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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Madrid

Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do with Travel + Leisure's Madrid travel guide.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

Best Hotels

Things to do, best shopping, best restaurants, best time to go, how to get there, neighborhoods to know, how to get around.

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

There's far more to Madrid than bullfighting, flamenco, and tapas, though you'll certainly find all three in the Spanish capital. Named one of the best cities to visit in Europe by Travel + Leisure readers and one of the best places to travel by T+L editors in 2023, there's a little something for everyone in this incredible city.

Art lovers can spend the day strolling around Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, where three of the world's biggest museums meet. History buffs will love the city's gorgeous architecture and historic landmarks, including the oldest restaurant in the world and an Egyptian temple. (Yes, it's actually Egyptian.) And you can't go wrong with the booming food scene here — it's made Madrid one of Europe's best food cities.

Madrid offers so much to do that you may want to embrace the tradition of a midday siesta. The city's bars and clubs tend to hit their stride after midnight, so an afternoon nap in one of Madrid's top hotels may be just the fuel you need to transition from a day of sightseeing to a night of music and dance.

Rosewood Villa Magna

T+L readers voted the 154-room Rosewood Villa Magna the best hotel in Madrid in recent years, highlighting its central downtown location, modern elegance, and incredible wellness offerings. Each spa offering is individualized and combines ancient Iberian practices with newer innovation. For example, guests can sign up for the "El Retiro" Sense Journey, which starts with a guided power walk in the park and ends with a leg and foot massage.

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid

The Four Seasons Madrid , voted one of the best hotels in Madrid in 2023 by T+L readers, combines seven historic buildings to create a luxury enclave in the heart of the city. The hotel is the Four Seasons brand's first in Spain and sits just steps away from luxury shopping along the famous Gran Via. Plus, there's a rooftop terrace, a pool, and a four-level spa.

The Principal Madrid Hotel

This intimate boutique hotel boasts just 76 rooms, but its rooftop terrace offers some of the best views in the city. The property is located along the Gran Via, and its restaurant, Ático, is helmed by chef Ramón Freixa of the Michelin two-starred Ramón Freixa Madrid . "Guests can relax together in the cozy bar area or indulge in the spa when they need to unwind," T+L contributor Stacey Leasca previously reported .

Sleep'n Atocha

The centrally located Sleep'n Atocha isn't just good for your wallet, it's good for the environment. The hotel has been a carbon-neutral facility since 2019 and has committed to environmentally friendly practices like recycling, purchasing products with a low environmental impact, and using toxic-free cleaning products. Its whimsical design and excellent location make this affordable gem a must-stay in the capital city.

Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid

Located in a 19th-century palace, Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid combines modern design with classic Spanish-style architecture in a 45-room hotel. Guests can dine at the Younique Arts Club, where food and art intersect — both national and international artists host exhibitions in the space.

Puerta del Sol

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Located in the heart of Madrid, Puerta del Sol is one of the city's best-known and busiest public squares. It's home to the famous clock whose bells mark the beginning of the Spanish New Year. "Look for the marker in the middle of the plaza that marks Spain's Kilometer 0," Jamie Ditaranto, T+L contributor, recommended . "This is the starting point for all the major roads that leave Madrid and head toward all corners of the country."

Museo Nacional del Prado

The Museo Nacional de Prado is Spain's main national art museum. It "houses some of the most emblematic artworks of Spain, including Francisco de Goya’s 'Black Paintings' and Valásquez’s 'Las Meninas,'" Jamie Ditaranto previously reported .   Along with the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Museo Reina Sofía, the Prado forms Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art. The museum was founded as a museum of paintings and sculptures in 1819 and includes works of art from Spain and beyond.

Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is among the largest and most opulent palaces in Europe, boasting more than 1.45 million square feet of space spread over 3,418 rooms. Guests can spot paintings by famous artists like Francisco Goya and Diego Velazquez in the opulent rooms. Stop in to see the world's only complete Stradivarius string quintet and, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, catch the changing of the Royal Guard.

Plaza de Cibeles

Plaza de Cibeles is the public square home to the iconic Cibeles Fountain, which was built in 1782. This spot is surrounded by four pieces of legendary Spanish architecture, including the former post office that now serves as Madrid City Hall.

Temple of Debod

An Egyptian temple may be the last thing you would expect to find in Madrid, but that's exactly what the Temple of Debod is. This Egyptian temple traces its history to the 2nd century B.C. It was given to Spain by the Egyptians and moved to Madrid, where it was rebuilt stone by stone and opened as a tourist site in 1972. If you're looking to soak in a gorgeous Madrid sunset, this is one of the best places to do it.

Read More: 30 Best Things to Do in Madrid, From Palace Tours to Flamenco Shows

Gran Via is a nearly mile-long retail paradise where shoppers can expect to find a mix of luxury boutiques and mainstream brands nestled among some of the city's architectural gems. Retailers along the Gran Via include H&M, the Real Madrid Official Store, the Atletico Madrid Official Store, and the largest Huawei store in Europe.

Operational since 1740, El Rastro is an open-air market that sells everything and anything — from knick-knacks and antiques to clothing and furniture. It's open every Sunday and on public holidays and is located on Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores. "The market can get very crowded," Stacey Leasca previously noted , "but if you're feeling overwhelmed, you can step off to one of the shops lining the street behind the stalls to find a little space."

Mercado San Miguel

Mercado de San Miguel opened as a wholesale food market more than 100 years ago. Today, it's the place to sample everything from Iberian ham to fresh fish and tapas from more than 20 stands serving up delicious Spanish food.

Chocolateria San Gines

Chocolateria San Gines is a short walk from Puerta del Sol and is one of the most popular places in town to grab churros. The intimate cafe traces its history back to 1864 when it began developing its reputation as an after-theater dessert spot. It's tucked behind one of Madrid's oldest churches and serves up its signature dark hot chocolate and churros around the clock.

If you're looking for a memorable dinner, you'll want to reserve at DiverXo . The recipient of three Michelin stars , the restaurant is helmed by chef Dabix Muñoz. "The collision of ingredients sounded more like a word-association game than a recipe," Matt Goulding, a food journalist living in Spain, described in the July 2023 issue of T+L . "But [my] first bite left no room for doubt." A dinner ticket here starts at $380 per person. The restaurant is usually booked solid, but their website opens new reservation slots every day at midnight for the date 90 days in the future.

Casa Botin was founded in 1725 and is recognized by  Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating restaurant on Earth. Its signature dishes include suckling pig and roasted lamb, but its menu is full of chicken, veal, and seafood platters, too. Stop in for dinner, or take a tour of Casa Botin's dining rooms, cellar, and underground tunnels. The tour is about $87 and includes a set lunch or dinner menu.

Corral de la Morería

Corral de la Moreria is the place to experience flamenco in Madrid. This venue has been hosting live flamenco shows since 1956 and has performances every night of the week. And if it's dinner and a show you're after, there may be no better place. Coral de la Moreria has a Michelin-starred restaurant on-site. Guests over the years have included Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Che Guevara, and Demi Moore.

Madrid's food scene isn't a Spanish-only affair. Peruvian chef Roberto Martínez Foronda combines Peruvian and Southeast Asian ingredients and flavors at his restaurant, Tripea, which opened in 2017. “The fusion boom in Madrid created so much bad food,” Foronda told T+L in the July 2023 issue . “But we’ve cut through the fat, and what’s left is mostly excellent.” For a little more than $53, guests can try Foronda's eight-course tasting menu.

Read More: How Madrid Became One of Europe's Best Food Cities

Madrid is a city that sizzles during the summer, with temperatures that can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Brave the heat for Madrid's take on Pride, which starts each year in late June and runs through early July. What used to be a small celebration in the late 1970s has since grown into one of the largest celebrations of LGBTQ+ pride in Europe.

For better weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices, try visiting during the fall or spring (we have some recommendations for what to pack ). The days are sunny, and you'll be able to celebrate events like the San Isidro Festival, held each year in May, and the  Autumn Festival  (or Feria del Otoño), held in October or November. "[The Autumn Festival draws] acts from all over the world, from opera and ballet to theater and indie music," Stacey Leasca, a T+L contributing editor, previously reported .

Read More : The Best Time to Visit Spain for Great Weather and Famous Festivals

Madrid-Barajas Airport is in northeast Madrid and services most major airlines. Passengers can fly directly to and from many major U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

There are direct routes from Madrid Atocha Railway Station to Barcelona on both the Alta Velocidad Española and Ouigo train lines.

Las Austrias : Known as the heart of old Madrid, Las Austrias is home to palaces, churches, and monasteries built as early as the 16th century. It's where you'll find Plaza Mayor, as well as the Royal Palace and Corral de la Morería.

Las Letras : This lively neighborhood known as the Literary Quarter is a book lover's paradise. This is where you'll find the former homes of icons of the Spanish Golden Age, including Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. The streets here are narrow and car traffic is limited.

Chueca : This is the heart of Madrid's LGBTQ+ community. It's a lively area filled with bars, cafes, and shops — and at the center of Madrid's iconic Pride celebration each year

Malasana : One of the city's hippest neighborhoods, Malasana is known for vintage shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques. This historic area is also where you'll find live music and clubs.

Trains: Madrid's metro system runs from the Madrid-Barajas Airport through downtown and to the suburbs. Fares are based on a zone system with prices determined by the distance traveled, and passengers will need a Public Transport Card  to travel. Transportation cards can hold 10 single tickets and two 10-journey tickets at a time. Download the Metro de Madrid app to see train maps, waiting times, and information on fares, passes, and more. The underground is currently working to improve accessibility at stations throughout the city and is working to make 84 percent of its stations accessible by 2028.

Buses: For anywhere Madrid's dozen or so metro and light rail lines can't take you, the city operates a fleet of more than 2,000 buses. Those buses run over 200 routes and serve more than 10,000 stops from 6 a.m to 11:30 p,m. (Note that some buses run on different schedules. Check run times before you leave your hotel.)

Taxis: Taxis are typically white with a diagonal red band on their front doors. They can be found at taxi stands throughout Madrid, hailed by raising an arm, or called through several ride-share apps.

Ride service: Uber is available in Madrid, as well as Cabify and Bolt.

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Parque del Buen Retiro

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One of Spain’s most atmospheric arenas, the Plaza de Toros Las Ventas has hosted everything from Beatles concerts to motocross competitions during its…

Templo de Debod

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Palacio Real

Spain's jewel-box Palacio Real is used only occasionally for royal ceremonies; the royal family moved to the modest Palacio de la Zarzuela years ago.

Wanda Metropolitano

The state-of-the-art new home of Atlético de Madrid – they moved in in late 2017 – seats 67,703 people and has already become a firm favourite among fans,…

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu

Football fans and budding Madridistas (Real Madrid supporters) will want to make a pilgrimage to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, a temple to all that’s…

One of the better flamenco stages in town, Cardamomo draws more tourists than aficionados, but the flamenco is top-notch. The early show lasts just 50…

Plaza de España

This central Madrid square was being given a major overhaul when we last visited. They'll no doubt find room for the 1927 statue of Cervantes, alongside a…

Corral de la Morería

This is one of the most prestigious flamenco stages in Madrid, with 50 years of experience as a leading venue and top performers most nights. The stage…

Palacio de Cristal

Hidden among the trees south of Parque del Buen Retiro's lake is the Palacio de Cristal. Built in 1887, it's a magnificent metal-and-glass structure and…

El Ángel Caído

At the southern end of the park, near La Rosaleda with its more than 4000 roses, is a statue of El Ángel Caído (The Fallen Angel). Strangely, it sits 666m…

Plaza de la Puerta del Sol

The official centre point of Spain is a gracious, crowded hemisphere of elegant facades. It is, above all, a crossroads: people here are forever heading…

La Venencia

La Venencia is a barrio classic, with manzanilla (chamomile-coloured sherry) from Sanlúcar and sherry from Jeréz poured straight from the dusty wooden…

A Sunday morning at El Rastro flea market, Europe's largest, is a Madrid institution. You could easily spend the entire morning inching your way down the…

La Rosaleda

At the southern end of the Parque del Buen Retiro is La Rosaleda with its more than 4000 roses.

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Casa de Correos

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Plaza Mayor

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Casa de Lope de Vega

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Campo del Moro

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Biblioteca Nacional & Museo del Libro

Perhaps the most impressive of the grand edifices erected along the Paseo de los Recoletos in the 19th century, the 1892 Biblioteca Nacional (National…

Museo de Historia

The fine Museo de Historia (formerly the Museo Municipal) has an elaborate and restored baroque entrance, raised in 1721 by Pedro de Ribera. Behind this…

Museo al Aire Libre

This fascinating open-air collection of 17 abstract sculptures includes works by renowned Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, Catalan master Joan Miró, as…

Iglesia de San Ginés

Due north of Plaza Mayor, San Ginés is one of Madrid’s oldest churches: it has been here in one form or another since at least the 14th century. What you…

Sociedad General de Autores y Editores

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Museo de San Isidro

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Estación de Chamberí

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Things to Know

Everything you need to know ahead of your trip, from how many days to spend in town to the best ways to get around.

Best Neighborhoods

Each of Madrid's vibrant neighborhoods has a distinct character. These are the best barrios to explore.

Visit beautiful villages, Roman ruins and walled cities on these day trips beyond Madrid.

Money and Costs

Make the most of your trip to the Spanish capital with these savvy spending tips.

Transportation

Commuter-friendly Madrid has a great public transportation network to get travelers around the city and its surrounding towns.

Free Things to Do

The Spanish capital is a city of fine food and rich culture, but costs can mount up quickly. Here's our guide to the best free things to do in Madrid.

Traveling with Kids

With amusement parks, playgrounds and a laid-back dining culture, Madrid is a family-friendly holiday destination.

Spending Diaries

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Madrileños eat lunch around 2 p.m. and dinner roughly at 10 p.m. As such, don't expect restaurant kitchens to be open before 1:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively.

Most museums in Madrid have time slots when you can visit for free. Check it out.

The ‘Bocata de Calamares’ (calamari sandwich) is both a Madrid speciality and local favorite.

Walking is the best way to enjoy the city centre, but for places outside that area, you can buy a 10-trip pass for the metro.

Savvy shoppers know that the best time to hit the stores in Madrid is during "Rebajas". These huge end-of-season sales take place in winter (usually January-February) and summer (July-August).

The city is a melting pot for people from different Spanish provinces and all over the world.

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The Spanish capital has much to offer to the curious traveler.

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Madrid is always on our "let's go there again, I miss it" list.

Cozy coffee shops, excellent cuisine, beautiful parks and stunning sunsets make Madrid the perfect place to enjoy a romantic weekend that you and your partner will never forget.

What is the best way to get there?

International flights land at Madrid Barajas Airport (Adolfo Suarez), from where you can hop on the metro or take a shuttle or taxi into the city.

Madrid has two main railway stations—Chamartin and Atocha. AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) runs high-speed trains to Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and many other cities around Spain.

Bicimad is a bikeshare system with over 100 bicycle stations located across Madrid.

Madrid’s metro is the fastest way to get around, with 13 lines linking all corners of the city. Trains run daily from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.

EMT operates Madrid’s local bus system daily from 6 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. (10 a.m. till 11 p.m. on weekends).

Madrid taxis are white with a red band on the front door. Although it’s possible to hail one on the street in Madrid, it’s generally easier to go to an official taxi stand, located by all the main streets and plazas.

ridesharing

Uber is available in Madrid, but most locals use Cabify .

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17 Best Things to Do in Madrid

By Ramsey Qubein

With incredible shopping, some of the world's most important museums, and a lively theater scene, Madrid’s attractions will entertain you from morning 'til night—and even after that. (The city is notorious for its hard-charging nightlife.) In between, pack your days with a stroll through Retiro Park, whirlwind stops at colorful markets, and perhaps even a primer on the cultural heritage of bullfighting. There’s an Egyptian temple to explore, “temples of fashion,” and the world's best soccer team (sorry Barça fans). Whatever moves you when you travel, these highlights will keep any itinerary stacked for days. These are the best things to do in Madrid.

Click the link to read our complete Madrid city guide .

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía Arrow

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía welcomes more annual visitors than the Prado, although its collection couldn't be more different. Traditionalists will prefer the Prado; this museum, however, is decidedly contemporary. The most famous work here is Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica,” a moving anti-war response to the bombing of the northern Spanish town of Guernica. Most of the galleries focus on 20th-century Spanish art, including many works by Salvador Dalí. In lieu of stern, gilt-framed portraits, you’re more likely to encounter video installations and free-form displays that showcase modern artistic expression. Like most popular museums, this place gets busy. Arrive early to get a head start on long museum lines, which reach their crescendo during the last two hours of the day—when admission is free.

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas Arrow

Bullfighting is an undeniable part of Spanish culture, and Las Ventas, in the Salamanca district, is an iconic landmark known for its Moorish design and ceramic tiles. Today, in spring and fall, the venue remains an important arena for bullfights. Bear in mind that good seats in the shade aren't cheap—and that many travelers won't have the stomach to watch the bullfights (or may simply not want to engage with the practice). If you're interested in seeing the arena, though, you can still tour it without seeing the main spectacle.

Teleférico de Madrid Arrow

Madrid Teleférico is a cable car service that connects both sides of Madrid, crossing the river and helping locals avoid rush-hour traffic on their morning and evening commutes. You'll also see photo-snapping tourists and some families—on the other side of the river is Casa de Campo , an amusement park and zoo. It's a great way to gain a new perspective of the city, especially its vast quantity of green spaces.

Palacio de Liria Arrow

Packed with important artwork, this private residence of the Alba family (relatives still live on the second floor), has finally flung open its doors to the public. You could be forgiven for having flashbacks from the Prado here. It is packed with memorable works from El Greco, Titian, and Velázaquez just like the city’s most famous museum. Don’t miss Goya’s portrait of the 13th Duchess of Alba; if it looks familiar, that’s because until recently it was on loan to the Thyssen-Bornemisza . What is particularly special here, beyond the artwork display, is the large library onsite that includes handwritten work from Christopher Columbus (the largest collection in the world) and a first edition of Don Quijote by the famous Miguel de Cervantes. You’re going to find a lot here that you won’t spy elsewhere.

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Madrid Atocha Train Station Arrow

Although it's a working train station, Atocha is known for much more than its resident mode of transit. In the spectacular atrium, the original part of the station is a botanical garden features more than 5,000 plants spanning 400 different species. Surrounding the gardens are dozens of shops and dining outlets, making this a hub of activity—even if you don't plan on actually leaving Madrid. And if you are , arrive early so you can explore the rich complex.

Palacio de Cibeles Arrow

You'll find Palacio de Cibeles at one of the city's most important intersections along the famous Paseo del Arte. The building, today the seat of Madrid City Council, was once the city's Telecommunications Palace, housing Spain's post office headquarters. Inside is a newly opened cultural center with regular concerts and rotating exhibits. At the very least, walk past this grand structure to admire it from afar, especially when the fountains in front are doing their thing.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Arrow

Named for the team's long-running president, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is home of Real Madrid, the city's beloved pro soccer team. The stadium is something of a temple for soccer fans—81,000 of them when the place is full—which explains the palpable energy whenever the home team scores a goal. Kids especially will get a kick out of the behind-the-scenes tour, which visits the locker rooms, training areas, trophy room, and even the team's seats.

Temple of Debod Arrow

Just behind Plaza de España (which is under construction at the moment), is where you'll find the hillside Cuartel de la Montaña Park featuring an Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BC. It is still easily accessible during work on the plaza. Gifted to Spain from the Egyptian government, the Temple of Debod was a thank-you for their assistance in protecting the temples of Abu Simbel from flooding following the construction of Egypt's Aswan Dam; when it was transported to Madrid, it was taken apart and rebuilt stone by stone to its original specifications. Decorative motifs and projections on the side of the temple help tell the story of the historic structure.

Museo Nacional Del Prado Arrow

Undoubtedly the most celebrated museum in Madrid—and one of the most visited in Europe—the Prado is a must-see attraction. Its neoclassical façade is a prominent part of the Paseo del Prado, home to three well-known art museums (the Prado, along with the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum). Inside is a primer on Spanish and European art, with an enormous collection of paintings and sculptures from Spain's biggest names, including Diego Velazquez, El Greco, and Francisco Goya. Make a beeline for the most famous works first: “Las Meninas” by Velazquez and Goya’s “Third of May 1808.” And arrive early to beat the crowds, which are at their peak during the last two hours of the day (when admission is free).

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While not a guided tour, this discounted pass gives you access to five art museums that might otherwise not initially catch your attention. These include the Museum of Romanticism, the Sorolla Museum , the National Museum of Decorative Arts, the Cerralbo Museum, and the Lázaro Galdiano Museum. For only 12 euros, you have ten days to visit each of these museums. Start with the Sorolla Museum, once the Valencian artist’s family home, where his numerous vibrant landscape paintings detail colorful beach scenes from the Mediterranean. At the National Museum of Decorative Arts, everything from silverware and porcelain to musical instruments and antique fans are on display. When you tire of gilt-framed portraits and paintings, it offers an alternative view of Spanish history.

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Almudena Cathedral sits adjacent to the Royal Palace , once the home of several reigning monarchs through Alfonso XIII, in the heart of the city center. Both imposing landmarks are free to enter, as are the surrounding gardens, and both are important places to visit for their design and lavish interiors. In addition, the neo-Romanesque crypt and adjacent cemetery of La Almudena hold many notable Spaniards—it's like history come to life. These are must-visit stops for any visitor to Madrid, if only to experience both structures from the outside.

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Get a real taste for the diversity of Spanish cuisine at Mercado de San Miguel, an always-happening food hall in a historic ironwork building. Instead of committing to one restaurant , you can sample from more than two dozen—a key reason why the market is a draw with both tourists and locals. Although prices are high, many vendors offer free samples. Try the banderillas (skewers of olives, veggies, and seafood) for about 1 or 2 euros apiece.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Arrow

Thyssen-Boremisza Museum is one of Madrid’s top museums forming the Art Walk (or Paseo del Arte), which also includes the Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Once you’ve seen the Prado, this should be your next stop—that is, if you’re into art and design. The collection here straddles the line between its two siblings, with galleries chock full of well-known paintings by Dalí, El Greco, Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt, and many others, including a few American names, too. Reserve tickets online and arrive early to avoid any long lines—and avoid Monday afternoons, when the museum swings open its doors for free.

Parque del Buen Retiro Arrow

The perfectly manicured Parque del Buen Retiro is the largest park in Madrid. There's something for everyone here, from jogging paths to a lake with row boats that can be rented by the hour. It's easy to get around thanks to plentiful signage, but the gravel pathways may be cumbersome for those without comfortable shoes. If time is of the essence, head for the lake and the Palacio de Cristal, which hosts rotating art exhibitions, all free to the public.

Calle de Fuencarral Arrow

Blink and you might miss Calle de Fuencarral, a narrow pedestrian street off Gran Via. Street performers entertain as shoppers pop in and out of stores—mostly international chains with a few local boutiques thrown in for good measure. You can't get lost, although the side streets are also worth a peek. The road is almost entirely flat—no cobblestones here. Still, save those high heels for the fancier Calle Serrano.

El Rastro Arrow

El Rastro, one of Europe's most famous flea markets, is an indie shopper's dream. Open each Saturday and on public holidays, Plaza de Cascorro comes alive with hundreds of stalls where you can peruse souvenirs, antiques, and clothes. Come early to snatch up the best deals, and don't be afraid to bargain. You can cover a lot of ground if you arrive at 9 a.m. right when it opens—you'll beat the crowds.

Royal Palace of Madrid Arrow

Towering over manicured gardens, a regal courtyard and the nearby Almudena Cathedral , history comes alive in this must-visit city landmark. While no longer the home of any royals, kings and queens slumbered here for centuries before relocating to a more private residence on the outskirts of town. Among its 3,000 rooms is a Royal Armory and an impressive gallery of notable Spanish masterpieces. From the outside, the building is jaw-droppingly large and its adjoining Sabatini Gardens are a place for quiet reflection within frenetic Madrid. Inside, medieval history fans hit the jackpot with the suits of armor, shields, and antique weaponry on display. You can’t help but adjust your posture and hold your head high as you imagine the aristocratic lifestyle of those who once strolled these halls.

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36 Hours in Madrid

By Andrew Ferren Updated Feb. 16, 2023

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Madrid has little to prove as a premier art destination. Its central “golden triangle of art”(anchored by the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums) makes for a dazzling art lovers’ pilgrimage, and the city is bolstered by cutting-edge cultural foundations like Espacio Solo and Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary . In 2023, Madrid is commemorating the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death and the 100th anniversary of Joaquín Sorolla’s with a series of exhibitions dedicated to each artist. Also, few cities have seen such a flurry of hotel openings since the pandemic’s onset — including the Edition, the Four Seasons, the Mandarin Oriental and the Hard Rock. One thing that hasn’t changed is the city’s warm embrace of anyone wanting to join the fun. Since so few Madrileños are actually from Madrid, everyone is welcome.

Recommendations

• Corral de la Morería is a traditional flamenco tablao with one untraditional factor — an eight-seat Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Museo Sorolla is the former home and studio of the artist Joaquín Sorolla.
• Reina Sofía is Spain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art.
• Ecoalf is a fashion label and a store that upcycles plastic bottles and fishing nets to make luxury garments.
• Golda is a cheery cafe with Middle Eastern-accented breakfast fare.
• Frida offers family-friendly breakfast options and outdoor seating.
• The Omar is a brunch spot with the air of a classic European coffeehouse.
• El Jardín de Arzábal is a restaurant in the Reina Sofía Museum with a lush, jungly terrace.
• Kappo serves traditional omakase at a 12-seat counter or in a six-table dining room.
• Urso Hotel sets the vibe with live piano music in its lobby cocktail bar.
• La Vaquería Montañesa has a candlelit ambience and simple yet superb dishes in the Chamberí neighborhood.
• Jack’s Library pours craft cocktails from a hidden spot behind what appears to be a flower shop.
• Lula Club is a nightspot where you can dance, and maybe spot a celebrity.
• Kluster beckons with pulsating music and a dance floor full of shirtless men.
• Plaza de España , which underwent a major renovation, now has tree-shaded promenades and pedestrian paths linking it to Madrid’s biggest attractions.
• The Royal Palace , among Europe’s grandest, is still in use today for state events.
• Santa Bárbara is a grand Baroque church in the Salesas neighborhood.
• Monastery of the Royal Barefoot Nuns offers guided tours to see its treasures, including famous tapestries.
• Museo Geominero offers four stories of mineral and fossil exhibits to delight both children and adults.
• Travesía Cuatro is a commercial art gallery featuring international contemporary artists with an emphasis on Latin American art.
• Alzueta Gallery is a contemporary space with outposts in Barcelona and Madrid.
• Albarrán Bourdais is a commercial art gallery featuring contemporary artists from Spain, Mexico, France and beyond.
• Oteyza sells exquisitely tailored men’s clothing, from handmade sneakers to bespoke suits.
• La Duquesita is a beautiful Art Nouveau pastry shop that is more than a century old.
• Real Fábrica and Cocol are two stores in the historic city center selling regional crafts like mohair blankets and ceramics.
• WOW Concept is a store artfully showcasing international design and fashion.
• Rosewood Villa Magna , newly renovated, is among the city’s most luxurious addresses and near the major art museums and high-end shops of the upscale Barrio de Salamanca. Its three roaring fireplaces in the lobby and bar make it ideal for a cozy winter stay. Doubles from €850, or $908.
• CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha , in an 1850s palace in the historic city center, has some of the most spacious rooms in Madrid, not to mention top-floor suites with large decks and hot tubs. Doubles from about €250.
• Bastardo , a hipster hostel in trendy Chueca, has a buzzing lobby and a variety of room options — from singles to shared rooms to family rooms that sleep six. Doubles from about €90.
• For short-term rentals , the pretty Almagro neighborhood offers quiet streets lined with boutiques, galleries and small restaurants, all within walking distance of many major museums and attractions.
• Madrid is a very walkable city, and streets are surprisingly safe, even in the early hours of the morning. In addition to the city’s fleet of white taxis , ride-hailing apps like Uber , Bolt and Cabify are popular. The city’s metro and buses are reliable, clean and air-conditioned.

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No Spanish city gets under your skin like Madrid, with its perennially packed tapas bars, world-renowned art, and vivacious spirit. Larger than Paris and Rome, the Spanish capital is always in flux, and new restaurants (try Canarian dishes at Gofio or nueva cocina at Tripea) and attractions (the glitzy rooftop at Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques; the Latin-inflected Solo art gallery) open every week. You could come back every year and never get bored. — Benjamin Kemper

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Are you planning to visit Madrid for a weekend or a few days ? If you are, you are probably wondering what the city’s top attractions are, how to get around Madrid  or the general  prices and daily costs to visit Spain's capital. For up to date information about the city, we recommend reading our Madrid travel guide .

Madrid Travel Guide

• General Information
• 2-Day Itinerary
• Top Attractions
• How to get to Madrid
• Money Saving Tips
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay

Why visit Madrid?

Madrid is the capital of Spain and the country’s most visited city. With nearly 10 million visitors each year , Madrid is one of the most popular cities in Europe.

The number of foreign tourists who visit Madrid continues to grow due to its rich culture , its numerous landmarks, great nightlife and fun activities . In Madrid, you can feel the true essence of Spain, in its elegant architecture, the life in its plazas and the delicious cuisine .

Madrid has art bursting from the seams: the museums of the capital are packed with true jewels, from the leading painters and sculptors in history. The Prado , the Reina Sofía , and the Thyssen make up the golden triangle, where you can enjoy the finest Spanish and international art.

How to organize your trip?

Once you have chosen the dates, the most important thing is to determine how to get to the city , choose the  right hotel and finally, read about Madrid’s public transport system to know how to get around the city and discover its  top attractions .

Once you have researched these aspects of Madrid, why not read a bit about its history ? Known as Villa y Corte , the historic capital has been witness to the passage of dynasties, conflicts, and wars, which have left their mark on the streets of Madrid.

And the parks are places to enjoy the seasons - Retiro Park , Madrid's green lung is stunning year-round, making it a must-see in the capital .

Need accommodation?

• If you still don't have accommodation in Madrid, we recommend visiting our search engine, where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels and apartments with the best rates guaranteed (with up to 75% discount) . And, what's more, you'll only have to pay once you get to your destination.

Hotels in Madrid – Find the best deals online

top activities

Torre Bermejas Flamenco: The Best Flamenco Show & Dinner in Madrid Discover the best flamenco show in Madrid at Torres Bermejas flamenco tablao , where the passion of flamenco comes to life in an unforgettable spectacle.

Toledo and Segovia Tour Join us on this Toledo and Segovia Tour from Madrid, two popular Spanish cities. You can even extend the tour to Ávila to check out its iconic walls!

Complete Toledo Day Trip Delve into the fascinating history and culture of the city of Toledo , declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this full-day tour from Madrid.

Toledo Day Trip + Wine Tasting Travel to the ancient city to enjoy the cultural heritage with this Toledo Day Trip + Wine Tasting. Visit its main monuments and learn about the star product.

Private Tour of Madrid Reserve a private tour of Madrid and your guide will organize a tailor-made tour depending on what you and your party want to see and do in Spain’s capital!

Check out this show at Tablao La Quimera for  flamenco in the heart of Madrid . Experience guitars, acapella voices, and the sound of heels on stage.

Toledo Half-Day Trip Visit one of Spain's most beautiful cities  on this trip to Toledo . We'll learn El Greco's legacy and discover how different cultures coexisted here.

Avila and Segovia Day Trip See Avila and Segovia, two striking cities packed with beautiful monuments , city walls, Gothic palaces, castles and the world's most famous Roman aqueduct.

Free Walking Tour of Madrid Join us on our free walking tour of Madrid  for a blend of excitement and culture as we visit iconic sights in the Spanish capital alongside an expert guide !

Madrid Gourmet Tapas Tour On this route, we'll visit the best tapas bars in Madrid to sample the flavors of Spanish cuisine while discovering the capital's best-kept secrets.

On this guided tour, we'll visit the most iconic areas of Madrid and visit the best tapas bars in the city to experience the flavors of Spanish cuisine .

Madrid Palace Guided Tour Discover Madrid's Palacio Real , one of the largest palaces in Europe, and delve into the history of the Spanish Royal Family on this guided tour.

Bernabéu Stadium Tour Visit the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium with skip-the-line entrance and learn about the rich history and numerous trophies of Real Madrid .

Cuenca Full-Day Trip Discover Cuenca and its magnificent hanging houses on this trip from Madrid , followed by the surprising geological site of the Ciudad Encantada .

Madrid Private Tuk Tuk Tour Get to know Madrid in a comfortable and unique way aboard a fun tuk-tuk. You'll travel through the most emblematic streets and places of the Spanish capital.

Madrid Hop On Hop Off Bus Explore Madrid with a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. This open-top double decker bus is the most comfortable and practical way of discovering the city.

Flamenco Show at Essential Flamenco At this show at Essential Flamenco , you'll witness the passion and the 'duende' of renowned flamenco musicians and dancers. An absolute must!

Prado Museum & Royal Palace Guided Visit Delve into Spain’s culture & history on a guided visit of the Royal Palace , one of the largest in Europe, followed by the Prado Museum .

Day Trip to Toledo, Segovia and Ávila Visit three of the most beautiful and historic cities in Spain in one day on this day trip to Toledo, Segovia and Ávila from Madrid. 

Atletico Madrid Stadium & Museum Tour Discover the secrets of the  Cívitas  Metropolitano , the stadium of Atletico Madrid, and learn all about the club at the Territorio Atleti Museum.

Combo: Prado Museum & Reina Sofía Museum Discover European and Spanish art and its history during a 3-hour guided tour of the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum with skip the line admission.

Segovia Day Trip Segovia is one of 15 Spanish cities declared UNESCO world heritage . Get to know its long artistic, historic and gastronomic legacy.

Big Bus Open-Top Night Tour If you'd like to discover the Spanish capital under the moonlight , then this Big Bus open-top night tour of Madrid is for you!

Puy du Fou Show Day Trip Visit the magical theme park to watch one of Spain's most impressive shows with the Puy du Fou Show Day Trip, departing from Madrid.

Flamenco Theatre Show The Flamenco Theatre of Madrid offers daily Flamenco live shows in an artform declared a masterpiece of World Heritage by UNESCO. A truly magical experience!

Visit two monuments with this excursion to El Escorial & the Valley of the Fallen. A journey through time from the 16th century to the Spanish Civil War .

On this wine and culture tour, we'll enjoy the delicious wines of the Ribera del Duero  and see the beautiful landscapes of the province of Burgos.

Experience the passion of southern Spain  at this flamenco show at Tablao La Carmela, just a few meters from the Puerta del Sol. A magical evening awaits!

Flamenco Show and Dinner at Corral de la Morería Enjoy a memorable Flamenco show at one of the world’s most famous tablaos, in the same place as celebrities like George Bush, Richard Gere and Pablo Picasso.

Ticket to LEGENDS: The Home of Football With this ticket to LEGENDS: The Home of Football , the #1 football museum in Madrid , you'll be able to dive into the past and present of football!

Retiro Park Guided Walking Tour El Retiro in Madrid is home to botanical, architectural and artistic delights. Discover them on this guided tour of one of Spain's most famous parks.

Al Ándalus Hammam Spa Experience a traditional hammam spa in the heart of Madrid and connect with the Moorish history of Spain at the Andalusian Arab Baths.

Madrid Bike Tour Explore Madrid's most iconic sites on this bike tour through the city - the  ideal combination of sports and tourism . Come and join the fun!

Toledo + Ávila Tour If you to see two Spanish cities that have been declared World Heritage Sites on the same day, you can't miss this tour of Toledo  and Ávila from Madrid

Ham Slicing Class & Iberian Ham Tasting Join our Madrid ham-slicing class to learn traditional Spanish cuisine techniques. Led by an expert, master Iberian ham slicing and taste premium products .

Las Tablas Tablao Flamenco Show Let the  duende  of flamenco overcome you by attending a show at Las Tablas in Madrid. You'll be spellbound by guitar, singing and dance performances!

Spanish Cooking Class in Madrid Join our Spanish cooking class , where you'll discover the secrets to preparing beloved Spanish recipes right in the heart of a lively market.

This olive oil tasting in Madrid will teach you to distinguish the characteristics of all the varieties of this key product in Mediterranean cuisine .

Aladdin The Musical Ticket Dream of flying to a whole new world ? Make your wishes come true with these tickets for Aladdin, the musical  and revisit this Disney story in a different way!

Explore the City of Three Cultures at your own pace with this bus excursion to Toledo. The best way to see its monumental heritage at your leisure!

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Ticket The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum houses one of the most important collections in Spain , with 13th-century Gothic paintings & famous pop art pieces.

Las Ventas Bullring Tour Explore Madrid’s most famous bull ring during a one-hour audio-guided tour and learn about a tradition that has existed in Spain since Roman Times.

Visit the Museum of Illusions in Madrid and enjoy  a fun and unique experience with cool 3D paintings and mind-boggling optical effects !

Dramatised Inquisition Walking Tour Travel through time to one of the darkest eras of Spanish history : discover the spine-chilling secrets of the Inquisition on a dramatised route around Madrid.

Prado Museum Guided Tour Skip the line and step straight inside the Prado Museum accompanied by an expert guide and discover one of the most fascinating art museums in the world .

Reina Sofía Museum Guided Tour Explore the second most-visited museum in Madrid led by an experienced guide & be awed by 20th-century masterpieces by artists like Dalí, Miró and Picasso.

Faunia Ticket Leave the hustle and bustle of Madrid behind for a few hours and get lost in Faunia . You'll enjoy a unique natural environment.

The old quarter of Madrid is home to great mysteries and  legends ... Let's discover them with this incredible guided tour of the Spanish capital!

Liria Palace Ticket Explore one of the most beautiful palaces in Madrid with this admission ticket to the Liria Palace and delve into the history of the House of Alba.

Museo Reina Sofía Fast Track Ticket If you are in Madrid and you want to see works by some of Spain's greatest artists, then grab yourself a ticket to the unmissable Museo Reina Sofía.

Go City: Madrid All-Inclusive Pass With the Go City: Madrid All-Inclusive Pass , you get admission to over 20 must-see attractions in Madrid , including iconic places like the Prado Museum

Big Bus Madrid On board the Madrid tourist bus from the Big Bus company, you'll be able to take in the main attractions around Madrid, such as Gran Vía , or Puerta de Alcalá .

Free Walking Tour of Modern Madrid Discover the fascinating history of the Spanish capital on our  Free Walking Tour of Modern Madrid . You'll explore the city and see its most iconic monuments.

Toledo Day Trip & Winery Visit  Fall in love with the " City of Three Cultures " on this day trip to Toledo  in which we'll visit the  Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca and a renowned winery .

Spanish Civil War Tour Discover how Madrid experienced the Spanish Civil War of 1936 to 1939 with this fantastic tour of the city . Learn about this important part of Spain's history .

Flamenco Show in the Tablao 1911 Attend a Flamenco show at the Tablao 1911 in Madrid and enjoy a unique and captivating evening full of Spanish guitars, singing, and passionate dancing.

Avila & Salamanca Day Trip Explore Salamanca, Spain’s most famous Renaissance city and Ávila , surrounded by a perfectly well-preserved city wall during a full-day guided trip.

Parque Warner Ticket Stroll down the fabulous Warner Bros Walk of Fame and discover the fantastic Looney Tunes village when you visit Madrid's Parque Warner (Warner Park).

Madrid Segway Tour Hop on a Segway and discover Madrid in a unique and exciting way . Ride through the city’s most renowned squares and streets on this exciting guided tour!

With the Lebara SIM card , you can stay in touch with your loved ones during your trip to Spain, with internet and international calls!

Flamenco Show in Cardamomo Tablao Visit one of the most legendary tablaos in the world & discover a traditional dance that awakens the soul & speaks to the heart, Flamenco dancing.

Private Tour from Madrid Toledo, Segovia, La Granja, Salamanca, Ávilla, El Escorial... Discover the sights waiting for you just outside Madrid with a specialist local guide .

Chueca and Malasaña Free Tour Explore two of Madrid's trendiest neighborhoods ! On this free tour, we'll delve into alternative Malasaña and get to know the cosmopolitan side of Chueca .

Zoo Aquarium Ticket Travel through the five continents without leaving Madrid at the Zoo Aquarium . Meet the pandas, the American bison and penguins - a wild day out!

Excursion to Segovia, el Escorial and The Valley of the Fallen The architecture of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen , the historical heritage of Segovia... Don't miss these jewels just outside Madrid.

Segovia Self-Guided Tour by Bus This bus trip to Segovia allows you to explore the World Heritage Site cities at your own pace. It also includes a walking tour of the historic centre!

Madrid Graffiti Tour Enjoy the urban art of Madrid, exploring painted streets of the centre. Discover a whole new way to look at art , through the history of each mural.

Parque de Atracciones Ticket Discover exciting rollercoasters and fun activities for all members of the family at Madrid's amazing Parque de Atracciones Amusement Park!

Velázquez Tech Museum Ticket With this  ticket to the Velázquez Tech Museum , you'll enjoy   an incredible  immersive experience through the artist and his Meninas .

Guided Tour of the Gallery of the Royal Collections Join us on a  tour of the Royal Collections Museum in the Royal Palace of Madrid —discover the artistic legacy preserved by generations of Spanish monarchs .

Go City: Madrid Explorer Pass The Madrid Explorer Pass gives you access to 3, 4, 5, or 7 of the principal attractions around the city. Choose your itinerary and save up to 50%.

Guadarrama National Park Day Trip Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of Madrid with this Guadarrama National Park Day Trip. We'll also visit Manzanares El Real and Rascafría.

Alcalá de Henares Day Trip Explore the city northeast of Madrid with this Alcalá de Henares Day Trip. Discover Miguel de Cervantes' birthplace, and one of Spain's best-known writers.

Flamenco Show at Tablao de la Villa Allow yourself to be moved by the universal art of dance in this flamenco show at the Tablao de la Villa, located right in the heart of Madrid.

Dinner and Zarzuela Opera at La Castafiore Restaurant Experience  a memorable soirée full of Zarzuela opera and excellent food  at Madrid restaurant La Castafiore. Enjoy a delicious meal while listening to opera!

Warner Park Excursion Spend a full day enjoying the  attractions at Warner Park and its shows  based on the Warner Factory's famous characters and films.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Guided Tour The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is part of the Golden Triangle of Art. Take a tour with an expert guide and discover one of the world's finest art collections.

5-Day Trip to Andalucia and Toledo Discover the artistic, architectural, and cultural legacy left by Arabs, Jews, and Christians throughout the centuries in Cordoba, Seville, Granada and Toledo.

Segovia Hot Air Balloon Ride Discover Segovia from above and enjoy bird’s-eye views of some of the city’s main attractions on a hot-air balloon ride  over the Spanish medeival city!

Madrid Bike Rental and Optional Guided Tour Rent a bike glide through the streets of Madrid and discover the city’s main highlights, stopping as many times as you want throughout the day.

Madrid Wax Museum Ticket Cristiano Ronaldo, Marilyn Monroe, Barack Obama... Take a selfie with famous personalities from every era in the Wax Museum of Madrid.

Mason Tour of Madrid Discover the mysteries of the secret society in Madrid with this intriguing Freemasons tour  and decipher hidden messages around the city!

Flamenco Show at the Las Carboneras Tablao Passion, tradition and incredible performances await at the Flamenco Show at the Las Carboneras Tablao in Madrid. Get ready for lots of Spanish  duende !

The Golden Age of Literature Free Tour Want to discover Madrid's historic literature district ? Join us on a free tour and follow along in the footsteps of  illustrious Golden Age Spanish writers .

The Lion King Show Ticket With your tickets for The Lion King Show , you'll be able to enjoy one of Disney 's most famous works in a unique way. Embark on an adventure alongside Simba!

Madrid Pub Crawl Experience Madrid’s world-renowned nightlife on a fantastic pub crawl and discover the city’s best bars and night clubs .

On this wineries tour in the Tagus Valley, we'll head to the south of Madrid in search of the best wines . We'll visit three wineries and do tastings in each.

Andalucia, Costa del Sol & Toledo 6 Day Trip Take a 6-day trip to the historic cities of Caceres, Cordoba, Seville, Malaga & Toledo. See the magical community of Andalusia, and the beautiful Costa del Sol.

Andalucia, Valencia & Barcelona 7-Day Trip This 7-day trip is the perfect way to discover Spain's most emblematic cities . You'll explore Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona & Zaragoza!

Madrid Family Tourist Bus Traveling to Madrid   with children? The Madrid family tourist bus is the perfect option for visiting the city in comfort with the youngest members of the family.

Andalucia, Toledo & Costa del Sol 5-Day Trip  Join us on this 5-day trip from Madrid to colorful Andalusia , the crown jewel of Spain, and explore the following cities: Cordoba, Seville, Granada and Toledo .

Evening Tapas and Flamenco Tour Enjoy a true  Spanish experience on this tour of Madrid where you'll try different traditional tapas and get to see an authentic flamenco performance !

Retiro Park & Cibeles Palace Observatory Tour Admire the impressive views of Madrid and visit one of the most important corners around the capital with this Retiro Park & Cibeles Palace Observatory Tour.

Toledo, El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen Day Trip Vist three monumental and artistic jewels with this Toledo, El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen Day Trip. Enjoy exploring these must-see impressive locations.

Madrid MAPFRE Foundation Ticket With your ticket to MAPFRE Foundation , you'll see an essential part of Madrid's cultural agenda thanks to its Fine Arts and Photography exhibitions!

Malinche Ticket This ticket to Malinche , the musical spectacle by Nacho Cano , will allow you to enjoy a unique show about the cultural fusion between two sibling towns .

El Retiro Park Segway Tour If you want to discover the green lungs of  Madrid in a different way , don't miss this  segway tour around El Retiro Park . You'll love it!

Tour of Madrid + Cathedral and Royal Palace Explore the heart of the Spanish capital  as you uncover two iconic landmarks , the Almudena Cathedral and Royal Palace , on this guided tour through Madrid!

Lisbon, Porto & Fátima 6 Day Tour Join us to discover the history, religion, and culture of Portugal in this 6-day tour of Lisbon, Fatima, Porto, Alcobaça, and Batalha .

The Turron Museum has arrived in Madrid. With this ticket, you'll discover the  secrets of this Spanish delicacy  and try some!

Portugal, Andalusia, and Morocco 18-Day Trip Take a 18-day trip from Madrid and discover the south of Spain, Portugal and Morocco and their most popular cities. Our most complete tour!

Madrid Plane Ride See El Escorial, the walls of Ávila, the castle of Coca or the Sierra de Guadarrama from a bird's eye view. You can't miss this Madrid Plane Ride.

Puy du Fou Ticket + El Sueño de Toledo During this excursion from Madrid , we'll journey to Castilla-La Mancha to visit Puy du Fou Spain , to see the " El Sueño de Toledo " show.

Flamenco Show at Flamenco de Leones Immerse yourself in Spanish culture  and delectable cuisine as you attend a show at Flamenco de Leones , a Madrid tablao  that is one of the city's finest!

Combo Tour: Reina Sofia & Thyssen Museums Embark on a guided tour of two of Madrid's most important art museums , the Reina Sofía Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum .

Toledo Tour + Ticket to Puy du Fou + El Sueño de Toledo On this  tour to Toledo , we'll visit the  Manchego Capital and have a  ticket to  Puy du Fou and its  night show  El Sueño de Toledo .

Don Quixote Tour of Toledo, Consuegra & Alcalá de Henares On this Don Quixote route through Toledo , Consuegra and Alcalá de Henares , we'll follow in the footsteps of Miguel de Cervantes' most famous character.

Atlantis Aquarium Ticket With this ticket to Atlantis Aquarium , we'll visit the largest aquarium in the Community of Madrid  and see species of marine ecosystems from all over the world!

Sweet Space Ticket Our Sweet Space Ticket will grant you admission to a dreamlike space in the heart of Madrid . You'll see how art, technology, and sweets blend together.

With this ticket to Ikono Madrid , you'll enjoy a fun immersive experience in the Spanish capital for all audiences - you'll have an amazing time!

Madrid Ghost Tour Ghosts from ages past pass through the capital when night falls: get to know their legends with this nighttime ghost tour of Madrid.

Aquopolis Madrid Ticket Buy your ticket to Aquopolis Madrid and spend a fantastic, refreshing day of fun in the amazing pools and wonderful slides of this water park.

Royal Palace & Almudena Cathedral Tour Discover two iconic landmarks of Madrid and learn about the city's history with this fantastic tour of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral !

Madrid 'Landscape of Light' Route Learn about Madrid's Landscape of Light on our Retiro Park & Paseo del Prado Guided Visit. You'll explore the Spanish capital's UNESCO Site.

Experience flamenco performed by the most outstanding dancers and musicians  in the heart of the Spanish capital with this show at Tablao La Pacheca .

Madrid Christmas Lights Tuk-Tuk Tour On this tuk-tuk tour of Madrid , you'll feel the spirit of the most magical time of the year with a sightseeing route to see the dazzling  Christmas lights

Segobriga & the Lapis Specularis Mines Excursion On this excursion to Segobriga and the Lapis Specularis mines , we'll follow the traces of the Roman Empire in Cuenca and visit the site of Noheda .

Parque Warner Beach Madrid Admission Buy a ticket to Parque Warner Beach Madrid and discover a paradise of exciting water attractions for the whole family to enjoy!

Madrid Navibus Tour Board the  Navibus to enjoy a  panoramic route of Madrid and see the  most beautiful   Christmas lights that   decorate the streets of the Spanish capital .

The most complete guide to Madrid

We want to be your guide! That's why we have written a traveler’s guide for travelers. Our Madrid travel guide includes our opinion, advice and suggestions on how to make the most of your holidays in Madrid, while saving money and time.

The information provided in this guide was updated in October 2023 . If you find a mistake or would like to make a suggestion, please do not hesitate to contact us .

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Hi! This is Sara and I will be your personal travel guide. History, art, fun, food, sun, nature, Madrid is all of that and much more. Discover Madrid with me and experience a great way of life.

It is essential to choose the right area and accommodation for your visit to Madrid city

Madrid offers a wide range of accommodation suitable for every type of tourists. In Madrid Traveling, you will find my personal recommendations for hotels, hostels, and apartments in the city center as well as the best areas and neighborhoods to stay. Check out the “Where to stay” section to take advantage of my travel tips and save money on your trip to the capital of Spain.

Madrid is a reference in art and culture, not just in Spain and Europe, but also worldwide. Many of the most important artists ever have left their mark on this wonderful city throughout its rich history. In Madrid Traveling, you will easily find the most interesting museums, monuments and many other cultural spaces and landmarks which you must not skip on your trip to Madrid. 

Madrid collects some of the most important monuments and unique art pieces in the world.

Flamenco shows are a must-see on your visit. you will fall in love with the passion of the music and the energy of dancing, one of the roots of the spanish culture..

Tired after a whole day of sightseeing? You have well earned some time for fun. In Madrid city, you will find a wide offer of shows and spectacles, and Madrid Traveling will advise you to choose the best entertainment offers and to get more for less. Flamenco shows, theater, opera, musicals, and concerts are essential for understanding the Spanish culture. And if you love sports, you cannot miss a soccer match with some of the best players in the world. You will not find any other place gathering two top soccer teams like Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid.

There’s nothing quite like sipping a glass of wine while indulging in Spanish ham on a lovely terrace. In our Madrid Traveling guide, you’ll discover information about Spain’s most traditional foods, along with recommendations for the city’s best restaurants. The rich diversity and quality of Spanish wines stem from a unique climate and soil. Dive into my ‘Eat, Drink, and Nightlife’ section now to uncover the best-value wines.

Feeling tired and hungry? Seek out a charming terrace and unwind with a glass of wine and some Spanish tapas. It's a unique experience!"

Madrid traveling, one-day trips from madrid.

Toledo is very close to Madrid and is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Spain. It is often referred to as the city of the three cultures due to the strong influences of Christians, Jews, and Muslims. I am sure that you will not be disappointed with the Cathedral, the Alcazar, and the other points of interest specified in our Madrid Traveling guide.

Segovia is famous for its Roman aqueduct, built in the second half of the first century. You will also be amazed by the Cathedral, the Alcazar, churches, monasteries, and many other astonishing landmarks.

The unique medieval walls are the main landmark in Avila. Stretching 2.5 kilometers long, they are perfectly preserved. Be sure not to miss a trip to Avila during your travels to Madrid. You can find more details in the “One-Day Trips” section of Madrid Traveling.

A brief history of Madrid

I usually read about the history of the countries I am traveling to, it helps me to better understand the local culture and traditions. That is why I want to share with you in Madrid Traveling a few global highlights of the history of Spain and Madrid you will find interesting before your travel. 

The caves in the Sierra of Atapuerca, 250 kilometers from Madrid, contain the first evidence of the earliest human beings in Europe, from more than one million years ago. It is believed that these humans in Europe arrived from Africa.

Since then, many different cultures have left their mark and are part of the current Spanish culture. Iberians, Celts, Lusitanians, Tartessians, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians established settlements in the Iberian Peninsula previous to the Roman conquest in the second century BC. Some of the greatest military commanders in history like Hannibal Barca or Scipio Africanus battled in these territories.

The final conquest of Hispania, the name given by the Romans to the Iberian Peninsula, took 200 years and the Iberian population and infrastructure were Romanized during the 600 years they held control. The Roman Empire provided the land with roads, aqueducts, temples, and theaters. Furthermore, most of the Spanish present languages, religion and the basis of its laws were born in this period.

It is believed that the origin of the current name of the city comes from the 2nd century BC when the Roman Empire established a settlement called “Matrice” on the banks of the Manzanares River.

The Visigoths, a Germanic tribe, invaded Hispania as the Roman Empire decayed in the fifth century and stayed until the Muslim invasion in the eighth century. Cordoba, Sevilla, and Granada are examples of key locations for the Muslims. 

At the end of the IX century, Muhammad I built a castle in the same place where the Royal Palace of Madrid stands today, as well as a citadel around the castle. The Arab walls surrounding this settlement can still be visited today. The Moors controlled the citadel until Alfonso VI conquered them in 1085 in his advance towards Toledo. 

The Christian reconquest started in Covadonga (Asturias) and in 1492 the Moors were expelled from the Peninsula with the final fall of Granada, the expulsion of the Jews from Hispania, the arrival of Christopher Columbus to America and the beginning of the Spanish empire.

In 1561 the Spanish Court was transferred by Philip II from its location in Toledo to Madrid. The Court moved again to Valladolid in 1601, but it returned definitively to Madrid five years later.

The Spanish empire is considered the first global empire in History, controlling huge territories of Europe, America, Africa, and Oceania. It was called the “empire where the sun never sets”. The invasion of Spain by Napoleon in 1808 marked the beginning of the end, and Spain lost its most valuable colonies in the nineteenth century.

On 2 May 1808, the Madrid citizens revolted against the French forces. The rebellion was quickly put down by Napoleon´s army but hundreds of Spanish men and women and French soldiers were killed. The French army was finally expelled from Madrid in 1813.

The Spanish Civil War in 1936 was one of the darkest points in the history of Spain, like all the wars especially within the same country, confronting families and friends. The rebel forces, led by Francisco Franco, and supported by the Nazi Germany, were victorious in 1939. After the war, killings and imprisonments continued. During the dictatorship, especially after the sixties, the south of Madrid became very industrialized and experienced massive migrations from rural environments into the city.

When Franco died in 1975, Spain moved from a dictatorship to a democratic state and the 1978 Constitution confirmed Madrid as the capital of Spain. Due to this rich history, Madrid has become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. For Madrid Traveling it is, besides, an attractive city with modern infrastructures and one of the most important financial hubs in Europe.

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Rick Steves’ Europe: Madrid’s outdoor delights

S pain’s capital, like its population, is relatively young. In medieval times, Madrid was just another village, but under several successive kings it transformed to a European capital. Today the country’s hub is the upbeat, vibrant home of more than 3 million people.

As the city grew, it made room for its newcomers with a sprawl of modern districts (of little interest to tourists) surrounding its fascinating, easy-to-navigate historic core. Today, Madrid feels orderly and welcoming. Massive urban-improvement projects – new parks, pedestrianized streets, and revamped transit – continue to transform the city.

Madrid has worked hard to make itself more livable – especially for pedestrians. You’ll find wonderful car-free areas crossing the city from the Prado Museum to the Royal Palace. Strolling along the pedestrianized Calle de las Huertas or Calle del Arenal, you can see how the investment turned once-ramshackle zones into trendy ones. Posts were installed to keep cars off sidewalks, making the streets safer after dark, and old buildings were restored, helping to preserve the city’s grandeur and intimate charm.

Simply walking these car-free streets seems to be the way the Madrileños spend their evenings. Anyone can join the paseo. On hot summer nights, entire families stroll the streets even past midnight – licking ice cream, greeting their neighbors, and enjoying beer and tapas in a series of bars. To join them, wander from Puerta del Sol, the lively central square, to the historic cobbled Plaza Mayor, or along the Calle de las Huertas, the pedestrianized street leading to the Prado.

For maximum fun, keep walking and go mobile for dinner: Do the tapeo , going from one bar to the next, munching, drinking, and socializing. You can find tapas bars almost everywhere in Madrid, but areas in the city center are particularly rewarding for a bar-crawl meal: The two-block stretch on Calle de Jesús (near the Prado) is the easiest, with several wonderful and diverse places. I never tire of this edible scavenger hunt, where I collect small portions of seafood, salads, meat-filled pastries, and deep-fried tasties, and piece them together for a light evening meal.

Spain has a reputation for partying very late, with night spots not closing until offices open in the morning. If you’re people-watching early in the morning, it can be hard to know who is finishing their day and who’s just starting it. Even if you’re not a party animal after midnight, make a point to be out with the happy masses, luxuriating in the cool evening air.

One reason people stay out late, especially in summer, is to escape the heat of the day. I often think people who talk about the weather and traffic have nothing else of greater interest on their minds. But here, with the impact of climate change, in the lofty and overheated interior of Spain, even people with plenty to say talk about the weather. The last time I was here in summer, I caught myself assessing restaurants by the quality of their air-conditioning. I saw poor locals, refugees from the heat, lying like lizards in the shade.

When it’s sizzling, Madrileños head to Retiro Park to take a shady siesta in a 300-acre green-and-breezy escape. It’s a place where you can hopscotch through a mosaic of lovers, families, skateboarders, expert bench-sitters, and pets walking their masters.

Once the private domain of royalty, this majestic park has been a favorite of Madrid’s commoners since King Charles III decided to share it with his subjects in the late 18th century. In its center is a big lake (El Estanque), where you can rent a rowboat. At midday on Saturday and Sunday, the area around the lake becomes a street carnival, with jugglers, puppeteers, and lots of local color.

Another green oasis is the Royal Botanical Garden (Real Jardín Botánico), just south of the Prado. Here you can take a lush and fragrant break in a sculpted setting, wandering among trees from around the world. It’s actually more than a park – it’s a museum of plants.

For great views and an ancient temple, head to the Parque de la Montaña. In 1968, the Egyptian government was grateful for Spain’s help in rescuing monuments threatened by rising waters above the Aswan Dam, so it gave its Temple de Debod to Madrid. Consequently, Madrid is the only place I can think of in Europe where you can actually wander through an intact original Egyptian temple – complete with fine carved reliefs from 200 BC. It’s in a romantic park that locals love for its memorable panoramas – especially at sunset.

Throughout Europe, energetic governments are renewing green space and turning formerly car-congested wastelands into public spaces. To experience today’s Madrid, take time away from indoor attractions and relish the exterior of this livable city.

(Rick Steves ( www.ricksteves.com ) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This column revisits some of Rick's favorite places over the past two decades. You can email Rick at [email protected] and follow his blog on Facebook.)

©2024 Rick Steves. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Husband of woman reported missing in Spain arrested at Miami airport, charged with kidnapping

The husband of Ana María Knezevich Henao , who went missing in Spain in February, was arrested by the FBI at Miami International Airport and charged with kidnapping in connection with her disappearance.

Knezevic Henao, a 40-year-old Colombia native and naturalized U.S. citizen, was reported missing Feb. 2 in Madrid, according to Spanish police. 

Friends and family previously told NBC News that she had relocated to Madrid amid a difficult separation from her husband, David Knezevich, who is originally from Serbia. They said she shared significant financial assets with him from their shared businesses.

After months of unanswered questions during which missing person notices blanketed streets in Spain, Spanish police announced Monday that David Knezevich was arrested Saturday at Miami International Airport in connection with her disappearance. 

The investigation was carried out by the Belgrade Interior Attache Office, FBI agents in Florida, Police of Colombia, and Spanish Police. 

He has been charged with kidnapping by federal agents, according to a complaint filed Friday in the Southern District of Florida. However, the complaint did not detail what may have happened to Knezevic Henao.

Man believed to be David Knezevich spray painted camera at wife's Madrid apartment — and left with a suitcase

David Knezevich was considered a suspect in his wife's disappearance after a man who resembled him spray painted the security camera in her Madrid apartment building, a car he rented in Serbia was tracked down to her street and after suspicious texts sent from her phone were tracked back to him.

According to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, Knezevic Henao had traveled from Miami to Madrid on Dec. 26, 2023. Then on Feb. 2, her friends and family lost contact with her. 

She was not formally named in the filing but described as the wife of David Knezevich. She was still married to him at the time, but friends and family said they were separated and planning to divorce.

“The separation was contentious because Knezevich did not want to split the marital assets evenly with the victim,” the complaint said. “The victim was very fearful of Knezevich and believed that he was surreptitiously monitoring her whereabouts.”

Knezevic Henao was last seen alive entering her apartment building in Madrid at 2:20 p.m. on Feb. 2, according to Spanish authorities citing security cameras.

That same day, at 9:27 p.m., the building’s surveillance camera captured “a male wearing a helmet enter the building at the same time some individuals were exiting.” Once inside, he was seen holding a can of spray paint and painted the lens of the camera. Despite the paint, the lens was not totally obscured and the man was seen fastening duct tape to the lock of the building, the complaint said.

The man looked at the camera and his physical characteristics resembled David Knezevich, the complaint said.

The man was seen again at 10:30 p.m., this time leaving the elevator with what appeared to be a suitcase.

Missing items, a Serbian car rental and stolen license plates

Two days later, Spanish firefighters entered Knezevic Henao's apartment for a welfare check. A law enforcement search found that her cell phone, laptop and chargers were missing. 

Spanish police used the surveillance footage at the apartment to identify the brand of spray paint used to obscure the camera, and found a store in Madrid that had sold that same brand on Feb. 2. Surveillance footage from the store showed a man “who appeared to be David Knezevich purchasing the spray paint can” as well as two rolls of duct tape on Feb. 2 around noon, the complaint said.

A Peugeot 308 car that David Knezevich had rented in Belgrade, Serbia, was tracked to Knezevic Henao's street in Madrid.

He had rented the Peugeot from an agency for the time period of Jan. 29 through March 15. He had traveled out of Serbia by car on Jan. 30 and he returned to Belgrade by car on or about Feb. 5, the complaint said.

The owner of the rental car agency told law enforcement that when he returned the car, the windows had been tinted, the license plate frames changed and two stickers removed from the vehicle.

The car had also travelled 7,677 kilometers while rented by Knezevich. The complaint noted that it's a 26-hour, 2,592 kilometer drive from Belgrade to Madrid.

Around his time, a person in Spain had reported that both of his license plates were stolen off his vehicle. When authorities ran a search in their plate reader database, they found it on Calle Francisco Sivela — the street where Knezevic Henao's apartment was located. 

That stolen plate had passed through two toll booths in the middle of the night of Feb. 2 and into Feb. 3. Video footage from the booths showed the plates were attached to a Peugeot 308 with tinted windows — matching the description of David Knezevich's rented car. However, due to the tint, the driver was not visible.

A suspicious text, and impersonating calls to cancel insurance

At the time of Knezevic Henao's disappearance, she had reportedly sent a text to a friend on Feb. 3 claiming to have met a man. She said she was going to his home two hours away from Madrid, warning that she'd have spotty cell service.

The FBI complaint revealed that a Colombian woman who met David Knezevich on a dating app told law enforcement that on Feb. 3, he asked her on WhatsApp to help translate messages into “perfect Colombian.” He claimed it was for a friend in Serbia who was writing a script about a Colombian character. 

He asked her to translate the line: “I met someone wonderful. He has a summer house about 2h from Madrid. We are going there now and I will spend a few days there. There is barely any signal though. I’ll call you when I come back. Kisses,” according to the complaint.

He then asked her to translate: “yesterday after therapy I needed a walk and he approached me on the street! Amazing connection. Like I never had before,” according to the filing.

At some point in their connection, the woman told her mother she met a Serbian man online. The mother searched up his surname on Google and learned that his wife was reported missing in Madrid. The woman then discovered a news article that contained a message purportedly sent by David Knezevich’s wife that matched the exact wording of the text she had helped translate.

The complaint also said other evidence came into play surrounding the couple's businesses.

NBC News previously found three corporations registered under the couple’s names in Florida — EOX Technology Solutions Inc., Registered Corporate Agents LLC and EOX Capital LLC — all of which provide technology and other types of support for South Florida businesses.

On March 4, a woman claiming to be Knezevic Henao contacted an insurance company to cancel three insurance policies held for her and her husband's business. During the call, children were heard in the background, though Knezevic Henao does not have any children. Later, law enforcement learned the number was owned by David Knezevich’s company and he was listed as the contact for the phone number. 

Then on April 24, an employee of David Knezevich told law enforcement that he instructed her to impersonate Knezevic Henao “in order to open a new bank account” and provided the employee with Knezevic Henao's social security number to use as proof. The next day the employee told David Knezevich she was uncomfortable impersonating Knezevic Henao because she was missing, but he allegedly told her it was “not serious” and it needed to be done for employees to be paid. David Knezevich further allegedly stated, “I cannot call with my voice because I sound like a guy.”

Online court records show David Knezevich made his initial court appearance Monday and was ordered to temporary pretrial detention. He's due back in court for a pretrial detention hearing on Friday. 

NBC News has reached out to an attorney listed for Knezevich and FBI Miami for comment.

The investigation into Knezevic Henao's disappearance is ongoing.

Breaking News Reporter

Real Madrid to receive La Liga trophy behind closed doors

Real Madrid will receive the Spanish league title at their Valdebebas training ground on Sunday without fans present, before officially lifting the trophy after their home match against Alaves three days later.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side secured a record-extending 36th La Liga title on Saturday when they defeated Cadiz before Barcelona were defeated at Girona — ensuring Real could not be caught at the top of the standings with four rounds of matches remaining.

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Real are next in action in La Liga on Saturday when they play away to Granada, but the club and Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have agreed to delay the awarding of the trophy until the following day as to not be disrespectful to Granada, who will be mathematically relegated from La Liga if they do not win the match.

Instead, Real will receive the trophy at their training ground the following day from RFEF president Pedro Rocha, before celebrating the success with their supporters at the famous Cibeles fountain in the city centre — where the club’s titles are traditionally celebrated.

Following Sunday’s celebrations in the Spanish capital, Real will officially lift the La Liga title following their home league match against Alaves on May 14.

They are next in action at home in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, with the scoreline poised at 2-2 after last week’s first leg in Germany.

Real Madrid's title celebrations: Home early, training next morning, focus on Bayern

(Jesus Troyano/Real Madrid/Real Madrid via Getty Images)

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Mario Cortegana Santos is a Football Writer for The Athletic covering Real Madrid. He has followed Los Blancos since 2019 at Diario AS, Goal.com and MARCA. He usually appears on Gol TV and is a main collaborator in the YouTube show The Four Amigos Podcast. He has covered the EURO 2020 and Qatar 2022. Follow Mario on Twitter @ MarioCortegana

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Lost Caravaggio that almost sold for €1,500 to go on show at Prado in Madrid

Ecce Homo will be museum’s second Caravaggio, after being spotted on sale in Spanish capital in 2021

A lost Caravaggio painting of the scourged and thorn-crowned Christ that was misattributed and almost sold for just €1,500 is to go on show at the Prado museum in Madrid three years after its discovery shocked the art world and made headlines across the globe.

The Ecce Homo, which measures 111cm by 86cm, had been attributed to the circle of the 17th-century Spanish artist José de Ribera when it was offered for sale at a Madrid auction house in April 2021. But something about the painting and its luminous qualities led experts in Spain and Italy to re-examine the work.

As collectors around the world got wind of the painting’s possible creator, experts at the Prado contacted Spain’s culture ministry, which moved quickly to impose an export ban. The Madrid regional government also speedily awarded the painting protected heritage status to keep it in the country.

On Monday, the Prado said the painting – which was bought from the family that had owned it for generations by an anonymous purchaser for an undisclosed sum – would go on show at the museum from 28 May until October.

The Prado’s director, Miguel Falomir, said the painting’s new owner had worked with experts to restore the Ecce Homo to its former glory and to piece together the story of its travels.

“We’ve discovered that this is indeed a Caravaggio , and a painting that was brought to Spain in the 17th century and attributed to the Italian painter,” said Falomir. “During the Napoleonic invasion, it left the royal collection and it had been in a private family collection in Madrid since the 19th century. The family recently decided to sell the picture to a private buyer, and this person became interested in exhibiting this very important work at the Prado.”

Falomir said the museum was delighted to have been chosen as the venue where the work would be shown to public and critics alike. “It’s an enormous opportunity and one we’re thrilled about,” he said. “We’re also celebrating the fact that this great work of art will stay in Spain and become part of Spain’s culture.”

David García Cueto, the Prado’s head of pre-1800 Italian and French painting, said the museum was very happy to have a second Caravaggio added to its collection – albeit temporarily. The museum’s sole Caravaggio is David with the Head of Goliath , which was painted in Rome around 1600 when the hard-living artist was 30 years old.

“By then, he had achieved a stylistic maturity through his refined use of light and shade that allowed him to capture reality in a close-up manner,” said García Cueto. “Caravaggio’s stylistic evolution in the last 10 years of his life was pretty innovative, expressionistic, free and striking. The Ecce Homo, painted around 1607-1610, offers a complementary vision of Caravaggio’s late work and condenses the best of the master’s style in his final years.”

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The painting’s discovery led to a bidding war that is likely to have culminated in a purchase price of tens of millions of euros.

Three years ago, Massimo Pulini, an art historian and professor at the Bologna Fine Arts Academy, told the Guardian he had identified the picture as a Caravaggio when an antiques dealer friend emailed him a picture of the auction catalogue.

“When I saw the painting, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” said Pulini. “The impact was so immediate that I instantly knew this was a Caravaggio. It was like meeting someone on the street who you haven’t seen for a long time. It’s difficult to explain what happens in certain moments when, in a millisecond, you have such an impression. It’s often a question of instinct.”

• Exhibitions

More on this story

Rule-breaker for the ages: why Caravaggio is our screen age’s art superstar

The Last Caravaggio review – a gripping and murderously dark finale

Who killed Caravaggio and why? His final paintings may hold the key

US-born ‘princess’ evicted from Rome villa housing Caravaggio fresco

Easter in Art review – a parade of masterpieces of Christian suffering

Auction of Roman villa with Caravaggio mural fails to attract any bids

Suspected Caravaggio work given protected status in Spain

‘Damn, this is a Caravaggio!’: the inside story of an old master found in Spain

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Tourist Travel Pass

Abono_transporte_turistico_2018.jpg.

The Tourist Ticket (also known as the Tourist Travel Pass) can be used on all types of public transport in the Region of Madrid. Allowing you to take unlimited trips within your chosen timeframe, it is a practical and inexpensive way to get around Madrid.

Passes are valid for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 days  and for two zones (A and T).

Are you going to stay in the city centre and do you plan to get around there? Then Zone A is the right option for you since it covers these services:

• Use of the Metro in  zone A (City of Madrid) – including the 3€ airport supplement,
• All blue EMT city buses (except the yellow Airport Express shuttle ),
• Renfe Cercanías commuter trains covering zones 0 and A,
• Metro Ligero light rail train ML1.

Are you going to be in Madrid for several days and are also planning to visit the surrounding area? Then Zone T is the right option for you, since it covers:

• The entire Metro network .
• All blue city buses (except the Airport Express shuttle ) and the green intercity buses in the Region of Madrid , including services to Guadalajara and Toledo. This pass encompasses all 8 zones, from A to E2 (6 zones in the Region of Madrid and 2 in Castilla La Mancha).
• All Renfe Cercanías commuter trains (zones 0, A, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2).
• Metro Ligero light rail trains ML1, ML2 and ML3, and the ML4 Parla tramway.

Zone T is the recommended option if you’re planning on making day trips to places like El Escorial , Aranjuez or Alcalá de Henares .

IMPORTANT : It cannot be used on high-speed trains (including the AVE to Guadalajara and the Avant to Toledo ) nor Renfe Operadora regional trains. It is also not valid on Tourist Trains .

Why buy a travel pass?

All Tourist Travel Passes are pre-loaded onto the Tarjeta Multi, a contactless, transferable smartcard that is valid for 10 years and which is free when you purchase the 1,2, 3, 5 or 7-day Tourist Travel Pass. Once the Tourist Travel Pass expires, you can top up the smartcard with pay-per-ride tickets.

Where buy a travel pass?

You can purchase the pass at:

• At all Metro stations (including at the entrance to the Airport T1-T2-T3 and Airport T4 stations), it can be purchased at the machines marked with a red MULTI Card Available HERE sticker (on clicking on Purchase Card , three ticket options are shown, in the following order:  1 journey, 10 journeys and Airport, and on clicking on the Other Options arrow, two more options are shown: From 1 to 7 days (tourist) and 30-day pass).   Credit card payment s are authorised
• The entrance to the Cercanías (commuter train) Aeropuerto T4 station
• The main office of the Madrid Regional Transport Consortium: Plaza del Descubridor Diego de Ordás, 3.
• Estancos (tobacco shops) and from other authorized retailers.
• All Metro Ligero (ML1, ML2, ML3 and ML4) stations.

Where to top up your travel card:

• Automated ticket machines found in all  Cercanías train stations
• Automated ticket machines found in Metro de Madrid Stations  and ML1 stations
• Automated ticket machines found in the city’s light railway ( Metro Ligero) Stations (ML2 and ML3)
• Information points at Transport Hubs : 10-trip bus passes ( bonobús ) for urban and intercity services and tourist travel cards
• Estanco kiosks and other authorised retailers : 10-trip travel cards ( Metrobús and intercity bonobús ) and tourist travel cards
• Travel Card App

If you do not wish to acquire a Tourist Travel Pass, you can buy the Tarjeta Multi (2.5€) and simply top it up with pay-per-ride tickets.

* Prices are for 12-year-olds or over. Children under 11 years of age enjoy a 50% discount. Under-4s travel for free on the metro and the bus and under 6s on the Cercanías commuter train.

• Citymapper :  App Store  /  Google Play
• Moovit :  App Store  /  Google Play
• Chipi :  App Store  /  Google Play
• Madrid Metro Bus Cercanías :  App Store  /  Google Play
• Travel Card :  App Store  /  Google Play

DON'T MISS

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Madrid Maps and Guides

Download free maps and guides to the city to help you plan your trip.

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Madrid Top 10

Discover the city's most popular sights and attractions, from one of Europe's largest royal palaces to the magnificent Prado Museum and the Real Madrid football stadium. 

Madrid Experiences

These  unique suggestions  are sure to enhance your time in the city.

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Madrid City Card

Enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts on some of the city's top tourist, cultural and leisure attractions with Madrid's official sightseeing pass.

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Getting around Madrid

Madrid's excellent transport system allows you to get around the city quickly and safely by bus, metro, train or taxi.

HOW LONG ARE YOU STAYING?

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Day trips and themed itineraries

Spend the day at a UNESCO World Heritage site, hire a guide to teach you interesting historical and cultural facts about Madrid, or follow one of our themed itineraries to discover the city from a different angle. 

Travel maps

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The city’s new official sightseeing and tourist travel pass.

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Panoramic views

An observation deck at 92 metres.

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Official Madrid Shop

Our online store (in Spanish) sells artisan souvenirs.

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