Madrid Travel Guide: Exploring the Spanish capital’s bites and sites
Inhale the smell of tapas, stroll through the historic plazas, and sip ALL the incredible Spanish wine because you’re in Madrid! When Caleb and I spent a week here, we fell in love with the city for its lively atmosphere, AMAZING food, friendly people, and overall energetic vibes. It’s the city that never sleeps, and we love it so much that we plan to move there eventually!
Whether you’re a couple looking for an on-the-go, busy holiday or a more laid-back city break, Madrid? It DELIVERS. In this ultimate Madrid travel guide, we’ll cover EVERYTHING you need to know to plan your trip.
Let’s dive in starting with a sneak peak of our favorite spots to eat. Isn’t that the most important part of travel? 😏
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✔️ Essential Info:
📍 Location: In the very center of Spain
✈️ How to get there: Fly into Madrid Bajaras Airport or take a train.
☀️ Best months to go: April and May or September and October
🚗 Getting around: Walking or public transport
⏰ How long to stay: at least 2 days, but longer is better!
💰 Budget: $600-$700 total for the weekend as an excellent, mid-range budget.
💴 Tipping: we recommend 10% in restaurants and leaving some change for quick-service places like coffee shops.
📞 Phone and Internet: We recommend getting Google Fi service, as you have data in basically any country worldwide. We LOVE it!
From A road trip to a plane trip: Your options for Getting There
Madrid is landlocked, so the only way to get there is by driving from another nearby European country you might be visiting as a couple.
Or, you can fly to Madrid (it’s me, captain obvious) from pretty much any large city in Europe on the (in?)famous cheap European airlines. If you’re a fellow USA-living couple, you can fly into Madrid from many major American cities, but you may just need to have a layover.
TAYLOR’S TIP: Taylor’s Tip: we always look for cheap flights using either Skyscanner or Going. If you’re from the USA and don’t use going, BOY OH BOY, you are missing out.
Where to Stay
We’ve stayed in almost every main neighborhood in Madrid, and there are 7 areas that we typically tell other couples to stay. However, there are 3 areas that win overall.
Here are our top recommendations at a glance, followed by a more detailed pro/con list of each:
| Category | Recommended Area | Why Stay Here | Hotel Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Sol/Centro | Central location with main attractions nearby, highly functional for tourists. Ideal for first-timers and short visits. | Budget: Hostal Riesco Mid-Budget: Hotel Liabeny Luxury: Hotel Regina |
| Best for Nightlife | Huertas/Barrio De Las Letras | Vibrant area with diverse bars and restaurants, close to central attractions and parks. | Budget: Far Home Atocha Mid-Budget: Catalonia Puerta del Sol Luxury: Hotel Urban |
| Best for Foodies | La Latina | Cultural and culinary hub with an authentic local experience, close to major attractions. | Mid-Budget #1: L&H La Latina Selection Mid-Budget #2: Posada del León de Oro Boutique Hotel Luxury: Living Plaza de la Paja |
1. Sol/Centro (our top pick overall for location)
Pros:
- Central location with easy, walkable access to main attractions and Atocha train station.
- LOTS of accommodation options from budget to luxury.
- Major metro station facilitates easy city navigation.
Cons:
- Lacks the charm of other neighborhoods.
- Restaurants tend to be pricier and cater to tourists.
- It can be very crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
Hotel Recommendations are above or >> Click here to check out all the options, including prices and photos, for hotels in Sol<<
2. Huertas/Barrio De Las Letras (our top pick for nightlife)
Pros:
- Happening nightlife with diverse bars and many awesome tapas bars!
- Central location near Retiro Park.
Cons:
- It lacks major attractions, though it is close to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
Hotel Recommendations are above or >> Click here to check out all the options, including prices and photos, for hotels in Huertas<<
3. La Latina (our top pick for foodies like us – our favorite area)
Pros:
- Centrally located with an authentic Spanish atmosphere.
- Packed with bars and tapas restaurants, especially on Calle Cava Baja.
Cons:
- Predominantly, Airbnb accommodations can impact local rental affordability.
- It can be noisy, particularly on weekends.
Hotel Recommendations are above or >> Click here to check out all the options, including prices and photos, for hotels in La Latina<<
How to Get Around
After visiting the city almost 10 times, Caleb and I have discovered many ways to travel around, but some are better than others. Here are the top 4 ways we navigate the city and recommend you do too:
- Walking (our FAVORITE way): Madrid’s layout makes it perfect for walking, especially in the warmer months. Everything is really close together, so, honestly, you don’t need other transport options *most* of the time.
- Metro: With 12 lines and frequent services, the metro is our preferred method when we are not walking, and we recommend that you take it from the airport.
- Ride-Sharing Apps:
- Cabify: Offers the best prices and availability. Tip: Download beforehand to avoid connectivity issues.
- Uber and Bolt: while these are available, we don’t recommend them. We’ve always found they have fewer drivers and higher prices.
- BlaBlaCar: Connects you with locals for a unique journey if you guys are a little more adventurous!
- Public Bus: the main Bus, EMT Madrid, services over 200 routes, and they even have nut buses if you’re out late (trust us, you will be!)
TAYLOR’S TIP: Do not worry about having cash. We were pleasantly surprised to get on the Bus and be able to pay by tapping our card. But we needed different cards for each of us, so try to travel with 2 cards: 1 for each of you!
While you can use a taxi, we have always found them to be pretty expensive, so we recommend avoiding it. We should also tell you that while ride-share apps are great, Madrid’s traffic tends to be at a standstill sometimes, so your travel time might be double what the app says. That’s why we like walking!
Where you MUST eat
Madrid is worth visiting for its food alone and it’s one the best foodie cities in Europe! It’s one of the main reasons we love going there. While we could literally fill this entire Madrid travel guide with restaurant recs, here are our top 7 “do not leave without going here or you should question your life” places to eat:
1. Casa González: A deli with a hidden tapas bar vibe, popular for its selection of tostas and Spanish meats and cheeses.
What to order: A half portion of Spanish cheese and mixed Iberian sausage—massive servings!
2. 4 Latas: A chic “Spanish fusion” bar with a cool, stylish atmosphere.
What to order: Sobrasada, brie, and honey bikini; it’s like a gourmet grilled cheese that will make your tastebuds fall of your head.
3 Mesón Del Champiñón: Famous for its unique stuffed mushrooms, a must-try in Madrid.
What to order: The signature stuffed mushrooms with chorizo and garlic that will make you never want to eat any other stuffed mushroom.
4. Perejila: Colorful and eclectic and always SO busy (in a fun way)
What to order: Sobrasada toast with manchego cheese and generous portions of mussels.
5. Taberna La Concha: Known for innovative “fusion” tapas and homemade vermouth cocktails called “Manuela,” which is one of the best in Madrid.
What to order: Thai curry fish balls, stewed pork cheeks, and meatballs in tomato sauce.
6. Lamiak: Eclectic and vintage that we have found to always have a good mix of locals and tourists.
What to order: Beef cheeks with cheesy potato gratin—melts in your mouth!
7. GatoGato: A trendy spot with a creative tapas menu, perfect for a sit-down meal or something more cozy, quiet and romantic.
What to order: Charred lettuce with pistachio sauce—Caleb and I dream about this one years after eating it. SO GOOD.
Iconic sites and things you should do
Eat.
The end. I’m kidding. While eating is our favorite thing to do, here are some other “must do” s to add to your Madrid itinerary.
Main Tourist Sites
- The Almudena Cathedral: a modern cathedral that we think you only need 20-30 minutes to see
TAYLOR’S TIP: route to the “mirador de catedral” at sunrise for your own private, stunning view of the cathedral at sunrise. Romantic and a hidden gem!
- The Royal Palace (Palacio Real) – Europe’s largest royal palace where the royal family used to live. It has 3000+ rooms, and it’s stunning inside and out.
- Plaza Mayor – The largest square in Madrid, it is a great place to do some people-watching. Just DO NOT EAT HERE, please – all the restaurants are tourist traps with bad food and high prices.
- Puerta Del Sol – The city’s central meeting point. It’s always packed with people!
- The Golden Triangle Of Art – The Prado, The Arte Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums
- Buen Retiro Park – a massive park in the city center that is great for a stroll or chill out!
Hidden Gems
- Secret Nun Cookies: Yep, you read that right. You can buy DELICIOUS cookies from cloistered nuns in a convent. You must buy the sherry cookies. We ate an entire box.
- Cocktails at Salmon Guru: This bar is always among the top 100 bars in the world, and the cocktails are totally crazy. It’s not a quiet or romantic bar, but it’s fun to do once.
- Secret seafood party at Marcado De La Cebada: all the fishmongers sell their fresh catches on Saturday afternoon with free-flowing wine. We found it overwhelming and fun at the same time.
- El Rastro Flea Market – This open-air flea market is only open on Sundays, but it claims to be one of the best in Europe. We’ll let you be the judge of that!
Romantic stuff
- Sunset at Templo De Debod– while everyone and their dog (literally) goes to this Egyptian temple for sunset, it’s GORGEOUS. Just make sure you walk past the main viewpoint down the path. We had just as nice of a view with fewer humans.
- A Flamenco Show at Cafe Ziryab – an off-the-beaten-path location that we think has one of the most authentic shows!
>> Click here to check prices and availability <<
- Take a cooking class with bottomless wine – we got to cook a bunch of tapas together while our wine glasses were always full, and we had such a blast. You’ll come home with great recipes and have a unique evening together! We still talk about this experience.
>> Click here to check prices and availability <<
- Vermouth tasting at Madrid & Daracott: this cozy little bar/store does an awesome tasting of 4 very unique vermouths, one of our favorite Spanish souvenirs. and it was one of our favorite romantic things we’ve done in Madrid!
>> Click here to check prices and availability <<
TAYLOR’S PRACTICAL TIP: our only complaint here was that they gave you a small bag of crackers, which was not enough for all the vermouth. MAKE SURE YOU EAT FIRST! We learned the hard way…
When you should plan your vacation
In my opinion, and Caleb’s, the absolute BEST time to visit Madrid is either in May or early October. Both months are part of the “shoulder” travel season, meaning they are less touristy but still lively enough to feel like you’re experiencing “authentic” Madrid. You’ll also want to spend at least 3 days there.
During both months, the average temperature is around 20-21 C (68-70 F) and sometimes a bit warmer. So, yes, it’s basically perfect to be able to walk around and burn all those iberico ham and Rioja calories off.
Safety
Madrid is generally safe to travel, especially when traveling as a couple. You’ve got the whole “safety in numbers” advantage that solo travelers might miss!
However, like ALL big cities, don’t be dumb. Sorry to be blunt, but we call it like we see it. Avoid strolling down dark, secluded alleys at night (especially after enjoying some Rioja!) or flaunting expensive jewelry. Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded spots like Gran Vía and Puerta del Sol, where pickpocketing can be an issue.
Caleb sticks to wearing a money belt (though he’s not a fan because it’s pretty much like a skinny fanny pack), and I swear by my Travelon anti-theft purse.
Entry & Exit Requirements
The requirements are the same as in other parts of Spain, such as Mallorca. If you are coming from the USA, you’ll need a valid passport for 3 months from departure. But, 6 months is better!
You also can’t stay longer than 3 months without a special visa if you’re from the USA.
Travel Tips To Know Before You Go
- Language: The main language is Spanish. However, you’ll get around with English just fine in the tourist areas. But do try to learn some basic Spanish phrases.
- Currency: Madrid uses the Euro.
- When looking for where to eat, We have found locals to grade restaurants REALLY hard on Google reviews, and some of the best spots have low stars. Look for spots that are packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people. You might be intimidated, but just try them out!
- Don’t bring big bags to tapas bars: this is one of our top tapas tips because we made this mistake so many times. These bars are packed and you’ll look like a tourist fail just pummeling people with your bag.
- Madrid Tourist Pass: get this if you plan to travel on public transport a fair bit.
There you have it folks – everything you gotta know to plan an amazing trip to our favorite city! If you have questions, just let us know in the comments and we’ll get right back to you!
When you’re in the city, you can’t miss a food tour. We do them in every city, and this one was so good that we did it twice and wrote an ultimate food tour guide about it! If you want authentic, local food without the hassle of finding it, you have to read that guide.
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