Welcome to Madrid, the vibrant capital city of Spain! Madrid is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves culture, food, and fun. This city has it all: world-class museums, stunning architecture, delicious food, and amazing nightlife. Its central location makes it a perfect base for exploring the rest of Spain. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a good time, Madrid won’t disappoint. It’s also a great base for day trips to nearby attractions like Toledo, Segovia, or the UNESCO-listed El Escorial. Last week I had the pleasure of revisiting Madrid and spending a wonderful weekend with some friendly locals who generously shared their insider tips with me. In this article, I’m excited to pass along their recommendations so that you too can experience the city like a true local.
WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT MADRID?
Madrid is a fantastic destination to visit any time of year, thanks to its mild winters and warm summers. However, it’s worth noting that the city’s weather has undergone significant changes in recent years. During my visit last week, locals told me that April has become much hotter than in previous years. In fact, I experienced temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, which is quite unusual for this time of year. Despite the unexpected heat, the locals were still ou enjoying all that Madrid has to offer.
There’s something special about Madrid that sets it apart from other Spanish cities, including Barcelona. Personally, I find that Madrid has a unique ability to make visitors feel like locals in no time at all. Despite the presence of tourists, the city has a way of integrating visitors seamlessly into its daily rhythm. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself feeling like a true madrileño, without even realizing how it happened.
10 reason why to visit Madrid
10 reasons why to visit Madrid:
- World-Class Museums: Madrid is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, including the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza, all within walking distance from each other.
- Delicious Food: Madrid is famous for its tapas culture, where you can try an endless variety of small plates, as well as its traditional dishes like cocido and churros con chocolate.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Madrid comes alive at night, with a huge variety of bars, clubs, and music venues catering to all tastes.
- Stunning Architecture: From the Royal Palace to the modernist buildings of Gran Vía, Madrid is a city full of beautiful architecture.
- Plaza Mayor: This grand square in the heart of Madrid is a must-visit for its historic buildings, street performers, and bustling atmosphere.
- Great Shopping: Madrid is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from high-end designer boutiques to flea markets and vintage stores.
- Green Spaces: Madrid has several beautiful parks and gardens, including the famous Retiro Park, perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.
- Day Trips: Madrid is a great base for exploring other nearby destinations like Toledo, Segovia, or Ávila, all easily accessible by train or bus.
- Sports: Madrid is home to two of the world’s most famous football clubs, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, as well as other sports events and activities.
- Festivals: Madrid hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the San Isidro Festival in May, the Gay Pride Festival in June, and the Christmas Markets in December, among others.
Here’s a suggested itinerary that will help you make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
Exploring the City Center
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Enjoying Spanish arts at El Prado.
If you you are an art lover, you should start your day with a visit to the famous Prado Museum, one of the world’s greatest art museums. You’ll find there masterpieces by Spanish artists like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, as well as works by other European masters.
The Prado Museum is open from 10 am to 8 pm between Monday and Saturday, making it easy to fit a visit into your itinerary. On Sundays, the museum opens at 10 am, but closes an hour earlier, at 7 pm. The museum’s schedule on most holidays is the same as it is on Sundays. The best time to visit Prado Museum is when the Museum opens at 10 AM. You can also visit the Prado Museum without crowds between 2 PM and 4 PM on weekdays.
It is also possible to see Prado for free! You just need to visit the musuem during the last two opening hours of every day. This is a great option for budget-conscious travelers who want to experience the museum without spending too much money. Please remember to arrive there early enough, because the free admissiony line can be very long and it has limited capavity. Last time it took me two hours to enter the exhibition.
General Timings: Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 8 PM . Sundays and public holidays: 10 AM to 7 PM
Free Entry: Free entry from Monday to Saturday between 6 PM to 8 PM and Sundays and public holidays from 5 PM to 7 PM.
Closed: January 1, May 1, December 25. Limited opening hours on January 6, December 24, and December 31 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Duration of Visit: Prado Museum’s collection is very vast. We recommend spending between three to four hours exploring the collections.
El Prado is located just walking distance from another must-visit place in Madrid a beautiful city park called el Retiro that I would suggest you to visit straight after leaving the musuem.
2. Having a stroll at El Retiro Parque
This is definitely one of my favourite spots in Madrid!
El Retiro Park is one of the most beloved and iconic destinations in Madrid, offering visitors a chance to escape the bustling city and immerse themselves in natural beauty. Located just a short walk from El Prado, this beautiful park boasts fountains, gardens, and even a boating lake. You can rent a boat and take a relaxing ride on the lake, or simply stroll around and take in the views. Best of all, admission is free!
Did you know that El Retiro was once the private playground of Spanish royalty? Back in the 17th century, King Philip IV turned this area into a hunting ground for the royal family. Today, it’s a favorite spot for picnics, jogging, and people-watching.
But El Retiro is more than just a park – it’s also home to some of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks. Take a stroll through the park to see the stunning Crystal Palace, an iron and glass pavilion that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale.
With consistently pleasant weather in Madrid, El Retiro is the perfect spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy picnics, rent boats, or relax at one of the many cafes by the lake. There’s no shortage of things to do and see in this beautiful park, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time there.
Below you will find some ideas how you can plan your time there:
- Visit the Crystal Palace – This beautiful glass pavilion is one of the park’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s a great spot for taking photos.
- Take a boat ride on the Lake – Rent a rowboat and enjoy a peaceful cruise around the lake, surrounded by stunning scenery.
- Explore the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez – These traditional Spanish-style gardens are filled with fountains, hedges, and colorful flowers.
- Check out the Rosaleda Rose Garden – With over 4,000 roses in bloom during the spring and summer months, this garden is a must-see for flower lovers.
- Go for a walk or run on the park’s many trails – There are several paths that wind through the park’s beautiful scenery, making it a great place for a workout.
- Visit the Monument to Alfonso XII – This impressive monument is located on the edge of the lake and offers stunning views of the park and the city beyond.
- See the Palacio de Cristal Art Exhibitions – The Crystal Palace hosts regular art exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the works of local and international artists.
- Check out the Fuente del Ángel Caído – This striking statue of the fallen angel is the only public monument in the world dedicated to Lucifer.
- Visit the Rose Garden Walk – This peaceful walkway is lined with fragrant rose bushes and offers a lovely escape from the bustle of the city.
- Enjoy a picnic – With so many beautiful spots to sit and relax, El Retiro is the perfect place to pack a picnic and spend an afternoon in the sun.
3. Tapas break at Mercado de San Miguel
Patatas bravas – fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce
Croquetas – small fried rolls filled with ham, cheese, or other ingredients
Tortilla de patatas – a Spanish omelette made with potatoes and onions
Gambas al ajillo – garlic shrimp cooked in olive oil
Albóndigas – meatballs in a tomato-based sauce
Calamares a la romana – fried calamari rings
Pulpo a la gallega – Galician-style octopus with paprika and olive oil
Chorizo al vino – chorizo sausage cooked in red wine
Ensaladilla rusa – a potato salad with tuna, olives, and mayonnaise
Pan con tomate – toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with tomato and olive oil.
OTHER OPTIONS FOR LUNCH:
GETTING TAPAS AT LA LATINA
La Latina is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Madrid for tapas, offering a variety of bars and restaurants that serve up delicious small plates of food. One of the best things about getting tapas in La Latina is the lively atmosphere – the streets are always bustling with locals and tourists alike, creating a fun and social atmosphere perfect for a casual meal or a night out.
SOPHISTICATED RESTAURANTS: EL PARAGUAS
If you would like to try some upscale restaurant I would definitely recommend you visiting of the chic Salamanca district, where you’ll find high-end designer stores and beautiful architecture.
My favourite restaurant in Madrid is called El Paraguas and is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking to experience the best of traditional Spanish cuisine in a beautiful and sophisticated setting. It is also a great place for a date or celebration important events.
It is one of the city’s most renowned gastronomic destinations, known for its high-quality traditional Spanish cuisine and elegant atmosphere.
The restaurant’s name “Las Paraguas” means “the umbrellas” in Spanish, and it is named after the famous umbrellas that once lined the street where the restaurant is located.
The menu at Las Paraguas features a wide range of Spanish dishes, including tapas, seafood, meats, and desserts. Some of the most popular dishes include the suckling pig, the codfish, and the Iberian ham. The prices for main dishes start with 30 euros.
The restaurant has an elegant interior with a classic Spanish decor, including antique furniture and ornate chandeliers. It also has a spacious outdoor terrace, which is perfect for enjoying a meal in the open air. Please don’t forget to reserve a table in advance.
