I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I absolutely love Spain. And Madrid, the capital of this incredible country, is no exception. As a passionate Spanish language enthusiast, I never miss a Spanish TV series, and many of them are filmed right in Madrid. I associate this city with the charm of the 1920s, a time of beauty and transformation into the modern era. But Madrid isn’t just about history and culture—it’s also famous for its nightlife, vibrant bars, clubs, and incredible flamenco shows.
Even though I only had two days in Madrid, it was enough to confirm my love for this place. That being said, I highly recommend spending at least 3-4 days to explore it fully.
How to Get to Madrid
Madrid is well connected to major international airports, making it an accessible destination from anywhere in the world. The main airport, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, is one of the busiest in Europe.
Getting from the Airport to the City Center
- By Metro: Line 8 connects the airport to Nuevos Ministerios in about 15 minutes. From there, you can transfer to other metro lines depending on your final destination. The ticket price ranges from €4.50 to €6.
- By Bus (Line 203 Express): This bus runs 24/7, departing every 15-20 minutes. The journey takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs €5.
- By Train (Cercanías C-1 Line): This train connects Terminal 4 to key stations such as Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Recoletos, and Atocha in about 25 minutes. The ticket price is around €2.60.
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Where to Stay in Madrid
When visiting Madrid for a short city break, staying near the city center is the best way to maximize your time. The city has an excellent metro network, so even accommodations a bit further from the center can be convenient.
I stayed near Plaza Mayor, which was perfect for sightseeing. However, being so central, it was quite noisy at night. Accommodation options range from hotels and hostels to apartments available on platforms like Airbnb. Madrid offers something for every budget and preference.
Accommodation in Madrid:
Public Transport in Madrid
Madrid has an efficient public transportation system that includes the metro, buses, and suburban trains (Cercanías). The metro is the most commonly used option, as it is one of the largest networks in the world.
Ticket Options for Tourists
- Multi Card (€2.50): This rechargeable card allows you to load single journeys or a 10-trip pass.
- A single metro ride costs €1.50 (up to 5 stops) or €2 (for more stops).
- A 10-trip ticket costs €12.20.
- Madrid Tourist Travel Pass: Provides unlimited travel for 1-7 days and is available for either Zone A (city center, including the airport) or Zone A+T (which covers nearby areas such as Toledo).
Top Attractions in Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real)
The official residence of the Spanish royal family, this is one of the largest and most stunning palaces in Europe. Entrance costs €12 for adults and €6 for students and seniors. Free visits are available on Mondays and Thursdays in the evenings.
Prado Museum
One of the most renowned art museums in the world, the Prado houses masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and Rubens. Tickets cost €15, but entry is free for students, those under 18, and all visitors between 6:00 PM –
Plaza Mayor
One of Madrid’s most iconic squares, Plaza Mayor is a must-visit landmark filled with history and lively atmosphere.
Retiro Park and the Crystal Palace
Retiro Park is the most beautiful green space in Madrid, ideal for relaxing walks, boat rides on the lake, and visiting the stunning Crystal Palace.
Temple of Debod
A gift from Egypt to Spain, this ancient temple provides a magical sunset view in a unique setting.
Gran Vía
Known as “The Street That Never Sleeps,” Gran Vía is a bustling boulevard famous for luxury shops, theaters, and spectacular architecture.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
For football fans, visiting the home of Real Madrid is a must. You can explore the locker rooms, the field, and the club’s museum.
Puerta del Sol
One of the most famous landmarks in Madrid, Puerta del Sol is the geographical center of Spain and the main site for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Puerta de Toledo
This impressive 19th-century triumphal arch was built to commemorate the royal troops’ entry into Madrid and remains a key attraction today.
Reina Sofia Museum
Home to modern Spanish art, the Reina Sofia Museum houses masterpieces such as Picasso’s famous “Guernica.”
Atocha Train Station
Madrid’s largest train station, Atocha, is famous for its stunning indoor tropical garden, making it a surprising yet beautiful attraction.
Madrid is a city full of charm, history, and vibrant energy. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, this Spanish capital has something for everyone.
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Happy travels! 🥰
