Travel advice for Spain
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Spain
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 11.06.2019
One of the sunniest and liveliest capital cities in Europe, Madrid has a lot to take pride in. Indeed, its inhabitants, the Madrileños, are so proud of their city that they modestly declare “desde Madrid al Cielo”: that after Madrid there is only one remaining destination – Heaven. While their claim may be open to dispute, this compact, frenetic and fascinating city certainly has bags of appeal and its range of attractions has made it a deservedly popular short-break destination. Here's a day-by-day itinerary to help you plan a perfect weekend filled with amazing things to do in Madrid.
9 days / from2468 USD
Andalucía Explored
Discover the best of Andalucía's breathtaking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards, and more, as you travel through spectacular scenery dotted with pueblos blancos and bordered by rugged mountains and coast en route to Granada, Seville, Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera.
customize ⤍4 days / from643 USD
A culinary experience in Seville
Explore the cuisine and surroundings of Seville in Andalucia. From Iberian ham over sherry wines to the production and secrets of olive oil, this tour is an ideal weekend getaway. Decide yourself if you prefer a rental car or a chauffeur-driven car to explore the beauty of Andalucia.
customize ⤍10 days / from3791 USD
Spanish Honeymoon
Discover Andalusia, starting with the cultural city of Seville, then on to Córdoba and Granada, home of the stunning Alhambra Palace. Next you'll visit Granada and the Albayzin Arab quarter, then enjoy a stunning hot-air balloon ride, before ending your trip with a luxury boat trip from Marbella!
customize ⤍5 days / from1480 USD
Made for Madrid
Take to the Spanish capital for art, culture and a taste of life in the city, Madrileño-style. Explore age-old churches and pretty plazas, stroll through the lovely Buen Retiro Park and visit captivating Toledo. Then, come sundown, discover the city's vibrant barrios and lively nightlife.
customize ⤍4 days / from1399 USD
A Madrid getaway
Spend four days discovering the wonders of Spain's capital Madrid: from fascinating museums like El Prado and Reina Sofia over exploring unknown corners with your private guide to a day trip to the surroundings, this itinerary packs the best of Madrid.
customize ⤍18 days / from4590 USD
Hidden Spain - From Barcelona to Basque Country
Do you want to explore highlights in Spain while staying in nature at the same time? Look no further. Start your Spanish adventure in Barcelona before heading off to the mountains - drive your rental car to Andorra and further on to Basque Country. Decide between driving yourself or guided tours.
customize ⤍8 days / from2360 USD
Andalucía by Car
Enjoy this road trip through Spain’s exuberant Andalucía, which will take you through the charming cities of Malaga, Seville, Granada and various 'white villages', including Ronda, with its vertiginous views across the sweeping Andalucían countryside.
customize ⤍5 days / from1717 USD
The Lands of Wine from Madrid
Spain is well known for its amazing wines and this itinerary allows you to explore two famous regions: Ribera del Duero and La Rioja. Four different wineries, from traditional to modern, and many restaurants on the way await your visit.
customize ⤍9 days / from1490 USD
The Cities, Mountains and Beaches of Northern Spain
Southern Spain has been a busy tourist destination for many years. This self-drive trip avoids the touristy area along the southern Spanish coast, instead opting to take in the culture of the north and its natural beauty and the rugged beaches and coast.
customize ⤍4 days / from902 USD
Simply Seville
Make the most of a city break in one of Spain's most atmospheric cities. The home of flamenco, Seville is a veritable feast for all the senses. Come here for the tantalising cuisine and fragrant orange trees, awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral, pretty plazas and many excellent museums and galleries.
customize ⤍13 days / from6572 USD
Cultural Cities of Spain
From Barcelona down to Granada in the deep South, see the best of Spain on this multi-city tour that takes in Madrid, Córdoba and Seville, too. Get to grips with Gaudí, see historic Toledo, wander through the Prado, see the Alhambra, and more on this cultural extravaganza of Spain's finest cities.
customize ⤍7 days / from2155 USD
The tale of two cities: Madrid and Barcelona
Explore the capital of Spain Madrid with a unique city tour before heading about an hour outside of the city, to visit Europe's longest zip-line in historic Toledo. Afterwards, board a train to explore the second-largest city of Spain, Barcelona.
customize ⤍4 days / from1539 USD
A weekend getaway to Malaga
Malaga is a coastal city in Andalusia, right on the famous 'Costa del Sol'. This weekend getaway allows you to explore the city, as well as the well-known surrounding cities of Ronda and Marbella. Yellow sand beaches, fascinating museums and a delicious cuisine await to be discovered.
customize ⤍4 days / from1582 USD
City break Valencia
Spain's third largest city offers a beautiful old city quarter, plentiful history and a vibrant culture to be discovered. Palaces, museums and a rich cuisine make Valencia an attractive weekend getaway destination, as does the nearby wine region of Requena.
customize ⤍12 days / from4012 USD
Iconic Cities of Spain: Madrid, Seville, Valencia and Barcelona
Spend a wonderful 12 days exploring the best that Spain has to offer on a trip including city tours of historical Madrid, Granada, Seville, Valencia, and Barcelona. Enjoy palatial-style boutique accommodation throughout the holiday, and savour delicious cuisine and regional wine. Be inspired!
customize ⤍29 days / from9245 USD
From the South to the North - a Spanish Immersion
The ultimate trip for Spain lovers - explore the country at a leisurely pace from the South to the North. Start in Seville and make your way to Madrid via Granada and Cordoba. From Madrid, continue to the North - the Camino de Santiago, Basque Country and mountains await.
customize ⤍16 days / from2538 USD
Gems in Southern Spain
Discover the gems of Southern Spain at a leisurely pace. Start and end is in Seville. From there, you will venture out to visit Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Nerja, Malaga and the Costa del Sol, and much more on the way. Transportation and accommodation options are diverse and yours to choose.
customize ⤍10 days / from4590 USD
Spanish Discovery - Barcelona, Seville & Madrid
This unique trip is ideal for everyone wanting to get a real taste of Spain. Private guides or small group tours await to show you Barcelona, Figueres, Seville, Cordoba, Toledo, and Madrid. Stay in luxurious Boutique Hotels conveniently located so you can explore the cities on your own as well.
customize ⤍7 days / from3062 USD
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.
customize ⤍15 days / from5913 USD
Camino de Santiago & Portugal Deluxe
Hike the 'Way of Saint James', more precisely - the Portuguese Route, a World Heritage Site. After 5 days of beautiful hikes, it's time to say goodbye to Spain and hop on a plane to Portugal. Lisbon and Porto await before exploring the wineries of Douro Valley. A truly exceptional trip.
customize ⤍4 days / from2538 USD
A Luxury Journey through the Vineyards of La Rioja
Visit La Rioja, Spain's most renowned wine-producing region, and discover the secrets of Spanish wine making. By the time this unique trip is over, you'll have sampled a wide range of fine Spanish wines, and you're sure to be going home as an expert.
customize ⤍18 days / from5962 USD
Self Drive in Northern Spain
This tour is perfect for the independent traveller, with a sense of adventure and a love for food. Start in Santiago and discover among others Galicia and Asturia, all the way to Basque Country. On the way, Michelin starred restaurants and beautiful vineyards await. Finish your trip in Barcelona.
customize ⤍8 days / from2479 USD
Castilian Castles: A Luxury Spanish Road Trip
Welcome to the driving trip of a lifetime through the Castile region, a picturesque land full of regenerated medieval castles and farmed plains. Explore places like Rioja Alavesa, a privileged microclimate for vine cultivation, and the majestic locations of Albarracin and Alarcón, at your own pace.
customize ⤍9 days / from5935 USD
Unique Spain - Cultural Getaway
A trip filled with history, amazing landscapes and cultural attractions. Starting with walking tours around the cities hearts, to exploring the gastronomy, the arts and the folklore. Your trip begins in Barcelona before proceeding to Madrid and finishing in Seville - Andalusia's capital.
customize ⤍The Prado is Madrid’s premier tourist attraction and one of the oldest and greatest collections of art in the world. This top things to do in Madrid contains a fabulous array of masterpieces by artistic greats such as Bosch, El Greco, Titian, Rubens Velázquez and Goya.
Ward off any museum fatigue by freshening up with a stroll, jog, bike ride or even rollerblade around beautiful and bustling Retiro park. The tranquil gardens within the park are exquisite, and row boats can be hired from the shore of the lake. Be sure not to miss the Crystal Palace, originally built as a greenhouse for exotic plants in 1887, and which can now be admired for its architectural beauty, and the temporary exhibitions which it holds - you'll never get bored with the things to do in the Retiro.
Crystal Palace in the Retiro Park in Madrid © JPF/Shutterstock
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For a taste of some classic Castillian cuisine, as well as excellent homemade deserts, try the well-regarded Asador Arizmendi in Tirso de Molina. Getting acquainted with the food is one of the top things to do in Madrid, something worth carving out time for.
Marvel at the magnificent, over-the-top decor in this one-time royal residence now used only for ceremonial purposes. The palace was built in the eighteenth century by Felipe V, who sought to create a luxurious palace to demonstrate the wealth and power of the Crown, as is evident in the swirling marble floors, celestial frescoes and gold furnishing.
Royal Palace (Palacio Real) in Madrid © Artur Bogacki/Shutterstock
When it comes to coffee in Madrid, it's worth splurging a little: looking out over the plaza towards the royal palace, the elegant but pricey Café de Oriente makes a great place for a relaxing drink.
Built when the city became Spain’s capital in the sixteenth century, Madrid’s atmospheric main square is now primarily a tourist haunt, but retains an aura of traditional elegance and grandeur. A large bronze statue of Felipe III, dating from 1616, dominates the centre of the square - a walk around here is still one of the top things to do in Madrid.
An aerial view of the Plaza Mayor in Madrid © Alexandr Medvedkov/Shutterstock
Next, explore the twisting grid of ancient streets surrounding the square, filled with Flemish-inspired architecture of red brick and grey stone. The barrio (district) of La Latina, which stretches south of the square, is particularly appealing.
Hit the tapas trail around barrio de la Letras, the literary quarter, known to locals as las Huertas. Hop from bar to bar, sampling local specialities. Casa Alberto, Casa González and Casa del Abuelo II are good places to make a start.
Seeing Flamenco live is a highlight of a trip to Madrid © Shutterstock
Finish the night off with one of the most thrilling of things to do in Madrid: some authentic flamenco at Casa Patas. The best nights are Thursday and Friday.
The Thyssen holds an outstanding art collection assembled by the Thyssen-Bornemisza dynasty and provides an unprecedented excursion through Western art since the fourteenth century. From pre-Renaissance works to cubism and surrealism, there's certainly something for everyone
The Santiago Bernabéu football stadium, home to Real Madrid © Steven Paul Pepper/Shutterstock
Home to the all-star Real Madrid football team, a tour of this 80,000 seater stadium is a must for any football fan. Catch a glimpse of the hallowed turf as you visit the changing rooms, stroll around the edge of the pitch, and take a seat in the VIP box. Better still, take in a game.
Prepare yourself for a spot of shopping in Chueca and Malasaña by sampling a mouth-watering range of tapas at El Bocaito.
Located in the commercial heart of the city, vibrant and bustling Chueca and Malasaña districts are home to some of the city’s hippest fashion outlets and most interesting independent stores, including a host of vintage shops.
An essential stop on the Madrid art circuit is the Museo Reina Sofía, an immense exhibition space providing a permanent home for the Spanish collection of modern and contemporary art, including Picasso's monumental room-sized painting, Guernica
View from the Museo Reina Sofía © Yulia Grigoryeva/Shutterstock
Head for the ninth floor of the city centre branch of the classic Spanish department store El Corte Ingles to enjoy some breathtaking views of Madrid. Gaze out over the Capitol building on the Gran Vía, the Palacio Real, and out towards the distant mountains from one of the bars and food stalls set up on the top floor.
Established in 1725, El Botin is holds the Guinness record as Europe’s oldest restaurant, and serves up superb, traditional Castillian food.
Work off some calories with a dance at one of Madrid’s many nightclubs. Joy Madrid has an eclectic mix of music, a fun atmosphere and a fantastic setting for a late-night drink.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwPpfRdoME8
The perfect trip can't do without the perfect place to stay, study our guide to where to stay in Madrid and find the right one for you. For an alternative Spanish city break explore our guide to Valencia city break: a perfect weekend in Spain.
Discover more of Madrid with the Pocket Rough Guide to Madrid. Compare flights, find tours, book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you go. Top image: Old cobbled street in Madrid © Catarina Belova/Shutterstock.
Top image: Gran Via, Madrid's main shopping street © Studioimagen73/Shutterstock
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 11.06.2019
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