Making the most of every trip is not just about what to see and where to eat but also about knowing some 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. This post may show pop-ups.
*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 Sol-Gran Via, Los Austrias, Barrio de las Letras, La Latina, and Malasaña – all super central and within a reasonable walking distance from one another (because they’re not so big), but each has quite a different vibe.
For an in-depth review of what they offer, you can read my full guide to the best areas to stay in Madrid.
In general, highly-rated accommodations in the city center include Woohoo Rooms Boutique Sol (as central as it gets) and the uniquely-decored Oriente Palace Apartments near the Royal Palace, but there are many other options for any budget.
It’s important to know that to be in the heart of the action, 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.
Madrid’s entire city center is enormous and includes more neighborhoods than the ones I mentioned, but the metro is everywhere, so it’s as easy as it can be to get from one place to another.
I, for example, also had incredible stays near Atocha train station and El Retiro Park, though these weren’t my first times in the city and I had more than just a few days.
Book Major Attractions in Advance
From the Royal Palace to museums to the Bernabéu Stadium, you should book your tickets to famous landmarks in advance to avoid tedious long lines. Seriously, this is a crucial tip if you want to save yourself time and energy.
Royal Palace
The daily visits to the majestic Royal Palace, one of Europe’s largest functioning palaces, are limited and require choosing a timeslot.
The palace 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.
Golden Triangle of Art
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).
If you don’t want to visit during these extra crowded hours and do want to skip the lines, you can get:
1. Individual tickets to the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums
2. Purchase a 1-year-validity combo ticket
Take Day Trips
I’m in awe of how much there is 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, including getting lost in its charming streets.
Check out this guided day tour to Toledo or book your train ticket on Omio (formerly GoEuro).
Segovia
With three magnificent landmarks that make its enchanting 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 Roman 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 (with transfers).
Alcala de Henares
This beautiful UNESCO city is Miguel de Cervantes’ birthplace (the author of Don Quixote) and the home of 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 and a famous Spanish landmark, 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 some highlights of Madrid in 2 days, I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in the city itself and taking at least 1-2 day trips (check out my 4-day Madrid itinerary for inspo).
I can be there forever without getting bored, but I understand most people only have a few days. That said, 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 to enjoy pleasant weather. In summer, it’s VERY hot, but at least it’s not humid. This city is also a wonderful winter break destination in Europe with lots of Christmas events and decorations.
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, I wouldn’t completely count on it, and it’s always helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Spanish.
Tip #1: Websites like Booking let you know which languages are spoken in a certain hotel. Surprisingly, not all hotels in Madrid have staff that speak 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). A thing to note, though, is that at all times, at least one station is completely closed for renovations, even if it’s a super central one.
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 (note that prices have gone up to some extent), you can devour great food in Madrid at any price, as there are plenty of cheap eats, mid-range restaurants, and fine dining experiences.
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
From personal experience, I can say that you can’t always 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 soak in the vibes of 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.
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 that are open.
Some tapas bars and restaurants are open exactly during siesta time (1 PM – 4 PM) because that’s when the locals have their lunch, and some close right after that until dinner. Others are open throughout the day.
Also, markets like El Rastro or monthly markets like Malamarket and Mercado de las Ranas only work on weekends.
Madrid never really shuts down completely, and you will never be bored in this lively 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 absolutely insane in the most positive way, 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 probably 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, Madrid is a city where you can try every possible cuisine you like, and I also understand not everyone goes back obsessively to Spain over and over again (like I do), so 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 big photos of paella and central locations on the city’s main streets. Those are the biggest tourist traps. Instead, go to a Valencian restaurant 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, and I understand these hotspots can overrated, but I truly love this place. I like their crispy churros with their hot chocolate, which is not overly sweet.
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.
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 to the average traveler. They can be busy as hell and super noisy, but that’s why these are the best places to enjoy authentic food and 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 most of the time.
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?
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!