App

VND

Find Bookings



Photos

Madrid

2025 Madrid Travel Guide: Weather, Transportation, Popular Attractions, and Everything You Need (Updated 2025 4)

About Madrid

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

21°C

View Local Experiences on Map

Madrid Local Travel Guide 2025

View More





Madrid Brief Guide

The capital of passionate Spain, Madrid attracts many tourists with its diverse culture. Here there is luxurious royal architecture, world-famous works of art and museums, and of course, exhilarating football matches and bullfighting displays that you absolutely shouldn't miss out on. As you slowly stroll through the city's lively plazas, go on a shopping spree, or savor the food, Madrid is incredible in the warm Iberian sunshine.

Madrid Must-try Local Experiences

1. Discover Madrid's Iconic Landmarks Visit the Royal Palace, stroll through El Retiro Park, and experience the vibrant energy of Plaza Mayor. These landmarks showcase Madrid's rich history, architectural brilliance, and lively atmosphere. 2. Discover Art at the Golden Triangle of Art Explore masterpieces at the Prado Museum, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. These museums house works by Velázquez, Goya, Picasso, and Dalí. 3. Experience a Traditional Flamenco Performance Delve into Spanish culture with a captivating flamenco performance. Witness the passionate dance, soulful music, and intricate footwork at one of Madrid's renowned tablaos. 4. Sample Local Cuisine Try traditional dishes like tapas, cocido madrileño, and churros with chocolate. Visit a local market like San Miguel Market for a true taste of the city's food culture. 5. Savor Spanish Wines and Sangria Enjoy a glass of Spanish wine or a refreshing sangria at one of Madrid's many bars and restaurants. Spain is known for its excellent wines, and Madrid offers plenty of opportunities to sample them. 6. Find Treasures at El Rastro Flea Market Experience the lively atmosphere of El Rastro, One of the Madrid's largest open-air flea markets, held every Sunday. Discover unique antiques, vintage clothing, and handmade crafts. 7. Shop at Gran Via and Calle de Serrano Visit Gran Via for high-street brands and theaters, and Calle de Serrano for luxury boutiques and designer stores. 8. Capture the Beauty of Temple of Debod Head to Temple of Debod for stunning sunset views. The ancient Egyptian temple, set against the vibrant hues of the Madrid sky, offers a picturesque spot for memorable photos. 9. Catch a Real Madrid Football Match For an unforgettable experience, catch a Real Madrid football match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere and witness world-class football firsthand. 10. Take a Day Trip to Toledo Escape the city for a day and visit Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its medieval streets, historic buildings, and stunning views of the Tagus River. 11. Attend a Bullfight at Las Ventas Bullring Experience the traditional Spanish sport of bullfighting at Las Ventas Bullring, Madrid's famous bullring. While controversial, it remains an integral part of Spanish culture and history.

Madrid Travel Tips

1. Dress Modestly at Religious Sites: When visiting churches and other religious sites in Madrid, dress modestly. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, and hats inside these places. 2. Watch for Pickpockets: Madrid is generally safe, but pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded areas like Puerta del Sol. Keep your belongings secure, avoid placing bags on chair backs, and keep valuables out of sight. Use front pockets for wallets and ensure bags have zippers. 3. Drone Photography Restrictions: Flying drones in Madrid requires special permits. Avoid using drones near airports, military bases, and crowded areas to comply with local regulations. Always check the ENAIRE Drones application for current restrictions and ensure you have the necessary authorizations from AESA, especially for urban areas. 4. Museo Reina Sofía Photo Policy: Photography is allowed in most areas of the Museo Reina Sofía without flash, tripods, or selfie sticks. Some temporary exhibitions may have stricter no-photo policies, so always check with staff or look for signage before taking pictures. 5. Save with Menu del Dia: Many restaurants offer a 'Menu del Dia,' a fixed-price lunch menu that includes multiple courses and is often cheaper than ordering a la carte. 6. Alcohol Consumption Rules: Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited in Madrid, except in outdoor cafés and bars or during official fiestas. Enjoy your drinks at bars, restaurants, or designated areas to avoid fines. Alcohol cannot be sold to persons under 18 or in shops after 10 pm.

Madrid Must-see Attractions

Madrid is a city steeped in cultural richness, boasting landmarks like the Royal Palace with its artistic heritage, the Prado Museum's extensive European art collection, the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the traditional Las Ventas Bullring, and the modern art-filled Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, each offering unique historical insights and experiences.

Madrid Where to Stay

Madrid is a city that offers a diverse range of accommodation options, with each neighborhood providing its own unique charm and characteristics.

Madrid Food Guide

Madrid's food scene is a rich tapestry of traditional Spanish flavors, featuring iconic dishes such as the seafood-laden Paella, the sweet indulgence of Churros with hot chocolate, the ubiquitous Tortilla de Patata integral to tapas culture, and the hearty Cocido Madrileño stew, each reflecting the city's culinary heritage and love for both simple and elaborate fare.

Madrid Useful Guide

Madrid's transportation infrastructure is robust, with Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport and Estación Sur de Autobuses being key intercity travel hubs. Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is the primary airport in Madrid, located approximately 12 kilometers from the city center. It is the second-largest airport in Europe and serves as a hub for several airlines. To reach the city from the airport, passengers can take the Madrid Metro Line 8 or use bus services provided by EMT and CRTM. Taxis and long-distance coaches are also available for travel to other cities in Spain. Estación Sur de Autobuses, also known as Méndez Álvaro, is Madrid's main bus station for domestic and international routes. It is situated in the south-east of the city center, not far from Atocha train station. The station is a large public transportation hub, including access to the Metro, city buses, and Cercanías trains. To reach the city from Estación Sur, the C-1 Cercanías train line is the most convenient option. Taxis are available in front of the bus station, and there is a direct connection to Barajas airport.

Trip.Best: Madrid

Top11·Hotels

Top 11 Luxury Hotels in Madrid

Top34·attraction

Popular Best Things to Do in Madrid

Top22·Restaurants

Popular Local Restaurants in Madrid

Top1·Hotels

Popular Scenic Hotels in Madrid

Top1·attraction

Popular Night Attractions in Madrid

Top12·Restaurants

Top 12 Light Bites in Madrid

Top12·Hotels

Top 12 Cultural Hotels in Madrid

Top3·attraction

Top 3 Family-friendly Attractions in Madrid

Top25·Restaurants

Popular Fine Dining in Madrid

Top18·Hotels

Top 18 Instagrammable Hotels in Madrid

Top4·attraction

Top 4 Spring Outings in Madrid

Top11·Restaurants

Top 11 Restaurants for Views & Experiences in Madrid

Things to do in Madrid

What to Do

Looking for things to do in Madrid? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

Where to Stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Madrid, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

What to Eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Madrid dishes and foodie spots.

Madrid Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

Post

#Recommended

#madrid

#summerdestinations

#myhiddengems

Madrid, Spain

Mo việt

11



Solo trip to Madrid, Spain 🇪🇸

Arrow_

10



Walking around Madrid for 24 hours was THIS blissful

The.snacking.gypsy



12 Must-Do Happy Things in Madrid

當地司導孫超

13



Trip to Madrid, Spain 🇪🇸

Arrow_

1



A very popular place in Madrid, but hear my words before going

Shih Yuin Chew



8-Day Spain Trip for the Short Holiday｜The Perfect Season Is Here

elysium_2134



Madrid Royal Palace - A Must-Visit Attraction in Spain

Mandysung

6



View More

What People Are Saying About Madrid



Write a Review







Royal Palace of Madrid

NOHA Abdelhadey

The Royal Palace of Madrid is a stunning blend of history and grandeur. With lavish rooms, breathtaking frescoes, and royal artifacts, it’s a must-see. Don’t miss the grand staircase and royal armory!



Prado Museum

Lola Coveñas

The Prado Museum is a must-visit in Madrid, housing one of the world’s greatest collections of European art. Masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, and Rubens fill its halls, offering a deep dive into centuries of artistic brilliance. With so much to see, arriving early and planning ahead is highly recommended!



Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

小熊杰里米Sissi

The glorious journey of exploring the football temple of the Bernabeu, the moment you step into the Bernabeu Stadium, it is as if you have stepped into the bright stars of the football world. This legendary stadium standing in Madrid carries the glory and honor of Real Madrid for a hundred years, and every inch of land tells the passion and dream of football. When you step into the stadium, the first thing that comes into view is the fascinating green field. Even without the bustling crowd during the game, it still exudes an indescribable magic. The sun shines on the grass, and the tender green grass is glittering with vitality, making people can't help but imagine the figures of superstars such as Ronaldo and Benzema galloping here. They break through the defense line like lightning, and the wonderful shots seem to still echo in their ears. Walking along the passage, you will come to the players' locker room. This is the heart of the team, and every corner is full of the atmosphere of the team. The neatly arranged lockers, with familiar players' names and numbers hanging on them, seem to be able to see their tense and fighting preparation scenes before the game. The coach's passionate tactical arrangements and the players' shouts of encouragement seem to echo in this space. Walking into the Hall of Honor is like entering the hall of football history. In the display cabinet, the shining trophies are the witnesses of Real Madrid's brilliant achievements. The Champions League trophy, the La Liga trophy... they carry countless days and nights of hard work and struggle, and are the eternal pride in the hearts of the team and fans. Here, you can deeply feel Real Madrid's persistent pursuit of victory and its infinite love for football. Climbing onto the stands of the Bernabeu Stadium, the view suddenly opens up. Imagine that on match days, the seats here are full, and nearly 80,000 fans wearing white jerseys together form a white ocean. Their shouts and cheers are intertwined to form a powerful force to cheer for the team. This shocking atmosphere is the unique charm of football. Visiting the Bernabeu Stadium is not only a tour of the stadium, but also an exploration of the spirit of football. Here, you can feel the profound heritage of Real Madrid and appreciate the passion and charm of football. It is a holy place in the hearts of football fans. Every corner is worth savoring and every piece of history is worth remembering. 🇪🇸Hola, Madrid. ⚽️Glory belongs to Real Madrid🏆



Las Ventas Bullring

小熊杰里米Sissi

The new Mudhar style, the exterior wall is made of red brick, decorated with exquisite Arabic carved flowers and semi-arc windows, and the emblem of Spain's provinces is also set with ceramics. The bullring is about 65 meters in diameter and has four floors, which can accommodate about 10,000 spectators. It is the largest bullring in Spain and the third largest bullring in the world. As one of Madrid’s landmarks and an important symbol of Spanish culture, it attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world every year and is an important place to experience Spanish culture and traditions. The architecture and the bullfight itself provide a rich source of inspiration for many artists, many paintings, literature, music works are based on the Madrid bullfight or bullfight. Worth a look.



Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Lola Coveñas

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is a must-see for modern art lovers in Madrid. The museum is home to iconic works, including Picasso’s Guernica, as well as pieces by Dalí, Miró, and other 20th-century artists. Its spacious layout, clear signage, and serene atmosphere make it easy to navigate and enjoy. Whether you’re a dedicated art enthusiast or just looking to explore Madrid’s cultural scene, this museum is an essential stop.



Plaza Mayor

咕噜眯糗

Stay near the Majorelle Gardens. After visiting several gardens and museums, walk from this pleasant and exquisite area to several attractions on the Djemaa El Fna Square. Visit the city's large bazaar in the old town of Marrakech. There are all kinds of people, streets, and horse-drawn carriages. After sunset, the market in the square becomes a group of food stalls. You can experience it and eat barbecue. The Moroccan breakfast is colorful and you can try it.



El Retiro Park

118***86

The park is large and shaded by trees. It feels quite nice to walk around and stop whenever you have time. The Crystal Palace and the small lake in front are pleasant, and there are swans, ducks and pigeons playing around, creating a peaceful atmosphere. There are also free art exhibitions to see, which is worth mentioning.



Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Anonymous User

These three museums are very good and have their own characteristics! Prado is said to be ranked third in Europe. It contains traditional 14th-18th century oil paintings, many court paintings, and no photography is allowed. Sofia is mainly modern abstract paintings. There are paintings by Picasso. Thyssen is a comprehensive collection of paintings by many famous painters, including Monet. They are all worth seeing. Prado can be viewed for a day, and the other two will take at least 4 hours. We went to one museum in a day and looked at them carefully.



Tablao Flamenco Torres Bermejas

东张西望望东西

The particularly wonderful performance, the enthusiastic and unrestrained Flamingo performance, makes people look intoxicated, but I am not sure if I can take pictures without taking pictures. The rhythm is very strong and the dance is very shocking.



San Miguel Market

生长在海边的果果

It is highly recommended to go, you must leave some space for your stomach before going. The market is not big, but the food is very rich and attractive. Every one wants to taste it. I only hate that the stomach is not big enough and the taste is good, which subverts my understanding of European monotonous diet. It is recommended that friends who go to Madrid go to punch a card, half of them take pictures.