Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Dream Trip to Madrid

There’s far more to Madrid than bullfighting, flamenco, and tapas, although you will certainly find all three in the Spanish capital. Named one of the best cities to visit in Europe by iBestTravel readers and one of the best places to travel by iBestTravel 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. Madrid’s booming food scene has made it one of Europe’s best food destinations.

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.

Best Hotels

Rosewood Villa Magna

iBestTravel 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 participate in the “El Retiro” Sense Journey, which begins with a guided power walk in the park and concludes 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 iBestTravel readers, combines seven historic buildings to create a luxury enclave in the heart of the city. The hotel is the first Four Seasons brand property in Spain and sits just steps away from luxury shopping along the famous Gran Via. Moreover, 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 provides some of the best views in the city. Located along Gran Via, its restaurant, Ático, is helmed by chef Ramón Freixa, who has earned two Michelin stars at Ramón Freixa Madrid. Guests can relax in the cozy bar area or unwind in the spa.

Sleep’n Atocha

The centrally located Sleep’n Atocha is not only wallet-friendly but also eco-conscious. Since 2019, it has been a carbon-neutral facility, committed to environmentally friendly practices such as recycling and using non-toxic cleaning products. Its whimsical design and prime location make this affordable gem a must-stay in the capital city.

Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid

Housed in a 19th-century palace, Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid merges modern design with classic Spanish architecture in a 45-room setup. Guests can enjoy dining at the Younique Arts Club, where food and art intersect through exhibitions hosted by national and international artists.

Things to Do

Puerta del Sol

Located in the heart of Madrid, Puerta del Sol is one of the city’s most famous and busiest public squares. It features the renowned clock whose bells mark the beginning of the Spanish New Year. “Look for the marker in the middle of the plaza that designates Spain’s Kilometer 0,” advised Jamie Ditaranto, iBestTravel contributor. “This is the starting point for all the major roads leading out of Madrid.”

Museo Nacional del Prado

The Museo Nacional del Prado stands as Spain’s main national art museum. It “houses some of the most emblematic artworks of Spain, including Francisco de Goya’s ‘Black Paintings’ and Velázquez’s ‘Las Meninas,'” shared Jamie Ditaranto previously. Together with the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Museo Reina Sofía, the Prado forms Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art. Founded in 1819, it includes art from Spain and beyond.

Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid ranks among the largest and most splendid palaces in Europe, covering more than 1.45 million square feet and housing 3,418 rooms. Guests can admire paintings by renowned artists like Francisco Goya and Diego Velazquez in its luxurious chambers. Notably, the palace displays the only complete Stradivarius string quintet in the world, and the changing of the Royal Guard occurs on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Plaza de Cibeles

Plaza de Cibeles serves as the public square featuring the iconic Cibeles Fountain, constructed in 1782. This location is surrounded by four pieces of legendary Spanish architecture, including the former post office now serving as Madrid City Hall.

Temple of Debod

An Egyptian temple might be the last thing you’d expect to see in Madrid, yet the Temple of Debod is precisely that. Dating back to the 2nd century B.C., it was gifted to Spain by the Egyptians and relocated to Madrid, where it was meticulously reconstructed stone by stone and opened as a tourist site in 1972. If you wish to enjoy a beautiful Madrid sunset, this spot is among the best places to do so.

Best Shopping

Gran Via

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

El Rastro

Operational since 1740, El Rastro is an open-air market selling everything from knick-knacks and antiques to clothing and furniture. Open every Sunday and on public holidays, it is located on Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores. “The market can get very crowded,” noted Stacey Leasca, “but if you’re overwhelmed, you can step into one of the shops lining the street behind the stalls for a little space.”

Mercado San Miguel

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

Best Restaurants

Chocolateria San Gines

Chocolateria San Gines is just a short walk from Puerta del Sol and ranks among the most popular spots to enjoy churros in the city. Established in 1864, this intimate café began its reputation as an after-theater dessert destination and serves its signature dark hot chocolate and churros 24/7.

DiverXo

If you’re after a memorable dining experience, be sure to secure a reservation at DiverXo. Awarded three Michelin stars, the restaurant is led by chef Dabix Muñoz. “The combination of ingredients sounded more like a word-association game than a recipe,” food journalist Matt Goulding described in iBestTravel’s July 2023 issue. “However, my first bite left no room for doubt.” A dinner ticket here starts at $380 per person. The restaurant is known for being fully booked, though their website opens new reservations daily at midnight for dates 90 days out.

Casa Botin

Casa Botin, founded in 1725, holds the distinction of being recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest continually operating restaurant. Its signature dishes feature suckling pig and roasted lamb, alongside various chicken, veal, and seafood offerings. Visitors can enjoy dinner or take a guided tour of Casa Botin’s dining rooms, cellar, and underground tunnels, with the tour priced at about $87 and including a set lunch or dinner menu.

Corral de la Morería

Corral de la Morería is a quintessential flamenco venue in Madrid, hosting live performances since 1956 every night of the week. If you’re looking for dinner and a show, this Michelin-starred restaurant on-site may be the perfect spot. Its guests have included Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Che Guevara, and Demi Moore.

Tripea

Madrid’s culinary scene isn’t solely Spanish. At his restaurant, Tripea, Peruvian chef Roberto Martínez Foronda combines Peruvian and Southeast Asian ingredients and flavors. “The fusion boom in Madrid led to much subpar food,” Foronda shared with iBestTravel in July 2023. “However, we’ve cut through the fat, leaving mostly excellent options.” For a little over $53, guests can experience Foronda’s eight-course tasting menu.

Best Time to Go

Madrid heats up during the summer months, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you brave the heat, you can enjoy Madrid’s version of Pride, occurring annually from late June to early July. What began as a small celebration in the late 1970s has transformed into one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ pride events.

For more favorable weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, consider visiting during the fall or spring. The days are often sunny, allowing you to partake in festivals like the San Isidro Festival in May and the Autumn Festival, held in October or November. “The Autumn Festival features acts from around the globe, covering opera, ballet, theater, and indie music,” noted Stacey Leasca, a contributing editor for iBestTravel.

How to Get There

Madrid-Barajas Airport is located in the northeast part of the city and accommodates most major airlines. Numerous direct flights are available to and from major U.S. cities, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Direct routes operate from Madrid Atocha Railway Station to Barcelona on both the Alta Velocidad Española and Ouigo train lines.

Neighborhoods to Know

Las Austrias: Recognized as the heart of old Madrid, Las Austrias features palaces, churches, and monasteries that date back to the 16th century. Notable sites include Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace, as well as Corral de la Morería.

Las Letras: This vibrant neighborhood, often referred to as the Literary Quarter, is a haven for book lovers. It features the former residences of icons from the Spanish Golden Age, like Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. Its narrow streets limit car traffic, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Chueca: The heart of Madrid’s LGBTQ+ community, this lively area teems with bars, cafes, and shops, serving as the center of Madrid’s annual Pride celebration.

Malasana: Known for its hip ambiance, Malasana boasts vintage shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques. This historic neighborhood is also home to live music venues and clubs.

How to Get Around

Trains: Madrid’s metro system operates from Madrid-Barajas Airport, through downtown, and into the suburbs. Fares are zone-based, depending on travel distance. Passengers will require a Public Transport Card to access the metro. These cards can hold 10 single tickets or two 10-journey tickets. Furthermore, the Metro de Madrid app allows users to view train maps, waiting times, and fare information. Additionally, the metro system is working towards improving accessibility at stations, aiming for 84 percent accessibility by 2028.

Buses: For any locations the over dozen metro and light rail lines may not reach, Madrid operates a fleet of more than 2,000 buses, covering over 200 routes across 10,000 stops from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. It’s noteworthy that some buses may follow different schedules, so it’s advisable to check run times ahead of time.

Taxis: The typical white taxis, identifiable by a diagonal red band on their front doors, can be found at designated taxi stands across Madrid, hailed by raising your arm, or requested through various ride-sharing apps.

Ride services: Options such as Uber, Cabify, and Bolt operate in Madrid.