Practical tips for visiting Madrid
Getting from the airport
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is about 12 kilometres north-east of the centre. Metro line 8 runs from Terminals 1-2-3 and Terminal 4 to Nuevos Ministerios, where you can change for lines 6 and 10; there is an airport supplement of €3 on top of the regular fare. The Cercanías C1 train links Terminal 4 with Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Atocha and Príncipe Pío (for Sol, change at Atocha to C3 or C4, or take Metro line 1), and it is free if you hold a valid Renfe long-distance ticket for the same day. The Exprés Aeropuerto bus runs 24 hours to Atocha (Cibeles at night) for a flat fare of about €5. Taxis charge a fixed fare of €33 between the airport and anywhere inside the M-30.
Getting around the city
The Madrid metro is one of the largest in Europe, with 12 lines plus the Ramal branch, and it is clean, safe and frequent. Buy a rechargeable Tarjeta Multi card at any station and load 10-trip tickets, which are cheaper than singles. Tourists can also buy the Abono Turístico for unlimited travel over 1 to 7 days. The centre is walkable: Sol to the Prado takes about 15 minutes, and Gran Vía to Plaza Mayor about 10. BiciMAD public bikes are electric and handy, though the city is hilly. Night buses known as búhos run from Plaza de Cibeles when the metro closes around 1:30.
Best time to visit
Spring (April to early June) and autumn (late September to early November) are ideal: warm days, cool evenings and sunny skies. July and August are very hot, often 35–40°C, and many locals leave the city in August, so some family-run restaurants close for holidays, though museums stay open. Winter is crisp and sunny, with daytime highs around 10°C and occasional frosty nights; it is a great season for museums and cocido. Snow is rare but did famously blanket the city during Storm Filomena in January 2021.
Daily rhythm
Spanish mealtimes take adjustment. Breakfast is light, often coffee and toast with tomato. Lunch, the main meal, runs from about 14:00 to 16:00, and many restaurants offer a menú del día with three courses, bread and a drink for roughly €13 to €18 on weekdays. Dinner rarely starts before 21:00. Use the time between 17:00 and 20:00 for a late museum visit or a walk, and do as locals do: snack on tapas to bridge the gap.
Budget guide
Madrid is cheaper than Paris, London or Amsterdam and generally a little cheaper than Barcelona. A shared hostel bed costs around €25 to €45, a mid-range double room €100 to €180 and a luxury hotel from €300. A caña (small beer) costs €2 to €3.50 in a normal bar, a coffee €1.50 to €2.50. In many traditional bars a free tapa still comes with your drink, especially in La Latina and around Calle de Ponzano in Chamberí. Museums offer generous free slots, so a culture-heavy trip can be surprisingly affordable.
Money and tipping
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including contactless payments for small amounts. Tipping is modest: rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent for good table service is appreciated but not expected. Check that VAT (IVA) is included in menu prices, which is standard.
Safety
Madrid is a safe city, but pickpockets operate in crowded spots: the metro (especially line 1 and line 8 from the airport), Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, El Rastro and the Prado queues. Keep phones out of back pockets and bags zipped. Be wary of petition-signers and people offering flowers or "help" at ticket machines.
Language and etiquette
Spanish is the language of the city. English is widely spoken in hotels and central restaurants but less so in local bars. A few phrases go a long way: "una caña, por favor" (a small beer, please) and "la cuenta, por favor" (the bill, please). Greetings with two kisses on the cheek are common among friends; a handshake is fine for strangers.
Health and heat
Carry water in summer, wear a hat and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning. Madrid's tap water is excellent, sourced from the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, so a reusable bottle saves money. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross, and there is always one on duty at night.
Shopping and opening hours
Large shops along Gran Vía and Calle de Preciados open roughly 10:00 to 21:00 or 22:00, including Sundays in the central tourist zone. Smaller shops may close for lunch. Traditional souvenirs include espadrilles from Casa Hernanz, capes from Seseña and ceramics, as well as olive oil and Ibérico ham, which can be vacuum-packed for travel.
Sunday and holidays
Most shops in central Madrid open on Sundays, unlike in much of Europe.
Useful numbers
The European emergency number 112 works everywhere and has English-speaking operators. The tourist information office in Plaza Mayor is a good place to pick up maps and event listings.
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