Madrid holidays

Popular holidays

Museum hopping, tapas tasting and flamenco dancing – you can tick off all three on a holiday to Madrid.

A dose of Spanish culture

City breaks to Madrid go big on museums, art and nightlife. Throw fine food and traditional entertainment into the mix, and it’s no surprise that the Spanish capital’s a hit with culture vultures. It may be a modern city, but there’s plenty of historic charm to be found in the labyrinth streets of Madrid’s medieval quarter. At the heart of it all, you’ll find Plaza Mayor. Over the years, this centuries-old square was the backdrop for some of the city’s most important events. These days, it’s better known for its markets, tavernas and tapas bars.

World-class art

Madrid’s art scene’s world-renowned, and you can dive right into it at the city’s top three galleries – the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Together, they make up what’s become known as the Golden Triangle of Art. Pay them a visit, and you’ll get a glimpse of some of the world’s best collections of European paintings and sculptures – the Prado Museum alone houses more than nine thousand.

A city that never sleeps

Soaking up Madrid’s culture doesn’t have to be reserved for the daytime. In fact, the city really comes to life in the evenings, so you might want to make time for a siesta. Late night tapas-tasting and traditional flamenco shows are a possibility seven days a week. The shops along Grand Via and even some museums stay open ‘til late. And if sunsets and sangria are more your thing, you can stop by one of the swish rooftop bars that are scattered all over the city.

Popular hotels in Madrid

Top things to see and do in Madrid

Beaches

Day trips for beach lovers

Despite being a landlocked city, beachgoing isn’t off-limits on a holiday to Madrid. You’re only a few hours away from the nearest coastal stretch of sand, and nearby rivers provide plenty of places to swim and sunbathe inland, too.

The big beach

If you’re in need of a bit of sea air, head over to La Malvarrosa Beach in Valencia. It’s a couple of hours away from Madrid by train, so day trips are doable. And it’s popular thanks to its lively promenade, fine sand, family-friendly facilities and Blue Flag status.

The secret beach

If you don’t want to travel far for a beach day, Lancha del Yelmo could be just what you’re after. This reservoir sits just an hour’s drive outside of Madrid, and it’s surrounded by tree-carpeted hillsides. People come here from all over Spain to swim, canoe and fish in the waters of the Alberche River.

Shopping

Bargain buys

If searching for bargains is your thing, El Rastro’s not to be missed. It’s the city’s most popular flea market, held every Sunday on Plaza de Cascorro and the surrounding streets. Vendors offer up everything from second-hand clothing to electronics, and you can even get your hands on antiques.

Mid-range buys

Madrid’s best-known street, Gran Vía, is the ideal spot for some retail therapy. All the high street favourites like H&M, Zara and Primark have set up shop here. There are loads of restaurants and bars thrown into the mix, too, so you can sample local wine and tapas while you take a break from shopping.

Designer buys

Calle de Serrano is a must-visit if you’re looking for designer shops. The southern half of this three-kilometre-long street plays host to luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Some of them sit inside big malls, which are also packed with restaurants.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

For a low-key night out, head to one of Madrid’s many rooftop bars, grab a cocktail and watch the sunset. Most are free to enter. And no matter where you go, the city’s classic buildings are sure to provide a picturesque backdrop.

Lively evenings

Madrid’s known as the capital of flamenco, so no trip would be truly complete without seeing a show. Head to a theatre to catch a grand performance, or join the locals at one of the city’s popular flamenco tablaos.

Food & drink

Cocido madrileño

Locals and tourists can’t get enough of this meat and vegetable stew. It’s traditionally made with pork and chickpeas, which are simmered for hours for a robust flavour. Although it sounds like a winter comfort food, you’ll find plenty of places in Madrid serving this up all year round.

Huevos Rotos

This popular Spanish dish literally translates to ‘broken eggs’, and you’ll find it on most tapas menus in Madrid. It starts off with freshly fried potatoes topped with lightly sizzled eggs, and it’s often finished with a sprinkling of chorizo, ham or other meat.

Bocadillo de calamares

This fried squid sandwich is a must-try when in Madrid. It’s a simple-but-tasty sandwich made up of crusty bread and deep-fried squid rings. You can add a squeeze of garlic mayonnaise or tomato puree for an extra burst of flavour – and for the full experience, don’t forget to wash it down with a cold beer.

Churros

If you’re got a sweet tooth, no trip to Madrid would be complete without digging in to a portion of churros. And luckily you’ll find plenty of street food stalls dishing them up here. The deep-fried strips of dough are usually served with a pot of steaming hot melted chocolate for dipping.

Tortilla de patatas

You’ll find this potato omelette dish served up all over Spain, and there are all sorts of variations of it on offer in the capital. Whether you prefer yours with caramelised onions, spicy sausage or colourful peppers, you’ll be able to grab a portion from one of Madrid’s many cafés or tapas bars.

Top Hotels in Madrid

Facts about Madrid

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Language

Spanish

Time zone

GMT +1

Flight duration

2 hours 30 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

What should I pack for Madrid?

For Madrid, pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city. Bring a mix of light, breathable clothing for warm days and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Include sun protection like sunglasses and sunscreen, and don't forget a daypack for sightseeing.

What are the best beaches in Madrid?

Madrid is an inland city without coastal beaches. However, you'll find lovely urban beaches along the Manzanares River, such as Madrid Río Beach. For a day trip, we recommend visiting nearby lakes like San Juan Reservoir or Bolarque Reservoir, about an hour's drive from the city.

Should I tip in Madrid?

In Madrid, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. At restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common practice. For taxis and hotel staff, a small tip is a nice gesture if you're pleased with the service.

Where can I try local food in Madrid?

For authentic Madrid cuisine, visit the historic Mercado de San Miguel or traditional taverns in La Latina neighbourhood. Try local specialties like cocido madrileño at Taberna La Bola, or sample tapas at El Tigre. For a sweet treat, enjoy churros con chocolate at the famous Chocolatería San Ginés.

Where are the best places to shop in Madrid?

Madrid offers diverse shopping experiences. You'll love exploring the upscale boutiques along Calle Serrano in the Salamanca district. For high street brands, head to Gran Vía or Calle Preciados. El Rastro flea market on Sundays is perfect for unique finds, while Mercado de San Miguel is great for gourmet food shopping.

What's the nightlife like in Madrid?

Madrid has lively nightlife starting late with dinner often after 9pm and clubs opening around midnight. Head to Malasaña for alternative bars and live music venues, or Chueca for cocktail bars and a welcoming atmosphere. La Latina offers traditional taverns serving tapas alongside wine and vermouth bars popular with locals.

What travel adapter do I need for Madrid?

When visiting Madrid, you'll need a European-style two-pin plug adapter. Spain uses Type C and Type F plugs, which have two round pins. We recommend bringing a multi-plug adapter if you have devices with different plug types.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Madrid?

When visiting Madrid, it's polite to greet locals with "hola" when entering shops or restaurants. Dining hours are later than in many countries, with lunch around 2pm to 3pm and dinner typically after 9pm or 10pm. When visiting churches or religious sites, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees.