Madrid

Tapas bars, sunny plazas & late-night marcha

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Madrid is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia and Royal Palace of Madrid. Food lovers should not miss Sidreria El Tigre and Casa Lucio. Below you will find 44 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Madrid at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Museo del Prado and Reina Sofia
Where to stay: Centro and Lavapies
Local picks: 44 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Madrid

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tips7 Best Streets in Madrid for Strolling and ShoppingSeven of Madrids best streets for walking, shopping and people-watching, from Gran Via to the Sunday market at El Rastro.

Local tipsWhere to Stay in Madrid: Best Neighborhoods for First-TimersWhere to stay in Madrid? A local guide to the best neighbourhoods, from central Sol and tapas-filled La Latina to…

Local tips3 Days in Madrid: The Perfect ItineraryA local's perfect 3-day Madrid itinerary: the Habsburg centre and Royal Palace, the Prado and Reina Sofia, tapas in La…

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Madrid: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Madrid, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Madrid

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Chamartin

Bernabeu Stadium Tour

Tour the spectacular renovated Santiago Bernabeu – the trophy room glittering with Champions League cups, the pitch, dugouts and dressing rooms. A pilgrimage for Real Madrid fans.

★ 4.6

Centro

Flamenco Show Madrid

An intimate tablao performance of raw, foot-stamping flamenco – guitar, song and dance up close – often paired with tapas or dinner. A stirring night out in the art form’s spiritual second home.

★ 4.5

La Latina

Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour

A guided evening crawl through the old town’s best tabernas – tortilla, jamon, croquetas and vermouth – with a local unpacking the ritual of the Spanish tapeo. The tastiest way to meet Madrid.

★ 4.8

Centro

Prado Museum Guided Tour

Make sense of the vast Prado in a focused couple of hours – a guide walks you to Las Meninas, Goya’s masterpieces and the Bosch triptych with the stories behind them, skipping the ticket queue.

★ 4.7

Retiro

Retiro & Literary Quarter Walk

A gentle guided walk through the Retiro park and the Barrio de las Letras – the old literary quarter where Cervantes and Lope de Vega lived – with the stories of Spain’s golden age of writing underfoot.

★ 4.6

Centro

Royal Palace Skip-the-Line Tour

Skip the queue and tour the opulent Royal Palace with a guide – the throne room, the royal armoury and the frescoed halls – with the centuries of Spanish royal history that fill them.

★ 4.6

Day trip

Segovia Day Trip

A day trip to Segovia and its jaw-dropping Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale Alcazar castle and grand cathedral – often finished with the local speciality, roast suckling pig. Frequently paired with Avila.

★ 4.7

Day trip

Toledo Day Trip

A short hop south to Toledo, the dramatic hilltop “city of three cultures” – a UNESCO maze of cathedral, synagogues, mosque and El Greco, wrapped in medieval walls above the Tagus. Guided day trips make it easy.

★ 4.7

Before you go

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Book your trip to Madrid

Find the best hotels and book tours and experiences, all in one place.

Find hotels in Madrid Book tours and experiences

Madrid travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Madrid?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Madrid at a relaxed pace. See our Madrid itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Madrid?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Madrid guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Madrid?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Madrid guide.

What is the best time to visit Madrid?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Madrid is worth visiting year-round.