Madrid Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Madrid
Madrid
Almudena Cathedral
Madrid
Madrid

The Spanish capital is not all hustle and bustle nibble tapas in a cobbled square, visit ancient churches, or relax in one of Madrid’s spacious parks.

Madrid is a city of contrasts where old meets new and quick meets slow. From street performers and old-time cafés to high-end concert halls and fancy restaurants, there really is something for everyone to explore here – and that’s before you include the beautiful palaces, churches, galleries and museums that are dotted about the metropolis.Madrid boasts three world-renowned art museums all within a stone’s throw of each other, the so-called “Golden Triangle of Art”. The Prado Museum boasts an enormous collection and can take a day to explore on its own. This is where you’ll find the works of some of Spain’s home-grown masters, like Velázquez and Goya, although it features art from all over the world. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum was once the private collection of an aristocrat but this range of works spanning some seven centuries is now open to the public. The last corner of the triangle, the Reína Sofia Museum, is a true gem offering a historical perspective on important modern and contemporary trends in art.If old buildings are more up your street, there are plenty of them to be found in Madrid too. You'll see a lot of different architectural styles just walking around the city, but you might like to head to the Royal Palace for a guided tour through a history of the Spanish royal family's extravagant taste, or else to the Almudena Cathedral to soak up an original blend of ancient and modern flavours.Madrid’s City Hall is also worth a look, and guided tours are available here too. From here you won’t be far from the cobbled Plaza Mayor and its high-end boutiques.If you feel like getting away from the city streets and finding some green space, there are a number of options. El Retiro is probably the most interesting here you'll find architectural monuments and statues, as well as street performers, each more innovative than the last in their efforts to attract your attention.After your trip to the park, head over to El Rastro, the flea market, where you can catch a glimpse into the lives of the Madrileños and you’ll find almost anything under the sun for sale.However you decide to spend your days in Madrid, remember there’s always a table laden with tapas and a cold beer waiting for you at the end. ¡Chin-chin!

Where to stay in Madrid

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Madrid Centro

4.5/5(135 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Madrid Centro. Check out top attractions like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.

Madrid Centro
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Sol

If you're spending time in Sol, check out sights like Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.

Sol
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Salamanca

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Salamanca is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like El Corte Inglés and La Caixa Foundation. See more of Madrid by jumping on the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station.

Salamanca
Chueca featuring café lifestyle and a city as well as a large group of people

Chueca

5/5(8 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Chueca, you might enjoy attractions like Gran Via and Plaza de Chueca. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Chueca Station to see more of the city.

Chueca
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Ibiza

During your stop in Ibiza, check out the parks, and jump on the metro at Ibiza Station to see more of the surrounding area.

Ibiza
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Malasaña

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Museums, cafes and shopping highlight some notable features of Malasaña. Make a stop by Gran Via or Calle de la Princesa while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Noviciado Station or San Bernardo Station to get around town.

Malasaña
Hotel Riu Plaza España

Hotel Riu Plaza España

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
The price is AU$372 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$372
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,383 reviews)
"Property was very nice. Near lots to do and see in Madrid. The breakfast was very good."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza España
Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

4.5 out of 5
Ronda de Atocha 17, Madrid
The price is AU$373 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$373
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,260 reviews)
"Staff was great! , just was a odd to have bathroom with sink separated from bathroom. Disappointed that when I made reservations for (2) rooms to be close to or near each other, they did not do so. They had us on different floors & the other room seemed much smaller & darker. Was a bit disappointed ..."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid
Senator Barajas Hotel

Senator Barajas Hotel

4 out of 5
Galeon 27, Madrid, Madrid
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$203 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$203
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,685 reviews)
"One night stay, super breakfast, twas a bit pricy so wished we had pre booked."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Senator Barajas Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gran View Apartments

Gran View Apartments

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Vía 48, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,276 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Gran View Apartments
Compostela Suites Apartments

Compostela Suites Apartments

3 out of 5
C/ Zambrana, 4, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (692 reviews)
"The hotel worked just fine for us but it is a little worn."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Compostela Suites Apartments
Suites Viena Plaza de España

Suites Viena Plaza de España

3 out of 5
Juan Alvarez Mendizabal 17, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,270 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 31 July 2025

Suites Viena Plaza de España
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Madrid

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
134
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
79
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Even with constant crowds it is fairly easy to move about. Festivals in the major plazas are offered daily. GPS though is sometimes unreliable in narrow streets.

5/5 - Excellent

Chris

Enjoyed every single part of Madrid, all the places, Food, culture, streets, shopping and people.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We spent 4 nights 3 days in Madrid. We could have easily condensed this into 2 days which would have left us more time to spend in Segovia and Zaragoza which we loved.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I definetly will recommend to my friends and relatives to visit Madrid, it is a safe place to travell and to visit and the people are very friendly and helpful.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Vibrant city with lots to see and do. I loved walking around the city, it felt safe and had a great atmosphere. Retiro Park, the Prada museum, the palace and the hospitality were all very good.

5/5 - Excellent

dee

Amazin :)

Cities near Madrid