Madrid is definitely one of Europe’s most dazzling big cities. It is a thriving cultural, political, and economic hub known for its world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and as a global center for business, but truly, it still somehow retains the coziness and charm of a much smaller place.
The area that is now Madrid has been inhabited for thousands of years. It was initially settled by various Celtic and Iberian tribes before the Romans arrived in the 2nd century BC and established a small settlement called “Matrice.”
Madrid was a relatively insignificant Roman town, part of the larger province of Hispania. Its main purpose was as a military outpost and a stopover point for travelers on the road connecting Emerita Augusta (modern-day Mérida) and Caesaraugusta (modern-day Zaragoza). After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Visigoths took control of the Iberian Peninsula, including Madrid. Later, in the 9th century, it was conquered by Muslim Moors. During this period, it was known as “Mayrit.” Madrid was reconquered by King Alfonso VI of Castile in 1085, marking the beginning of Christian rule. The city’s strategic location on the Tagus River made it an important center for trade and commerce.
Madrid truly began to rise in prominence when King Philip II chose it as the capital of Spain in 1561, a position it has held ever since. This decision was influenced by Madrid’s central location within the Iberian Peninsula. Madrid went through a series of political changes during the 20th century, including the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and the subsequent rule of General Francisco Franco. After Franco’s death in 1975, Spain transitioned to a constitutional monarchy, and Madrid played a crucial role in this transition.
Getting There & Staying There
You will likely fly into Madrid’s international airport, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. From the airport, it’s easy to get to the city center via the metro, trains, buses, or a taxi or ride-share.
- The fastest and most cost-effective way to reach the city center is by taking Line 8 (the pink line) of the Madrid Metro. The pink line connects you to key stations in the center like Nuevos Ministerios, Colombia, and Mar de Cristal, among others, and you can connect to other lines from there. The Madrid Metro is very inexpensive and an impressive and super highly-functioning system. When you get to the metro entrance, you can buy a single journey or a multi-pass for a discount. Be sure to add the airport supplement (3€.)
- The C-1 and C-10 Cercanías commuter trains also connect the airport to the city center. The C-1 line goes to Príncipe Pío station, while the C-10 line connects to Atocha Railway Station.
- The Airport Express Bus (Exprés Aeropuerto) is another convenient option but this is highly dependent on where you’re staying. It connects the airport with 4 central locations: Atocha Railway Station, Cibeles Square, and O’Donnell Street. This typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Taxis cost a flat rate of 30€ but the lines can be very, very long.
- Ridesharing services like Uber are also available at the airport. You can request a ride through the app, and your driver will pick you up at the designated rideshare pickup area.
Madrid is a massive city, so the topic of where to stay is a hot one! We stayed in La Latina and we absolutely loved it– it felt like a little historic oasis right in the hustle and bustle of town. Here are some options for neighborhoods:
- Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía: This area is right at the heart of Madrid and is a fantastic choice for first-time visitors. It’s close to many major attractions, shopping districts, and theaters. You’ll find a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury, in this area.
- Plaza Mayor and La Latina: Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s iconic squares, and staying in this area puts you within walking distance of many historic sites. The La Latina neighborhood, known for its tapas bars and nightlife, is nearby.
- Chueca: Chueca is Madrid’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood and is known for its lively atmosphere, trendy boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great choice for those who want to experience Madrid’s modern and diverse culture.
- Malasaña: This bohemian neighborhood is popular among young travelers and creatives. It’s known for its vintage shops, street art, and a lively nightlife scene with plenty of bars and live music venues.
- Retiro: If you prefer a quieter and more upscale atmosphere, consider staying near Retiro Park. This area offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, and you can enjoy leisurely walks in the park.
- Salamanca: Salamanca is Madrid’s upscale shopping and dining district. It’s home to high-end boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and luxury hotels. This neighborhood is perfect for those seeking a luxurious experience.
- Lavapiés: Lavapiés is a multicultural neighborhood known for its diverse food scene and artsy vibe. It’s an excellent choice for budget travelers and those interested in experiencing Madrid’s cultural diversity.
- Huertas (Barrio de las Letras): This historic neighborhood was once home to famous Spanish writers like Cervantes and Lope de Vega. It’s filled with literary history, narrow streets, and traditional Spanish taverns.
- Atocha: Staying near Atocha Railway Station provides convenient access to both the train station and several major museums, including the Reina Sofía Museum, which houses famous works by Picasso and Dalí. Atocha is a gorgeous station well-worth a visit on its own, with a tropical-themed garden inside.
- Chamberí: Chamberí is a quieter residential neighborhood with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a more local experience while still being close to the city center.
Keep in mind that Madrid is a very popular destination for stag and hen parties, so if you want a quiet night’s sleep, it’s a good idea to look for hotels that don’t allow them.
Lastly, remember that Madrid’s public transportation system is super efficient! Even if you stay slightly outside the city center, you can easily access the main attractions and neighborhoods using the metro and buses. This is a great way to budget when choosing the best neighborhood for your pocketbook in Madrid 😉
Recommended Reading
The Perfect Weekend in Madrid
Day 1:
- Experience Puerta del Sol: Madrid’s central square is a hub of activity and home to the iconic “Kilometer Zero” marker showing where the roads used to fan out from. It’s a great starting point for exploring the city.
- Explore the Royal Palace: The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) is a stunning architectural masterpiece and the official residence of the Spanish royal family. You can tour its opulent rooms, gardens, and the nearby Almudena Cathedral. There are free tours Monday-Thursday evenings, but you must be inside the palace prior to 6PM in order to get in. Behind the Royal Palace is the Royal Collections, which are quite a treat– featuring all sorts of art and other things belonging to the Spanish royal family, and also free to enter in the evening.
- Visit the Temple of Debod: This ancient Egyptian temple was gifted to Spain and now stands in a park with a reflecting pool.
- Wander around Plaza Mayor: This historic square is the perfect place to people-watch and soak in the atmosphere of “old Madrid.” This was also a great meeting spot, and we found ourselves traversing the square several times each day. Side note, if you’re keen on a yoga class while in town, we super recommend Numen Yoga Studio nearby.
- Sample churros con chocolate at San Gines: Is it a tourist trap? Yes. Is it 100% worth a visit? Also yes! If you go during the day, don’t miss the adorable pop-up bookstore of the same name leaning against the nearby church.
- Explore the Gran Vía: Madrid’s main thoroughfare is lined with shops, theaters, and restaurants. It’s perfect for shopping, dining, and enjoying the city’s bustling energy– an energy it has in spades! We loved walking around here, especially in the evening.
- Visit Mercado de San Miguel: This historic market near Plaza Mayor is a food lover’s paradise. Sample gourmet tapas, Spanish wines, and a variety of local and international dishes. While it’s definitely not cheap, it’s fun to walk around there a bit.
Bonus: if you visit on a Sunday, check out El Rastro. Madrid’s famous open-air flea market takes place every Sunday in the La Latina area. It’s a great place to find vintage items, antiques, clothing, and souvenirs.
Day 2:
- Visit the Prado Museum: The Prado Museum is one of the most renowned art museums in the world, featuring an extensive collection of European art, including works by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, and more. It’s an overwhelmingly massive place, so it’s a good idea to write out a list of what you’d like to see and its corresponding room. Note that the numbering system isn’t super intuitive, so don’t be scared to ask a docent if you’re feeling a bit lost. You can also check out the museum’s website for free days/times and other info.
- Visit the Royal Botanical Garden: Located near the Prado, this lush garden features a diverse collection of plants and is a peaceful escape from the city. At the time we visited, it was 4€ to enter and we’d say it was worth it.
- Visit the Palacio de Cibeles: This unbelievable palace pretty much has to be seen to be believed. Behind it, the 18th century neoclassical fountain of the same name depicts the goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by 2 lions.
- Eat tortilla española at La Martinuca: We loved this place! Tucked away quite close to the Cibeles area, the mouthwatering tortillas were economical and fresh. Get there right when they open to get a seat, as it’s pretty small inside.
- Stroll through El Retiro Park: Parque del Retiro is a beautiful, expansive park where you can rent a rowboat, visit the Crystal Palace, or simply relax amidst lush gardens and fountains. We brought a picnic from Carrefour to enjoy the sunset here and it was perfect.
- Visit the Reina Sofía Museum: This contemporary art museum houses works by Spanish artists like Picasso and Dalí, with Picasso’s “Guernica” being one of the most famous pieces.
- Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: This museum houses an impressive collection of European art, including works by Impressionists, Expressionists, and modern artists.
We really recommend doing a free walking tour! While in Madrid, we participated in the Free Walking Tour Madrid. Like other free tours, you tip what you wish at the end.
Bonus: 2 fun day trips
If you have an extra day and are keen to get out of the city, we have 2 fun options for you– Toledo and Segovia! Both are well-worth a visit, and you can do both in 1 day on a tour or separately on your own (there are no trains connecting them yet, unfortunately.) Check out our guide to these 2 gems here!
We hope you enjoyed this whirlwind guide to a weekend in Madrid. It’s truly an enchanting city, one we hope to visit again soon! There is so, so much to do that you’ll have trouble even scratching the surface on a first trip.
For more Spain content, check out our guides to Málaga and Córdoba, Valencia, Barcelona, and Montserrat! And be sure to pin our guides for later by clicking on the photos below.
