How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Madrid Spain
Are you wondering how to plan the perfect trip to Madrid, Spain?
What are the best things to see and do? When should you visit and how much time will you need?
Be inspired by this guide as you plan your next trip to Madrid, Spain!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and the income goes to creating more free travel content that everyone can enjoy!
Welcome to Madrid, the creative and culinary capital of Spain. The city is known for its world-class museums, elegant boulevards, sprawling greenspaces and diverse architectural styles. Market places over-flow with vendors selling tapas and refreshing beverages. Sizzling summer temperatures call for mid-day siestas and all-night celebrations. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.
Madrid is an affordable city to visit compared to other neighbouring European destinations. If you only have a short period of time and a tight budget, Madrid is a great place to visit. Accommodation, food/drinks, public transportation and entrance costs for attractions are reasonably priced. Most museums offer free entry on certain days of the week. Public parks and plazas are freely enjoyed by locals and travellers year-round.
Madrid’s Main Attractions
Below is a list of the best places to see and things to do in Madrid. Find inspiration for your trip here!
How Many Days to Spend in Madrid
Do you prefer to pack in as much as possible in a short period of time or travel at a more leisurely pace?
Are you visiting in the summer when there are plenty of daylight hours for exploring?
Are you travelling luxuriously or on a budget?
The main highlights of Madrid can be seen in two to three days. This is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors spending a weekend in the city on a budget. Even if you only have a short period of time, exploring Madrid for a few days will certainly be a worthwhile trip.
How to Spend Three Days in Madrid – Detailed Itinerary.
Short on time or traveling on a budget? Check out these recommended weekend getaways to other European destinations!
When to Visit
The best time to visit Madrid truly depends on what you want to see and do during your trip. Decisions are often influenced by the timing of festivals and events, affordability and seasonal weather conditions.
Spring
Spring is one of the best times of year to visit Madrid. Warm, sunny days encourage travellers to explore the sights comfortably on foot, people start to spill out onto outdoor cafés and terraces, gardens start to bloom and the city starts to reawaken after the winter months. Summer crowds have not yet arrived offering more private access to the city’s museums and popular plazas. Deals can be found on flights and accommodation to help lower travel costs.
Summer
Summer is peak tourist season in Madrid as travellers flock to Spain on holiday. Long days and warm temperatures attract large crowds to the city’s most popular attractions. Frequent heat waves force local businesses to close for afternoon siestas. Travellers retreat to indoor attractions, such as museums, to escape scorching mid-day temperatures. Make sure to book flights, accommodation as well as tickets to attractions well in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues. Avoid Madrid in the summer season if you prefer smaller crowds, lower costs and cooler temperatures.
Autumn
Autumn continues to bring many travellers to Madrid despite shorter days and cooler temperatures. Tourist crowds have dispersed and the city is transformed by the bright autumn colours and fallen leaves along the boulevards and within public parks. Mild temperatures make sightseeing on foot a much more pleasurable experience. Accommodation prices decrease but plenty of activities and events remain to make your time in the Spanish capital memorable.
Winter
Tourism and prices in Madrid tend to surge during the winter and holiday season as travellers arrive to spend their vacation time in the city. Madrid continues to experience hours of sunshine but make sure to bundle up as winter is the coldest and rainiest time of year, although snow is rare in the Spanish capital.
Flights and accommodation are quickly booked and streets become packed with holiday shoppers. Madrid is a charming city during Christmas and New Year’s displaying festive lights and hosting several holiday markets in the central plazas. Prices tend to drop after the holidays, making the remainder of January and February the most affordable months to visit Madrid.
Use this summary to understand Spain’s seasons and plan your perfect trip to Madrid:
Spring – March, April, May
Summer – June, July, August
Autumn – September, October, November
Winter – December, January, February
How to Get Around
Madrid has plenty of attractions, restaurants and neighbourhoods to explore. Navigating the city is convenient for both locals and travellers due to its excellent transportation system. Walking is also an affordable option as Madrid has a compact city centre.
Walking
Madrid is a very walkable city with broad boulevards, pedestrianized streets and open green spaces. The most visited sites in the city, such as the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol are concentrated within only a few blocks of each other. Join a free walking tour to learn more about the history of Madrid and discover hidden rooftop and tapas bars you may never have found on your own.
Metro
Madrid’s underground metro system is a very convenient option for travellers as there are many stops concentrated around the city’s most popular destinations. You’re never far from a metro station, regardless of where you find yourself in the city. The metro is easier to navigate than the city’s bus routes. The metro provides transportation to Atocha Railway Station, Chamartín Railway Station as well as Madrid Barajas International Airport.
Bus
Travellers have the option to stay above ground and sight-see while getting to their destination. There are numerous bus routes with connections all over the city, however navigating the system can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Alternatively choose to purchase a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Tours stop at all the major landmarks while providing audio commentary.
Bicycle
Cycling in Madrid is a popular tourist activity. Hire an electric bicycle from one of the many docking stations (BiciMAD) scattered throughout the city as a unique way to see the sights. Cycling with a group or as part of a bike tour is highly recommended. Professional guides take guests to all the main attractions as well as off the beaten track.
Teleferico
Take the gondola from Parque del Oeste in central Madrid to Casa de Campo, the city’s largest park. Enjoy spectacular views above the city while spotting popular landmarks such as the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. This is a great option for families or those travelling with young children. Enjoy a picnic in the park or choose to visit Madrid Zoo Aquarium or Parque de Atracciones (Amusement Park). Round-trip journeys on the gondola cost €6.00 for adults and €5.00 for children/seniors.
Where to Stay
There are a number of unique neighbourhoods in Madrid that each cater to a specific type of traveller. Even if you are on a tight budget, only in town for the weekend or visiting with children, there are many accommodation options available. Madrid is considered one of the more affordable European capitals, but you’ll still need to book early to secure your preferred location at the best price.
Madrid is a compact city with its neighbourhoods (barrios) within walking distance to each other. Regardless of where you choose to stay, you will likely be able to walk to the main attractions or take a short metro ride to those located a bit further away.
Sol-Gran Via
Sol-Gran Via is considered the historical heart of Madrid and the ideal place to stay for first-time visitors. The main attractions, restaurants and tapas bars are conveniently located within walking distance. Due to its central location, accommodation prices will be more expensive but may be worthwhile for the convenience. Nearby attractions include: Plaza Mayor, La Almundena Cathedral, Puerta del Sol, Gran Via & Royal Palace of Madrid.
Retiro
The Retiro district is the perfect base for art lovers offering a quiet and affordable escape from the hustle and bustle of Central Madrid. Visitors choosing to stay here can still access main attractions within less than 20 minutes walking distance. Spend hours browsing the golden triangle of museums or strolling around the famous El Retiro Park. Nearby attractions include: El Retiro Park, Plaza de Cibeles & the Golden Triangle of Museums.
La Latina
Historic neighbourhood with a labyrinth of narrow, medieval streets. La Latina is known for its Spanish charm and delicious food. Enjoy traditionally inspired dishes and refreshing sangria from one of the many restaurant terraces that spill out onto the streets. This area also offers affordable accommodation options that remain walking distance to Madrid’s main sights. Nearby attractions include: Rastro Market, Plaza Mayor & Palace Royal.
Chueca
This is the perfect place to stay in Madrid for party-seeking travellers. There’s a high concentration of pubs that come alive at night, offering endless entertainment. Chueca is known as the gay nightlife district, displaying rainbow-coloured pride flags in support of the LBGTQ+ community. The energetic streets have excellent options for dining and shopping. Central Madrid attractions are within walking distance or a short ride away on public transit. Nearby attractions include: Gran Via & Plaza de Cibeles.
Malasaña
Madrid’s hipster neighbourhood, located within walking distance to Sol-Gran Via and Chueca. This is one of the best places to stay for young travellers with plenty of restaurants, tapas bars and nightclubs to enjoy. Expect this area to be loud and lively at all hours of the day.
Argüelles
This is a great location for families with children, offering a quieter, more relaxed experience. This lovely residential neighbourhood has a number of art galleries, tapas bars and greenspaces to explore. Attractions include: Temple of Debod & Parque del Oeste (West Park).
Start Booking Your Trip
Use the helpful resources below to start booking your trip to Madrid, Spain!
- Reserve your accommodation with Hotels.com or Hostelworld.
- Book your rental car with Discover Cars.
- Book your flight with SkyScanner.
- Book tours with Get Your Guide.
- Traveling Solo? Book a Group Tour with G Adventures.
- Buy Travel Insurance with SafetyWing or World Nomads.
Recommended Reading
Have any questions about planning your trip to Madrid, Spain? Please share your questions or comments below!
