- The Golden Triangle of Art (Prado, Reina Sofia, Thyssen) is a must for art lovers.
- Retiro Park is the city's green lung, perfect for a boat ride.
- Plaza Mayor is the classic square for a calamari sandwich.
- Gran Via is for shopping and stunning architecture.
- Tapas hopping in La Latina on a Sunday is the local sport.
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When to go: Spring or Autumn
May-June and September-October are perfect. The weather is mild and the city is lively.
Summer (July-August) is scorching hot. Many locals leave. Winter is cold but sunny.
- Best: Spring/Autumn.
- Avoid: August (too hot).
- Winter: Christmas markets.
Getting there: Metro or Express Bus
Barajas Airport (MAD) is connected by Metro (Line 8) to Nuevos Ministerios. It takes 15-20 mins.
The Airport Express bus runs 24/7 to Atocha and Cibeles. Taxis have a flat rate of €30 to the center.
- Metro: Fast and cheap.
- Bus: 24/7 service.
- Taxi: Flat rate €30.
Where to stay: Central Districts
Sol/Gran Via is the center of everything. Malasaña is hipster and cool. La Latina is great for tapas and vibes.
Salamanca is upscale and quiet. Chueca is lively and LGBTQ+ friendly.
- Sol: Heart of the city.
- Malasaña: Trendy and young.
- Salamanca: Luxury.
What to see: Museums and Palaces
Start at Puerta del Sol. Walk to Plaza Mayor. Visit the Royal Palace (it's huge).
Spend a few hours in the Prado Museum. Relax in Retiro Park. Watch the sunset at the Temple of Debod.
- Prado: Goya and Velazquez.
- Royal Palace: Opulence.
- Retiro: Boating lake.
- Bernabeu: Real Madrid stadium.
Food: Tapas and Churros
Eat a Bocadillo de Calamares (squid sandwich) near Plaza Mayor. Have Churros con Chocolate at San Gines.
Go for tapas at Mercado de San Miguel (touristy but pretty) or Calle Cava Baja (local).
- Calamari Sandwich: Classic snack.
- Churros: San Gines.
- Cocido Madrileño: Chickpea stew.
- Vermouth: The local aperitif.
Getting around: Metro and Walk
The Metro is excellent, clean, and safe. It goes everywhere. Buses are also good.
The center is very walkable. You can walk from the Palace to the Prado in 20-30 mins.
- Metro: Best way.
- Walk: Very walkable center.
- Uber/Cabify: Available.
Budget: Moderate
Madrid is cheaper than London or Paris. You can eat well for €15-20. Museums have free hours in the evenings.
Accommodation prices vary, but book early.
- Food: Good value.
- Museums: Check free hours.
- Transport: Affordable.
2 Days in Madrid
Day 1: Classic Madrid. Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel. Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. Sunset at Temple of Debod.
Day 2: Art and Park. Prado Museum in the morning. Picnic in Retiro Park. Shopping on Gran Via. Tapas in La Latina at night.
- Day 1: History and Palace.
- Day 2: Art and Relax.
- Night: Tapas crawl.
FAQ
Is it safe?
Yes, but watch out for pickpockets in tourist areas like Sol.
When do people eat?
Late! Lunch is 2-4 PM. Dinner is 9-11 PM.
Is the water safe?
Yes, Madrid tap water is famous for being excellent.