Madrid is one of the top tourist destinations in Spain and the world! It is such a warm and welcoming capital that it is like a second home for many travelers. A city that always greets you with open arms, where the good weather and the friendly character of the people always invite you to come back.
The city of Madrid has hundreds of tourist attractions and a rich and vast cultural agenda for all tastes. Of course, it is practically impossible to visit the city in its entirety in just a couple of days, but if you plan your trip well, you can get the most out of it.
So, whether you are preparing your trip to take a spanish course madrid or perhaps to take a great vacation, in this article, you will find all the information you need to get organized and prepared for your stay in the capital of Spain.
We will provide you with all the relevant facts about the city of Madrid, along with some recommendations and tips for you to have the best experience. You will learn everything you need to know about excursions, accommodations, means of transportation, places to eat, etc. Let’s get started! Are you ready?
What is the best time to visit Madrid?
Of course, any time of the year (and of life) is lovely to visit the city of Madrid; but if we can be pretentious, the perfect time could be during the spring or fall.
Why these seasons? Because they are the months in which it is not too hot, but it is still hot, and there is also very little rain. On the other hand, since it is not the high season, the city is not overcrowded with tourists, which allows you to explore its attractions at a leisurely pace without endless queues.
The months of May, June, September, and October are the ideal months to get to know the capital of Spain. If these options are not possible for you, and you can only travel in July or August, you should prepare yourself for scorching days (they can reach 40 degrees) and arm yourself with patience to move among the large masses of people.
Where to stay in Madrid?
The ideal is always to try to get accommodation in the city center (or close), at a reasonable price, to access all the attractions on foot; but that is quite difficult to achieve. Accommodation in the center is usually expensive, and even more so in high season, although sometimes you are lucky and there are exceptions; but since it is not usual, it is advisable to look for accommodation that is relatively close to the center, or make sure you stay near a metro stop to be able to move around without problems.
Often staying in a hotel is not an option because it implies a more significant budget; In that case, we advise you to check the rentals of apartments or rooms through Airbnb; or a hostel, which is usually cheaper.
In the event that the reason for your trip is to attend a spanish language school madrid, make sure that your accommodation is relatively close to it so that you don’t have to travel a lot whenever you have classes. Keep in mind that language schools for foreigners often offer dormitories for their students where they can share the facilities. It is always advisable to prioritize proximity in these cases.
How to get around Madrid
The transport system in Madrid is complete and connects the entire city, which makes getting around very easy. The options to move around the city are metro (the most used), train, bus, bicycles (also highly requested), and even cable cars.
The subway is the fastest and cheapest; there is a vast network that connects every corner of the city, offering several stops in each area. It is the easiest way to travel, and its frequency is perfect.
Buses are another good option, but they can confuse a visitor. Since there are many different lines, In any case, they are distinguished by color to be able to locate the route they take, which is indicated at the stops.
The bike is ideal for getting around downtown when it comes to short distances. They are available to rent occasionally at only 2 euros per hour.
Taxis are not recommended as they are costly and you will have to deal with city traffic.
Where and what to eat in Madrid?
Madrid gastronomy (and Spanish in general) is recognized as one of the best in the world, and in this city, there are many options to eat delicious, abundant, and cheap.
There are hundreds of typical bars to go for tapas and have a few beers, such as “Los Timbales”, “La Latina,” or “Torre del Oro”. You can also surprise yourself with traditional dishes made at the stalls in the squares.
Of course, like in most big cities globally, you can also find fast-food chains and an incredible variety of international food from every corner of the world.
You always try to avoid the most central and tourist places, since the prices there will be much higher than in other areas, and the food will not necessarily be better.
Free attractions in the city
Madrid offers all kinds of activities, and many are accessible to those who cannot afford more expenses. One of them, for example, is to discover the Temple of Debod, right in the center. It is an ancient Egyptian temple, approximately 2,200 years old, located just ten minutes from the city’s main avenue.
Many activities are organized outdoors, such as concerts, festivals, recitals, street art, etc. There are also many public places to see and visit; hundreds of squares, viewpoints, and green parks. Even certain museums, such as the Thyssen, the Reina Sofía, or the Prado, offer free access during the week.
As you will see, money is no excuse! There is a lot to do in Madrid, so start planning your trip!
