Madrid is Spain's capital and its liveliest all-hours city. It is grand in the middle, with wide boulevards and big museums, and relaxed in its neighbourhoods, where people spend long evenings in bars and on terraces.
The rhythm is later than most visitors expect. Lunch is mid-afternoon, dinner is late, and the streets are busiest long after dark. If you adapt to that, the city is a pleasure.
How many days: 3 to 4
Three days is comfortable for the big museums, the old centre and some time in the park. It is a good city for slow days, so do not over-plan.
A fourth day lets you take a day trip. Toledo, Segovia and El Escorial are the usual choices and are each reachable by public transport.
What to do in Madrid
- See the Prado and the Reina Sofía
- Two of Europe's major art museums, a short walk apart. The Prado holds the classic Spanish collection, and the Reina Sofía is home to Picasso's Guernica. Pick one if time is short.
- Walk through the Retiro
- A large central park with a lake, formal gardens and shady paths. It is a favourite for weekend strolls.
- Visit the Royal Palace
- A large palace in the old centre, with grand rooms and a view across the river valley. Check the official site for visiting arrangements.
- Spend an evening in La Latina
- A neighbourhood of small streets and tapas bars, especially lively on Sundays and in the evening.
- Explore Malasaña and Chueca
- Two central districts with independent shops, cafes and bars. Good for wandering without a plan.
- Take a day trip to Toledo or Segovia
- Toledo is a hilltop old city, and Segovia has a Roman aqueduct and a fairytale castle. Both are best with an early start.
- Wander El Rastro
- The Sunday-morning flea market in La Latina is the city's best-known street market. Go early, keep your bag close, and finish with a vermouth nearby.
- Watch the sunset at Templo de Debod
- An ancient Egyptian temple, given to Spain and rebuilt in a park near the Royal Palace. The open space around it is a popular place to watch the sun go down.
- Stroll down Gran Vía
- The main boulevard is lined with early twentieth-century buildings, theatres and shops. It is best walked at dusk, when the buildings are lit.
What to eat and drink
- Churros con chocolate
- Fried dough sticks dipped in thick hot chocolate, eaten for breakfast or late at night.
- Tortilla española
- A thick potato omelette, served as a tapa or in a sandwich. Every bar has its own version.
- Jamón
- Cured ham, sliced thin and eaten with bread. Quality varies a lot, and good ham is a treat.
- Bocadillo de calamares
- A fried squid sandwich, a classic Madrid snack and often eaten near the main square.
- Cocido madrileño
- A hearty chickpea and meat stew, traditionally eaten in the colder months.
- Vermouth
- A weekend ritual before lunch. Look for bars that pour it from a tap.
- Covered food markets
- Several historic market halls now serve small plates and drinks at counters. They are a relaxed way to try a bit of everything, though the most famous are busy with visitors.
Getting around
The metro is fast, clear and covers the whole city. Check the transport operator's website for the current ticket and pass options.
The airport connects to the centre by metro, by suburban train and by an express bus. Check which option is closest to where you are staying.
The central districts are walkable, with plenty of shade from the trees along the boulevards. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are common for late nights.
Good to know
- Lunch is usually from around 2pm and dinner from around 9pm. Many kitchens close in between.
- Summers are very hot, with midday heat. Plan outdoor sights for morning and evening.
- Pickpockets work the metro, the main square and the Royal Palace area. Keep valuables close.
- Some shops close in the afternoon, and many close on Sundays. Check before you plan a shopping trip.