Top Travel Tips To Discover Madrid!
Madrid
Spain is a wonderful country to explore, the variety this gorgeous country has to offer is mind-blowing! You can travel through Spain for months on end and still you wouldn't have seen all that it has to offer.
Madrid makes for a great city break destination! This is also one of my favorite Spanish cities so don't miss out on these golden tips on your next visit!
This post contains affiliate links to trusted partners I think you’ll love.
Why Should You Visit Madrid?
This city is so vibrant and buzzing with energy.
The cozy squares where you can spend a fun time in the sunshine.
Madrid has many stunning historical sites.
Spanish food is definitely something to write home about!
Do you like football? I am a die-hard football fan so going to watch a Real Madrid match with Ronaldo just before he left for Italy, was such an amazing treat!
Travel Tips To Madrid!
Practical Information You Need To Know When Visiting Madrid
The Spanish have an afternoon siesta meaning, the smaller stores are typically closed between 14:00 to 17:00 pm. The bigger chain stores and supermarkets on the tourist trail so to speak remain open throughout the day. You might also find that some restaurants close after the lunch service and reopen at 18:00.
The Metro has great connections throughout the city and is very easy to use. You can get a 10-ride pass for a reduced price.
Keep an eye on your purse and wallet ~ Beware of pickpocketers!
Aim to eat off the main squares which is where you'll find the tourist traps. Eat where the locals eat.
Say NO to hotel breakfast! Normally I wouldn’t say that however, Madrid is full of little delicacy & coffee stores offering a beautiful selection for great prices. It was a bit shocking to see how much the hotels here charge for a simple and small breakfast. Outside you can eat delicious breakfast treats, multiple times for that price.
Purchase your tickets online in advance to secure the lowest fares and avoided a long wait standing in line.
Enjoying cocktails and tapas in Mercado San Miguel
It’s all about the art ;-)
Where To Stay In Madrid
We chose to stay at Petit Palace Mayor at the heart of the city opposite the Plaza Mayor and a couple of minutes walk from Puerta del Sol, both are the city's most famous squares. From here you can walk to check out the sites and if you're done with walking, it's within easy access to the metro.
Other Hotels On My Shortlist
Hotel Indigo Madrid - Gran Via, an IHG Hotel
Relais & Châteaux Hotel Orfila
Madrid
12 Things To See And Do In Madrid
There are many interesting museums in Madrid and to each, his or her own preferences so here are my top three:
The Prado Museum ~ Here you'll find a great display of works by the great European masters such as Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, and Rubens.
Reina Sofia Museum ~ Home to Picasso's 'Woman in Blue', Guernica and 'Landscapes at Cadaques' by Dali. These are the three most famous pieces of the unique and beautiful art pieces displayed here.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum ~ The world's best private art collection.
Did you know that both the Reina Sofia and Prado Museums have free hours you can visit? Check online beforehand for the updated schedule.
Pro Tip ~ Once you have chosen the museums you would like to visit, it's advisable to get your tickets online beforehand to avoid long lines.
Visit the sensational Royal Palace ~ The biggest and most spectacular building in the city! From Furniture and tapestries to paintings and art by the great masters.
Madrid is very much about wandering the streets, enjoying the vibes and the architecture. Look out for these landmarks while you're strolling; Puerta de Alcalá, the iconic old city gate, and Plaza de Cibeles ~ This is the square where Real Madrid celebrates championship wins.
Spend time in Puerta del Sol ~ Madrid's most central and best-known square.
Plaza Mayor ~ A large enclosed square, filled with small terraces to enjoy drinks, bites, and people watching.
Visit Madrid’s Cathedral ~ This is the largest and most important church in Madrid.
Go and watch flamenco dancing!
Visit the most famous football stadium in the world~Santiago Bernabeu! Watch Real Madrid play, the atmosphere is electrifying!
Visit Mercado San Miguel ~ A delicious food market where you can sample the Spanish kitchen and local wines.
Did you know there’s one Egyptian temple in Madrid? The only one in Spain. Templo de Debod is more than 2,200 years old, dedicated to the gods Amon and Isis. It was actually sent, brick by brick, by the Egyptian government to thank the Spanish government.
Visit Buen Retiro Park ~ The equivalent of Central Park. A beautiful green lung in the middle of the city. Think fountains, monuments, and relaxation! Don't miss Palacio de Cristal meaning the Glass Palace. It's actually a conservatory located in the park which was built in 1887 in the shape of a Greek cross.
Visit Real Jardin, the Botanical gardens for color and flower power!
My favorite spot in Madrid, Puerta del Sol
The Royal Palace
Day Trips To Take From Madrid
From Madrid, you can find great day trips that will enable you to see more of the surroundings.
These three cities were wonderful! Spend the day in Segovia, Toledo, and Avila.