The 10 Best Hotels in Madrid in 2023 (2023)

FAQs

How many days are enough for Madrid? ›

However, most people find that three to four days is enough to get a good feel for the city and see its major attractions, such as the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace. If you want to take your time and really explore the city and its neighborhoods, you may want to stay for a week or more.

Lavapies is a very vibrant multicultural area of Madrid. We have been to Madrid a few times and have visited this area. There are many good, varied and really interesting cafes, restaurants and bars, as well as other types of establishments which merit a visit.

The streets that offer the best choice of bars and clubs are Calle Huertas and its parallel streets. The area is very close to Puerta del Sol. Malasaña: This area is located in the city center. During the 80's it was the heart of “La Movida”, a socio-cultural movement in Spain.

The safest neighbourhoods in Madrid are Retiro, Chamberí, Salamanca, Sol, Malasaña, Chueca and La Latina. The coolest neighborhoods in Madrid are Sol, Malasaña, Cheuca, Lavapiés, and La Latina. The best neighborhoods in Madrid for families are Retiro, Chamberí, and Salamanca.

The best time to visit Madrid is in the fall (September to November) or spring (March to May), when balmy temps blow through the city, making it come alive. But if you don't mind drab weather and a rather listless Madrid, visit in the winter when hotels reduce their rates.

The best way to get around Madrid is by metro. A handful of metro lines extend as far north as the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) as well as into the city's southern suburbs. Buses are an option, too, as are metered taxis, which can be hailed on the street or found in ranks throughout the city.

In any case, and regardless of the length of stay, the traveller must have at least 810 euros or its equivalent in foreign currency.

How to travel in Spain on a shoestring budget. How much you'll need for two weeks: €700-800. Cost per day: €50-60 or USD $60-70. The most memorable, exciting part of our time in Spain was living with a local family in one of Costa Brava's villages, Corca.

Chamartín. Being the place that wealthy people want to live in, Chamartín is the north center of Madrid. You won't find many tourists here, but rather wealthy locals. The infrastructure is excellent, and this district is well-connected to the rest of the city by well-maintained highways and the metro.

What is Lavapiés famous for? ›

In fact, it's often called the Triangle of Art, known for its three famous art centers, La Casa Encendida, La Tabacalera and, of course, the famous Museo Reina Sofía, which sits on the edge of the neighborhood.

Drinking in the streets of Madrid and Barcelona is against the law, and this is down to the local tradition of botellón (literally “big bottle”) according to which the locals, especially poor teenagers, gather close to nightclubs and club together to drink, trying to save money.

Pozuelo de Alarcón (a municipality in the outskirts of Madrid) is the area with the highest average income and lowest unemployment rate in Spain. This is according to the "Indicadores Urbanos 2022" (2022 Urban Indicators) statistics which have been published by the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE).

Some of Madrid's best-known local specialties are callos a la madrileña (tripe stew), cocido madrileño (a multi-course stew made with chickpeas, meat, and veggies), and oreja a la plancha (grilled pork ear).

Is Madrid easy to get around on foot? Indeed it is—in fact, that's the best way to experience the city! Most of the city's iconic sites are within walking distance of each other, and the main roads and plazas are easy to navigate around as well.

Here are some things I consider must-see attractions and activities in Madrid: the Museo del Prado, the Museo Thyssen, the Reina Sofía, the Royal Palace, attend a flamenco show, try some delicious tapas in one of the many tapas bars scattered around Madrid, and walk around off the beaten path.

You can certainly spend all four days in Madrid, but I recommend taking one day trip. You'll find plenty of gorgeous places to visit near the Spanish capital, and if you're a first-time visitor, either Toledo or Segovia will be a perfect choice as they're both must-see UNESCO-listed cities.

Jeans are very popular here in every style and worn throughout the year and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Wear them with cool layers such as camisoles or a t-shirt and light cardigan for the summer, or warmer ones e.g. a long sleeved shirt and sweater in the winter.

The month with the most rain in Madrid is October, with an average rainfall of 1.8 inches. The rainless period of the year lasts for 2.1 months, from July 2 to September 4. The month with the least rain in Madrid is July, with an average rainfall of 0.3 inches.

According to Hotels.com, the cheapest time to visit Spain is usually from December to March, which also happens to coincide with both its coldest months and its thinnest tourism season.

Is it better to use cash or card in Madrid? ›

In Spain, students are encouraged to use cash in smaller cities as they many not accept credit cards. Many of the business in Madrid accept credit cards. Using a credit card ensures the best exchange rate.

A 5 to 10% of the total bill is ideal and it's better pay in cash. Credit cards are not normally used to pay tips by the Spanish and it may lead to a confusing conversation. If you are tipping in Madrid in an upmarket restaurant check that a cover charge has not already been applied before paying the bill.

Current rules on Spain's Ministry of Interior website say: "Currently, the minimum amount of money that you need to prove you have is €100 per person per day (£85), with a minimum of €900 (or its equivalent in foreign money) effective from January 1, 2022."

Although many places accept over-the-counter card payments, it is always advisable to have some cash with you in Spain. Expect to use it to pay for smaller purchases of up to €20 at many shops and restaurants.

Dinner: 9–11 p.m.

Cena, or dinner, is usually much lighter than it would be in many other countries. If eaten at home, a Spanish dinner often consists of a salad; a plate of cured ham, sausages or aged cheese; or even just a yogurt and a piece of fruit.

It's always advisable to bring a mix of cash and credit cards on vacation. You should also exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel before you leave home, or withdraw money upon arrival at an airport ATM.

Under the new rules, holidaymakers may be forced to prove that they have at least 100 euros (£85) per person per day of the trip. The Spanish Ministry del Interior says that foreigners must prove they have the “economic resources” to enter.

Is it expected? Tipping in Spain works differently: The customer actually has the option to not leave any tip at all. However, restaurants expect a 10% tip on each bill—although it's not a formal rule, and that percentage is much lower than tipping practices in other countries.

To put it simply, yes, Madrid is safe to visit. Crime rates remain relatively low, with the only major concern being pickpocketing. Compared to other rivaling European cities, students, solo tourists, backpackers, and female travelers can safely navigate the city, both by day and night.

Is 7 days in Madrid too long? ›

Spend a perfect week in and around Madrid!

However, if you're just passing through, we think 7 days in Madrid is perfect for getting to know the city. You'll be able to see all the iconic tourist sights as well as step off the beaten path and see how the locals live.

Well, you might think that Madrid is more likely to be targeted but this is not true. The same criminal syndicates which target high profile tourists are also said to be behind numerous attacks on Madrid bars and restaurants. Madrid is safe at night and in the day but you need to be careful!

Barcelona is the most expensive city to buy and rent a home in Spain — idealista.

The Paseo de la Castellana is the axis of the entire Spanish capital. It bisects a great portion of the metropolis from north to south, ranging from the roaring soccer terraces of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to the soaring monument to Christopher Columbus near the Plaza de Colon.

The Plaza Mayor (English: Town square) is a major public space in the heart of Madrid, the capital of Spain. It was once the centre of Old Madrid. It was first built (1580–1619) during the reign of Philip III.

La Latina is a historic neighborhood in the Centro district of downtown Madrid, Spain. La Latina occupies the place of the oldest area in Madrid, the Islamic citadel inside the city walls, with narrow streets and large squares. It is administratively locked almost entirely within the district of Palacio in Centro.

Tinto de Verano

This drink is tremendously popular and is made from soda water, red wine, lemon and ice. Simple, cheap and refreshing. You won't have any problem finding tinto de verano, since it's served by 99% of the bars in Madrid.

There is a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per person per day that can be served and these drinks will be provided only during lunch and dinner ( 3 each).

Do you have to wear masks in Madrid? ›

Masks must still be worn on all public transport, in hospitals, retirement homes, healthcare centres and chemists.

Prices in Madrid are slightly less expensive than in most European cities, especially compared to towns like Florence, Amsterdam or Vienna. In Spain's capital, it is relatively easy to find a good hotel for an affordable price and the public transport system is inexpensive.

Pozuelo de Alarcon, richest city in Madrid

Pozuelo de Alarcón is an outstanding suburban area in the madrid region. Known as the richest city in Spain, exclusive real estate listings often offer over 19,000 sq.

Typical Spanish breakfast includes coffee (cafe con leche or cafe cortado) with some pastries (churros and croissants are the most popular), cookies (Maria galletas), cakes (most typically bizocho), toasted bread (various tostadas), sandwiches (bocadillos), or potato omelet (Tortilla Espanola).

What is a typical breakfast in Madrid? Traditional breakfast foods in Madrid include toasted bread (tostadas) with toppings like olive oil and crushed tomato, a wedge of Spanish omelet (pincho de tortilla), or pastries. On weekends and special occasions, many people opt for churros and chocolate.

What is this? One of the most traditional Spanish breakfast foods is a tostada — a piece of toasted bread. A tostada is always served at least two ways, topped with either butter and jam (con mantequilla y mermelada) or olive oil and tomato (con tomate y aceite).

Puerta del Sol is the actual center of Madrid... Kilometer zero from which all road mileage begins. It is also the site of Madrid's coat of arms statue the bear and the strawberry tree. it is the site of street perfomers and demonstrations.

Centro is the central district in Madrid. It contains most of the city's historical centre, as well as the Royal Palace and the Parliament, and many opportunities for shopping, dining, and nightlife.

The Puerta is located in the very heart of Madrid. It serves as the kilometre zero from which all radial roads in Spain are measured. This is demonstrated by a plaque on the floor of the square, marking the exact point of Km.

This bustling square located bang in the centre of Madrid is one of the city's most famous sites. With its semi-circular shape, it is a junction for many of the city's historical and busiest streets such as Mayor, Arenal, Alcalá and Preciados, as well as the starting point for all major radial roads in Spain.

What is the richest area in Madrid? ›

Pozuelo de Alarcón (a municipality in the outskirts of Madrid) is the area with the highest average income and lowest unemployment rate in Spain. This is according to the "Indicadores Urbanos 2022" (2022 Urban Indicators) statistics which have been published by the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE).

Built between 1910 and 1929, Gran Vía is Madrid's most famous street, connecting Salamanca and Argüelles and full of shops, restaurants and some of the capital's most iconic buildings.

Some of the best shopping streets in Madrid are the lively Gran Vía, the Serrano Street (Calle Serrano), Preciados Street (Calle Preciados), and Fuencarral Street (Calle Fuencarral).

The Plaza Mayor (English: Town square) is a major public space in the heart of Madrid, the capital of Spain. It was once the centre of Old Madrid. It was first built (1580–1619) during the reign of Philip III. Only a few blocks away is another famous plaza, the Puerta del Sol.

Plaza Norte 2 Mall

One of Madrid's largest shopping centres, ideal for a great day out.

Getting around Madrid by Metro

With over 300 stations linked together by 15 lines, Madrid's underground will get you around the city quickly and hassle-free.

Puerta del Sol (meaning The Sun's Gate in English) is one of the most renowned central squares in Madrid, a meeting point both for tourists and Madrileños, and home to several of the city's landmarks, such as the Kilometre zero.

Gran Vía, Preciados Street and Fuencarral Street: The heart of Madrid. Gran Vía is a main artery within central Madrid and is lined with remarkable architecture, shopping, dining and entertainment options.

The Clock of the Comunidad of Madrid is located at the Puerta del Sol. During New Year's Eve, it becomes the point of attention because it announces the New Year in Spain and people eat the 12 grapes in the square.