Madrid

Tapas bars, sunny plazas & late-night marcha

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Madrid is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia and Royal Palace of Madrid. Food lovers should not miss Sidreria El Tigre and Casa Lucio. Below you will find 44 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Madrid at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Museo del Prado and Reina Sofia
Where to stay: Centro and Lavapies
Local picks: 44 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Madrid

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tips7 Best Streets in Madrid for Strolling and ShoppingSeven of Madrids best streets for walking, shopping and people-watching, from Gran Via to the Sunday market at El Rastro.

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Local tips3 Days in Madrid: The Perfect ItineraryA local's perfect 3-day Madrid itinerary: the Habsburg centre and Royal Palace, the Prado and Reina Sofia, tapas in La…

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Where to stay in Madrid

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Centro

Royal Botanical Garden

A tranquil 18th-century botanical garden right beside the Prado – terraces of herbs, roses and towering trees, a lovely green escape from the museum crowds for a small fee.

★ 4.6

Centro

Royal Palace of Madrid

The vast, opulent official residence of the Spanish crown (used for ceremonies) – gilded throne rooms, frescoed ceilings and an armoury, with the cathedral and gardens alongside. Book ahead to skip the queue.

★ 4.7

Centro

Royal Palace Skip-the-Line Tour

Skip the queue and tour the opulent Royal Palace with a guide – the throne room, the royal armoury and the frescoed halls – with the centuries of Spanish royal history that fill them.

★ 4.6

Barrio de las Letras

Salmon Guru

Malasaña

Santamaría La Coctelía de al Lado

Chamartin

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

The spectacularly rebuilt home of Real Madrid – a football cathedral wrapped in a shimmering steel skin. The stadium tour takes in the trophy room, pitch and dressing rooms; a must for fans.

★ 4.6

Day trip

Segovia Day Trip

A day trip to Segovia and its jaw-dropping Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale Alcazar castle and grand cathedral – often finished with the local speciality, roast suckling pig. Frequently paired with Avila.

★ 4.7

Chueca

Sidreria El Tigre

A Madrid institution among students and anyone on a budget: order a beer or a tinto de verano and it arrives with a mountain of free tapas – bread and cheese, patatas bravas, tortilla, ham and chorizo. Get there after 9pm and, if it’s full, the second El Tigre is right up the street.

★ 4.3

Centro

Sobrino de Botin

Certified by Guinness as the world’s oldest restaurant (1725), Botin roasts suckling pig and lamb in its original wood-fired oven. Touristy and pricey, yes – but the cochinillo, the cellars and the sheer history make it a one-off.

★ 4.4

$$$

Centro

Templo de Debod

A genuine 2,000-year-old Egyptian temple, gifted by Egypt and rebuilt in a hilltop park – reflected in its pools and framing one of Madrid’s finest free sunsets over the Royal Palace and the sierra beyond.

★ 4.6

Centro

The Hat Madrid

A chic budget boutique (part hostel, part hotel) tucked behind Plaza Mayor, with clean, stylish rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace bar. Excellent value in the very heart of old Madrid.

★ 4.5

Centro

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

The third point of Madrid’s art triangle, a superb private collection spanning eight centuries – from early Italians through Impressionists to Pop Art – filling the gaps the Prado and Reina Sofia leave.

★ 4.7

Day trip

Toledo Day Trip

A short hop south to Toledo, the dramatic hilltop “city of three cultures” – a UNESCO maze of cathedral, synagogues, mosque and El Greco, wrapped in medieval walls above the Tagus. Guided day trips make it easy.

★ 4.7

Before you go

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Book your trip to Madrid

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Madrid travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Madrid?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Madrid at a relaxed pace. See our Madrid itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Madrid?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Madrid guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Madrid?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Madrid guide.

What is the best time to visit Madrid?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Madrid is worth visiting year-round.