Sitting on an expansive footprint made of a zig-zag of elegant boulevards, manicured parks, and historical ruins, the capital city of Madrid is smack dab in the heart of Spain, with its history wired as far as the 9th century.
Despite the ups and downs in the course of history, Madrid’s still going strong and beckoning all kinds of visitors thanks to a balance of the new and the old.
Somewhere behind the bustling public squares of Plaza de España or Puerta del Sol, heritage buildings still make the statement day and night, showcasing their rich magnanimous milestones. From the mighty Islamic leaders to Roman emperors and modern aristocrats, the erudite Madrileños have curated everlasting characteristics for the city of Madrid.
Madrid is no short of diverse global cuisine that goes beyond a small plate of tapas tossed around at a drinking hole. And to make the most of Madrid, get ready to clear out a good week off your calendar.
But before doing so, check out this infinitive guide to Madrid, Spain to discover the best time to visit Madrid, getting around, food spots, and activities.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Madrid?
Taking the matters of crowds and weather into account, fall is undoubtedly people’s favorite time to hit Madrid. The fall foliage that takes over the city from September to October lures photo seekers and couples to this part of Spain, immersing them in a pleasant atmosphere of an 80-degree environment.
3 Best Areas To Stay In Madrid
If you’re looking for affordable and stylish accommodation, Plaza de España and its surrounding subway station area in the city center are great options. This neighborhood offers a variety of prices, services, convenient transportation, and shops. But other than that, here are a few more options you can consider.
Salamanca District
With close proximity to the city center, the downtown hub of Salamanca strikes a balance between being close to major sights of interest and a fair share of a quieter setting. As it’s surrounded by boutique shops, you will have a whale of a time checking out all the best buys without any hassle. On top of that, Salamanca is also known for its safety.
Plaza de España
Located in the heart of Madrid, Plaza de España is within walking distance to both Centro and Chamberí, making it one of the best places to stay in Madrid with a peaceful environment. Other than that, you will have easy access to subway stations, buses, and high-quality restaurants in the area.
Central Madrid
This central district radiates from Plaza de España and is home to most of Madrid’s attractions. It boasts excellent transportation options and convenient living facilities. Other than that, Central Madrid is also filled with fantastic dining options. If you plan on taking day trips to Toledo, Córdoba, and other suburbs, staying near the Atocha train station is a convenient choice.
Getting From Madrid Airport To The City Center
By Metro
Madrid metro runs across all terminals before dropping you off at Nuevos Ministerios station. Make sure to hop on Line 8 in order to reach the city core without any hassle. It’s roughly 15 minutes.
By Cercanías Train
This is a short-distance train. The most popular line to take is C1 which fetches you from the airport to Atocha, Nuevos Ministerios, and Chamartín stations with an average duration of 30 minutes.
By Airport Bus
Look out for the yellow bus parked at the T1, T2, or T4 terminals. It takes you from the airport to major areas around the city core such as O’Donnell Street, Cibeles, and Atocha station.
My favorite thing about riding the airport bus is that it has no curfew, meaning you can hop on one even late at night without worrying about missing the last bus home. However, the night buses skip Atocha on their route.
Taxi and Uber
Last but not least, this is the most convenient option if you visit Madrid for the first time and are unsure which neighborhood to get off at. Both taxis and Uber in Madrid fluctuate around EUR 20 for the first 10 kilometers. However, Uber always comes in handy which gives you an idea of how much it costs to reach your desired destination beforehand.
Getting Around Madrid By Public Transport
As of now, there are at least 12 metro routes that radiate from the center core, including one traversing from and to the airport. The cheapest one-way rate is around EUR 1.5. You work it up depending on how far you go.
Now if you’re wondering how much you actually pay, rest your worries! I highly recommend opting for the Madrid Travel Pass. You buy it at one of the metro stations and pick the number of days according to your travel plan, ranging from one to seven days. This travel pass is the perfect call for those looking to revolve around Madrid’s Zone A, which covers most of the major sights, and public squares.
Best Food Spots In Madrid To Satisfy Your Inner Foodie
By no exaggeration, Madrid is hands down a food lover’s paradise. You can embark on a culinary journey across different parts of Spain without leaving the city. We are talking about traditional staples such as refreshing Andalusian gazpacho and Galician-style octopus.
To get the full scoop on what to eat in Madrid, check out my detailed food article:
The Best Places To Visit In Madrid To Celebrate The Great Outdoors
Now let’s talk about where to go in Madrid! The first thing you wanna do is map out your itinerary based out of Puerta del Sol and Plaza de España at its heart. These two areas are just a leisurely 15-minute walk apart, making it perfect for exploring over two days.
Puerta del Sol Public Square
Puerta del Sol is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about squares in Madrid, serving as the starting point of the Spanish road network. It’s filled with a bustling array of streets, historical landmarks, restaurants, chic cafes, and department stores.
One of the coolest spots to check out at the square is the charming statue of the Bear and Wild Berry Tree, dubbed as Madrid’s emblem.
Gran Via Avenue
Next up, a stroll along Gran Via Avenue takes you deeper into Madrid’s vibrant shopping scene and lively nightlife. Right here, a historic feel captivated by the blend of ancient and modern buildings will have you in awe. Get your lens ready and snag away some shots of elegant European architecture and contemporary designs. Keep an eye out for iconic landmarks like the Grassi Building and the Metropolitan Building, each with its own unique features.
Plaza Mayor
A short walk from Puerta del Sol will bring you to Plaza Mayor, a historic square that was once the administrative center and venue for various events. Right here, you will be in awe at the grandeur of the Casa de la Panadería which is exquisitely adorned with murals and a striking golden crown. The public visit is totally welcomed. And don’t forget to stop by the Tourist Information Center to collect a handy map of the building if you wanna explore further.
San Miguel Market
Finally, it’s time for a treat! Get your taste buds ready for a wild ride of Madrid’s authentic food options, you’ll find something to satisfy every craving. Indulge in lunch, dinner tapas, breakfast churros, or delightful pastries, and call it a day. On top of that, the market’s design and lighting create a vibrant atmosphere, inviting you to really take it slow and enjoy your savory bites without a rush.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Even if you’re not a history buff, a stop over the Royal Palace of Madrid is never a waste of time. Known as the third-largest royal palace in Europe, the entire complex spans an impressive area with thousands of rooms, allowing it to rival the grandeur of Versailles and Schönbrunn Palace.
Although the Spanish royal family does not reside here at the moment, the palace is still in use for hosting foreign guests and ceremonies.
Plaza de España Public Square
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and leisurely atmosphere, head to Plaza de España. The main thrill here is all about the vibe, when the crowds are thinner, allowing for a more enjoyable shopping experience. The modern high-rise buildings surrounding the square add a touch of contemporary charm.
One of the highlights of the plaza is the Cervantes Monument, unveiled in 1929. It showcases the Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes overlooking sculptures representing his beloved characters, Don Quijote and Sancho Panza, from his renowned masterpiece, Don Quijote de la Mancha.
Temple of Debod
Tucked away in Parque del Oeste, the Temple of Debod is a hidden gem that exudes beauty and history. Originally from the second century B.C. in Egypt, this ancient temple was generously donated to Spain by the Egyptian state. The donation came as a token of gratitude for Spain’s assistance in preserving the Abu Simbel temple and other significant archaeological sites from the Aswan High Dam construction.
Rebuilding the temple was no small feat, taking two years due to the lack of reliable blueprints and some lost stones during transportation. Finally, on July 20, 1972, the Temple of Debod opened its doors to the public. While visiting is free, be prepared for long queues as it has become a popular tourist attraction. To avoid frustration, it’s recommended to visit during less crowded times, such as early mornings. Even if you can’t go inside, the temple is still worth capturing photos from its exterior.
El Retiro Park (Parque de El Retiro)
At the end of the day, nothing is more tempting to rest your tired core than an easy stroll in the park. About 20 minutes ride east of Temple of Debod, El Retiro Park emerges as a great place to treat your eyes to some great sceneries.
Originally built for the Spanish Monarchy, El Retiro soon became a lush green space for public visitors until the late 19th century. Today, the park is dubbed one of the largest of its kind in all of the country, serving as a convergent point for nature, architecture, and history.
One of the coolest things to do for first-time visitors to the park is a self-guided tour around El Retiro’s quirkiest statues. Household names such as the Fountain of the Fallen Angel or the magnificent Crystal Palace become the biggest hooks for visitors of all ages who walk this massive space of 125 hectares.
On any given sunny day, you will see the locals cycling, jogging, and picnicking by the emerald water or in the shades of Parterre Garden.
Though crowded, there’s no reason not to give Madrid a proper visit. The heritage city itself provides an excellent base for visitors to pay the neighboring cities a visit. With classy museums and historic landmarks, Madrid promises to be a highlight of your bucket list to Spain.