Madrid

Travel Guide

Madrid featuring night scenes, heritage architecture and a city
Madrid which includes a city, signage and landscape views
Almudena Cathedral
Madrid featuring night scenes
Madrid featuring a city and landscape views

Madrid is one of Europe’s most popular cities for its lively atmosphere, fascinating history, renowned museums and stunning architecture.

Madrid is Spain’s stylish, cosmopolitan and party-centric capital city. After enjoying the spacious parks, modern facilities, café terraces and outdoor art, venture inside to admire the city’s palaces and churches. Modern Madrid is commercially and politically significant for Europe, but its old Spanish culture is what is most prominent in the city streets lined with grand buildings, museums and galleries.

You could spend days exploring some of the world’s major art museums. Visit the Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado) for a look at works by greats like Goya and Velázquez or head to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza) to see a collection of paintings spanning many centuries. Wander the galleries of the Reina Sofía Museum (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía) to admire works by Spanish masters such as Picasso and Dalí.Have lunch in the central square, the 18th-century Plaza Mayor, or take a tour of the old City Hall (Casa del Ayuntamiento). The king resides on the outskirts of the city, but visitors can enter the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) in the city center to see lavishly decorated rooms and an impressive array of artifacts. Don’t miss the adjacent Almudena Cathedral (Santa María la Real de La Almudena): It took over a century to complete. The iconic Puerta de Alcalá adorns a corner of El Retiro (El Parque de Retiro), an impressive green space with architectural marvels, gardens and ponds. Casa de Campo is an even bigger urban park. Visit the Museum of Natural Sciences (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales) to learn all about the local flora and fauna.Las Ventas has bullfights on Sundays. If this old Spanish tradition doesn’t interest you, watch a soccer match or browse the El Rastro flea markets. At night, visit Puerta del Sol, surrounded by some of Madrid’s best “tabernas” and clubs. The tradition is to eat very late, so come closer to midnight to mingle with the Spanish. For local delights, order tapas or paella with a refreshing sangria or local wine.

Madrid is one of the liveliest cities in Europe and the sunny city is sure to steal your heart.

Where to stay in Madrid

Puerta del Sol showing street scenes, a sunset and a city

Madrid Centro

4.5/5(2,922 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Madrid Centro. Check out top attractions like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.

Madrid Centro
Spain featuring swimming, general coastal views and tropical scenes

Sol

If you're spending time in Sol, check out sights like Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor and hop on the metro to see more the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.

Sol
Salamanca showing street scenes as well as a small group of people

Salamanca

4.5/5(751 area reviews)

Located in the upscale Madrid area of Calle de Serrano, this area boasts pricey real estate and Spain's third most expensive street. Discover numerous diplomatic missions, including the Swiss, French, US, and Italian embassies.

Salamanca
Chueca featuring cafe scenes and a city as well as a large group of people

Chueca

4.5/5(311 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Chueca, you might enjoy attractions like Gran Via and Plaza de Chueca. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Chueca Station to see more of the city.

Chueca
Malasana which includes a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture as well as children

Malasaña

4.5/5(189 area reviews)

Museums, cafes, and shopping highlight some notable features of Malasaña. Make a stop by Gran Via or Calle de la Princesa while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Noviciado Station or San Bernardo Station to get around town.

Malasaña
Default Image

Ibiza

During your stop in Ibiza, check out the parks, and jump on the metro at Ibiza Station to see more of the surrounding area.

Ibiza
Hotel Riu Plaza España

Hotel Riu Plaza España

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩351,988 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
₩351,988
₩387,187 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,302 reviews)
Breakfast is great. Wonderful hotel.
"Breakfast is a wonderful experience. Staff competent and attentive. Room was laid out well. The bathroom night light comes on automatically and disturbs all in the room."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza España
Senator Barajas Hotel

Senator Barajas Hotel

4 out of 5
Galeon 27, Madrid, Madrid
The price is ₩168,453 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
₩168,453
₩185,298 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,693 reviews)
Good location, good airport transfer
"Good location for the airport, good airport transfer (5 EUR per person including 1 item of luggage, 5 EUR for each additional item of luggage). Weighing machine at entrance was 7 EUR. Swimming pool was too cold for us."

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2025

Senator Barajas Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

4.5 out of 5
Ronda de Atocha 17, Madrid
The price is ₩357,106 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
₩357,106
₩392,820 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,208 reviews)
"Clean and close to everything and everyone was very kind!"

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2025

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gran View Apartments

Gran View Apartments

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Vía 48, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,258 reviews)
"Great space and loved the rooftop pool and bar."

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2025

Gran View Apartments
Compostela Suites Apartments

Compostela Suites Apartments

3 out of 5
C/ Zambrana, 4, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (679 reviews)
"Good place to stay near the airport."

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2025

Compostela Suites Apartments
Smartr Madrid Gran Vía 47

Smartr Madrid Gran Vía 47

3.5 out of 5
Calle Gran Vía 47, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (414 reviews)
"Great location and great staff"

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2025

Smartr Madrid Gran Vía 47
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Madrid

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3701
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
1397
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
211
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
15
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
21
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

One of our favorite places in the world! Spain is a beautiful place and Madrid is a great spot to start or end your trip to this amazing country!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Love the city! Great people! Delicious Food!!! Will definitely travel back and spend more time.

5/5 - Excellent

Nola985

It's a great city with accessible public transportation, culture and great places to visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Madrid is a great city. I like it, although this time I had to cut short due to national emergency due to coronavirus. I am sure I will return, but I am not sure I will use the same hotel that do not show real concern for customers.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love it. I would like to come back to see and learn more!!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Madrid is an awesome place! Viva España!

Cities near Madrid