Madrid, Spain — One Girl, Two Passports

Spain is one of my favorite countries in Europe, if not my favorite. Two years ago we did a roadtrip around Andalucía that ended in Madrid, and it was just amazing. There is so much to do, see, and eat!

If you are planning a trip to this wonderful city or considering it your next vacation spot then keep reading for more information about this wonderful city…

Getting to Madrid City Center

Aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez (MAD) is the main airport in Madrid. It is located about 12 miles northeast of Madrid’ city center and is easily accessible by metro, bus, or car.

Public Transport (Metro): The most popular and affordable route. The metro runs daily from 06:00 AM to 01:30 AM and the cost is between $1.66 (1.50€) to $2.22 (2€), depending on how many transfers you’ll need. The airport line (Line 8, Pink) ends at Nuevo Ministerios and from there you can change to almost any other line. Tickets can be purchased at any metro station. Refer to picture below for a map of the metro!
Public Transport (Bus): The public bus system (EMT), specifically line 200 is another option for getting to city center. This bus operates from terminals T1, T2, and T4 to Avenida de America. The cost is $1.66 (1.50€) and can be purchased onboard. The bus operates from 06:00 AM to 11:30 PM and runs every 4 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day and traffic.
- Of note, EMT buses do not accept bills larger than 5€.
Airport Express Shuttle: This bus operates 24 hours a day and runs every 15 minutes. It departs from terminal T4 and ends at Plaza de Cibeles in the city center. The cost is $5.54 (5€) per person and you can pay with cash (will not accept bills larger than 20€) or contactless card when boarding. The trip will take about 40 minutes, but at least you’ll have a great view!
Taxi: If you are in a hurry, then this might be the best option for you. The journey from the airport to city center takes about 20 - 25 minutes, but remember it also depends on traffic. Cost can be anywhere between $23 and $34 (20€ to 30€) plus an additional fee due to the pick up location.

Getting Around Madrid

The best way to get around Madrid is by metro. The metro has about 12 main lines and 3 additional ones that connect to main areas outside the city center. You’ll find a picture below for your reference. You can buy tickets in any metro station with cash or credit card. The metro is very popular with Madrileños, so I recommend you avoid using it during rush hours as it can get very busy.

Hours: 06:00 AM to 02:00 AM
Cost: Metro one way fares are $1.66 (1.5€) and gives you access to up to five stations (you have to insert your tickets to enter and exit the metro). There is also a 10-journey pass for $20 (18.30€) that will give you 10 tickets in one multi card. .You can also buy a Tourist Ticket for Zone A. The prices for these depend on the amount of days you’ll need it for (anywhere from 1 to 7 days). Prices start at $9.31 (8.40€) for a one day pass and go all the way up to $40 (35.40€) for a 7 day pass. Beware, to purchase this pass you’ll also need to buy a Multi card to load the pass onto.

The public transportation in Madrid is great, but I am a believer cities are best explored on foot. So, I recommend you put on your walking shoes, save some money and explore the city afoot! Madrid is a very pedestrian friendly city, so you will see the streets full of tourists and locals walking everywhere.

Where to Stay When Visiting Spain

Madrid is the most populous city in Spain with many attractions to see, therefore there is no bad location to stay in. Ideally, you want to stay in the city center and within walking distance of a metro station. Last time I visited, we stayed in Hostal Carracedo. Although not the most luxurious accommodation, it was centrally located between the royal palace and the Retiro park. I recommend you stay somewhere between those two landmarks as well since everything is located in that area.

Important tip when booking a hotel or AirBnB anywhere in Spain, pay close attention to the amenities. Some buildings in Spain do not have elevators, so you might find yourself going up 4 flights of stairs to reach your room. Likewise, air conditioning is not as common as in the USA, so be sure to check for these when booking your room.

Things to do in Madrid

As the third largest city in the European Union, there is plenty of things to do in Madrid. Whether you want to eat your way through, visit museums, sunbathe in park or admire beautiful architecture, you will be sure to find all this and more in this city. Keep reading below for my favorite things to do when visiting Madrid!

Free Walking Tour of the City - Madrid is one of the best cities for a free walking tour. The tour guides are fun and the city has a ton of history to learn about. Sandemans New Europe tours are one of my favorites and they offer multiple tours around Madrid. I recommend you start off with the Free Tour of Madrid to learn more about the city. Visit their website for reservations and more information.
- Hours: Daily at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM (in English and Spanish). Tours last approximately 3 hours.
- Cost: Tips-based.
Museo Nacional del Prado -This is the main Spanish national art museum and it is located just West of the Retiro Park. Here you can find famous works by Spanish painters, including the famous Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez.
- Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (free from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM), Sundays 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (free 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM).
- Cost: $16.67 (15€) per person

Relax like a Madrileño at Parque de el Retiro - The most popular park in Madrid and commonly known as El Retiro. You can take a long walk, jog, or pedal your way through the park (there are bicycle stands throughout the park for you to rent a bike). There are also various outdoor cafés and kiosks in case you get hungry. Below you will find specific areas I highly recommend you visit…

Estanque Grande del Retiro - Located in the heart of the Retiro Park, this small lake offers beautiful views and the opportunity to rent a rowing boat. Boats can be rented for $6.65 (6€) to $8.86 (8€) daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM/8:30 PM (depending on the time of year).
Palacio de Cristal - A metal and glass structure built in 1887 originally intended to b used as a giant greenhouse, but today it is used for exhibitions. It is a beautiful place to visit and free, so I recommend you make the short stop.
Rosaleda de el Retiro - This elegant rose garden is located in the South part of the park. The best time to visit is during the spring (May and June) to see the roses in full bloom.
Real Jardin Botanico - Although not exactly located inside the Retiro Park, this botanical garden is just West of the park by Calle de Alfonso XII. It is composed of 20 acres with seven major outdoor sections and five greenhouses.
- Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Cost: $4.43 (4€) per person
- Tip: The botanical garden is located next to the Museo Nacional del Prado, so you can visit both of these places on the same day.

Admire the beautiful arquitecture along Gran Vía - Gran Vía is Madrid’s most famous street, similar to Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris. Built between 1910 and 1929, this popular street is lined with restaurants, bars, clothing stores, cinemas and theaters. It runs from Calle de Alcalá to Plaza de España and it is filled with beautiful architecture, so I recommend you take a stroll down this street and just admire its beauty.

Explore the beautiful Royal Palace of Madrid - This palace is a gem and it blew me away when I first visited! It is the official residence of the Spanish royal family at the city of Madrid so some of the rooms are restricted, but the ones that are open are absolutely stunning. I highly. highly recommend you visit this attraction.
- Hours: Vary depending on the season
  - Winter (October to March): Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  - Summer (April to September): Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Cost: $13.32 (12€) per person.

Main entrance to the Royal Palace of Madrid

Visit an Egyptian temple (Temple of Debod) - An Egyptian temple in Madrid dating back to the 2nd century BC, whats not to love? This temple was dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid in the 1960s as a sign of gratitude from Egypt. It is located at Parque del Oeste, near the Royal Palace of Madrid. Be sure to check its official website for details about visiting the temple since it tends to be closed for renovations every once in a while.

Hours: Opening hours vary according to season and day of the week, closed every Monday.
- Winter (October to March): 9:45 AM to 1:45 PM and 4:15 PM to 6:15 PM.
- Summer (April to September): Tuesday to Friday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Summer (August): Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Cost: FREE

People watch at Plaza Mayor - Once the centre of Old Madrid, this plaza continues to be one of the most popular sites in the city. It is located in the heart of the city and it is the meeting point for most guided tours. It is lined with restaurants and shops making it a great place to people watch.
Experience the hustle and bustle from La Puerta del Sol - One of the best known and busiest places in the city. The square (which is almost semi-circular) used to be the site of one of the city’s gates that was adorned with the image of the sun, hence the name. It is here that you will find the famous bear statue called “El Oso y El Madroño” (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree).

Famous bear statue located at Puerta del Sol

Feel the passion with a flamenco show - You can’t visit Spain and not see a flamenco show, it is just impossible (and unacceptable). Beware these shows can be quite late in the evening and will most likely happen in a tavern-restaurant. Some places require reservations in advance, so be sure to check online for the one you want. I’ve included the best rated shows in Madrid in here, but there are many more.
- Corral de la Moreria - Known as the oldest flamenco locale in the city with performances almost every day.
- Casa Patas - located in city center, puts on a live flamenco show with a tablao (term for floorboard on top of which the show takes place). Prices start at $45 per person (40€) and includes a drink.
- Essential Flamenco - For a different, more authentic experience visit this place. They do not sell food, but the show takes place in an underground cave (in the traditional Andalusian way). It costs $38 (35€) and tickets can be purchased online.
Get a taste of Spanish Cuisine at Mercado de San Miguel - Originally built in 1916, it is made of iron and houses a gourmet tapas market. Here you can enjoy a variety of fresh tapas, hams, olives, baked good, beer, wine and more! It is a bit more on the pricey side and very crowded with tourists, but it is worth visiting for the experience.
- Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Monday - Thursday and Sunday) or 1:00 AM (Friday - Saturday)

Where to Eat in Madrid

Spain has the most delicious food I’ve ever had, so it is very hard to recommend a specific place in this city. Chances are you will have a great meal, but if you are looking for some specifics then check out these places.

EL Museo del Jamón - This is a Madrid staple since 1978 and don’t let the name fool you, this is no museum. Here you will find hundreds of hams hanging from the ceiling, affordable beer, large tapas servings, and charcuterie boards to fill your heart’s desire. There are various locations throughout Madrid making it a great place to stop for a short and quick bite while exploring the city.
Rosi La Loca - Voted the best restaurant in Madrid, this popular tavern is a Spanish vintage tapas bar in the middle of the city. The food is amazing and the tables are limited, so be sure to make a reservation online before visiting!
Miranda - This cafe was a pleasant surprise during my last visit to Madrid. You will find mostly locals in this establishment and generous food portions. The food was fresh and the outside seating area made it the perfect place for a delicious breakfast. I highly recommend!

I hope you find this post helpful for your next adventure and consider giving this wonderful city a visit! If you have visited Madrid and have any recommendations, then I’d love to hear about them. Thank you for visiting my page, come back soon!