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Travel advice for Spain
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Spain
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Simon Baskett
updated 13.03.2023
Madrid has something to offer everyone. It is home to a trio of world-class art galleries, an atmospheric historic core and the most successful club in the history of football. It hosts some of the best tapas, bars and nightlife in the whole of Spain. The Spanish capital is sure to wow; here's the Rough Guide to where to stay in Madrid.
The information in this article is inspired by Pocket Rough Guide Madrid, your essential guide for visiting Madrid.
9 days / from2491 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.
view tour ⤍4 days / from649 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.
view tour ⤍10 days / from3826 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!
view tour ⤍5 days / from1493 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.
view tour ⤍4 days / from1412 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.
view tour ⤍18 days / from4633 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.
view tour ⤍8 days / from2382 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.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1733 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.
view tour ⤍9 days / from1504 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.
view tour ⤍4 days / from910 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.
view tour ⤍13 days / from6633 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.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2725 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.
view tour ⤍4 days / from1553 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.
view tour ⤍4 days / from1597 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.
view tour ⤍12 days / from4049 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!
view tour ⤍29 days / from9330 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.
view tour ⤍16 days / from2562 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.
view tour ⤍10 days / from4633 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.
view tour ⤍7 days / from3090 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.
view tour ⤍15 days / from5968 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.
view tour ⤍4 days / from2562 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.
view tour ⤍18 days / from6017 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.
view tour ⤍8 days / from2502 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.
view tour ⤍9 days / from5990 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.
view tour ⤍If you are looking at where to stay in Madrid for luxury - exclusive Barrio de Salamanca is renowned for smart apartment blocks, designer emporiums and its pijo residents. There are no qualms about flaunting wealth here. This is also the home of the wonderful Museo Arqueológico, Sorolla and Lázaro Galdiano collections, as well as Real Madrid’s magnificent Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
One of the best areas where to stay in Madrid is the Puerta del Sol. This square marks the epicentre of the city – and, indeed, of Spain. It is from this point that all distances are measured, and here that six of Spain’s Rutas Nacionales officially begin.
The area around Sol and Plaza Mayor is the beating heart of the Spanish capital. Packed with people, bars, restaurants, clubs and cafés, this is the place to be if you share the madrileños’ zest for life.
This unique tailor-made Spanish discovery 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.
The Plaza de Santa Ana/Huertas area lies at the heart of a triangle. It is bordered to the east by the Paseo del Prado, to the north by c/Alcalá and along the south by c/Atocha. Puerta del Sol can be found at the western tip. The city reached this district after expanding beyond the Palacio Real and the Plaza Mayor.
Want to spend a couple of days in Madrid but don't know where to start? Our guide to things to do in Madrid: a day-by-day itinerary for the perfect weekend will help you plan your time to the full.
The heart, in all senses, of Malasaña is the Pza. Dos de Mayo, named after the insurrection against Napoleonic forces on May 2, 1808. The rebellion and its aftermath are depicted in Goya’s famous paintings at the Prado.
The streets have an interest of their own and are home to some fine traditional bars, while on C/Manuela Malasaña you can take your pick from some of the trendiest cafés in town. There are also some wonderful old shop signs and architectural details, best of all the Antigua Farmacia Juanse on the corner of C/San Andrés and C/San Vicente Ferrer.
Once rather down at heel, Chueca is now one of the city’s most vibrant barrios and the focal point of Madrid’s LGBTQ+ scene. At the centre is the lively Pza. de Chueca (MChueca), which is fronted by one of the best old-style vermút bars in the city, Taberna de Ángel Sierra.
The whole area has become gentrified, with the rise of a host of stylish bars, cafés and restaurants and the opening of the refurbished Mercado de San Antón.
If you are looking for where to stay in Madrid for a cultural experience, choose Paseo del Arte. Madrid’s three world-class art museums, The Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza, are wedged into the Paseo del Arte. This stretch has the added advantage of being adjacent to the tranquil botanical gardens, while nearby is the stately Parque del Retiro. These are the perfect places to visit if you need a break from the frenzied city centre.
On this tailor-made trip to the tales of two cities, you will 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 in Spain, Barcelona.
If it is atmosphere you are looking for, then the historic districts of Madrid de los Austrias and Ópera are the places to be. Tangled streets, Flemish-inspired architecture and the extravagant Plaza Mayor dominate the former.
Ópera on the other hand is a more refined, stately quarter, defined by the imposing Palacio Real and the elegant Plaza de Oriente. Ópera is one of the most pleasant and relaxed barrios in the city.
Travelling further in Spain? Check out our guides to the best places to stay in Barcelona, or the best places to stay in Andalucía.
One of Madrid’s great avenues, Gran Vía cuts a swathe through the city from east to west. Be sure to look up to feast your eyes on a panoply of architectural styles, sculptures and facades. To the north lie the bars and clubs of Chueca and Malasaña; to the south the sights and sounds of Sol and Huertas.
On this tailor-made Madrid getaway, you will spend four days discovering the wonders of Spain's capital Madrid. From fascinating museums like El Prado and Reina Sofia to exploring unknown corners with your private guide to a day trip to the surroundings, this itinerary packs the best of Madrid.
When you get tired of sightseeing, Madrid’s many parks are great places to escape for a few hours. The most central and most popular of them is El Retiro, a delightful mix of formal gardens and wider open spaces. Nearby, in addition to the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía galleries, are a number of the city’s smaller museums, plus the startlingly peaceful Jardines Botánicos.
Find more accommodation options to stay in Retiro
Take to the Spanish capital for art, culture and a taste of life in the city on this tailor-made trip to Madrid. 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.
La Latina is a short walk south from Pza. de la Villa. If you’re exploring Madrid de los Austrias, it’s a natural continuation, as some of the squares, streets and churches here date back to the early Habsburg period. One of the most attractive pockets is around Pza.
De la Paja is a delightful square behind the large church of San Andrés, and once home to one of the city’s medieval markets. In summer, there are a couple of terrazas here, tucked well away from the traffic. The streets in and around Cava Baja and Cava Alta in La Latina include some of the city’s most popular bars and restaurants.
Another good option where to stay in Madrid is Lavapiés. From here, you can follow C/Mesón de Paredes, stopping for a drink at one of the city’s most traditional bars, the Taberna Antonio Sánchez at no. 13, past rows of wholesale clothes shops to La Corrala, on the corner of C/Sombrerete.
Are you looking for a budget-friendly way to spend your time in Madrid? In our guide to things to do in Madrid for free you will find a couple of interesting ideas.
Ready for a trip to Madrid? Check out Pocket Rough Guide Madrid or The Rough Guide to Spain.
If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Madrid without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.
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Top image: Cibeles fountain Madrid, Spain © Shutterstock.
written by Simon Baskett
updated 13.03.2023
Simon Baskett has lived and worked in Madrid for the last 30 years. He has written the Rough Guide to Madrid, the Pocket Rough Guide to Madrid and has been a long time contributor to the Rough Guide to Spain. A former Reuters sports correspondent for Spain, he has also worked for a variety of British newspapers and magazines, a flamenco website and and has written and contributed to history books for children. Follow him on Twitter @simon_pb.
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Spain