About Madrid
Madrid is the capital of Spain, home to around 3,255,944 people.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Experiences
Things to do in Madrid
1
Prado Museum
2
Royal Palace of Madrid
3
Retiro Park and Crystal Palace
4
Plaza Mayor
5
Reina Sofia (Guernica)
6
Gran Via
7
Mercado de San Miguel
8
Day trip to Toledo or Segovia
Budget travel
Free things to do in Madrid
Retiro Park and Crystal Palace
Plaza Mayor
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Prado Museum
- Visit Royal Palace of Madrid
- Visit Retiro Park and Crystal Palace
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Plaza Mayor
- Visit Reina Sofia (Guernica)
- Visit Gran Via
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Mercado de San Miguel
- Visit Day trip to Toledo or Segovia
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $$
Mercado de San Miguel stalls
Tapas · Glass market of tapas — locals and visitors
- $$$
Casa Botín
Castilian · World's oldest restaurant (1725) — cochinillo
- $$
Sala de Despiece
Contemporary · Market-style local favourite
- $
Chocolatería San Ginés
Churros · Midnight churros institution since 1894
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
The Principal Madrid
Gran Vía · Rooftop luxury overlooking Gran Vía
- $$$$
Hotel Ritz Madrid
Retiro · Belle Époque Mandarin Oriental landmark
- $$$
Only YOU Boutique Hotel
Barrio de las Letras · Design hotel tourist favourite
Shopping
- Sol area
- Salamanca
- Chueca and Calle Fuencarral area
- El Corte Inglés Preciados
- El Corte Inglés Plaza de Callao
Nightlife
- Madrid/La_Latina-Austrias#Calle Cava Baja
In pictures
Madrid gallery
Keep exploring
