How to get and move in the city

From the airport, you have many different options to arrive to the city. You can take a taxi (15 min to the center), the bus (number 200/blue) will take you to ‘Avenida de America’ metro station so you can jump to the metro line to your destination, or take a taxi from there. It will take more time, but you can also go directly from the airport in metro (line 8) to your destination.

In the city, we recommend you to move by metro or bus because of the traffic. You can buy the metro card in all metro stations and charge it with 10 rides (same card for metro and bus), or the best option is If you know someone that lives in Madrid, you can buy the monthly card before arriving here. This will have unlimited rides for 30 days. You can make the appointment for the day you arrive in advance on this page. Just be aware of which metro station you are making the appointment.

15 places to visit

1. Retiro Park and Crystal Palace:

Best park in the heart of the city. Ideal for boating on the pond and enjoying street performances. Inside the park, you can visit the stunning Crystal Palace.

2. Puerta Alcalá

Puerta de Alcalá is located at the heart of Madrid, near Retiro Park and along the wide boulevard of Calle Alcalá. It’s one of Madrid’s oldest and most recognizable structures and one of the iconic symbols of the city you cannot miss.

3. Plaza de Toros

This is the famous bullring of Madrid. We’ve never been to a bullring show because we don’t like them, but we live very near and it’s a very beautiful historic building and also a house for concerts and festivals.

4. Templo de Debod:

If you visit the Royal Palace, you can walk from there to the temple. Best sunsets and viewpoints of the city are from here. It’s an ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain.

5. Royal Palace:

The official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. You can enjoy the inside tour and beautiful gardens.

6. Puerta del Sol

The central square of Madrid, known as ‘Kilometer Zero’, from where all the Spanish roads start. It’s a great starting point if you want to explore the city. You will see the heart of downtown Madrid with its beautiful streets.

2. Plaza Mayor:

You can walk from Puerta del Sol to this historic square with beautiful architecture with a lot of restaurants and shops. Is one the most tourist place in Madrid. You can find in the surroundings, the oldest restaurant in Madrid (Restaurante Botín from 1725).

7. Plaza de Cibeles:

From here you’ll see the fountain and one of the most beautiful buildings in the city ‘ Palacio de Cibeles’ which houses cultural exhibitions and the city town hall.

8. El Rastro flea market:

This market takes place every Sunday of the year. You can find unique souvenirs, antiques, and vintage items. Remember to bring cash because most of the places don’t accept cards.

9. San Miguel Market

The architecture of this Market is amazing. You can try the famous tapas here from different locals inside the market. It’s a very tourist place so we recommend you to go early or to visit also San Anton Market or San Isidro Market (more local ones).

10. Gran vía:

This is the city’s main street where you’ll find theaters, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s a perfect place for shopping and entertainment.

The architecture of this Market is amazing. You can try the famous tapas here from different locals inside the market. It’s a very tourist place so we recommend you to go early or to visit also San Anton Market or San Isidro Market (more local ones).

11. Famous Museums:

You can find in Madrid an incredible art collection in one of the most famous of the world museums. Such as ‘El Prado Museum’ where you can find art by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, and Rubens. Also the Reina Sofia Museum, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. You’ll find an extensive collection  including Pablo Picasso’s famous masterpiece, “Guernica.”

12. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

For football enthusiasts, you can visit the famous home stadium of Real Madrid.

14. Terrace with views of the city

If you want to enjoy beautiful terraces, you can go to Picalagartos, Riu Hotel, Cibeles Palace, or Santa Ana Square. Our favorite is Terraza de Sabatini where you’ll have a beautiful view of the Royal Palace.

15. Flamenco show

You’ll find a lot of tourist options for these shows but we’ve been to many. Our favorite is ‘El Corral de la Moreria’ near to the Royal Palace.

Where to eat

We have a lot of recommendations but in general if you want to try Spanish culinary culture, you’ll find the tapas everywhere. You just have to order a beer (caña in spanish), and you’ll have a tapa. The list of places to eat is endless, but here are a few that we like:

• La Gaditana Restaurant (Spanish typical food and tapas)
• Leña restaurant (spanish chef)
• Bibo Dani García (mediterranean)
• La Mallorquina (famous desserts)
• Los Montes de Galicia (galician food)
• Riberira del Miño (seafood)
• Salmon Gurú (coctel bar)
• Casa Dani (best tortilla)
• La Barraca (traditional Paella)

These are just a few highlights of this incredible city. Walking through the city’s neighborhoods, trying its cuisine, and immersing in the culture will make for an unforgettable experience.