Destination
Madrid, Spain
The Prado, royal palaces, tapas at midnight and easy high-speed trains to Toledo and Segovia make Madrid the most Spanish of Spanish cities.
Trips to Madrid from every city
No live trip to Madrid right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | fine |
| February | fine |
| March | fine |
| April | best |
| May | best |
| June | best |
| July | avoid |
| August | avoid |
| September | best |
| October | best |
| November | fine |
| December | fine |
- May: San Isidro festival with concerts and street parties in mid-May
- December, January: Crisp, sunny winter days and Christmas lights along Gran Vía
July, August: Dry heat above 35°C and many restaurants shut for the August holiday
Where to stay in Madrid
- Centro / Sol: Dead centre, walkable to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor.
- Salamanca: Elegant, upscale shopping and quiet tree-lined streets.
- La Latina: Tapas bars, Sunday Rastro market and old Madrid atmosphere.
- Malasaña / Chueca: Indie bars, vintage shops and the city's night-time energy.
- Retiro / Paseo del Prado: The museum triangle and the park on your doorstep.
What to do in Madrid
- See Velázquez and Goya at the Prado
- Row a boat in Retiro Park
- Tapas and vermouth in La Latina
- Catch a Real Madrid match at the Bernabéu
- Day trip to Toledo by train in 30 minutes
- Churros con chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés
Good to know
| Airports | Madrid Barajas (Adolfo Suárez) (MAD) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | upscale |
| Time zone | Europe/Madrid |
| Kind of trip | city, culture, food, nightlife, shopping |
Questions about Madrid
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
April, May, June, September and October. July, August: Dry heat above 35°C and many restaurants shut for the August holiday
Do US citizens need a passport for Madrid?
Yes. Madrid is in Spain; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Madrid on the ground?
Madrid is upscale by US standards: plan about $130 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.