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Hello intrepid travelers! If you're reading this, it's because you're about to enter Spain's most vibrant and exciting city: Madrid. Get ready to immerse yourselves in a whirlwind of culture, gastronomy and fun.
In this guide, we'll give you the basic tips to make your first visit to the Spanish capital unforgettable. From landmarks to hidden corners, we'll help you explore and discover all that Madrid has to offer.
So lace up your comfortable shoes, open your eyes wide and get ready for a unique experience in this city that never sleeps. Let's get started!
If you want to enjoy Madrid without spending much, here are some great spots you can visit for free:
Museums are key to a city's culture and history. In Madrid, they house amazing artistic and cultural treasures that attract visitors from all over the world.
If you want to explore Madrid's cultural scene without breaking the bank, here's when you can visit some top museums for free:
Get ready for a unique food experience in Madrid! The Spanish capital is known for its rich history, amazing art, and delicious food. Here are some must-try eats during your visit:
Madrid has a huge food scene. In the Spanish capital, you can find traditional bars and restaurants where you can enjoy tapas and try the famous cocido madrileño. There are also gastro taverns specializing in Mediterranean food, tons of Mexican restaurants for the best tacos, bars that serve only the calamari sandwiches locals love, and modern spots where you can enjoy brunch and the best cocktails.
Here's a selection of bars and restaurants recommended by the best guides in Madrid:
Enjoy Madrid's charm from the heights at its amazing terraces and rooftop bars. The city offers a wide variety of places where you can relax, enjoy a drink, and take in the panoramic views while soaking up the Madrid atmosphere.
Beyond where to eat or where to sleep, many of the younger visitors who come to Madrid wonder where to find the best party in the city. Well, although this is absolutely relative and always depends on the personal tastes of each person, the Madrid guides recommend, among all the others, these clubs:
Just like the terraces, Madrid's viewpoints are a big draw in the city. There are several, but here are our top picks:
Popularly known as the Park of the Seven Tits, El Cerro del Tío Pío is in the Vallecas neighborhood. The city views are amazing all day long. We recommend visiting at sunset.
If you want to see a beautiful sunset without leaving the city center, the Temple of Debod is your spot. Enjoy Madrid's colorful sky as the sun sets in a unique setting. It's usually pretty crowded, so get there a bit before sunset.
This is the first paid viewpoint on the list. Located in the Moncloa district, just a few steps from the metro station with the same name, it offers a panoramic view of the city. It's 92 meters high, and after a unique elevator ride, you can see iconic spots like the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, and Telefónica Building from above. It costs 4 euros to go up.
Madrid's tablaos flamencos are known for featuring some of the best flamenco dancers, singers, and guitarists in Spain. They offer an authentic and unforgettable experience for flamenco lovers and visitors to the city.
One of the most common questions travelers ask when they arrive in Madrid is whether or not they can drink the tap water. The answer is simple: yes.
Madrid boasts some of the best water in Spain and the world, so don't hesitate to drink it if you need to. You can also ask for tap water in bars and they won't charge you for it.
Now that you have all the practical information about Madrid, it's our turn to give you five curious facts about the city. We are sure that knowing them will make you even more eager to walk its streets!
The word “Madrid” comes from the Arabic word “magerit”, which means “place of many waters”.
Known as the “Ghost Station”, Chamberí station was closed to the public in 1966 because it couldn't fit the new, longer trains. Since 2008, it's been a museum as part of the Andén 0 project, offering a trip back in time on the Madrid metro.
One of the most iconic and photographed buildings in Madrid. Originally topped with a statue of the Phoenix, it was replaced in 1975 by a statue of the winged Victory, symbolizing triumph and beauty, adding character to the famous Gran Via skyline.
Madrilenians are called “cats” because of their supposed ability to climb walls during sieges or conflicts. To be considered a “gato”, you must be born in Madrid, your father must be a “gato”, and your maternal grandfather must be a “gato”.
According to tradition, the remains of St. Valentine’s heart are in the church of San Antón in Madrid. It's a popular spot for those interested in love stories and the patron saint of lovers.
Many visitors use their trip to Madrid to explore nearby cities like Segovia, Ávila, and Toledo. Other popular spots include El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen, Chinchón, and Aranjuez. These places are close to Madrid and perfect for day trips.
Known as the "City of Three Cultures," Toledo is full of history and medieval charm. Wander its narrow cobblestone streets, visit the stunning Gothic cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views from its walls. It's about an hour by car from Madrid. By train, it takes around 30 minutes and costs about 13 euros.
Discover Segovia's amazing Roman aqueduct, one of Spain's most impressive monuments. Explore the old town of Segovia, visit the Alcázar, and try the famous roast suckling pig. It's about an hour and fifteen minutes by car from Madrid. By public transport, it takes about 90 minutes by bus or 30 minutes by high-speed train. Train tickets start at 9 euros, while bus tickets are 6.10 euros.
Visit the grand Monastery of El Escorial, a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance, and explore the Valley of the Fallen, a memorial to the Spanish Civil War victims. It's about an hour by car from Madrid. By public transport, you can reach El Escorial in about 45 minutes by Cercanías train.
With its impressive medieval walls, Ávila takes you back in time. Explore the cobblestone streets, visit the cathedral, and try the famous yemas de Santa Teresa, a local sweet. It's about an hour and a half by car from Madrid. By train, it takes around 90 minutes and costs about 10 euros.
Enjoy the tranquility of Chinchón, a charming town with a medieval main square and excellent restaurants. Then visit Aranjuez , known for its royal palace and beautiful gardens by the River Tagus. It's about an hour by car from Madrid. By public transport, you can reach these towns in about an hour by bus.
