Making the most of every trip is not just about what to see and where to eat but also about knowing some extra things that will help you get to know and enjoy the local culture and save money, time, and energy. While there are tons of things to know before traveling to Spain, here are a few specific tips for visiting Madrid like a total pro.
I can guarantee these will help you have the best time in my favorite city in Spain.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
Trip Planning Tips for Visiting Madrid
Where to Stay in Madrid
Some of the best neighborhoods to look for accommodation include the central Sol-Gran Via, Los Austrias, Barrio de las Letras, La Latina, and Malasaña, but you can read my full guide to the best areas to stay in Madrid.
Highly-rated places to consider include Oriente Palace Apartments and Apartosuites Jardines de Sabatini, but there are many accommodations for any budget.
It’s important to know that you don’t have to find accommodation right on Gran Via Street or near Puerta del Sol, two of the busiest tourist areas in the city.
I’ve also had incredible experiences with Airbnb near Atocha train station and El Retiro Park. Madrid’s city center is enormous, and Madrid’s metro is everywhere, so it’s as easy as it can be to get from one place to another.
Book Major Attractions in Advance
From the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum to the Bernabéu Stadium, you should book your tickets to famous Madrid landmarks in advance to avoid tedious long lines.
Seriously, this is a crucial tip if you want to save yourself time and energy.
Tip #1
The Golden Triangle of Art, which includes the internationally famous Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, offers free admission on certain days and hours.
These times can be a lot more crowded, but it’s still good to know that (for more details, check out my full list of free museums in Madrid).
To visit the museums, you can get your individual tickets to the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums or purchase a 1-year-validity combo ticket.
Tip #2
The daily visits to the Royal Palace, one of Spain’s biggest landmarks, are limited.
The palace also offers free admission at certain times, but guided tours are not included, and it only applies to some people (like EU citizens). See the full terms here.
To visit the palace, book a guided tour or purchase a ticket for an unguided visit with a specific timeslot.
Take Day Trips
I’m in awe of how much is there to see around Madrid, and you should add a day or two to your itinerary to explore Madrid’s surroundings.
While you can certainly visit places like Avila (one of the top walled cities to visit in Spain), Cuenca (famous for its hanging houses), and Salamanca, classic day trips include UNESCO cities and towns like:
Toledo
This beautiful city preserves the heritage of three religions (Jews, Christians, and Muslims). From the synagogue of El Tránsito to the mosque of Cristo de la Luz to Toledo’s Cathedral and Alcazar, there’s a lot to see and do here.
Browse all guided day tours to Toledo or book your train ticket on Omio (formerly GoEuro).
Segovia
With three magnificent landmarks that make its historic center a UNESCO Site, Segovia is totally worth visiting. Be sure to marvel at the fairytale-like Alcazar, admire the jaw-dropping Segovia Cathedral, and be amazed at the impressive Aqueduct.
Browse all guided day tours to Segovia or book your train ticket on Omio (formerly GoEuro). You can also book a hot air balloon flight over Segovia.
Alcala de Henares
This beautiful UNESCO city is Miguel de Cervantes’ birthplace and home to one of the world’s oldest universities.
It is easily reachable by Madrid’s suburban train (Cercanias) or with a half-day guided tour. Read more about all the best things to do in Alcala de Henares.
Aranjuez
This town is home to the Royal Palace of Aranjuez (and its remarkable vast gardens), one of the Spanish monarchs’ favorite residences, dating back to the 16th-18th centuries. It is also reachable by Madrid’s suburban train (Cercanias).
El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen
Home to the 16th-century Royal Palace and Monastery of El Escorial, one of the most impressive royal sites in Spain, El Escorial is a must-visit. Get there with Cercanias (Madrid’s suburban train) or book a half-day guided tour.
Don’t Plan Too Short a Visit
I know it’s a matter of personal taste, but I’ve heard too many people downsizing what Madrid has to offer (and since it is my biggest love, I even feel personally offended).
Even though you can enjoy Madrid in 2 days, I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in the city itself (if not more) and taking at least 1-2 day trips (check out my 4-day Madrid itinerary for inspo).
If you’re like me and you want to see the alternative side of the city instead of ticking items off the bucket list, treat yourself with a proper city break.
Extra Tip
I actually learned Spanish in Madrid in a school called Enforex and had an amazing experience.
The study period varies from one week to one year, so if you are looking to spend a much longer time in Madrid, apply for a non-lucrative visa, and don’t forget – you need a VPN when traveling (especially for long trips).
When to Visit
Late Spring and early fall are the best seasons to visit Madrid. In summer, it’s very hot, but at least it’s not humid, so you can visit Madrid in July and August if you want. This city is also an underrated winter break destination in Europe.
Wondering what to pack for every season? Here’s my ultimate Madrid packing list!
Learn Some Basic Spanish
In comparison to other areas in Spain, there’s actually a good chance to find some English-speaking Spaniards in Madrid.
However, the majority of the locals know very little English (or no English at all). You don’t need to stress about it, but you should learn a few basic phrases in Spanish.
Tip #1: Websites like Booking and HotelsCombined let you know which languages are spoken in a certain hotel. Surprisingly, not all hotels in Madrid have staff that speaks English.
Tip #2: If you have any dietary restrictions, learn how to say them in Spanish because not all eateries have menus in English (although most of them do).
Use Madrid’s Fabulous Metro System, but Bring Comfy Shoes
The city’s Metro system is so extensive and well-organized that there’s no reason to use taxis to get around (including from and to Madrid’s airport).
That said, you can easily plan a walkable Madrid itinerary, so you won’t even need to use the Metro that much. What you will need is a pair of comfortable sneakers.
You Don’t Need to Spend a Whole Lot of Money
You can enjoy Madrid on almost any budget. Besides accommodations for all budgets, you can devour the best food in Madrid at any price from 1 Euro to 30+ Euros.
Also, many attractions are free to visit or offer free admission on certain days or hours. If that’s not enough, you can take several free walking tours in Madrid.
Weather Can Be Unpredictable
If you’re visiting in early spring or late fall, take into consideration the unexpected weather.
From personal experience, I can say that you can’t trust the forecast as rainy days might eventually be sunny or vice versa. Be prepared for both warm sunny days and cold rainy days, and pack accordingly.
Sightseeing Is Overrated; Explore Madrid Freely
Don’t get me wrong; I love Madrid’s landmarks and you should go sightseeing, but strolling around the different neighborhoods freely is the best way to see the city.
To me, Madrid is about a lively and cozy atmosphere, which you can only experience by walking its colorful streets, wandering beyond Puerta del Sol and Gran Via, and meeting with the locals.
You’ll be surprised by how much there is to see in this city beyond the monuments, and that’s where the true magic of Madrid begins.
Want to explore the city with a guide? Check out these amazing walking tours in Madrid!
Don’t Worry About the Siesta and Weekends
In such a buzzing city like Madrid, there’s always something to do and there are always shops, attractions, and places to eat open.
Many tapas bars and restaurants are open exactly during siesta time (1 PM – 4 PM) and some close right after it until dinner. Also, markets like El Rastro or monthly markets like Malamarket and Mercado de las Ranas only work on weekends.
Madrid never shuts down, and you will never be bored in this city.
Go to a Football Game
Let’s start by making things clear – in Europe, you should call it football and not soccer. Football is a huge part of the local culture, and attending a game is truly a must-have experience.
The atmosphere and the love of the local fans for their team are unbelievable, and you don’t have to be a fan to get excited and feel the energy in the stadium.
I highly recommend going to one of Atletico Madrid’s games because they have the best fans and the vibe is insane, but Real Madrid’s games are also worth it.
Tickets are available on each team’s official website, and you should purchase yours a few weeks in advance, if possible.
Food-Related Madrid Travel Tips
Don’t Pay for Hotel Breakfast
Madrid is a foodie’s heaven, and that includes breakfast too. With all the incredible cafes you can find in Madrid, you have to eat out.
From Spanish classics (like toasts with tomatoes and olive oil) to freshly baked pastries to decadent breakfasts, this city has got you covered.
Eating Paella in Madrid – Yes or No?
Exploring the local culinary scene is such a big part of traveling, and each one of Spain’s 17 regions has its own food culture.
While paella is Spain’s most famous dish, Madrid has nothing to do with it because it was actually born in Valencia. So if you’re looking to experience Madrid’s authentic food scene, searching for paella is not the way to do it.
Having said that, I understand not everyone goes back obsessively to Spain over and over again (like I do), and you might want to try paella even if it’s not in Valencia.
To have a somewhat authentic meal, avoid the touristy cafes and restaurants that try to tempt you with photos of paella and central locations on the city’s main streets. Those are the biggest tourist traps.
Instead, go to a Valencian restaurant like La Paella de la Reina for a proper meal.
Don’t Eat in Plaza Mayor
Just like you shouldn’t eat on Las Ramblas avenue in Barcelona, you should also avoid the restaurants in Plaza Mayor in Madrid.
The views might be tempting (as it is one of Europe’s most beautiful squares), but the prices and food are usually not worth it. If you’re looking for a genuine local experience, this is 100%, not it.
That said, in the small streets leading to Plaza Mayor, you’ll find several bars that are considered the best places to have a bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich), a typical local delicacy. These include Bar La Campana and Bar La Ideal.
The Battle of the Churros
Asking where to find the best churros in Madrid is like starting a war. Both locals and tourists have their personal favorite, and mine is San Gines, which is probably the most famous place in Madrid.
I know not everyone would agree with me, but I like their thin crispy churros with their hot chocolate, which is not overly sweet. The fact that it’s open 24/7 and you can feast on some churros even in the middle of the night is a huge bonus.
Here are a few other places to check out. Let me know which one was your favorite when you get back!
Seek for Hidden Rooftops
Exploring the streets of Madrid, you will walk next to some innocent-looking buildings without knowing they are keeping a secret – the trendiest rooftop bars and restaurants (which include some of the best rooftop bars in Europe).
They are super popular and you cannot travel to Madrid without visiting at least one (they’re also one of the reasons why Madrid is such a great girls’ trip destination in Europe). Here are a few rooftop bars in Madrid you should try.
Busy and Loud Tapas Bars Are the Best
Good local tapas bars can seem intimidating for the average traveler. They can be busy as hell and super noisy, but that’s why these are the best places to have authentic food and enjoy an authentic atmosphere.
All you need is a little bit of patience, and you’ll have a table or a spot at the bar. It’s not uncommon to eat tapas while standing, so try having your meal at the bar at least once (I guarantee it’s a fun experience).
Other Madrid Tips
Watch Your Belongings
Madrid was my first solo trip destination (because Spain is one of the best countries for first-time solo female travelers), and I felt very safe.
That said (and you don’t need to stress out about it), like in other European cities, you need to watch your things and beware of pickpockets.
One particular place that is a pickpocket’s paradise is the El Rastro market. It’s packed with people, and you probably won’t notice anything or anyone suspicious. So be sure to put your bag in front of you and keep your pockets empty.
Don’t Compare It to Barcelona
I’m going to be a bit harsh here, but one thing that bothers me is people comparing destinations like they’re a pair of shoes.
I totally get having a favorite destination or liking one better than the other. However, I don’t agree with dismissing a city just because people are unrealistically expecting it to be similar to the other.
I want you to celebrate Madrid for all the fantastic things it has to offer and not see it as better or worse than Barcelona. Each city is completely different but isn’t that what’s beautiful about traveling?
Read more about Madrid and Spain:
- Fun facts about Madrid
- Is Madrid worth visiting
- Spain travel quotes
- Best road trips in Spain
- Novels about Spain
- Virtual tours of Spain
- Spain themed gifts
- Hidden gems of Spain
- Long weekend getaways in Spain
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Thank you Or for an informative post with perfect tips for visiting Madrid. We are going to Madrid at the end of May – can’t wait! It really looks like amazing city and the perfect place for a short break.
I’m glad I could help, Martina! Have fun in Madrid!