Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Madrid

LaTortugaViajera

Madrileños eat lunch around 2 p.m. and dinner roughly at 10 p.m. As such, don't expect restaurant kitchens to be open before 1:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively.

onzils

Most museums in Madrid have time slots when you can visit for free. Check it out.

Matilda

The ‘Bocata de Calamares’ (calamari sandwich) is both a Madrid speciality and local favorite.

Inés R

Walking is the best way to enjoy the city centre, but for places outside that area, you can buy a 10-trip pass for the metro.

Matilda

Savvy shoppers know that the best time to hit the stores in Madrid is during "Rebajas". These huge end-of-season sales take place in winter (usually January-February) and summer (July-August).

In the words of those who've been there before ...

Inés R

The city is a melting pot for people from different Spanish provinces and all over the world.

Christmate11

The Spanish capital has much to offer to the curious traveler.

JannyB12144

Madrid is always on our "let's go there again, I miss it" list.

Inés R

Cozy coffee shops, excellent cuisine, beautiful parks and stunning sunsets make Madrid the perfect place to enjoy a romantic weekend that you and your partner will never forget.

What is the best way to get there?

Flying:

International flights land at Madrid Barajas Airport (Adolfo Suarez), from where you can hop on the metro or take a shuttle or taxi into the city.

Train:

Madrid has two main railway stations—Chamartin and Atocha. AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) runs high-speed trains to Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and many other cities around Spain.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting Madrid from overseas, use Schengen Visa info to see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer temperatures can reach more than 86°F (30°C) in the city and many locals head out to the provinces in July and August. Many local bars, restaurants, and shops close down during this period. Spring and fall offer more pleasant weather for sightseeing, as well as festivals such as the San Isidro festival (May), Flamenco Madrid festival (June), and the European White Nights Festival (Sept.).

Bicycle

Bicimad is a bikeshare system with over 100 bicycle stations located across Madrid.

Visitors can purchase hourly, daily, or multi-day subscriptions either at the docking stations or online.

Train

Madrid’s metro is the fastest way to get around, with 13 lines linking all corners of the city. Trains run daily from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.

For more information about the network and fares, see here.

Bus

EMT operates Madrid’s local bus system daily from 6 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. (10 a.m. till 11 p.m. on weekends).

For more information about the network and fares, see here.

Taxis

Madrid taxis are white with a red band on the front door. Although it’s possible to hail one on the street in Madrid, it’s generally easier to go to an official taxi stand, located by all the main streets and plazas.

You can also book a taxi online or on your smartphone by downloading the Madrid TXMAD or Free Now apps.

Ridesharing

Uber is available in Madrid, but most locals use Cabify.