the most expensive option.

BiciMAD

It is an electric bicycle rental service in Madrid. It has 7,500 bicycles and 611 stations—a very ecological and fun way to get around the city.

Madrid City Card

The Madrid City Council has introduced a new official tourist card, similar to those available in other European capitals. The card offers discounts on popular tourist and leisure attractions and transportation within Zone A. The card can be purchased for use for 1 to 5 days.

Informative note if you move by car: Since January 1, 2024, environmental restrictions for the circulation of vehicles have increased considerably.

3. Best Areas to Stay

Madrid is a sprawling metropolis consisting of 21 districts. However, the central district is undoubtedly the best location to start exploring the city as a tourist. Specifically, the Sol neighbourhood is ideal, especially if it’s your first time visiting the city.

Sol

The Sol neighbourhood takes its name from its mythical square, Plaza del Sol, and I consider it the best area to stay for several reasons:

It is the most central neighbourhood, making it a strategic place for any itinerary.
It is very close to many of the city’s attractions.
The transportation network from here is excellent.
It is a bustling area with plenty of cultural attractions, including tapas, bars, restaurants, and nightlife options.
If shopping is your thing, you have tons of stores around to make your visit an unforgettable experience.

I won’t say it is the cheapest area because it’s not, but the prices are pretty reasonable considering its location as the centre of one of the leading European capitals. Moreover, you’ll save both time and money on transportation.

Madrid of the Austrias

It is the oldest and most monumental neighbourhood. It has many monuments, restaurants, bars and tapas places. In addition, it is very close to Sol and La Latina.

Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter)

Located near Puerta del Sol, this romantic neighbourhood is filled with bars and restaurants and honours the great writers of the Golden Age of Spanish literature who lived there.

Gran Vía

Known as Madrid’s Broadway, you will find many cinemas and theatres. It can also be an option for shopping lovers, as it is one of the main commercial areas with numerous stores.

La Latina

This area is well-known for its nightlife and roots in mediaeval times. If you plan to visit in the first half of August, book in advance, as it hosts the famous Verbena de la Paloma festival.

Every Sunday and holiday, the Madrid Rastro market takes place here. It was founded in 1496 and offers various second-hand items, collectables, and curious things.

Malasaña

This area is perfect for going out for dinner and drinks, as it boasts some of the best restaurants in Madrid. It is known for its bohemian vibe and is the birthplace of the famous “movida madrileña” (Madrid scene) — a countercultural artistic phenomenon that emerged during the transition period after the death of Franco.

Chueca

Near Gran Vía, Chueca is one of Europe’s largest LGTBIQ neighbourhoods.

It has become one of the most fashionable areas with plenty of shops, bars and cultural offerings.

Lavapiés

One of the most multicultural neighbourhoods in the city, this mediaeval district is renowned for its gastronomic and cultural offerings, making it perfect for budget travellers.

Other alternatives

Atocha is a bustling transportation hub suitable for all budgets. Although it’s a quiet area, there is limited nightlife.
El Retiro. Its highlight is The Retiro Park, a 118-hectare green oasis in the city’s heart, perfect for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquillity.
Salamanca: This is the most aristocratic and distinguished neighbourhood, perfect for those seeking peace, culture, and elegance. However, it comes with a high price tag, as it is one of the most expensive areas in Madrid.
Chamberí: One of the most affordable and traditional neighbourhoods, offering various recreational activities, green spaces, and accessible transportation options.

4. Where to Go Out

Madrid is a bustling city with endless options for day and night entertainment. You will have plenty of options to go out and have a good time.

Here are some recommendations:

Neighbourhoods to Go Out

Huertas or Barrio de Las Letras (Literary Quarter): It is an ideal place to go out for tapas, with countless options.
Malasaña: Combines classic venues with purely alternative environments. Some stand out, such as La Vía Láctea, Café Manuela, El Diplodocus, La Bicicleta Café or 1862 Dry Bar.
Chueca: There are popular gay party venues in this area of Madrid, as well as more traditional establishments. Highlights include Klimt Gin Club Premium Bar, the fusion food at Kuoco 360 Food, Morgana and the Japanese-style tavern Yakitoro.
La Latina. Tapas is a classic activity that can be enjoyed in places like El Viajero, Casa Lucio or La Perejila. The clubs in Madrid are in luck thanks to the La Latina neighbourhood, with venues like ContraClub, Marula or Rincón del Arte Nuevo.
Chamberí: In this capital district, you can find a mix of environments that range from exclusive to more traditional. El Invernadero is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. If you’re in the mood for authentic Japanese cuisine, check out 99 Sushi Bar. Regarding nightlife, there are plenty of options, including the classic Sala Mon Live, the iconic Galileo Galilei show venue, and the clandestine-inspired club Uñas Chung Lee.

Rooftops and Terraces

Some of the best leisure plans in the Community of Madrid pass through these types of venues. Bars and restaurants on rooftops with spectacular panoramic views of the capital are becoming increasingly popular.

Some to highlight are:

Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes (Círculo de Bellas Artes, Calle Alcalá): this terrace with 360° views is a great place to have a cocktail or enjoy its exclusive restaurant.
Picalagartos Sky Bar & Restaurant (Hotel NH Collection Gran Vía): Located on the eighth and ninth floors of the Gran Vía 21 building, one of the neo-baroque jewels of the area. The terrace offers a 360° panoramic view of the city. It is open from noon to 1 in the morning.
Ginkgo Sky Bar (Hotel VP Plaza España Design): One of the most exclusive terraces in Madrid, located next to Plaza España. In addition to the terrace with views, it has a garden living room with a glass roof. The food is presented in an almost unbeatable way, although it is not cheap. It opens at 7 am and closes at 11 pm (1 am on weekends).
360° Rooftop Bar (Hotel Riu Plaza España): located in the emblematic España Building on Gran Vía. Open every day from 11:00 am to 2:00 am. The entrance fee for those not staying at the hotel is 5 euros in the morning and 10 in the afternoon/night. It has three environments: 360° terrace, Sky Bar and Edén Gastrobar.
Roof 66 (Hotel Vincci Via 66): located on Gran Vía, it stands out for its impressive sunsets. Open from 6:30 pm to 1 am.
Le Tavernier (Hotel Innside Madrid Gran Vía): 400 m² premises with expansive views. Open in the afternoon until 1 in the morning.

Flamenco Tablaos

Many people consider flamenco tablaos something only “for tourists”. Indeed, they are usually full of foreigners, but so are the main tourist attractions of any city, and that does not mean they are something to avoid.

Flamenco is something very Spanish and part of our culture and roots. Moreover, UNESCO recognised it as a cultural heritage, so let’s not underestimate it!

Attending a flamenco show can be an unforgettable experience, but choosing a good venue to enjoy it is essential.

Here is the link to the page Flamenco Tablaos of the Community of Madrid, where you will find the most important ones in the city, so you can pick wisely.

5. Safety

In 2023, Spain ranked number 14 as the safest country in the world.

Madrid is also a safe city. However, like in any other large city, thieves are around, and tourists might fall prey to their tactics if they are not careful. Applying common sense and being vigilant about our belongings and surroundings is essential.

It is advisable to exercise extra caution while travelling on the underground or in crowded areas.

C. Additional Information About Madrid

Other articles that may be useful to you if you travel to Madrid are:

3-Day Madrid Itinerary. Itinerary with a map to see the most essential things in Madrid in 3 days (by a Madrid native).
Madrid: Cuisine and Culture. With the main cultural events of the city and the typical dishes of Madrid cuisine that you must try.
10 Curious Things about Madrid. In case you fancy learning more interesting facts about Madrid.
10 Historical Moments that Changed Madri d. It simply and concisely presents ten historical facts about Madrid that will help you better understand its culture.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can leave a comment below or fill out the contact form, and I’ll gladly assist you 😊