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Madrid travel guide

Spain

Basics

CountrySpain

Time zoneEurope/Madrid

CurrencyEUR

Official language(s)Spanish

Make sure to try a variety of local dishes as each region has its unique cuisine.

Places to visit

Reina Sofía Museum

A leading museum of modern Spanish art, best known for Picasso’s Guernica.

LocationCalle de Santa Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid, Spain

Nearest stationAtocha

HoursDaily 10:00–21:00 (usually until 14:30 on Sundays)

AdmissionPaid general admission, free during some time slots

Travel tipStart with the Guernica room, then explore the main modern-art galleries before closing time.

Royal Palace of Madrid

A grand palace used for official state ceremonies, known for its lavish interiors and banquet halls.

LocationCalle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain

Nearest stationÓpera

HoursUsually 10:00–18:00/20:00, varies by season

AdmissionPaid admission

Travel tipWeekday mornings are usually less crowded, and a guided visit helps you cover the highlights efficiently.

Cibeles Square

An iconic Madrid square famous for the Cibeles Fountain and the city hall building.

LocationPlaza de Cibeles, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Nearest stationBanco de España

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt looks especially beautiful at night, and the surrounding avenues are pleasant for a walk.

Plaza Mayor

The most famous square in Madrid, surrounded by historical buildings.

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipEnjoy local food at the square.

Retiro Park

The largest park in Madrid, famous for its beautiful lake and gardens.

Hours06:00 - 22:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipRent a bike to explore the park.

Temple of Debod

An ancient Egyptian temple and an important historical site in Madrid.

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit at sunset for a beautiful view.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

A famous museum housing an outstanding collection of European art.

Hours10:00 - 20:00

Admission€15

Travel tipFree admission is available on Saturdays.

Food to try

Chocolatería San Ginés

A historic spot famous for Madrid’s signature churros and thick hot chocolate.

LocationPasadizo de San Ginés, 5, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Nearest stationSol

HoursAlmost 24 hours daily (hours may vary)

AdmissionChurros and chocolate set about €5–10

Travel tipGoing early in the morning or late at night usually means shorter lines, and it pairs well with a walk nearby.

Café de Oriente

A historic café known for its classic atmosphere, perfect for relaxing with coffee and dessert.

LocationPlaza de Oriente, 2, 28013 Madrid

Nearest stationÓpera

HoursDaily 08:00–01:00

AdmissionCoffee around €3–5, desserts extra

Travel tipIt is close to the Royal Palace, and the outdoor terrace seats are especially popular.

Sobrino de Botín

One of the oldest restaurants in the world, known for traditional Segovian roast suckling pig and Madrid-style dishes.

LocationCalle de Cuchilleros, 17, 28005 Madrid

Nearest stationLa Latina / Ópera

HoursDaily 13:00–23:30

AdmissionVaries by order, main dishes from about €20

Travel tipEvenings can be busy, so making a reservation or arriving early is recommended.

San Miguel Market

A popular market to enjoy a variety of traditional Spanish foods.

Hours10:00 - 00:00

Admission€10-20

Travel tipVisit during lunch hours for more food options.

Events

Christmas in Madrid

A major winter season of lights, markets, ice rinks, and family activities across the city center.

WhenLate November to early January each year

HoursHeld during the holiday season

AdmissionMostly free, some activities paid

Travel tipThe lights are beautiful at night, but weekends are very crowded, so weekday evenings are easier.

Madrid Orgullo (MADO)

Madrid’s flagship Pride celebration, with a parade, street performances, and cultural events across the city.

WhenLate June to early July each year

HoursHeld during the festival period

AdmissionMostly free

Travel tipIt gets crowded, so staying centrally helps, and it is wise to arrive early for the most popular events.

Teatro Real Opera Season

The regular performance season at Madrid’s royal opera house, featuring opera, ballet, and classical concerts.

WhenAutumn to early summer (September–June)

LocationPlaza de Isabel II, s/n, 28013 Madrid

Nearest stationÓpera

HoursVaries by performance, usually evenings

AdmissionVaries by performance, typically about €15–200

Travel tipPopular shows sell out quickly, so it’s best to check schedules and seats early in the season.

Holy Week Processions

Religious processions and ceremonies held during Holy Week, bringing solemn parades to different parts of Madrid.

WhenAround March–April every year

LocationMajor streets across Madrid

Nearest stationSol / Ópera / La Latina

HoursAround March–April every year

AdmissionFree to watch

Travel tipAreas along the processions get crowded, so check viewing spots in advance and prepare for changing evening temperatures.

Prado Museum Special Exhibitions

Major temporary exhibitions held throughout the year at the Prado, offering deep dives into classical painting and themed displays.

WhenAutumn (around October–November)

LocationPaseo del Prado, s/n, 28014 Madrid

Nearest stationBanco de España

HoursVaries by exhibition

AdmissionVaries by exhibition, free to paid

Travel tipPopular exhibitions may require timed entry, so check the official website in advance.

Madrid Art Exhibition

An event featuring various art exhibitions held throughout the year.

WhenEvents held year-round.

Travel tipCheck in advance before visiting.

Madrid Summer Music Festival

An event with various music performances and concerts held in the summer.

WhenSummer (June to August)

Travel tipEnjoy a variety of music genres.

Fiesta de San Isidro

A traditional festival held in Retiro Park.

WhenMay 15th every year.

HoursAround May every year

AdmissionMostly free, some performances and events are paid

Travel tipYou can enjoy it over the weekend.

Subway lines

Línea 1Línea 10: Puerta del Sur-Tres OlivosLínea 11: Plaza Elíptica-La FortunaLínea 12. Metrosur (Dirección Manuela Malasaña - Andén 1)Línea 2: Las Rosas → Cuatro CaminosLínea 3: El Casar-MoncloaLínea 4Línea 5: Casa de Campo-Alameda de OsunaLínea 6: Andén 2Línea 7: Hospital del Henares-PitisLínea 8: Nuevos Ministerios-Aeropuerto T4Línea 9: Arganda del Rey-Paco de LucíaLínea ML-1: Las Tablas-Pinar de ChamartínLínea ML-2: Estación de Aravaca-Colonia JardínLínea ML-3: Colonia Jardín-Puerta de BoadillaLínea Ramal: Ópera-Príncipe Pío

Basic travel phrases (Spanish)

Hola

Hola · Greeting

Gracias

Gracias · Thanks

Mucho gusto

Mucho gusto · Nice to meet you

Que tengas un buen día

Que tengas un buen dia · Wishing a good day

Bienvenido

Bienvenido · Welcome

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