Madrid is easy to visit, once you know its rhythm. The city eats late, sleeps late and walks everywhere; its public transport is excellent. These are the things we wish we had known on our first trip.
Arriving at Barajas airport
- Metro line 8 connects all terminals with Nuevos Ministerios, where you change to other lines. Airport stations need a specific ticket, so buy it at the machines before you go through the gates.
- Cercanías commuter trains run from Terminal 4 to Chamartín, Atocha and Sol.
- The Airport Express bus runs 24 hours to the centre (Cibeles, and Atocha during the day).
Getting around
- The Metro is fast, clean and covers the whole city; it runs from about 6 am to 1.30 am.
- Get a rechargeable public transport card at any Metro machine and top it up with single or multi-trip tickets.
- The centre is compact: from the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum is a pleasant 25-minute walk.
- Main train stations: Atocha (south and east, including Toledo, Seville and Valencia) and Chamartín (north, including Segovia).
Tours and activities in Madrid
The Madrid rhythm
- Lunch from 2 pm, dinner from 9 pm. Plan tapas in the early evening if you are hungry. More in what to eat in Madrid.
- Many shops in the centre open on Sundays, but in August a lot of family-run bars and shops close for holidays.
- The Rastro flea market fills La Latina on Sunday mornings.
Weather and altitude
Madrid sits at about 650 metres, the highest capital in the EU. The air is dry: summers are very hot and winters are cold, with chilly nights. Bring water and a hat in July and August, and layers in winter. Read when to visit Madrid to pick your season.
Museums and big sights
- Book timed tickets online for the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Royal Palace, especially at weekends.
- Check opening days: the Prado opens every day, but the Reina Sofía closes on Tuesdays and many smaller museums on Mondays.
- The Retiro Park is the best break between museums.
Safety and small things
- Pickpockets work in crowded areas: Sol, Gran Vía, the Metro and the Rastro. Keep bags closed and phones out of back pockets.
- Tap water is good to drink.
- Spanish is the language of the city; a few words go a long way.
Ready to plan? Start with Madrid in 3 days, choose your area in where to stay in Madrid, and add a trip to Toledo or Segovia from day trips from Madrid.
