Madrid is energetic, open and very easy to settle into: most of its residents came from somewhere else. The art museums along the Paseo del Prado are among the best in the world, the Retiro is one of Europe’s great parks, and the bars stay full long after midnight.
It has Spain’s widest choice of jobs and international schools, and the lowest regional income tax rate.
Climate: Hot, dry summers (35 °C+ in July and August) and cold, sunny winters; low humidity.
Visiting Madrid
How long: 3 to 4 days
Don’t miss
- Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen museums
- Retiro Park
- Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral
- El Rastro flea market on Sunday
- Tapas in La Latina
- Day trips to Toledo and Segovia
What to eat
- Bocadillo de calamares
- Cocido madrileño
- Churros with chocolate
- Vermouth before lunch
Classic places to eat
- Sobrino de Botín: Roast suckling pig and lamb. Opened in 1725, it claims to be the oldest restaurant in the world. Book ahead.
- Chocolatería San Ginés: Churros with thick hot chocolate. Open since 1894 in a passage off Calle Arenal, busy late at night.
- Casa Labra: Cod croquettes and fried cod (tajadas de bacalao). A standing-room tavern near Puerta del Sol, open since 1860.
- Mercado de San Miguel: Tapas from many stalls. An iron-and-glass market hall by Plaza Mayor. Lively, but priced for visitors.
Tip: Many museums have free entry in the last hours of the day; check each museum’s website for the current schedule.
Plan a visit
Things to do in Madrid Where to stay
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A perfect first day
- Morning: the Prado (book online), then a walk through the Retiro park.
- Afternoon: the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and lunch in La Latina.
- Evening: tapas in La Latina or Malasaña, and dinner after 9 pm like the locals.
Easy day trips
Where to stay as a visitor
For first-timers.
For a young, lively scene.
For upmarket calm.
More of Madrid
Fiestas
Living in Madrid
Best for: Professionals, families and anyone who wants big-city energy and jobs.
Neighbourhoods and areas
Central, young, bars and shops; noisy.
Classic, safe, central, family-friendly.
Upmarket shopping and elegant flats.
Multicultural, cheaper, lively.
Riverside park, good value.
Houses, international schools, commuter trains.
Pros
- Biggest job market in Spain
- Excellent metro and trains
- World-class culture
- Low regional taxes
Cons
- No sea
- Hot summers
- High rents in central areas
Cost tiers compare places within Spain (€ = among the cheapest, €€€€ = among the most expensive). Rents change quickly: check current listings for the exact area before you decide.
Thinking of moving?
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Madrid?
3 to 4 days is enough for the main sights: prado, reina sofía and thyssen museums, retiro park, royal palace and almudena cathedral. Many museums have free entry in the last hours of the day; check each museum’s website for the current schedule.
Is Madrid expensive to live in?
On our scale it is very high (€€€€). It is among the most expensive places in Spain, mostly because of housing.
How do I get to Madrid?
By air: Madrid-Barajas (MAD), 20 to 40 minutes by metro or train. By rail: Hub of the AVE network: Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Málaga about 1h45 to 3h.
Have you been to Madrid?
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