Madrid operates on its own schedule. Dinner starts at 10pm, clubs open at 2am, and the streets stay lively until sunrise. The Prado and Reina Sofia house some of the world's greatest art, but the real culture is in the tapas bars and plazas where Madrilenos gather to eat, drink, and talk. Madrid offers excellent value for a European capital. Food and wine are cheap, accommodation is reasonable, and the late-night lifestyle means you get more hours out of each day. Flight deals to Madrid appear regularly.
Best Time to Fly to Madrid
Peak Season
April through June and September through October have ideal weather. Easter week (Semana Santa) and San Isidro festival (May) draw crowds.
Off Season (Best Deals)
July and August are brutally hot (100°F+) and many locals flee. January and February are cooler and quieter.
Spring (April to May) is pleasant at 60-75°F. Summer (June to August) is hot and dry at 85-100°F. Fall (September to October) cools to 65-80°F. Winter (December to February) is mild at 40-55°F with occasional rain.
💡Book 2-3 months ahead for spring and fall. August is quiet (locals vacation) but very hot.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Madrid
Cheapest Months
January, February, August
Most Expensive
April, May, September, October
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Must-Try Foods in Madrid
Tapas Crawl
The Spanish tradition of small plates with drinks is a way of life. La Latina neighborhood on Sunday afternoon is peak tapas culture. Order a cana (small beer), get a free tapa in some bars, and keep moving.
$2-8
Cocido Madrileno
Madrid's signature stew features chickpeas, vegetables, and various meats served in courses. Heavy, hearty, and perfect for winter. Malacatin and La Bola are traditional spots. Lunch only; this is not dinner food.
$20-30
Bocadillo de Calamares
Fried squid rings in a crusty bread roll: Madrid's street food staple. The bars around Plaza Mayor serve them constantly. Simple, cheap, and surprisingly good. Pair with a cana.
$4-6
Top Attractions in Madrid
Museo del Prado
One of the world's great art museums houses Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, and Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights. Allow at least half a day. Free entry 6-8pm daily. The building itself is magnificent.
Reina Sofia
Spain's modern art museum has Picasso's Guernica and works by Dali and Miro. The building includes a beautiful courtyard. Free entry 7-9pm Mon-Sat and Sunday afternoons. Guernica alone is worth the trip.
Retiro Park
Madrid's central park has a boating lake, the Crystal Palace, and beautiful gardens. Locals stroll, picnic, and people-watch. Free and essential. Sunday afternoon sees the city out in force.
Daily Costs in Madrid
Madrid is affordable for a European capital. Tapas and wine are cheap. Hotels cost less than Paris or London. Budget $80-120 per day for comfortable travel.
Accommodation (per night, pick one)
Budget
$60-100
Mid-Range
$100-180
Airbnb
$70-130
Food (per day)
Street Meal
$5-12
Restaurant
$15-30
Coffee
$2-4
Transport
Local Transport
$1.50-2/ride
Comfortable Daily Budget
(excluding flights)
$80-130
Getting Around Madrid
From the Airport
Metro Line 8 connects Barajas to the center in 40 minutes for $5 (supplement for airport stations). Express bus costs $5. Taxis charge a flat $30 to center.
Getting Around
Madrid's Metro is excellent, clean, and reaches everywhere tourists go. Walking is pleasant in the center. Buses fill gaps. Taxis are metered and reasonable. The city is very walkable.
Tips
- •Buy a 10-ride Metro pass (Metrobus) for savings. It works on Metro and buses.
- •Walk the center. Madrid's major areas are all walkable within an hour.
Where to Stay in Madrid
Sol / Gran Via
The heart of Madrid with Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and major shopping. Central to everything and well-connected by Metro. Tourist-heavy but the classic Madrid starting point.
La Latina / Lavapies
La Latina has the best tapas bars, especially along Cava Baja. Sunday afternoon here is peak Madrid. Lavapies is multicultural and edgier. Both stay alive late.
Malasana / Chueca
Malasana is hipster Madrid with vintage shops and indie cafes. Chueca is the LGBTQ+ neighborhood with excellent restaurants. Both have character and local energy.
Smart Travel Tips for Madrid
FAQs About Flights to Madrid
Madrid is affordable for Western Europe. Budget $80-120 per day. Tapas and wine are cheap. Hotels cost less than Paris or London. It's one of Europe's best value capitals.
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