Madrid Travel Guide

Other Things to See and Do in Madrid

1. Take a free walking tour

Free walking tours are one of my favorite activities to do in a new city. You’ll get the lay of the land, learn about the history and culture, and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. New Europe, Free Walking Tours Madrid, and Cat’s Hostel Walking Tours are the best free tours in the city. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

2. Check out Puerta del Sol

This is Madrid’s most famous and central square. Originally, it was the site of one of the east-facing city gates and was adorned with an image of the sun, hence the square’s name (“The Sun Gate”). The square is actually semi-circular in shape and owes its current form to the major renovation work carried out between 1854-60. There’s a stone slab on the ground in front of Casa de Correos’ main entrance (the current headquarters of the Madrid regional government) to mark kilometer 0 as this is also the center of Spain’s radial road network. People congregate here on New Year’s Eve to celebrate under the clock on top of the Casa de Correos building. It’s tradition to eat a “lucky” grape for each of the 12 strokes of midnight.

3. See flamenco dancers

Madrid has been enjoying flamenco, Spain’s most famous style of dancing, since the early 19th century. Based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain, flamenco shows take place in many bars and taverns across the city, such as Las Carboneras where you can enjoy a flamenco show with a glass of wine and some tapas for 42 EUR. The historic Corral de la Morería offers shows for 49.95 EUR, including a drink.

4. Visit the National Archaeological Museum

This museum houses an incredible collection of archaeological finds from across the Iberian Peninsula. There are items from ancient Greece and Rome, along with artifacts from Egypt and Mesopotamia. Don’t miss the famous La Dama de Elche (a bust of a 5th-century Iberian woman) and the Altamira pre-historic cave paintings. The Guanche Mummy of Madrid is also here. He was embalmed by the indigenous people of the Canary Islands between the 11th and 13th centuries. Admission is 3 EUR.

5. Explore the Naval Museum of Madrid

When you think back on the world’s historical naval powers, the 16th-century Spanish Armada is sure to come to mind. You can come here to learn about the nation’s rich naval history through historic maps from as early as the year 1500. It also has lots of old drawings, weapons and navigation equipment, and a really interesting and detailed section on the Spanish Armada. Admission is free but donations of 3 EUR per person are suggested. It’s closed on Mondays.

6. Admire some modern art

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Reina Sofía National Art Center) offers a fantastic collection of modern art. Works by masters like Picasso, Miró, Kandinsky, Dalí, and Bacon can all be found here. The centerpiece of the exhibit is Picasso’s famous Guernica painting, a 1937 oil painting that’s considered the most moving anti-war painting in the world. While I don’t love modern art, even I enjoyed this museum. Admission is 12 EUR though free admission is available from 7pm-9pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays as well as from 12:30-2:30pm on Sundays.

7. Shop at the Mercado de San Miguel

This iconic indoor market is a fun spot to do your grocery shopping. It’s the oldest covered food market in the city, boasting beautiful 20th-century architecture. It’s a fantastic spot to eat some cheap tapas, pick up ingredients for supper, or do some people-watching. Open seven days a week, the market is a five-minute walk from Plaza Mayor and attracts the after-work drinks crowd in the evenings.

8. See the ancient Temple of Debod

The Temple of Debod is an Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BCE. It was given as a gift to Spain by the Egyptian government as a thank you for helping them relocate monuments from the Aswan Dam site (the Aswan Dam is the largest embankment dam in the world and was built across the Nile in the 1960s-70s). The temple was rebuilt in Spain between 1970-1972 and can now be found in Madrid’s Cuartel de la Montaña Park. Although the inside of the temple is off-limits, you can still walk along the outside. It’s closed on Mondays and admission is free.

9. Spend time in the Barrio de La Latina

This upbeat neighborhood and its maze of narrow lanes and streets lined with tapas bars, restaurants, and cantinas is perfect for exploring on foot. If you’re here on Sunday, peruse the offerings at the El Rastro flea market (open 8am-3pm) and stuff your face at one of the many food stalls. Be sure to step inside the 18th century San Francisco el Grand Basilica or the Moorish San Pedro el Real church, which originally dates to the 14th century.

10. See the Plaza de Cibeles

Plaza de Cibeles is a famous plaza in Madrid, located along the central Calle de Alcalá and adjacent to Paseo del Prado. Here you can find the Palace of Communications, the city’s mayor’s office, and a Neoclassical 18th-century fountain dedicated to the Roman goddess Cybele (the mistress of wild nature). There is an observation deck at the mayor’s office (called the Mirador del Palacio de Cibeles) so you can take in the view (closed Mondays). Admission is 3 EUR.

11. Watch a Real Madrid soccer match

Madrid’s soccer team is one of the best, not only in Spain but in the world. If you want to see soccer (or football as they say in Europe) at its best, come watch a game. The stadium is always full, holding over 81,000 people, and the crowds get wild. If you want to experience local life, this is a must. Tickets start at 35 EUR.

12. See the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales

The Convent of Las Descalzas Reales (which means “Monastery of the Royal Barefooted”) was built in the 16th century and was the former palace of Emperor Charles V and Empress Isabel of Portugal. Unmarried princesses and “spinster” noblewomen came here to live as nuns and they brought any wealth they had accumulated with them. These days, just a few nuns look after the grounds and its relics, which include (alleged) pieces of Jesus’s cross and the bones of St. Sebastian, who died around 288 CE. A Spanish Property of Cultural Interest, inside the building, you can see many works of art. For example, the main staircase is decorated with murals that date to the 16th and 17th centuries. Admission is 6 EUR.

13. Stroll Around the Royal Botanical Garden

Spanning some 20 acres, these botanical gardens are home to more than 5,000 species of plants and trees spread out over four picturesque terraces. There are also greenhouses, sculptures, and some immaculately landscaped gardens here too. Founded in 1755, the park has lakes, labyrinths, fountains, and lots of flowers that make it a serene and beautiful place to relax. Admission is 4 EUR.

14. Explore the Museo de la Historia de Madrid

Madrid’s Museum of History opened in 1929 and sheds light on the city’s evolution from the 16th century (when it became the capital) to World War I. It showcases daily life throughout the ages and offers a nuanced look at Madrid via artifacts, maps, paintings, and sculptures, including works by famous artists like Francisco Goya. Admission is free.

15. Learn Spanish

If you have the time, learning the local language is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture, meet people, and deepen your understanding of the city. Spanish courses can last for a single week or longer. Many language schools offer a variety of affordable housing options, including staying with a local family. A one-week intensive course starts around 200 EUR and there are usually discounts for packages and multi-week courses (the more you book, the more you save).

 

Madrid Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostel dorms in Madrid vary in price depending on how close the hostel is to the Plaza Mayor. Generally, a bed in a 4-6-bed dorm during peak season (June-August) costs about 24 EUR, while a bed in a room with 8 beds or more costs 19 EUR.

During the off-season, a bed in a room with 8 beds or more costs from 14 EUR per night while smaller rooms cost about 18 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard, and many hostels in the city also include free breakfast.

A basic private room for two with a private bathroom costs 55-90 EUR per night during both peak season and off-season.

There are limited options for camping outside the city and prices are often more than hostels. Most charge around 20-30 EUR per night for a basic tent plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels cost 80-150 EUR per night during peak season. Expect to pay between 65-100 EUR per night in the off-season.

Airbnb is available for those wishing to have more privacy or kitchens to cook their own food. Private rooms start at 30 EUR per night though they average closer to 70 EUR. Entire homes/apartments average 160 EUR per night though you can find them for as little as 75 EUR if you book early.

Food – Spain has a strong food culture, where meals can last hours and dinner often isn’t served until after 8pm. Each region in the country has its own local dishes and food culture, all of which you can find in Madrid as it’s something of a culinary hub. Be sure to try local favorites such patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), beef stew, tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelet), and, of course, churros.

You can get cheap tapas and meals for around 8-15 EUR. If you want wine included, expect to spend about 20 EUR. If you go out for paella, drinks, or appetizers, then you should plan to spend around 25 EUR for a meal.

Like any city, Madrid has a lot of expensive restaurants, and meals there begin around 35 EUR. On the other end of the spectrum, cheap fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 8 EUR for a combo meal. Chinese food is around 9-10 EUR while pizza costs 9-12 EUR for a large.

Beer costs 3-4 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is around 2 EUR. Bottled water is less than 1 EUR.

If you buy your own food, expect to spend about 45-55 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Madrid Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Madrid, expect to spend around 55 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like free walking tours and relaxing in the parks. Add 10-20 EUR per day to your budget if you plan on drinking or partying a lot.

On a mid-range budget of 140 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out at cheap restaurants for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like cooking classes and museum visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 275 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, take more taxis, and do as many guided tours as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Madrid Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Madrid can be an expensive city, especially if you indulge in the city’s famed food and drink. Those costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, you can trim your costs if you follow a few simple tips and tricks. Here are some general ways to save money in Madrid:

• Eat a large lunch – Lunch is much cheaper than dinner in Madrid and you can find “menu del día” which costs around 10-15 EUR for a large meal with a glass of wine or beer.
• Get the Madrid tourist card – The often-overlooked Madrid Card offers free public transportation, free access to Prado and other museums, as well as all sorts of discounts at nightclubs, entertainment facilities, shops, and restaurants. You can purchase a 24-hour card for 47 EUR, a 48-hour card for 60 EUR, a 72-hour card for 67 EUR, or a 120-hour card for 77 EUR.
• Embrace free museum days – Lots of museums in Madrid are free on certain days or at certain times throughout the day. Be sure to check before you go because it’s far better to see sights like the Prado for free! You can ask at the tourism office as they hold a list there.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a great way to save money on accommodation while also getting some insight from the locals. While hostels aren’t too expensive in the city, this is still the best way to save money and connect with an insider who can share their expert tips and advice.
• Take a free walking tour – This is one of my favorite ways to get to know a new destination — and you can’t beat the price! New Europe Walking Tours and Cat’s Hostel Walking Tours are the two most popular free tours in the city.
• Grocery shop at the markets – Fresh food can be bought for cheap at some of the daily markets in the city. Check out the Mercado de la Paz or Mercado de Maravillas for fresh produce and meat. You’ll save a ton compared to the supermarket.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Madrid

Madrid has a ton of hostel choices. Here are the best hostels in Madrid:

• The Hat Hostel
• OK Hostel
• Barbieri Sol Hostel
• Sungate One
• Cats Hostel

How to Get Around Madrid

Public transportation – The best way to get around Madrid is to use the subway or take tbe us. The base fare is 1.50 EUR for the first five stations (one-way) then an additional 0.10 EUR for each additional station up to a 2 EUR maximum in central Madrid.

Public buses run all over Madrid from 6:30am-11:30pm (with some night routes also) and they cost the same as the metro. You can also get 10-journey cards from 11.20 EUR depending on your zones.

Tourist passes are available for unlimited usage on all public transportation, ranging from 1-7 days. They cost 8.40-70.80 EUR depending on the zones you need.

Bicycle – Madrid has an electric bike-sharing program called BiciMAD. Rentals start at 2 EUR per hour and then it’s 4 EUR per extra hour.

Taxis – Taxis start at 3.25 EUR and then 1.10 EUR per additional kilometer. Skip them if you can as prices add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Madrid.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental, however, you don’t need a car to get around the city. Unless you’re going to explore the surrounding region, skip the car rental.

When to Go to Madrid

Madrid is a year-round destination like the rest of Spain, but during peak season (June-August) crowds are heavy, prices are highest, and the heat is oppressive. Daily temperatures soar well above 30°C (86°F) in the summer so plan for hot weather. While the city is lively, you’ll need to book everything in advance as places sell out.

Personally, I think the shoulder season is the best time to visit Madrid (April-May and September-October). Tourist sites are much less congested and prices for accommodation are lower. Temperatures are pleasant, with average temperatures hovering around 64°F (18°C). Just bring a raincoat in case there are brief showers.

Visiting in the winter is also doable, though the days can be chilly. While the weather isn’t great, you’ll get much of the sights to yourself and prices will be lower. Expect daily highs around 10°C (50°F).

How to Stay Safe in Madrid

Madrid is a safe city. Violent crime is very rare , though pickpocketing and petty theft are common, especially in the major tourist areas and on the metro. You need to be really careful with your stuff and always watch your pockets when you’re out and about — especially while on public transportation. The pickpockets here (and in Spain in general) a very talented!

If you go out at night, only bring the money you need. Leave the rest in your accommodation just in case.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk around intoxicated at night, etc.). You can visit any one of the numerous solo female travel blogs for specific tips as they will be able to provide advice.

Tourist scams are prevalent in the city so keep an eye out for groups of kids trying to distract you, as they’re probably trying to take your money. Moreover, be wary of people offering to carry your luggage as they may try to charge you a large fee for the service. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you: