The Best of Visiting Madrid, Spain - A Travel Guide
Last Updated: July 11, 2026
ARE YOU VISITING MADRID AND NEED TO KNOW IT ALL NOW?
HOW TO GET HEREÂ | WHERE TO STAY |Â THINGS TO DO |Â WHERE TO EATÂ | WHERE TO PARTY | STAYING SAFE
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Get lost in the magical maze
Visiting Madrid is like getting your first car. At first, it's all a bit new, a bit overwhelming, and you're not too convinced about it. However, after 24 hours of racing around, you're in love, and no one will ever break that unforgettable bond.
The city's streets feel like a maze that you cannot get out of, and that's no accident. In effect, they're built to confuse invaders, and now it appears, tourists.
Luckily, they're full of everything tourists love and are exactly what you'd expect from a Spanish city break. There's culture, art, history - good and bad, food, drink, places to let your hair down, relax or go bonkers.
With this in mind, people think visiting Madrid is expensive, when, in fact, there are more free things to do here than in any other city I've visited. You simply have to find them. And that's where I step in.
In this Madrid travel guide, you'll find everything, from the best churros and tapas to fascinating flamenco shows and relaxing parks. In addition, I'll talk you through all the best things to do in Madrid, where to stay and how to get here, fresh from my latest visit in April 2022.
Now, are you ready for my top tips and advice?
What's Madrid Like?
The vibrant dynamic city of Madrid is alive with the sounds of laughter, chatter and song. The narrow, often pedestrianised, streets act as a maze, guiding you around its architectural delights. Look up, look down, look around, and you'll find beauty, magnificence and class within every building.
The architecture is second to none, with effort, love and skilled craftsmanship going into every stone, brick or ornament. In a like manner, the magical people of Madrid are proud of their city, and this becomes abundantly clear when you get to speak with them.
If the narrow cobbled lanes that usher you from plaza to plaza are the veins, the plazas are the beating heart, where the sounds of beer glasses clink together under the blue skies. The smells of fresh seafood, melting chocolate and fresh bread fill the air as the speeding Spanish conversations drown out the sound of the sizzling calamari and the occasional honk of the horn.
Madrid has managed to create an environment where city life peacefully coexists with green parks, wildlife and the beauty that mother nature provides
Similarly, there is an infusion of the new and old, the artsy and the sporty, the young and the old. It's a diverse mix of all the good things in life, whilst keeping an Identify that only Madrid can do.
How To Get To Madrid
The majority of you will be arriving in Madrid via Barajas International Airport. From here, there are several ways of getting into the city or vice versa.
Firstly, by bus.
During the hours of 6am and 11:30pm the airport yellow bus stops outside terminals 1, 2 and 4 and drops you in the city. The bus comes every 15 to 20 minutes, and the first stop in the city is on Calle de O'Donnell. Then stopping at Cibeles, on the northwest corner of El Retiro Park.
The journey will cost €5, that's £4.25, and will take around 25 minutes. During the hours of 11:30pm and 6am, the N27 takes over and comes every 35 minutes.
Obviously, nowadays, you can pay by card or cash. Swipe that Revolut card.
Secondly, Taxi.
Whilst 24/7, quicker, more comfortable and door to door service, it is a lot more expensive.
In general, the journey takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic, time of day etc. However, it costs around €40, that's £33.50.
Thirdly, via the Metro
You'll need to go from Terminal 2 or terminal 4.
Take the L8 to Nuevos Ministerios and change to the L10 to Plaza de España, or the C4 to Sol.
This will take around 40 minutes but doesn't run after 1:30am. Also, it only costs €3-4.
Finally, the train.
In truth, this is not the best option.
You'll have to take the C1 or C10 train from terminal 4 to Chamartin, then take the underground to your final destination. It costs nearly €3, plus the underground ticket for your onward journey.
Madrid Train Station
The city's main train station is Puerta de Atocha. Travel times are around two and a half hours to Barcelona and one hour forty-five to Valencia.
Timing Your Trip
How Long Should You Spend Visiting Madrid?
Frankly, there is a lot to see and do whilst visiting Madrid, and the city is bigger than you first think. However, five nights in the city should be more than enough to experience it to its fullest potential.
Any less, and you'll be rushing around. Any more, and you could be twiddling your thumbs looking for activities between meals.
The Best Time Of The Year For Visiting Madrid
Madrid is always busy, and that is something you will need to accept during your visit. Therefore you'll need to time your trip well, avoiding the wetter months and the busier summer months. Similarly, you'll want to avoid the Spanish school holidays.
The dryer, quieter months are March and July, when the weather is on point and the crowds tend to be at an acceptable level.
If you leave it much later, you could get overrun with holidaymakers and the heat of the midday sun.
In addition, another good option is to visit Madrid in September and October, when the weather starts to cool, and the tourist numbers die back a little.
Where to Stay Whilst Visiting Madrid
Being a capital city, and a bloody big one at that, there are more places to stay than in some countries, and that's not a joke. Getting stuck for accommodation whilst visiting Madrid is not something you'll need to worry about.
Although, if you're planning on staying over the weekend, it does get busy. Therefore you may not always be able to book the hostel, hotel or apartment you had your eye on. That said, if you book early, you shouldn't have any issues, and you'll find the best deals.
In regards to location, most of the attractions in Madrid centre around the old town, running between the Palace and Retiro Park. So, my advice would be to stay within that area. Luckily, there are plenty of places to choose from. The only questions you'll need to answer are, how much are you looking to spend, and what type of accommodation did you want to stay in?
If you're looking to stay in a hostel, I've got a couple of suggestions below. However, if you're thinking of something more private, check out the links to Airbnb and Booking.com below.
Although, in truth, both of my suggestions have got hotel vibes.
The Hat, Madrid
- What: Stylish and hip hostel.
- Where: A minutes walk south from Plaza Mayor. (map)
- Why: Perfectly located, stylish and comfy.
- Why Not: It can be very loud throughout the night if your dorm is over the entrance, such as dorm 13.
The entrance area is fantastically minimalistic yet, very fashionable, with a small bar, reception desk and plenty of chill-out zones and places to plug in your laptop. Not to mention the all-important entrance to the cave, with enough tables and chairs to sit half of Madrid.
The rooms are small and basic but don’t feel like they’re missing anything. More importantly, they’re comfortable, clean and well lit.
The shower rooms are again clean, tidy and have everything you need, and by this, I mean a couple of powerful showers, sinks without leaky taps and flushable toilets. What more do you need?
Yet, the main attraction is the decorative, lively rooftop terrace that comes complete with umbrellas, olive trees and rooftop views. The bar is kicking and it’s the perfect place to pre-drink before going out for the night.
Finally, there is free Sangria at 9pm every night followed by a pub crawl costing €20. By all means, enjoy it. But in truth, there are so many bars in Madrid that you don't need to do a pub crawl.
Toc Hostel, Madrid
- What: Large hostel over six floors, with a bar, chill zone, pool table, kitchen and much more.
- Where: A couple of minutes walk northeast of Plaza Mayor and a short jump from Sol Subway Station. (map)
- Why: It's really well located, clean, tidy and has everything you need in abundance.
- Why Not: If you're shy, the showers in the dorms may be a little too much.
Toc Hostel has character, charisma and comfort, all within a cosy, comfy, yet, very large hostel. The six floors are connected with a lift and a very rickety, uneven and creaking staircase, and this isn't a dig, it's cool as fuck.
The second floor plays host to the kitchen, bar, chill-out zone, pool table, and one mean breakfast. The breakfast does cost an extra €7.50, but there is plenty of it.
The hostel and rooms are all fingerprint entry, and the quirkiness doesn't end there. The mixed dorms are spacious but spilt into the sleeping area and the bathroom.
The showers are only separated via a three-quarters tall frosted glass screen. So if you're shy, pick your shower time. The toilets do have a proper door, and there is one for the lads and one for the ladies.
Honestly, I am scratching my head to find something wrong with this place, and all I can think of, is the free juices are pretty much just water.
As a result, the Toc Hostel Madrid is great. You'd be silly not to stay here.
Further Accommodation in Madrid
I cannot stress this enough, the sooner you book accommodation in Madrid the cheaper it will be. Leaving it until the last minute doesn't work here, especially if it's a weekend or if Real Madrid are playing at home.
Out of my two suggestions, I would say The Hat Hostel has more of a hostel vibe, with bar crawls and free sangria every evening at 9pm. Obviously, you don't have to book either of my suggestions, but if you do, please let me know what you think in the comments below.
That said, no matter the style, standard or cost of accommodation, you will find something that suits you. Check the holy trinity below for more options.
Best things to do when visiting Madrid
Madrid is a very large city, however, if you take my suggestion of visiting Madrid for four or five days, you will have time to enjoy all the city has to offer. Despite the city's size, if you stay centrally, as I have suggested above, the majority of the main attractions in Madrid are very walkable.
However, if walking isn't something you can do or like doing, Madrid does have a very good underground, as well as a top-notch bus service that runs throughout the city. Furthermore, you can buy a TTP (Tourist Travel Pass), which gives you numerous options for getting around the city. Check out this link for more information.
For the main attractions in Madrid, the best underground stops are: Banco de España, Sol, Gran VÃa, Opera, Plaza de España, La Latina, Tirso de Molina and Estación Del Arte.
Next, be aware that a lot of restaurants and some attractions close on Mondays, and during the hours of 2pm to 5pm, for this is siesta time.
As previously mentioned, Madrid doesn't have to cost a lot. In fact, several of Madrid's attractions are free at certain points throughout the week, so factor that into your trip.
With all that said, here's my list of the best things to do whilst visiting Madrid, and I will tell you if and when they're free.
Here's the full list:
- Watch a Flamenco Show
- Discover the Temple of Debod
- Relax in El Retiro Park
- Get Creative at The Prado
- Eat well at La Mercado de San Miguel
- Walk in the Footsteps of Royalty at The Palace
- Take Advantage of the Free Walking Tours
- Relish in the Beauty of the Real JardÃn Botánico
- Grab a Bargain at El Rastro
All things considered, there is far more to do in Madrid than this list, but I would be here forever and a day. There are endless museums, some of which I did, but didn't think worth a mention, and other things I didn't do, which are, such as a day trip to Toledo. This is my highlight reel.
Enjoy!
Watch a Flamenco Show
- Why: It's a truly authentic and unique experience.
- Where: There are many options across the city. But I'd suggest the Essential Flamenco Show. (map)
- How long: All in all, about an hour and a half.
- How much: €35 (£29.50), which includes a free drink. It's well worth it!
Flamenco has been a part of Spanish history since around the 15th century, and where better to see it than in the Spanish capital.
In truth, there are many shows across the city, but after a bit of research, I went with the Essential Flamenco Show. Why? Because they perform to small crowds, in a cave under the city, where the acoustics are pitch-perfect.
The show is introduced by the master of ceremonies, who gives you the history of flamenco, so I don't have to.
Then, the three musicians, two dancers and the vocalist take to the stage for a thrilling, intimate hour of energetic dance, music and song, wowing the crowds with a new dance every night.
For this reason, this is my number one thing to do whilst visiting Madrid, and, trust me, I didn't think I'd be saying that. It was absolutely phenomenal.
Discover the Temple of Debod
- Why: Well, how often do you get to see a piece of Egyptian history up close and personal.
- Where: A short walk northwest of Plaza de España. (map)
- How long: You'll be queuing for longer than you'll be in there. However, inside, you'll need around 15 minutes.
- How much: You'll get used to this - It's Free!
In reality, there are better things on this list than the Temple of Debod.
However, because it is free and won't take up too much of your time, it is worth seeing.
Inside you'll learn about the temple and those that built it in Egypt in 200BC. You'll also learn about the god Amum, to whom the temple is dedicated.
Overall, it is a short, but fascinating experience, especially getting to see the incredibly well-preserved hieroglyphics that are carved into the interior walls.
Nevertheless, I think the temple is best seen from the outside at night. The temple and the entrance gates light up, and after the rains, the reflections are stunning. (See the blog header photo).
It's worth the walk from the old town just to see it lit up.
Note: It is best to arrive at least fifteen minutes before it opens at 10am. Otherwise, you will be waiting for a very long time in a slow-moving queue.
Relax in El Retiro Park
- Why: Ultimately, it provides a bit of rest bite from the noise of the city.
- Where: On the east of Old Madrid. (map)
- How long: If you take my recommendation of 5 nights, you'll need a half-day relaxing and exploring the park.
- How much: It's free until you buy an ice cream or two.
El Retiro dominates the eastern fringes of the old town and covers a vast expanse of woodland, park, lakes, gardens, cafes and grasslands to lay back and enjoy the blue skies.
It's the perfect place to kick back after a busy day in the city, and it appears that's exactly what the locals do.
Sounds of laughter, chatter, waterfalls and birds replace that of the traffic and roadworks, and frankly, who doesn't need that in their lives.
It's easy to lose a couple of hours strolling around with an ice cream and taking in the wildlife, the Palacio de Cristal and the impressive monument dedicated to Alfonso XII.
Just keep an eye out for those terrapins.
Ohh, and those boats, yeah they're only €6 a go, so there are no excuses not to get out on the water.
Get Creative at The Prado
- Why: Because it holds vast amounts of impressive art from the likes of Goya and Velázquez.
- Where: On P.º del Prado next to the Botanical Gardens. (map)
- How long: Around an hour and a half should be enough, unless you're a real art freak.
- How much: You're looking at about €15. However, it's free between 6pm and 8pm Monday to Saturday, and from 5pm to 7pm on Sundays.
Ok, art lovers, this one is for you.
Having seen several galleries whilst visiting Madrid, this was, by far, the best.
The rabbit warren of rooms is never-ending and seems to go on and on when it appears the building physically cannot.
Thousands of paintings, tapestries and prints wrap every wall. Likewise, the floor space is strewn with numerous statues and artefacts spreading across the gallery.
In addition to the thousands of artists that I hadn't heard of, there were many I had. For instance, the likes of Goya and Velázquez have many pieces taking centre stage.
Regardless of whether you're an art fan or not, the Prado is somewhere you will find engaging throughout.
Note: If you want to go when it's free, get your ticket earlier in the day and come back about fifteen to twenty minutes before the entry time to get ahead of the queue.
Eat Well at La Mercado de San Miguel
- Why: The food is to die for.
- Where: Just outside the northwest entrance to Plaza Mayor. (map)
- How long: Take a lunch hour, why not?
- How much: You know by now. It's free until you buy something, which you will.
Ahhh! San Miguel Market...
Despite there being numerous markets to visit in Madrid, San Miguel has become a favourite with tourists, and it's easy to see why.
The sounds, the smells, the colourful food and the exquisite design of both the building and the foods on offer are breathtaking. It's an experience that you have to have whilst in the city.
Although, due to its popularity, it is also the busiest and most difficult market to manoeuvre around, or find a seat to eat at.
That said, it is worth fighting the crowds for a freshly baked pastry, beer, fresh fruit, sweets and plenty of cheeky little tapas dishes. Take me back.
If it's too busy for you, there are several other markets, most of which are cheaper and just as delectable. A couple of others to look out for are, Mercado San Antón, Mercado de la Paz and Mercado de San Fernando.
Walk in the Footsteps of Royalty at the Royal Palace
- Why: Simply put, it's the most beautiful palace I've been in.
- Where: On the western fringes of Old Madrid. (map)
- How long: Between an hour and a half to two hours, unless you take the four-hour tour, which isn't needed.
- How much: Despite what the internet tells you, tickets are €12 (£10) at the gate.
First and foremost, this is, without doubt, the most lavish, decorative and darn right beautiful interior to any palace I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a few.
From the outside, the grandeur is clear to see. The exquisite design is a marvel to the eye.
However, it is only when you step inside and see the design, style and money that has been thrown at this place since its creation in 1735 that the real sense of awe hits you.
Yes, it's the largest royal palace in the world, but it's the intricacy and craftsmanship that makes it, in my opinion, the best.
Every room is to the extreme, with gigantic chandeliers, detailed works of art and ceilings that mimic Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. The walls are carved to perfection and the king's table, well, you count the number of seats. It's unbelievable.
Notably, the palace is an unmissable thing to do whilst visiting Madrid.
Note: There are no photos allowed in the palace once you pass the entrance hall. Hence not sharing a better photo with you.
Take Advantage of a Free Walking Tour
- Why: You'll learn more about Madrid than you would of.
- Where: There are many to choose from - I chose Sandemans who meet in Plaza Mayor. (map)
- How long: The tour lasts between two and three-quarter hours and three hours.
- How much: The name gives it away - it's free... But a tip is expected - say €15-20.
Firstly, there are many free walking tours in Madrid. I chose Sandemans, but the other two top-rated tours are - Free walking tours of Madrid and Classic Madrid, meeting at Plaza Del Callao.
Free walking tours of Madrid kick-off at 11am and run for two and a half hours and have the purple umbrellas, whilst Classic Madrid runs for three hours, starting at 10:30am.
Sandemans
The tour meets in the Plaza Mayor, and you learn about the smelly, violent and bloody events of the plaza's history. From here, you visit Mercado San Miguel and down to the oldest restaurant in the world.
You then skip down to C. de la Cava Baja (Tapas Street), and onto the smallest plaza in Madrid, Plazuela de San Javier.
After a further history lesson, you are taken to Viaducto de Segovia, a famous landmark with an interesting past, and nowadays used as a film location. The tour ends outside the Royal Palace, with more history and stories about the city and palace.
In brief, I'd have liked to visit more in the time frame, and feel there are better things to explore in Madrid. However, our guide Jovan was a complete legend, and I'd go just to see him and his theatrical showmanship.
Note: No free walking tour in Madrid is free. Tips are expected, and honestly, how much you pay is down to you and your views on the tour.
Relish in the Beauty of the Real JardÃn Botánico
- Why: Because it's peaceful, colourful and smells of summer.
- Where: Just south of the Prado on the southwest corner of Retiro Park. (map)
- How long: Spend somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half in the gardens.
- How much: This is an absolute bargain at €6 (£5).
Generally speaking, I'm a sucker for botanical gardens, and have been in many across the world, from Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom. I cannot resist.
Firstly, the Real Botanical Gardens are fairly small, but they walk you around the plants of the world with finesse and style. Somehow, they create a feeling of a large area with the use of height, depth and colour.
Every sense in the human body is triggered as you stroll peacefully through the gardens. I'd advise taking time to sit and relax amid the wonderful variety of plants, trees and grasses on display. For one thing, it's good for the body, soul and mind, especially after being on your feet in the city all day.
However, my favourite area is the large greenhouses which house tropical plants and cacti. where the occasional mist clouds rain down keeping the plants in the oh so delicate conditions they require.
Note: Again, the queue can be slow-moving, so book ahead or come first thing in the morning before the crowds. They open at 10am.
Grab a Bargain at El Rastro
- Why: You can pick up a bargain, and who doesn't love a deal?
- Where: From Plaza del Campillo del Mundo Nuevo, all the way up Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores. (map)
- How long: For a proper market mooch around, you'll want an hour.
- How much: Again, it's free to look, but you'll need to get your haggling skills right to grab a bargain
El Rastro is the largest outdoor flea market in Spain, and this becomes obvious when you're seeing what's on offer. You'll need a bottle of water or something stronger to get around it.
Open every Sunday and public holiday between 9am and 3pm, this colourful, loud and wildly busy and vibrant market is a must-visit. Just make sure you have enough space in your luggage to ship back your purchases.
The rabbit warren of stalls spreads across the southern parts of 'Old Madrid' like a noisy fire ripping through a woodland. Its tentacles weave off down every side street, where numerous stalls offer everything, from shirts to shots, from biscuits to bags, and coins to paintings and that's before I even dive into the numerous tapas bars that open up along the way.
If you're in Madrid on a Sunday and looking for something different, this is it.
Where to Eat When Visiting Madrid
Spain is famed the world over for its exquisite foods, much of which I talk about within my Spain blog. Here in the capital, it is a melting pot of all the foods from around the country, and it's bloody gorgeous.
Firstly, tapas - A free small bite when you buy a beer.
Almost one in five buildings in Madrid is a tapas bar, some of which are authentic. By and large, I could list off reels of incredible tapas bars, but I'm not going to. I'm keeping the list short, and only selecting two tapas bars. However, if you are here purely for the tapas, you want to check out De La Cava Baja. The street is famous for its tapas and smells incredible. If you did want a long list of tapas bars drop me a message on Instagram, and I'll send it over.
Secondly, churros - a small fried strip of dough served with a mug of hot chocolate.
As with tapas, there are hundreds in the city, but the best, as voted by me and the thousands of others, is here on my list. You cannot consider visiting Madrid without trying them.
Other amazing Spanish dishes to keep a lookout for in the city are the Spanish omelette, patatas bravas and bocadillio de calamares, a fried calamari sandwich.
Ultimately, my only real advice is to try as much as you can, including foods from the markets, as they're often the best in town. Avoid eating in the main squares, as they're usually touristy, not authentic or as tasty. Find the little backstreet places and eat with the locals.
La Cabaña Argentina
- What: Argentinian steak house.
- Where: In between Plaza de Santa Ana and The Congreso de los Diputados. (map)
- How much: Not the cheapest meal in town, but it has to be one of the best. A beer, a main and a side cost €35 (£29.50). (menu)
Whilst not authentically Spanish, this is hands down the best meal I had whilst visiting Madrid.
In fact, it's probably the best meat I've ever eaten.
They have two restaurants opposite each other on C. de Ventura la Vega, and both are stylish and well presented. If they were in any other capital city in Europe, you'd be paying hundreds of euros for food this good.
There is a great selection of meals, some with a Spanish twist and each one is cooked to preference. The meat was so tender that I could have cut it with a napkin, and as for the flavours, well, they melted in my mouth.
Furthermore, the staff were fantastic, the service was great, and I couldn't have asked for anything more. Although, I'm not sure I needed a candle.
Give this place a try, and thank me later in the comments.
Taberna Malaspina
- What: Authentic Spanish tapas bar
- Where: A block south of Sol. (map)
- How much: I paid €22 (£19) for a couple of beers, a starter and a main. Worth every penny. (menu)
Now for something a little more Spanishy.
Malaspina is about as authentic as it gets, serving up all the Spanish favourites, tapas with each beer, bread, patatas bravas and more.
The food is delicious and cooked how it should be in Spain. It isn't tampered down for the tourists. This is a Spanish restaurant for the Spanish people.
As you can see from the photo, the food isn't the only vibrant thing in Malaspina. The decor is on point and the atmosphere is absolutely buzzing. I asked a few locals where the best traditional and cheap tapas was, and most of them told me here.
Next time I'm visiting Madrid, you can guarantee I'll be coming back here.
ChocolaterÃa San Ginés
- What: Everyone's favourite, chocolate and churros!
- Where: Less than two minutes north of Plaza Mayor. (map)
- How much: A delicious cup of choccie and a plate of churros only costs €4.80 (£4). (menu)
The crowd-pleasers.
What Madrid travel guide would be complete without a shout to the best churros and chocolate in town. Having tried many throughout numerous trips to Spain, these are up there with the best.
The rich powerful flavours of the chocolate make even a small amount feel like you've consumed half an elephant. The crisp, yet fluffy centred churros break through the top layer of chocolate and soak up the sweet nectar.
Every mouthful feels like winning the lottery as you sink further and further into your seat with that content look of smugness.
They're simply divine.
La Perejila
- What: A small local tapas bar.
- Where: On Madrid's famous tapas street - C. de la Cava Baja. (map)
- How much: Main, a side and a beer cost €12.20 (£10). (menu)
Midway through the charming tapas street is this small bar that serves up top not dishes in a truly Spanish way.
Inside is a whirlwind, but one that is memorising, pretty and unique.
The staff are super friendly, kind and funny, and that feeling gets passed on to the clients too. It feels almost like a large family of strangers who have come together for a meal at your grandmother's place.
Everything comes together to create an ambience that you just don't want to leave. I highly recommend a lunchtime beer and a good bite to eat.
Where to Party Whilst Visiting Madrid
A local told me that there was a bar, or somewhere that served alcohol, in Madrid for every forty people, and I'm inclined to believe him.
Every other building was a bar of some kind, and I think that's magical. If you followed my stories on Instagram, you'd see I tried to visit as many of them as I could.
Generally, no matter where you are, you will find somewhere to drink. As a result, Madrid isn't like most cities where there is a drinking hub, it literally happens everywhere.
Whatever kind of night you're looking for, you will find it when visiting Madrid. Be it a tapas and beer, a random night drinking from octopus and dragon cocktails, or an all-night bender in the clubs, Madrid has it in abundance.
With this in mind, I am not going to run through every single great bar I came across. Instead, I'm going to give you a good mix of my favourites, from the chilled to the darn right mad. Again, I am going to avoid tapas bars here, as there are too many to mention. Plus, you will stumble upon them without my help.
When it comes to what to drink, almost everywhere serves beer. A couple of the local tipples are Aguila, Alhambra and Mahou.
Finally, I will give a shout out about safety on a night out. There are so many police, of differing styles, that you do feel very safe in Madrid. This feeling continues in the bars too. Not once did I see or feel anything remotely worrying whilst visiting Madrid, and I walked the streets alone at 4am.
So, without further ado, here are my top bars in Madrid.
Salmon Guru
- What:Â Quirky, fun, and loud cocktail bar.
- Where: One block east of Plaza de Santa Ana. (map)
This is my favourite bar in Madrid, and if you go, you'll see why.
There is a bizarre, fun style to the bar, with colour and lights in all directions. If anything, it felt like a fairground dodgems ride more than a bar.
Cocktails are served in a variety of weird and whacky containers - from smoking dragons to cats and from bugs to frogs, you can drink out of almost anything here. Plus, they taste like little drops of heaven. It's a win-win.
Random, whacky and darn right mad are the aim of the game, and that's exactly what you get.
The atmosphere is buzzing, and the whole place feels alive and refreshing, and you can't help but get swept up in the moment.
Sky Bar 360°
- What: Rooftop terrace with glass platform and 360º views over Madrid.
- Where: On the 26th floor of Hotel Riu Plaza España. (map)
On the 26th floor of Hotel Riu Plaza España is the magnificent Sky Bar, with quite literally, 360-degree views of the city.
It's the perfect spot on a sunny summer's day or during sunset to kick back with a beer or a cocktail and just watch the buzzing city below.
As well as the miles upon miles of rooftops, you'll see stunning scenery from parks, the palace, and more impressively, the mountains out to the north and west.
As a result, it's not the cheapest in town. But it is certainly different, and worth it for those views alone.
If this doesn’t impress you, then maybe the small glass platform might. Look down, I dare you. You'll see just how high you are.
Impress your mates and suggest meeting at the sky bar. It’s always busy, always loud, and there’s more booze up here than in heaven.
La Venencia
- What: An extremely old, rustic sherry tavern.
- Where: A couple of blocks northeast of Plaza de Santa Ana. (map)
Firstly, I will address the issue of no photos. The guy behind the bar has signs up everywhere saying no photos. And trust me, he is shit hot on noticing. I saw him run out into the street as someone tried to take a photo from outside. Even the website has nothing on it. He really doesn't want you to take photos.
I don't know why as it is a fantastic looking venue.
The old bottles of sherry line the wall behind the bar along with the rustic old sherry casks which are still used to this day.
The bar, the furniture, and everything within the tavern feels like it has been there for three hundred years or more. It's vintage, yet, still so stylish.
There is a small selection of tapas dishes on offer, which are carved up as you order. I loved this place. I just wish the guy behind the bar was a little happier.
Note: On weekends you'll do well to even get inside the door. Hence I suggest going at lunchtime during the week.
Inclán Brutal Bar
- What:Â Funky, fun and stylish cocktail bar.
- Where: On the northeast of Plaza de Santa Ana. (map)
Another epically-adventures restaurant come cocktail bar, which looks like it arrived from a movie set.
Again, there are inventive cocktail holders from Octopus to Hulk's fist, and dam, they're so good.
The staff are accommodating and friendly, and they are clearly talented at what they do. They interact with the customers and that goes a long way to making you feel very welcome.
The whole vibe is relaxed, yet smart. Similarly, it feels expensive, but it's not for what you get.
It has a more educated, upper-class feeling than Salmon Guru, and whilst I prefer Salmon Guru, this is a close second when it comes to cocktail bars in the city.
El JardÃn Secreto
- What:Â Random, crazy and beautiful bar.
- Where: On the northern tip of Plaza España, behind the Hotel RIU. (map)
If whacky races did bars.
How to put this... If you go and see a fortune teller, this is where they would tell you.
There is nothing that makes sense about the bar, including its name. Nevertheless, it doesn't matter, its fucking fantastic.
There are the most random objects hanging from the walls, every table is different, the style is ever-changing and the colour is electrifying. The drinks are a perfect complement to the setting, and it has a much younger aura to it than most bars in Madrid.
In reality, it is somewhere you have to experience to believe it, but that's the idea of any fairytale, right?
If unique and fun are two things you want whilst visiting Madrid, you must come here.
Is Visiting Madrid Safe?
Overall, Madrid is a very safe city to visit. As previously mentioned, there is a lot of police patrolling the city, and that does make you feel safe. However, as with any city, there are certain things to look out for, and that is pickpockets.
Pickpockets
Thieves are well aware that thousands of us are visiting Madrid daily, and that makes us tourists easy targets, especially at markets. Markets are the pickpocket's playground, as crowds gather, making it easy to bump into you and steal something out of your bags or pockets without being seen.
Counteract this by carrying your bags on your front, keeping valuables zipped up or keeping your hand on them. Other hotspots to pay extra attention to are Madrid's main attractions and transport hubs and stations.
On the positive side, I am a very observant person but didn't witness anything during my time in the city. In other words, this is very unlikely to happen to you.
In regards to other issues, there isn't too much to discuss, as there are no anticipated natural disasters, dangerous bodies of water or issues around hygiene and food standards, but I'll run through a few other considerations.
Terrorism
In 2004, Madrid was hit by an attack when ten bombs exploded on four separate trains killing one hundred and ninety-three people. This was the latest and most deadly terrorist attack in Madrid. So, whilst rare, it can happen. If you see anything suspicious report it to one of the many police that patrol the streets.
Roads
Frankly, this is about the most dangerous issue those of us visiting Madrid will face. At times, it can be tricky to distinguish between what is a road and what is pavement, and that can lead to possible injuries. Again, these issues are easily avoided by being careful and knowing what's around you.
If you're not sure if it's safe to step out, check around you before doing so. Although I have to give the drivers credit, they're safe, slow and much better than in Barcelona.
Leave a comment
I hope you've enjoyed my Madrid travel guide as much as I enjoyed exploring the city.
Hopefully, I have helped you plan your next trip or at least pointed you in the direction of a couple of the best things to do in Madrid or the best places to stay in Madrid.
Either way, let me know what you think. After all, it's the best way I can make my blogs better for you, my readers. Likewise, if you've read the blog and found it useful or you think I'm missing something, please let me know that too.
I'd love to hear that you've loved visiting Madrid as I did and that in some small way, I have helped.
If, for some random reason, you aren't enjoying Madrid and want to get out of the city, you could always consider a day trip to some of the stunning surrounding cities and towns, such as Toledo.
However, Madrid is a vibrant, interesting cultural maze, and if you do it right, it will be an experience you'll never forget.
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Great blog! It really helped for my weekend in Madrid – and we loved the flamenco!
Sorry, I’ve only just seen this. I’m so glad you enjoyed the flamenco. There is something for everyone in the city. Glad to hear you enjoyed your weekend.
This post is a fantastic guide to exploring Madrid, with insightful tips on when to visit, where to stay, and what to do. The recommendations, especially for flamenco shows and relaxing in Retiro Park, make it feel like the perfect adventure waiting to be had.
You’re too kind, thank you. I loved the city and think everyone should visit if they can. There’s a lot to see and plenty to do. The flemenco is outstanding. Please let me know what you think when you go. Cheers