Madrid is the capital of Spain and has a population of over 5 million people. It houses the Congress of Deputies, which is the legislative branch of the Spanish Government. It also has an interesting selection of monuments. Those who enjoy lively nightlife will enjoy what Madrid has to offer because it boasts some marvelous nightclubs along with other various entertainment options in each area from your choice of more tranquil cafes and pubs offering a variety of different types of drinks. There are several museums in Madrid where visitors can get a peek at Spain's distinct art history.

If you are more interested in eating than going out at night, there are some particularly tasty restaurants to try out in Madrid. Plan out your Madrid itinerary with this Madrid trip planner that will help you to find the best time to visit the city, nightlife, best day trips from Madrid, and more.

Best Time To Visit Madrid

Fall and Spring are the perfect times to visit Madrid, with just enough travelers around to avoid it feeling desolate. During these two seasons, Madrid blow fully comes alive as you walk through its streets. Passing by the famous El Prado museum or even getting lost in a maze of tapas bars on every street corner feels new in this vibrant city. The weather from September to November and March to May gives one reason enough to take leisurely walks along the streets of Madrid so you can better feel what each street has to offer you. In case it's still too cold for your taste in October, there's also a lively autumn festival happening that month

Madrid Itineraries

Depending on how long you're in Madrid for - whether it's just a day or 3 days, we have the perfect itineraries crafted for you. Go through these Madrid itineraries and plan your stay well in advance!

If this is your first time traveling to Madrid, you could use some help planning your daily itineraries. Apart from the basic planning (flight tickets, visa, accommodation in Madrid, etc.), you'll need to consider your day-to-day activities in Madrid - where to go, what to see, how to get there, and more. But fret not, for we are here to help.

1-Day Madrid Itinerary

3-Day Madrid Itinerary

Madrid Travel Restrictions

Given the current situation across the globe, it is important to read up on the travel restrictions. As of now, Madrid has has partial restrictions in place, and it is important to keep that in mind before traveling to this country. Find out about the new rules and reopening of attractions on the blog post below.

Hacks To Buying Cheap Madrid Flight Tickets

Now that you've figured out the perfect time to visit Madrid and braved through the restrictions, it is time to look for flight tickets. Go through our 17 golden hacks for cheap flight tickets before scouring through the flight ticket websites. You'll be surprised how easy it is to save a pretty penny while booking flight tickets!

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Traveling involves a certain amount of uncertainty always. With the pandemic, this amount has only increased. Opting for travel insurance is not something many people have done (pre-pandemic), but post-pandemic, it is highly recommended that you opt for it. Choosing the right travel insurance plan gives you a safety net to prevent losses if things go downhill.

Travel insurance can be complex- how do you know what to choose? For this very reason, we can crafted a ultimate guide to choose travel insurance post-covid.

Packing For Madrid

Fall and winter are two of the most enjoyable seasons for weather in Madrid. Fall breezes can be crisp and cool so it's always a good option to bring a scarf with you to stay warm. Packing a thick, cozy sweater, a warm coat, and ankle boots is one stylish way to be during these months when temperatures start getting colder. Close-toed flats or sneakers are your best bet as far as footwear goes throughout autumn and spring. A sunny day in summer will call for a sundress, shorts, or tank tops!

Where To Stay In Madrid

La Latina is a neighborhood north of Madrid's city center full of rolling hills and lots of vibrant local life. Having been in this area for centuries, La Latina has a rich cultural and historic identity that will take visitors on a tour through time. It was one of the first neighborhoods formally mapped out in the city!

Depending on what type of experience you are looking for, you can book the right place for your stay.

Accommodation on a budget

There is no dearth of budget-friendly rooms in Madrid. Some of the best places to find accommodation without burning a hole in your pocket are Room Mate Alicia, Praktik Metropol, Sleep’N Atocha, Artrip Hotel, Suites Viena, and Hostal Oriente among others.

Nightlife

Without a doubt, Madrid is one of the most energetic cities in the world. Beginning each night with a bang and ending it with a crescendo, this city knows how to party! Whether you’re into chic bars or extravagant clubs, nothing can stop you from getting your groove on in this metropolitan oasis. Some of the best places to groove in while you are in Madrid are Teatro Kapital, Palacio De Gaviria, Joy Eslava, Sala El Sol, Fabrik, Fábrica Maravillas, La Vía Láctea, La Corolla, ThunderCat Club, and Teatro Barceló among others.

Shopping hub

Madrid has some of the best shopping options in Spain, with one-of-a-kind local brands and top fashion labels from Europe and across the world. Gran Vía, Serrano, Las Rozas Village, Fuencarral, and Princesa are some of the best places in Madrid where one can shop until they drop.

A kiss of luxury

Madrid is a city that brings to mind the word "luxury". Madrid offers high-quality standard services, such as cultural events and world-famous museums that you can't find in other places around the world. Some of the things that one should do to experience the lavishness of Madrid are taking a stroll through the Plaza de Oriente, wine tasting and vineyard visit at La Rioja, and Cheuca tour among others.

As you can see, there are different neighborhoods well-suited for different travelers. So, determine the type of trip you are planning and then choose a hotel accordingly.

Getting Around In Madrid

The Madrid Metro is like a river through the city. The Madrid Metro is an iconic part of the city's landscape and everyday life. The metro system offers some degree of convenience over traveling by bus across the city. There are 12 lines, 1 of which is a tramline, and more than 300 stations. While it may not be as fast as taking a bus or traveling by car, the metro will get you to your destination all the same. However, one should opt for the bus while planning their Madrid itinerary as it is one of the cheapest and best options to experience some scenic views.

5 Best Day Trips From Madrid

Day trips from Madrid can be a wonderful way to spend a short break from your busy life in the capital. They offer a taste of different places and provide you with glimpses into the less-visited parts of Spain, as well as allowing you to explore other bits of the country that are not on the beaten track. Don’t forget to include some of these places while chalking out your Madrid itinerary.

1. El Escorial Monastery and Palace
2. Royal Palace of Aranjuez
3. Segovia
4. The Medieval Fortress of Manzanares el Real
5. Colmenar Viejo

Madrid Travel Tips & Hacks

• It's a good idea to buy a transportation card before planning your Madrid itineraries because it helps you save money on transportation by allowing you to ride buses and subways without having to buy separate tickets each time.
• Use public transit during rush hour. Madrid can be very crowded at times, so try not to use it if possible. Instead, walk around or take taxis instead of trains and buses during peak times.
• Carry a backpack! You can wear it while walking around and carrying all your stuff easily on your back, which is much easier than trying to carry everything by hand.
• If you're not comfortable with walking alone, consider renting a bike and riding around the city with friends or family members.
• Get a map of the city so you can see where everything is located. It will make your life easier if you have this on hand when you're wandering around.
• Take advantage of street parking—it's much cheaper than paying for an official parking spot! Just look for signs that say "privado" (private).
• If you want to see some of Madrid's most famous landmarks, head over to Plaza de España or Plaza Mayor. This square is home to many important buildings in Madrid including the Royal Palace, which houses Goya's masterpiece, "The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters."
• If you're looking for something more traditional Spanish food, try La Almozara (Calle del Puente de Toledo) or La Carbonera (Marqués de Villaverde)
• Visit the Prado Museum. It's a must-see for any art lover, with some of the world's best paintings and sculptures from ancient times through modern times.
• Don't assume that everything will be closed at night. Many places in Madrid are open all day long, including museums, parks, and historical sites.

Ready To Head Out To Madrid?

Check out our comprehensive Madrid Travel Guide packed with itineraries, tours, culture trips, best hotels, restaurants and a lot more.

Here are a few more guides that should help you plan your visit.

FAQs: Madrid Trip Planner