Madrid is a city of grand boulevards, world-class art galleries, and a lifestyle that centers around good food and long evenings. It is the sophisticated heart of Spain.
Getting Around
Madrid’s public transport is world-class, consisting of a vast Metro network, blue EMT buses, and Cercanías (commuter trains).
The Tarjeta Multi
Public transport is completely paperless. Buy a reusable Tarjeta Multi from any station machine and load it with a “10-journey” pass. It can be shared between multiple people—just tap and pass it back.
For ride-hailing, Cabify is the local favorite and often more reliable than Uber. Use Freenow if you prefer to book an official white-and-red taxi through an app.
Watch Your Pockets
While very safe, Madrid is a hotspot for subtle pickpockets. Stay alert in crowded areas like Sol, Plaza Mayor, and on the Metro Line 8 from the airport. Never leave your phone on a restaurant table.
-
Use Citymapper for the most accurate multi-modal trip planning, as it perfectly integrates Madrid’s Metro, EMT buses, Cercanías trains, and even BiciMAD (e-bikes).
-
Use Metro de Madrid Official for real-time station-specific updates, line disruption alerts, and detailed offline maps of the underground network.
-
Use EMT Madrid specifically for the blue city buses to see live bus locations on a map and check the “occupancy level” of the next approaching vehicle.
-
Use Cabify or Uber for upfront, predictable pricing in modern private vehicles.
-
Use Bolt if you are looking for the lowest budget rates during off-peak times.
-
For the fastest route through heavy traffic, use Freenow to book official white taxis that utilize dedicated bus lanes.
Where to Stay
Malasaña is the bohemian soul of the city, full of cool cafes and vintage shops. If you prefer more elegance and upscale shopping, Salamanca is a perfect choice. For first-timers, staying near Puerta del Sol puts you right in the center of the action.
The Siesta Silence
Many smaller shops and traditional businesses still close between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Use this time for a slow lunch or a rest before the city comes alive late at night.
Find a place in Malasaña
Ad: As a Booking.com partner, we may earn a commission from your booking.
Things to Do
The Golden Triangle of Art
Madrid is home to three of the world’s most important art museums: the Prado, the Reina Sofía (home to Picasso’s Guernica), and the Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Prado Strategy
The Prado Museum is massive. To avoid burnout, book a morning slot online and focus on the “Big Three” masters: Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
Retiro Park and Royal Palace
Relax in the expansive Retiro Park, a green oasis in the city center. Then, visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest functioning royal palace in Europe.
The Tapas Tradition
In Madrid, the best way to eat is a “Tapas Crawl.” Instead of one big meal, visit several bars, ordering a drink and a small plate at each. Look for the crowded ones!
Explore activities in Madrid
Ad: As a GetYourGuide partner, we may earn a commission from your booking.
Money & Shops
Madrid is effectively cashless in 2026, but card terminals will often ask if you want to pay in your home currency or Euros. Always choose Euros to avoid “Dynamic Currency Conversion” (DCC) fees, which are essentially a legal exchange rate scam.
Supermarket Strategy
For 100% card-friendly shopping, stick to Mercadona, Carrefour, or Lidl. Be aware that almost all shops—including supermarkets—close on Sundays, except for those in the high-traffic tourist zone between Sol and Gran Vía.
A common tourist gripe is the “Credit vs Debit” confusion at automated kiosks (like those for train tickets). If your card is rejected, it’s often because the machine requires a physical chip-and-PIN credit card rather than a mobile-wallet debit card. Always carry one physical card as a backup.
Pit Stops
Public restrooms are rare on the street. The most reliable “street-smart” move is to head to the nearest El Corte Inglés department store; they are free, clean, and you don’t need to buy anything to use them.
Madrid's Best Freebie
The tap water in Madrid is widely considered the best in Spain. It’s crisp, clean, and perfectly drinkable. Look for the “Canal de Isabel II” stone fountains in public squares to refill your bottle for free.
For a high-value amenity, remember that the Prado Museum offers free entry Monday to Saturday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It’s the best way to see a few masterpieces without paying the full ticket price.
Local Ways
The biggest culture shock in Madrid is the clock. Lunch is served from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and dinner rarely starts before 9:00 PM. If you try to eat dinner at 7:00 PM, you will find most kitchens closed or empty.
Securing a Table
During peak months, use the TheFork (ElTenedor) app to book restaurants. It’s the local standard and often provides discounts of up to 30% on the menu.
When it comes to social norms, don’t be offended by the noise level; Madrileños are famously loud and social. Regarding tipping, the 2026 standard remains relaxed: leave a few coins or round up the bill for casual meals, and 5-10% for exceptional service at high-end spots. It is never mandatory.
Health & Help
In Madrid, a Farmacia (marked by a glowing green cross) is where you go for medicine, even basic painkillers. A Droguería or supermarket is for soap and toothpaste.
24-Hour Pharmacies
If you need help in the middle of the night, look for a Farmacia de Guardia. By law, pharmacies must post a list in their window showing the nearest 24-hour location. Farmacia Lastra (Calle del Correo, 3) near Puerta del Sol is a reliable 24/7 option.
The most common health issue for visitors in February is the “dry cold” from the nearby mountains. It feels warmer than it is because of the sun, but the wind can be biting—layer up to avoid a sudden cold.
Emergency phone number
In the event of an emergency in Spain, dial 112. This is a free, universal number for police, fire, and medical services with English-speaking operators available.
Safety & Accessibility
While violent crime is rare, the “trileros” (shell game scammers) around Plaza Mayor and Sol are persistent. They work in teams with pickpockets; if you stop to watch the game, you are the target. Keep your bag in front of you on the Metro, especially Line 8 to the airport.
Cobblestone Warning
The historic neighborhoods of La Latina and Barrio de las Letras are beautiful but brutal for wheelchairs or strollers due to steep inclines and uneven cobblestones. Stick to the wider, paved boulevards of Salamanca for easier mobility.
For planning accessible routes in English, use these resources:
- Metro de Madrid Accessibility: Provides real-time status of elevators and station accessibility.
- Accessible Madrid: A private but highly useful site offering rental equipment and specialized tours for those with limited mobility.