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Top things to do in Madrid

Attractions, tours and activities in Madrid

Recommended museums in Madrid

Where to discover culture and the arts in Madrid

Madrid: the city's best neighbourhoods

Find a great area to stay in Madrid

About Madrid

Including tips for the best time to visit Madrid

Madrid is all bustling plazas, lively tapas bars and a rich variety of museums that showcase Spain’s most celebrated artists. The mesmerising Prado Museum is perhaps the best-known of these, featuring works by Goya and Velázquez. It forms a ‘golden triangle’ with the Reina Sofía Museum – home to Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ – and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, a massive private collection that highlights a breadth of artistic styles.

Centuries of history are evident in Madrid’s medieval architecture – including the intricate portico arches of Plaza Mayor – and sites like the baroque Royal Palace, where state ceremonies are still held. You can visit top attractions like these using the city’s efficient and high-speed Metro service.

Spain's sprawling capital is also a city that lives and breathes football. If you’re a fan, be sure to catch a game at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – the home of Real Madrid football club – and join in with the roars of the crowd as the ‘Galácticos’ enter this famous pitch.

Madrid’s weather is pleasant for most of the year, with comfortably warm temperatures either side of summer. But a winter vacation still virtually guarantees clear blue skies – a brilliant sight when approaching Madrid airport during the day.

Tonight

From £45 per night

This weekend

From £310 per night

Next weekend

From £270 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency € 10 = £8.54
Language Spanish
Average weekend price £109 per night
Average weekday price £114 per night
Typical stay 2 nights

Points of interest in Madrid

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Madrid

Madrid reviews

What other travellers say about Madrid

8.0

Beautiful and monumental urban architecture (this applies to...

1 May 2024

Beautiful and monumental urban architecture (this applies to all buildings: 'ordinary' tenement houses, as well as state and historic buildings). The city is very well connected (many metro and bus lines). Lots of local bars, restaurants and cafes, but you must be aware that most are closed between 5pm and 8pm. NOTE: when reaching the airport by metro, you must know that you will have to pay an additional 3 EUR/person to enter the airport (this information is hard to find anywhere and usually surprises everyone on the spot).

mmkoz
mmkoz Poland
10

Madrid is a beautiful city to visit.

30 April 2024

Madrid is a beautiful city to visit. We took the metro into the city from the airport which was easy to navigate, inexpensive and efficient. It is a lovely city to walk around and explore with a huge choice of lovely restaurants, bars, cafes and shops.

anne
anne
10

Madrid is a great city with lots of interesting architecture...

30 April 2024

Madrid is a great city with lots of interesting architecture and museums within walking distance of the city centre hotels. There is plenty to do during the day and lovely vibrant restaurants and nightlife.

lucy
lucy Ireland
8.0

My first time in Madrid and it didn't disappoint me:...

25 April 2024

My first time in Madrid and it didn't disappoint me: there isn't that much nice tourist attractions (but I like that)... I liked the small streets around 'Tribunal' and 'Noviciado'. In general there is a lot of green and a lot of nice parks and small playgrounds to sit and relax and enjoy the sun. The 10-trip-card for metro and bus works perfect (and more worth than the Madrid-pass)

Gijsbertus
Gijsbertus Netherlands
10

Madrid became one of my favourite European city.

24 April 2024

Madrid became one of my favourite European city. I've alread been twice there and I just love it - the vibes, the food, the night and daily life. Good to know although is that not everyone speaks English so you need to be pacient or preparaed with some knowledge of Spanish :D

Dobromir Andreev
Dobromir Andreev Bulgaria
10

Used one of the Hop On Hop Off Tourist Buses.

23 April 2024

Used one of the Hop On Hop Off Tourist Buses. Ideal for visiting a city for the first time. We also had a Madrid Card for public transport which is cheap and easy to use. Wide variety of eating places and prices were very reasonable.

Glenda
Glenda United Kingdom

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