Sol and the centre
Ideal for: first visit
In the heart of the city, walking distance from Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace. Very central, very busy.
Madrid
Great museums, lively squares and nightlife: the Spanish capital stays up late.
Plan your stay in Madrid
Best areas to stay in Madrid
Huertas (Barrio de las Letras)
Ideal for: couples, nightlife
Tapas bars and small streets, a stone's throw from the great museums of the Paseo del Prado.
Malasaña
Ideal for: solo, budget, nightlife
A young, alternative area full of bars and cafés.
La Latina
Ideal for: couples, food lovers
Old lanes and tapas bars, very lively at weekends.
Salamanca
Ideal for: seniors, shopping, comfort
An upmarket, quiet district with elegant shopping avenues.
Practical info about Madrid
Madrid’s centre is easy to explore on foot, and the metro serves the whole city and the airport. Madrileños eat late: many restaurants come alive in the evening.
The great museums (Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen) are close together: book tickets in advance in high season. Summers are very hot: plan visits early in the morning or late in the day.
What to see in Madrid
- The Prado (free during its last two opening hours), the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen;
- the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral;
- Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol;
- Retiro Park and its Crystal Palace;
- day trips: Toledo and Segovia.
Arriving in Madrid
Metro line 8 links all airport terminals to Nuevos Ministerios, and an express bus runs to Atocha station. Barcelona and Seville are about 2h30 away by high-speed train.
All our tips for the country in Travel in Spain.