As I was writing this, some sporadic notes occurred to me. Make sure to bring cash if you wish to go to the flea market or buy from the street. If not, ensure you enter banks when you use the ATM and not the ones on the street.
The language! People do like it if you make an effort to speak Spanish, but understand they may be working or there may be a rush, so don’t take offense if someone just responds to you in English. Yes, almost everyone speaks English.
Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings; there are pickpocketers.
Remember, in Madrid, people put their lives ahead of their work. So plan accordingly, as you’d be surprised by how many places are close for a “siesta” or to go eat. The people value going home and having a meal with their family and will close up shops.
Lastly, have fun and enjoy Spain; it has a great culture.
You can't go wrong with the general Centro de Madrid. One place I would recommend is Atocha (the little heart is where I lived); you have the train station next to you, so you can go anywhere, and the metro is right next to there. Some cheaper places are the Lavapies area, which is still cool but a little rough but nothing crazy. Anton Martin area is also nice, these three are close but not dead center so you can get away from tourist-heavy area, but if you want that upbeat energy, I recommend the next plaza mayor would be cool! I also really like Chueca but it is also closer to all the touristy areas, which is a pro or con depending on what you like when you travel.
The biggest thing is getting a place within 5 minutes of a metro station, specifically the lines I mentioned, with line 1 being the priority.
Also, if you want to go on a walk, take the metro from South to North, then walk north to south since Madrid is on a slight incline, so it’s easier for talking going downhill. For Example, going Sol to Atocha is a nice downhill walk.
Lastly, if you arrive home late, use common sense and make sure no one follows you to your apartment entrance. I had a friend robbed this way.
Coyoacán | Centro aka Zocalo | Zona Rosa
Polanco | Xochimilco | Roma Norte
La Condesa | Juarez | San Ángel
Madrid has one of the best transportation systems: the Metro, Renfre (Train), and the Bus.
When you arrive, you will most likely come in through the T4 airport, which is separate from everything else. I recommend taking the Renfre straight to Sol (the center of Madrid) and then taking the metro from there.
Now, an important thing when you buy a metro pass is that you need to purchase a card. They have a Multi Card, which is good for all three forms of transport. I recommend getting the ten-pass purchase as it is easier than buying for every trip. Here is more info on the card. Just know there’s an extra fee to go from and to the airport on top of your normal trip passes.
To get around Madrid, I recommend taking the metro; it’s consistent and easy to use. Here’s a map: If you are sightseeing, you’ll usually stay on lines 1, 2, and 3. Google Maps/ Apple Maps may ask you to take line 8 which works but its a combo of the metro to the bus, but again, the train is better. There’s a train 3. Maps are in stations in Sol and Atocha.
Remember if you decide to stay out going to the nightlife, the metro closes at 12 a.m. (but double-check; it may have changed), so your best bet is to Uber or take a taxi. Sometimes, Uber is impossible since there has been a big taxi protest against them. Just negotiate before you get into a taxi and make sure they take a credit card if you don’t have cash.
Lastly, be aware of pickpocketing in Metros; this is real, and I’ve seen it happen multiple times. Be aware of your pockets if someone is talking to you for no reason. I suggest having your metro card and phone on you, and everything else in a hidden wallet or backpack. Then wear a backpack in front of you.
Okay, the fun part, What To Do. Well, it all depends on what type of traveler you are. I’ll divide some of my favorite activities, and feel free to choose what you like or ignore them all and get lost in Madrid. Just have fun!
1. Madrid has some iconic museums you could spend a whole week exploring, but if I had to choose just one, it would be the amazing Prado Museum. It is one of Europe’s best and prominently features some of Spain’s top painters: Goya, Velázquez, El Greco. Also, it’s free on Sundays — double check the website — but this place sells out quickly, so be sure to buy tickets online.
If you go, here’s a checklist of my favorite paintings so you won’t get lost, or if you only have an hour and want to see the highlights!
Las Meninas, Diego Velázquez
Tríptico del Jardín, Bosch
The Cardinal, Raphael
All of El Greco’s work (probably his second favorite collection)
All of Goya’s Black Paintings (they are in one room; you’ll recognize it when you see it, trust me), especially Saturn Devouring His Son.
Titans' main work is in the hallway when you walk in.
The Desendants of the Cross, Rogier
If you loved the Prado and want to check out one more museum, I got you!
If you go, here’s a checklist of my favorite paintings so you won’t get lost, or if you only have an hour and want to see the highlights!
Las Meninas, Diego Velázquez
Tríptico del Jardín, Bosch
The Cardinal, Raphael
All of El Greco’s work (probably his second favorite collection)
All of Goya’s Black Paintings (they are in one room; you’ll recognize it when you see it, trust me), especially Saturn Devouring His Son.
Titans' main work is in the hallway when you walk in.
The Desendants of the Cross, Rogier
If you loved the Prado and want to check out one more museum, I got you!
2. La Reina Sofia, which is literally just 5 minutes from El Prado. It features more modern art, including works by Picasso, Juan Gris, and Salvador Dalí. These artists are powerhouses, so I definitely recommend visiting their collections if you have time, especially the piece "Guernica" by Picasso — it’s breathtaking.
Theres two places I enjoyed hanging out in regards to parks. Its a nice idea to grab a bottle of wine and go may in a park and enjoy the atmosphere.
1. The main park is El Retiro, don’t let the word park mislead you its huge! There’s lots of activities to do here. It’s also right next to the museums I mentioned, so It could be fun to go after or before the museum.
Make sure to go to Main Pond to ride boats it is a must
Another thing to see is the Glass PalaceJadrin de Ceclio its a cool garden with peacocks running around! (they may not be there if it is winter)
Its overall just a nice place to sit down with a blanket and enjoy life.
2. The other park is more of a view/park here is the exact pin you can go to see a overlook of a part of madrid include a nice view of the Palacio real of Madrid. Good for sunset.
There is a main strip I recommend going down through; you will hit a lot of great stores. But also a less crowded part of Madrid with great finds.
1. Fuen Carrel. Okay, so I recommend taking Metro line 1 to station Tribunal; once there, head South down Fuen Carral.
But before you head down, there is a good restaurant to eat a traditional 3-course meal of Madrid (I’ll talk about it later in the food part of the guide)
Once Fuen Carrel hits Gran via go right heading East. till you hit Plaza del callao then you will go down south all the way down to Sol. Once you hit Sol you can go back north to see other streets you missed this whole section I mentioned is filled with stores.
This whole strip has tons of stores for everything you are looking for!
2. The other part of Madrid that is more luxury side of fashion but also has some affordable jems is taking the metro to station Velazquez
Here you can go on Calle de Velazquez to find great stores or going East on Calle de Goya till you hit Goya Sation.
3. For Souvineer shopping I recommend to go to this block radius from this store, Staying on Calle Mayor walk up and down checking, they are cheaper here then the tourist parts and if you walk around the different stores you can find the cheaper prices between them
So theres so much to see in Madrid. If you are in a time crunch or want to get a general layout first Id recommend taking a free walking tour they cover alot of the main attractions.
1. Sol its the main center its a good vibe to hangout in the night theres always performers and music and just life. Also a cool chance to grab a picture with the bear of Madrid. (Fun fact the bear is the animal of Madrid because there use to be alot of bears living in the area when Madrid was first growing as a city)
2. Gran Via is a must; its like Time Square of Madrid its nice to walk through it and feel the energy of the city.
If you want a great view of it on a rooftop I recommend Circulo de Bellas Artes Has a cool bar also. I would get there early if you want to see sunet there, there usually is a wait I would check online dont remember if the waiting line is online or in person. Also theres a small fee to go up but its worth it. Especially if you want to grab a picture of the city.
3. Plaza Mayor, theres alot of history here so I recommend to do a tour but if not its great just to enjoy the energy here.
4. Mercado de San Miguel Its a cool-looking market it’s a bit on the pricey side but definitely cool to check out; its very nice to look at.
5. Palacio de Real Madrid Palace its cool to check out; theres alot of gardins around it to go look at it.
There so many places to see Id recommend just walking inbetween Tribunal down to lavapies/atocha.
Ontop of seeing things there's cool things to do.
1. Take a Paella making class theres tons of them on Airbnb experiences or googling some but fun activity to do with a friend. But did it with a friend and it was super fun.
Note: Any local madrista will tell you although Paella is Spanish it is more notable in Barcelona or Valencia where the ocean is. Madrids Paella is more done for the attraction of tourists but it is still fun to try if you are only in Madrid if you are going to Barcelona Id wait to try there.
2. Go horse back riding in madrid. This was one of my most memorable things I did. Not the booking I did but I went with a friend from Uni with a host that doesnt do them anymore.
3. Watch a flamingo show, my friend loves them, although I personally didnt go to one.
4. Wine Tasting Spain has a great selection of wines and some great access to europeans wines.
5. I’ve never done it, but I have friends that have enjoyed bike tours.
6. Oh cant forget but one of the coolest things I enjoyed was EL RASTRO, basically the flea market Sunday 8am-3pm. Very cool unique things to sell and food stands that post up. Here a link to a guide for more info it tells you where exactly but if your in the general area you will see it as it stretches for blocks.
7. Most importantly, go see a Real Madrid Game!!!
Theres great food in Spain here are some of my favorite items if you see any of these in a menu make sure to try also heres a list of some restaurants to eat at.
Tapas! - Tapas is anything you eat with when you drink it can range from bread, nuts to elegant made pieces of fish
Tinto de Verano & Sangria - this is a must try! Its Tinto is my favorite next to sangria
Jamon - Spain is known for their jamon make sure to try some in a form of a tapa or in a sandwich
Tortia de patata
La Parrilla de Galicia - Solid Restaurant, affordable and good tinto de verano. I really like the plaza its in to sit outside, plus right next to metro.
NAP Lavapies - Pizza, I know what your thinking why would I get pizza in Madrid, let me tell you why, it is one of the best pizza ive ever had. My Italian roommate born and raised in italy said its even better than some of the pizza from his hometown.
Matador - good tapas
100 Montaditos - This is a establishment for young life. Its cheap and good. Best place to get drinks before a night of going out. You can get sangria and beer for 1 euro. And cheap tapas.
They are all over madrid but this one is my favorite because it was 2 minutes from my apartment.
Cafe Comercial - Good brunch spot
Malafemmena - love this place with a passion, ive had many important dinners here throughout my times in Madrid
Chocolateria San Gines - Spain and Churros are a big pair here, make sure to swing by the most famous spot to try them.
Just like any capital, there’s a little bit of everything here in Madrid. Just a note about night life in Madrid. Although the clubs open early, the typical hour most of the people arrive is 2am and they go till 7 am when the sun is rising. Another note is that most places make you pay a cover, but in most places, that cover also includes the first two drinks via drink tokens you can redeem in the bar. In terms of attire, I’d say dress well but nothing crazy in terms of a full suit some places can be picky, so it’s best to be prepared, obvious things like no shorts, sweatpants, or baseball caps. Make sure to bring Passport and cash incase they don't take cards at the door.
Also general safety note: be safe and watch people make your drink. Be Safe and have Fun!
Kapital - Alot of local people would roll their eyes if they heard Kapital but I still stand with the statement that if you are only going out for one night in Madrid then this is the best place to get everything you could want out of night life. It is a 7 floor building with every floor having a different DJ and vibe. They also have karaoke in one floor and a rooftop in the top to drink and vibe.
Icon - My favorite place when I lived there it was geared more towards students so it tended to be a younger crowd. But I always enjoyed my time here its easy to make friends with people that work there and ask for specials for bottles and what not.
Note when you leave its hard to call uber because of the street so I recommend walk down to Tiroso de Molina and call one there.
Barcelo Theatre - One of my friends loved this place, she had a passion for it. But i never got a chance to go check it out
Joy Esclavo - More know for concerts but they also do a club at night,
Tolero - its a must
Its possible to do a day trip from madrid the cheapest way to get here is by bus from the stop Plaza Eliptica. You can buy tickets there, but if you dont mind doing a bit of a pricier cost then you can do the train.
Wear good walking shoes because you are basically walking up hill the whole time. Its beautiful here. Pro tip bring space in bag because there is alot of cool gifts to buy here.
Things to do here is check out El greco museum for his other works you wont find in El Prado. As well as some cool churches, but over all this place is just amazing to wonder around and admire.
Must try a Mazapan at Confiteria Santo Tome.
Heres my favorite place to go and admire the city around sun set its a cool less know part but be warned it is a bit of a walk but the view is so worth it. Look Out Spot
Also make sure to check out this church also cool view.
Segovia
This place is more for if you have seen everything in Madrid and Toledo and don't have time to go somewhere like Barcelona or Seville. I'd say this is a cool place to see a very cool castle and some great architecture.
Barcelona & Sevilla
Its more of about a two day trip but if you have the time definitely head over you can find affordable ways like Ryan air or Flix Bus to take a overnight bus.
Take care and have fun!