I’m so excited to share with you my travel guide to visiting the city of Madrid. Without doubt one of Spain’s most popular destinations, this guide will share with you my recommendations of must see places in Madrid, along with some of my usual top tips to make the very best of your time there. My name is Emily and I have been solo travelling for over five years and have been living in Spain for two years. I have been fortunate to visit Madrid three times, once solo and twice with a Madrileño (native), so I’m confident this guide will give you all the help you need to plan your visit.

Don’t pass at Madrid’s popularity when choosing a Spanish getaway, as you could miss out on experiencing one of Europe’s most exciting cities! One of the reasons I haven’t hesitated returning to Madrid is because it offers so much and I always discover something new. Spain’s capital city is packed full of history, culture, beautiful architecture, thriving neighbourhoods, places to shop, incredible cuisine and an exciting nightlife. Being a capital city, Madrid is a big place to explore, so I would personally recommended allowing yourself at least three days here if you want to make the most of your time there. I would recommend a spring or autumn visit to Madrid, as it can get incredibly hot in the summer months and very cold in winter (I visited in February and it snowed if you can believe it!).

Getting around Madrid

The city is very walkable as it is predominately flat, with all of the best attractions within the ‘Centro’ or ‘Central’ area of the city. It can take some time to walk from one side of this area to the other, but it won’t be physically demanding. The best way to navigate the city centre is to use ‘Puerta del Sol’ as your central point of reference. This bustling plaza is surrounded by quintessential Madrid architecture and is a must see destination in its own right. TOP TIP: Make sure to stand on the most geographically central point of Spain, marked by a plaque on the ground in front of the clock tower of the old Post Office building.

I would highly recommend the metro system in Madrid, which is easy to use and reasonably priced for a capital city. I have to say Madrid is one of the most easiest underground systems I’ve come across in all my years of solo travelling. TOP TIP: Get a Madrid City Card. It gives you benefits and discounts to some of Madrid’s top attractions over 1 day or 2, 3, 4 or 5 consecutive days. The Madrid City Card also includes a Tourist Travel Pass with access to free public transport, including use of Zone A on the Metro, all blue EMT city buses, Renfe Cercanías commuter trains covering zones 0 and A and the Metro Ligero light rail train ML1. You can order your Madrid City Card in advance online and collect it at the Airport if you arrive by air, or purchase directly at the Tourist Information Office located in Plaza Mayor.

TOP TIP: Book a free walking tour for the first day of your trip to Madrid. It can be overwhelming when you arrive in a new city, especially if you are solo travelling for the first time. I always go on a free walking tour as it settles my nerves, allows me to get my bearings and gain insight from a local guide. Plus free walking tours are a great way to meet new people. I enjoyed a free walking your with Free Walking Tours Madrid so much that I booked on two of their tours. Also check out GetYourGuide who also offer a selection of different tours in Madrid.

Top places to see in Madrid

Royal Palace and Campo del Moro Gardens

A visit to the largest functioning palace in all of Europe will not leave you disappointed. I was absolutely blown away by the interior of Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal family. With an incredible 3,418 rooms, this palace is truly breathtaking to walk through. I would recommend booking with an audio guide to get the best experience when visiting here. Photographs inside are forbidden except for in the entrance hall, but I still have visions of the impressive Royal Chapel and a decadent Japanese style smoking room etched in my memory. Booking in advance is essential and I would recommend visiting first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. Once you have explored inside, make sure you don’t miss the chance to explore the Campo del Moro Gardens behind the Palace. This tranquil landscaped garden is free to the public and open daily 10am - 6pm.

Gran Via

If you love to shop then a stroll down Gran Via is a must! It’s basically Madrid’s answer to 5th avenue in New York City and has become one of the cities most iconic spots. One of the things I love most about this famous street is the architecture, so be sure to look up and take in your surroundings as you make you way down Gran Via. If you love to shop, then you can’t miss out on a shopping spree here. At the bottom of Gran Via near Plaza de España, you will find the world’s largest Zara store spanning over four floors! Gran Via is also home to several theatres and museums, along with many bars and restaurants. TOP TIP: Keep you valuables safe and secure here. Gran Via is a busy area and is sadly known for pickpockets.

The Golden Triangle of Art

Madrid is well known for it’s great selection of art galleries, housing paintings from world renowned artists for you to enjoy. The great thing about Madrid is that three of its best galleries are all close together: The Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. A personal favourite of mine was the Reina Sofia, a modern art gallery home to Picasso’s most famous painting, ‘Guernica’, as well as works by Salvador Dali and other contemporary pieces. The Prado museum is home to more classic and renaissance artwork, whilst the Thyssen-Bornemisza is has a mixture of classic and modern artwork, with pieces from famous artists including Van Gogh, Vermeer and Monet. TOP TIP: Get into the Prado for FREE the final two hours of opening time with a Madrid City Card, 10% discount off admission to the Thyssen-Bornemisza with a Madrid City Card and skip the queues at Reina Sofia when you show your Madrid City Card.

EL Retiro Park

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at the beautiful Retiro Park, Madrid’s very own answer to Central Park. This is without doubt one of my favourite places in the city to explore. Make sure to pass by the boat lake with the Alfonso XII monument where you can enjoy watching people on rowing boats, along with street performers, musicians and painters. The crystal palace in Retiro Park is an absolute must-see whilst you’re here. It was built back in 1887, inspired by the Crystal Palace that housed in Great Exhibition in London, and was basically a giant greenhouse (a beautiful one). It is now a space used for functions and exhibits and free to visit. El Retiro is made up of several landscaped gardens which you can take a stroll through and be sure to find the Casita del Pescador which translates to little fisherman’s house. If you’re a book lover, don’t miss the outdoor book fair near the entrance to the park along Calle Claudio Moyano which is open daily and first started in 1925.

Plaza Mayor

This iconic square used to be the centre of old Madrid and is a must visit when exploring the city. Take in the beautiful architecture and facades of the buildings that surround the statue of King Philipp III in the centre. Whilst you’re hear, make sure to visit La Campana to try one of Madrid’s signature dishes - a calamari squid sandwich! Nearby on Calle Cuchilleros, you will find the world’s oldest restaurant, Restaurant Botín. Founded in 1725, it is the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records, serving traditional cuisine including suckling pig and Castilian soup.

Madrid City Hall

Without doubt one of the most impressive buildings in Madrid is the City Hall, located at Plaza de Cibeles just beyond Gran Via. This building used to be the main office for the postal service until it became home to the city council in 2007. The building has all the grandeur of a palace or a cathedral, with it’s elaborate gothic towers and features. TOP TIP: Make sure to step inside and head up to the observation deck to enjoy some of the best views you will find overlooking Madrid. Get 50% off your entry ticket to the observation deck with a Madrid City Card and 10% off in the souvenir shop.

Chocolatería de San Ginés

Let’s face it, no trip to Spain is complete without having churros and chocolate. And lucky for you, Madrid has one of the best places you can find. Located close to Puerta del Sol, San Ginés first opened its doors in 1894, serving crispy golden churros and thick hot chocolate which have become so popular, it has opened further Chocolatería’s not just across Spain, but also as far as Japan! TOP TIP: Due to it’s popularity, there is a system that you need to be aware of ahead of visiting. If you arrive to queues, do not panic. First, you must place your order before being seated and collect your order ticket. The left hand side queue is for ordering and the right hand side is for indoor seating. There is also outdoor seating available. Once you have your order ticket, I recommend heading inside through the second door down a set of stairs to the basement dining area. I love the old style decor and seating booths in this part of San Ginés. I highly recommend arriving early to enjoy breakfast here if you want to avoid long queues.

Madrid’s neighbourhoods

One of the best things about Madrid is the variety of thriving neighbourhoods, each with their own identity and charm. Allow yourself time to simply stroll and soak up the atmosphere of these neighbourhoods to truly get the best Madrid experience. I’ve shared my favourites which are all located within the centro area of the city.

Malasaña - My personal favourite, this is Madrid’s hipster neighbourhood, packed full of vintage and independent shops, quirky cafes and vibrant street art. A short walk away from Gran Via, this is one of those places you can aimlessly wander and see what hidden gems you can find. TOP TIP: Make sure to visit the Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes which has the most beautifully painted frescoed walls. Show your Madrid City Card at the entrance and you can see the historical archive there for free!

Chueca - Home to Madrid’s annual Pride festival, Chueca is known as the LGBTQIA+ quarter and has a lively nightlife scene. I love the relaxed and friendly vibe of Cheuca, where you will find a great selection of places to eat and shop. If you’re feeling a little cheeky, make sure to check out La Pollería Chueca and La Coñería, which specialise in making waffles in the shape of genitals!

Salamanca - Situated north of El Retiro park, here you will find Madrid’s Golden Mile lined with luxury fashion stores, along with Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy bars. The Goya area is great place for shopping away from the crowds of Gran Via.

La Latina - Home to the must-see El Rastro flea market (takes place every Sunday), I love the narrow, winding streets of this neighbourhood. It’s packed full of vintage and retro stores, street art and murals, traditional tapas bars and taverns. If you love cinema, swing by Sala Equis, a trendy bar within an old movie theatre with a regular programme of shows and events.

BEST OF THE REST

Best places to stay in Madrid

As Madrid has a great metro system which you can enjoy for free with your Madrid City Card, I would recommend to avoid staying in busy areas like the Puerto do Sol and consider one of the surrounding neighbourhoods like Salamanca or Princesa. I found a reasonably priced hotel in Princesa close to the Royal Palace which was quiet but still accessible to the city by metro or walking. Madrid has a great selection of hotels, hostels and apartments to choose from to suit any budget.

Best bars and restaurants in Madrid

Madrid is a mecca of fantastic cuisine and bars! It can be hard to know where to even begin with the wide selection of choices, so I’ve shared some of my favourites with you to help:

360º Rooftop Bar - located next to Plaza de España, this place is a must if you want to enjoy the best views in Madrid. I’d highly recommend enjoying a glass of wine or a drink of choice with a sunset here.
Castelados - East of El Retiro park on Calle Antonio Acuña you will find this popular bar and restaurant serving various seafood and meat dishes. It is popular so book in advance if you can.
Restaurant Botín - I know I’ve already mentioned the world’s oldest restaurant, but it is a place not to be missed if you want traditional classic dishes. Booking in advance is a must!
Solo de Croquetas - as the name suggests, this place only does croquetas and they are delicious. Solo de Croquetas is also 100% gluten free and they serve sweet croquetas as well as traditional savoury.
BLOOM by Salvador Bachillar - If you want to enjoy a boozy brunch or dinner with a show, check the vibrant BLOOM on Calle Alberto Aguilera in the Chamberí neighbourhood. Enjoy delicious food with music and dancers in this Instagram worthy setting.

Best day trips from Madrid

If you plan to spend more than three days in Madrid, I would highly recommend visiting nearby Toledo and Segovia. Toledo used to be Spain’s capital city and is a historic gem waiting to be explored. Segovia old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will find a towering Roman aqueduct, the Alcazar (which is said to have inspired Disney for Cinderella’s Castle), and the Cathedral. Check out these selection of tours with GetYourGuide.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my Madrid travel guide. Whether you’re planning a solo trip or visiting with friends / family, I guarantee you will have a great time discovering Madrid. If you found this guide helpful or have any questions, drop me a comment here or connect with me on Instagram.

A guide to visiting Madrid