Are you currently planning your Spain trip and thinking “Is Madrid worth visiting?” If yes, then you came to the right place. I lived in Madrid for almost seven years before moving to Barcelona. So yes, I am biased but I think that Madrid is a city you cannot miss on your Spain itinerary.
I know Spain has several very popular destinations to visit, like Barcelona, Sevilla, Valencia or the Balearic islands. These are all insanely beautiful bucket list destinations in Spain. But chances are high that your Spain trip will start at the airport in Madrid. And here I would like to convince you to at least spend some time in Madrid first, before moving on to the rest of the country.
Spain’s vibrant capital has so much to offer, from gorgeous architecture, mindblowing art museums, incredible food culture, and so much more. If you visit Madrid I can already guarantee you that you will not get bored. And I will tell you everything you need to know if you are thinking of adding Madrid to your Spain holiday.
So is Madrid worth visiting? Here are 16 reasons why it absolutely is, so you can tell for yourself!
Other blog posts about Madrid you should check out:
Madrid bucket list for first-time visitors: This Madrid bucket list has more than 30 incredible things to do in Madrid. Make sure to check it out!
Things to do in Madrid at night, that are not just partying: If you are thinking about what to do in Madrid during the evening, I got you! Here are 16 things you can do in Madrid at night!
Why you should visit Madrid in December: December is one of the best times to visit in Madrid. This blog post will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Madrid in December!
Explore Madrid on a free walking tour!
Free walking tours are the best way to explore a city you are visiting for the first time. I took so many of my visitors to a free walking tour in Madrid, and they have always loved it!
How do free walking tours work? These tours do not come with a set price, which means they are free. You will spend a couple of hours with your local guide exploring Madrid’s city center together. You will learn so much about the culture and history of Madrid!
At the end of the tour, you can leave your local guide a tip. And how much you would like to give is completely up to you! It usually depends on your budget and on how much you enjoyed the tour.
You can find all free walking tours in Madrid here. (By the way, they offer them in different languages! I did the German one with my mom and she loved it!)
FAQ: Is Madrid worth visiting?
How many days should I stay in Madrid?
I recommend staying at least 3-4 days to see the must-see attractions of Madrid and to really experience Spain’s beautiful capital. Of course, you can also come for a shorter stay. But you will leave wanting to stay longer! This means you can already plan your second Madrid trip of the year.
If you stay longer, you can even squeeze in a one-day trip from Madrid. There are so many beautiful spots close to Madrid that you can visit, like a one-day trip to Toledo.
Is Madrid worth visiting for a weekend?
Madrid is a great destination for a weekend city trip. That way you have enough time to see Madrid’s world-class museums, enjoy Madrid’s famous restaurants, and explore Madrid’s different neighborhoods. Of course, if you are only planning to stay for a weekend, you might run out of time to see everything in the city. But that means that you can come back one day!
If the question is “Is Madrid worth visiting for a week”, the answer is “Yes absolutely”. That way you can enjoy the atmosphere in Madrid and explore the city without rushing.
What is the best time of the year to visit Madrid?
As someone who lived in Madrid for almost seven years, I can tell you that Madrid is a great destination to visit the whole year round. BUT! I do not recommend visiting Madrid in July and August, because it gets very hot during the day. During a heat wave, temperatures can rise to 45 degrees during the day. And believe me when I tell you it barely cools down at night.
Apart from that, just keep in mind that Madrid does get very cold in winter. So, if you decide to visit Madrid during the winter months, bring your scarves and coats! But if you ask me “Is Madrid worth visiting in December?” Visiting Madrid during the Christmas period is a very special experience. I wrote a whole blog post about it which you can find here.
Now let’s answer the question of what time of the year is the best to visit Madrid, I would say September/October and May/June. The perfect temperatures!
What is the best area to stay in Madrid?
When someone visits me in Madrid, I always recommend staying in the area close to Gran Vía. That way you have all the important monuments and tourist attractions of Madrid in walking distance. While Madrid does not have any dangerous areas, I would not recommend staying South of Calle Atocha in the neighborhood of Lavapies.
I can recommend staying at the following hotels in Madrid:
Woohoo Rooms Boutique Gran Vía (€€): This is the hotel I send everyone when friends ask me where to stay in Madrid. Right on Gran Vía and the price is unbeatable!
Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid (€€€): This beautiful boutique hotel is on my favorite street in Madrid. The hotel is beyond beautiful and the location is perfect!
Petite Palace Alcalá (€€): This beautiful hotel with beautiful views is right on Gran Vía, and has breakfast included. What else do you need?
How does the public transport system work in Madrid?
Good news! Madrid is a very walkable city, so get ready to spend a lot of time exploring its beautiful streets on foot (Make sure to bring comfortable shoes during your trip!) I also recommend doing a self-guided walking tour in Madrid to explore the city on foot.
The metro and bus system in Madrid is great! The city is very well connected and fairs are very cheap. A metro/bus ticket only costs 1.60€/person, while going and coming from the airport is a bit more expensive.
Taxis and Uber work very well in Madrid. I usually have the best experience using the Uber app.
Is Madrid expensive to visit?
This will depend on what you are used to and where you are visiting Madrid from. If you are visiting from Nothern Europe or the United States, you will find Madrid to be quite affordable.
But on the other side, Madrid is Spain’s capital and largest city. Madrid is very cosmopolitan and when it comes to prices, it is the most expensive city to visit in Spain (more or less the same as Barcelona).
But you can make your Madrid trip as expensive as you wish. There are places to stay for all budgets and if you do your research before, you can find amazing low-budget restaurants, free activities in Madrid, and affordable places to stay.
Is Madrid worth visiting in December?
Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but December is one of the best months to visit Madrid. Every street in Madrid will be covered with different Christmas lights and ornaments. The whole city gets ready for the festive season, and you can tell! There are different places in the city where you can go ice skating outside. And you will even find Christmas markets in Madrid! If you thought you would not get into the festive mood in Spain, you are wrong!
The only thing I recommend when visiting Madrid in December is to book your accommodation and tourist experiences beforehand. Madrid tends to receive many visitors in December, which means that popular hotels might be booked out sooner. And don’t forget to bring warm clothes. Madrid does cool down significantly during the cold months!
Do I have to know Spanish when visiting Madrid?
I am going to be honest: It will help you a lot if you know Spanish when visiting Madrid. Madrid is Spain’s capital and the local language is Spanish. But if you visit tourist hotspots, most people there will speak English as well. I would recommend always asking “¿Hablas inglés?” before switching to English.
Is Madrid worth visiting for Foodies?
Madrid is THE foodie hotspot. Spain’s capital is known for its culinary variety. You can find different types of restaurants here, from Spanish tapas bars to Michelin Star restaurants. It has everything!
Every time someone asks me “Is Madrid worth visiting for Spanish food” the only right answer is “Yes”. Every time I go to Madrid, my friends and I love trying the different restaurants and markets in Madrid. They call the Mediterranean cuisine one of the best ones in the world for a reason!
If you want to know more about Madrid’s food culture, you can check out this guide!
What are the must-see attractions in Madrid?
When it comes to places to see in Madrid, you have to visit Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, the Retiro Park and Gran Vía during your stay there. When it comes to museums in Madrid, I recommend visiting the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum. Another important landmark you have to visit in Madrid is the Royal Palace. Can you believe it is almost twice as big as Buckingham Palace?
Is Madrid worth visiting for different types of travelers?
Solo Travelling Madrid
Madrid is an incredible destination for solo traveling!
Here, I recommend staying in the Cats Hostel. This is the best place to stay in Madrid for solo travelers. They do daily activities together which makes it so easy to meet other travelers.
Apart from that, Madrid is a very safe destination for solo travelers. The whole center of Madrid is safe when walking around, even at night. Which makes Madrid a very safe city for female solo travelers as well.
Visiting Madrid with children
I do recommend visiting Madrid with children. What I especially love about Spanish culture is how children-friendly they are. You can always take your children to see famous monuments, restaurants and even bars. They will be always welcome.
If you are visiting Madrid with teenagers or children, I would recommend going to the Retiro Park, visiting the Warner Amusement Park, or doing a bicycle tour around Madrid. If you are looking for more inspiration for visiting Madrid with family, check out the following activities:
Visiting Madrid as a couple
Madrid is an incredible city to visit for a romantic weekend getaway. There are very romantic hotels in Madrid, like the Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá, which is a perfect place to stay in Madrid for couples. And during the evening, there are so many perfect restaurants for dinner dates. Make sure to make a reservation at Fismuler or Numa Pompilio during your stay!
Intro: Is Madrid worth visiting? Spoiler, YES! Here are 15 reasons why you have to go this year:
1. You can explore Spain’s rich cultural Heritage and History
Madrid is a city full of history! Something that I love about Madrid is learning about its history and historical buildings. Madrid’s most important historical buildings include Plaza Mayor, the Prado Museum, and the Royal Palace.
Madrid became the official capital of Spain in 1561, which means that its history goes back hundreds of years. But then you will realize that Madrid is a blend of old and new architecture. The more north you go the more new buildings and modern architectural elements you will find.
Honestly, you could spend the whole day walking around and admiring Madrid’s gorgeous architecture and historical buildings.
2. Madrid’s food scene is one of a kind (+ You can go on a tapas walking tour!)
Believe me when I tell you that you are going to eat divine in Madrid! Madrid has an outstanding tapas culture and there are so many Spanish dishes you have to try when visiting Madrid: churros, bocadillo de calamares (Madrid’s famous calamari sandwich), jamón ibérico (Spain’s best ham), tortilla de patatas (Spanish potato omelet) and so many more! If you want to try some tapas you have to visit Casa Alberto or Casa Julio.
Another place you have to check out is Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid’s famous market. It is a bit too touristic to eat there, in my opinion, but definitely an experience! Another market that is a bit more local and worth visiting is the Mercado de Anton Martín.
Here are my absolute favorite restaurants in Madrid that you have to visit during your stay:
- Fismuler for delicious Spanish food with live music
- Raza for THE BEST steak (My favorite restaurant in Madrid)
- Restaurante Ultramarinos Quitín for delicious seafood
By the way, I really recommend doing a Tapas walking tour in Madrid. If you want to try different tapas in authentic tabernas in Madrid, these tours are truly amazing. The local guides will take you to different bars and restaurants in Madrid to try Spanish food. I have done this in different cities in Spain (not in Madrid, because I lived there) and it has always been such a fun experience!
3. Madrid’s Royal Palace is almost twice the size of Buckingham Palace!
I know you are probably thinking “Not another Royal Palace to visit…”, but hear me out. As someone who brought several visitors to the Royal Palace in Madrid, I think that it absolutely is one of the must-see places in Madrid. The interior is so beautiful and impressive! And here is a fun fact about Madrid for you: Can you guess how many rooms the Royal Palace of Madrid has?
*Drumroll*
The right answer is 3.418 rooms in an area of 135.000m2! Which makes the Royal Palace of Madrid almost twice the size of Buckingham Palace. During your visit, you will be able to enter some of them, and they are beyond beautiful!
The Royal Palace used to be the home of the Royal Family, but nowadays only serves as a museum and event location for concerts or similar.
I do recommend getting your tickets to visit the palace a couple of days beforehand as they are usually booked out for the same day. You can buy them here
4. You cannot miss Madrid’s world-class museums!
Madrid’s art scene goes back hundreds of years and is the reason why now we have one of the best art museums in the world located in Madrid. The city is home to the famous “Golden Triangle of Art”:
(If you plan on visiting them I highly recommend booking your tickets beforehand as they are booked out very quickly!)
- The Reina Sofia Museum shows Spanish art from the 20th century. The most famous painting is “La Guernica” by Pablo Picasso which will blow your mind.
- The Prado Museum. This is my favorite museum in Madrid and hosts Spanish and international art from the 15th century. There are many iconic pieces from Velzquez, El Griego, Albrecht Dürer, and others. The building itself is a work of art and so worth visiting!
- The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum shows a private collection of Spanish and international art. It includes paintings by Rembrandt, Monet, and Vincent van Gogh
5. Is Madrid worth visiting? Yes, Madrid is home to the world’s most beautiful city park!
Ok, that is just my humble opinion. But the Retiro Park in Madrid is one of the most beautiful parks you will ever visit. Madrid is such a busy capital city, but you really forget about it once you step foot into the beautiful Retiro Park. This place is the green oasis of the city, loved by locals just as much as by tourists. It is the perfect place to relax after a busy day in Madrid and watch the sunset.
Things you have to see in the Retiro Park in Madrid include:
- The Monument for Alfonso XII: A beautiful monument you have to visit during sunset for live music!
- Palacio de Cristal: A beautiful greenhouse with temporary modern art exhibitions
- La Rosaleda: A rose garden home to hundreds of roses of different kinds and colors
- The Great Pond of Retiro: A place to relax or to go on the rowing boats
Another famous park in Madrid that is great to visit is Casa de Campo. You can access it with the green metro line, which will take you directly to the park if you get off at the stop “Casa de Campo”.
6. Compared to Barcelona, Madrid will give you the true Spanish experience
Maybe you are currently debating whether you should visit Madrid or Barcelona, let me help you here. I lived in Madrid for almost seven years before moving to Barcelona in January. When comparing these cities I can tell you:
You should visit Madrid if you want to have a “true Spanish experience” if you want to know more about Spanish history and culture. If you want to eat a lot of delicious Spanish food and submerge in Spanish culture, then Madrid is the right choice for you.
Then, Madrid’s location within Spain and its international airport make it a great destination if you want to keep traveling further to Spain’s South or visit other cities like Valencia, Granada, or Sevilla.
Madrid vs. Barcelona
Barcelona is also a good choice but is more international than Madrid. You should visit Barcelona if you want to see the famous Gaudí buildings (like the Sagrada Familia) and enjoy Spanish, but also international food. And of course, Barcelona has a beach, which makes it the perfect destination for a beach holiday! That is something Madrid cannot offer you!
7. Madrid never sleeps: Endless activities to do at night!
You don’t believe me? One thing that still keeps shocking me is how late Madrileños do everything throughout the day: Lunch usually does not start earlier than 1 pm and if you want to go out to have dinner, don’t be surprised if you see restaurants being closed before 8 pm. Spanish dinner usually does not start before 9 pm.
Madrid also offers a variety of different evening activities and events you can visit. Things to do at night in Madrid include Flamenco Shows to Musicals (make sure to check out the Lion King on Gran Vía!), bars with live music, to incredible cocktail bars. There are so many things to do in Madrid at night!
I highly recommend watching a Flamenco Show during your stay in Madrid! My favorite one is this one, because it is small and intimate. You will be sitting right in front of the dancers and can enjoy the performance in an authentic Flamenco place. You can book your tickets and find more information about it here.
8. Madrid is famous for its incredible nightlife
If you are planning a night out with your friends, you will have so much fun in Madrid. Apart from the different evening activities to do in Madrid, the nightlife in Madrid is also worth mentioning.
If you want to have a fun night out and try out some bars, you have to start in the neighborhood of Malasaña. This is Madrid’s vibrant neighborhood full of young people, vintage shops, and amazing bars. You have to check out Ohalá and find its hidden beach downstairs.
There are also many clubs in Madrid worth mentioning. Madrid is famous for its club Capital, which is the go-to destination for university students. If you are looking for something more sophisticated, you can try Florida Club, Opium or Istar.
9. Madrid’s location makes it the perfect spot to start your Spain trip!
What many people do not know before visiting Madrid for the first time is that its location is perfect to start your Spain trip. There are two reasons for that:
Madrid is located in the very center of Spain, which makes reaching other Spanish destinations logistically super easy
What I mean by that is that it is very easy to reach other popular Spanish destinations from Madrid. If you want to go by train, Barcelona is only 2h30min away. There is also a fast train connection taking you to Valencia or Sevilla.
By the way, if you want to check out different train connections from or to Madrid, I recommend this website. It will show you all train companies so that you can compare prices and times.
Madrid’s airport connects Europe with many international destinations just as well as with national destinations
If after visiting Madrid you want to continue going to any Spanish islands, you will see that Madrid’s airport offers many options at a very reasonable price. When I lived in Madrid, my friends and I used to travel a lot to Mallorca or other Balearic islands, because the connections are usually very cheap.
If you want to go from Madrid to the Canary Islands, you will find that Madrid is incredibly well-connected as well. And if Spain is your starting point for your Europe trip, I can assure you many flights in Madrid can take you to other European countries in a heartbeat. That is one of the best things about Madrid!
10. Madrid is worth visiting for its Shopping opportunities and Spanish brands!
Madrid is the perfect city to visit if you want to check out some Spanish brands. And do not forget, a lot of Spanish brands like Mango and Zara are cheaper in Spain than in other countries. If you want to go shopping in Madrid, Gran Vía is a great point to start. There, you will find the most popular shops, like Primark, Mango and Uniqlo! And the Zara on Gran Vía is HUGE and goes on several floors.
Where to go shopping in Madrid? If you want to check out some higher-priced Brands, like Massimo Dutti, Bimbo y Lola, or Gucci, you should check out Madrid’s Salamanca Neighborhood. This area is known for its expensive shops, from local boutiques to international brands. If you are looking for unique shopping opportunities in Madrid, this should be your starting point.
11. Madrid is worth visiting for its Spanish holidays and local events
Before I moved to Madrid, I had no idea about the different holidays and special events that Madrid has! If you are lucky and end up in Madrid during one of those, I can assure you that you will have an amazing time.
Popular events in Madrid include:
- San Isidro (15th of May)
- Las Fiestas de la Paloma (In August)
- Madrid Carnival (February/March)
- Pride Week (June)
By the way, Madrid also has a vibrant LGBT community. The pride celebrations in Madrid are one of the biggest ones in the whole of Europe. They take place in June, and are of the biggest celebrations in Madrid!
12. Is Madrid worth visiting? Yes, for incredible day trips and nature getaways
While Madrid is this buzzing, vibrant, and busy capital city, if you want to escape and spend some time in nature, you do not have to go far. Madrid is surrounded by a lot of nature, mountains and forests. And there are many one-day trips from Madrid you can choose from.
One of the most popular day trips from Madrid is Toledo. Locals call Toledo the city of 3 cultures and it is only one hour away by bus.
And for the hiking lovers: There are tons of places you can go hiking close to Madrid. I would recommend looking up Cercedilla, Segovia, or El Escorial for great hikes close to Madrid.
13. The oldest restaurant in the world is in Madrid
I was not done talking about restaurants and food in Madrid. Did you know that Madrid is home to the oldest restaurant in the world that is still operating? Yes, you read that right. The restaurant is called El Sobrino de Botín and is located in the famous La Latina neighborhood.
Even if you do not make it to this restaurant, I really recommend visiting La Latina, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Madrid. You will find many old authentic Spanish tabernas here. The perfect place to enjoy some delicious tapas in Madrid. By the way, I recommend visiting “Taberna La Concha” for their incredible vermuts. You can thank me later!
14. You can have a drink on one of Madrid’s famous rooftops and enjoy the views
Every time my mom visits me in Madrid she always has one wish: To have a tinto de verano (Spanish summer drink) one of the rooftop terraces in Madrid. So that is something on her Madrid bucket list that we always have to do. The center of Madrid has many high buildings, and some of them have beautiful rooftop terraces with gorgeous views of the Madrid city center.
For gorgeous views, I do recommend visiting Circulo de Bellas Artes. From there, you have very beautiful views of Palacio Cibeles (Madrid’s City Hall) and Gran Vía. Another one I recommend is the roodtop of the RIU hotel!
15. Madrid is worth visiting if you are a football fan!
The Madrileños are crazy about their football club “Real Madrid”. And if you are coming during a football match in town, you will have an amazing time. The Bernabeu stadium hosts different football matches and other events, and it is a great place to visit.
Even if you do not make it to the football matches in Madrid (I get it! The tickets are expensive) you can visit the Bernabeu Stadium to go to its museum and to get a view of the stadium while it’s empty. And don’t forget to buy Football merch at any local football store. You can usually find football clothes in the Corte Inglés in Puerta del Sol.
If you want to visit the Bernabeu Stadium you can buy your entry tickets here.
16. Madrid is very welcoming, and you will immediately feel like home
People say that you become a “Madrileño” (that’s what they call the local people in Madrid) once you arrive by train in Atocha. You will see that Madrid is very welcoming to new people because it is a true melting pot of people from different backgrounds and nationalities.
Madrid is also one of the LGBT capitals and as mentioned before, a very open cosmopolitan capital city. Therefore the city of Madrid came up with the following slogan: Ames a quien ames Madrid te quiere (It does not matter who you love, Madrid loves you)
Living there for seven years I can assure you that Madrid will receive any kind of traveler with open arms, without judgment or criticism.
And those were 16 reasons to answer the question “Is Madrid worth visiting” with a big YES! I have to admit I am biased because I lived in the Spanish capital for years. But everyone visiting me so far always had an amazing time in Madrid. People usually enjoy spending time in Madrid’s museums and learning about its incredible art scene. What about you? Are you ready for your Madrid trip?
