🇪🇸 Spain
Madrid travel guide
Madrid is Spain's elegant capital, a city of grand boulevards, exceptional art museums, and a nightlife that doesn't start until midnight. The Golden Triangle of Art (Prado, Reina Sofia, Thyssen) holds masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Picasso, while tapas bars and flamenco tablaos keep the city vibrant until dawn.
Language
Spanish (Castellano)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Timezone
CET (GMT+1) / CEST (GMT+2 summer)
Best time
March to May, September to November
Budget/day
€70-160/day
When to visit
Jan
2°C - 10°C
Feb
3°C - 12°C
Mar
5°C - 16°C
Apr
8°C - 18°C
May
12°C - 23°C
Jun
17°C - 30°C
Jul
20°C - 35°C
Aug
20°C - 34°C
Sep
16°C - 28°C
Oct
10°C - 20°C
Nov
6°C - 14°C
Dec
3°C - 10°C
Safety
very safeMadrid is safe. Watch for pickpockets at Sol, Gran Vía and Rastro market.
Women travellers
Madrid is very safe for solo women travellers. Malasaña, Chueca (LGBTQ+ district), Lavapiés, and La Latina are all safe and busy at all hours. Madrid is known for its late nightlife culture — streets stay populated well past midnight. Use the Metro late at night rather than walking isolated streets.
Culture & etiquette
- + Eat dinner after 9pm (Spanish style)
- + Try vermouth at noon
- + Walk the Paseo del Arte
- + Experience siesta timing
- - Don't eat dinner at 6pm (too early!)
- - Don't rush tapas
- - Don't skip the free Reina Sofia hours
- - Don't underestimate summer heat
Food to try
Cocido Madrileño
Traditional chickpea stew
Calamari sandwich
Bocadillo de calamares near Plaza Mayor
Churros con chocolate
At San Ginés (historic)
Hidden gems
Details are indicative and may change. Verify visa, safety, and entry requirements before travel.