Things to do in Madrid: the Prado, the Retiro and late dinners
Madrid is a late city: lunch at 2pm, dinner after 9pm, and the streets full until after midnight. Three days cover the Prado, the Royal Palace, the Retiro and a long walk through the old center. Book the Prado and the Royal Palace, and eat when the locals do.
The short answer
- First trip
- Stay near Sol or Huertas, give it three days, and book the Prado and the Royal Palace.
- Where to stay
- Sol and Huertas for a central base, Malasaña for nightlife, Salamanca for a calm, elegant stay.
- How many days
- Three days covers the main sights. Four adds Toledo or Segovia.
- Best time to go
- April to June and September to October are warm and pleasant. July and August are very hot.
- Book ahead
- The Prado, the Royal Palace and dinner at popular places. Timed tickets are available online.
- From the airport
- Barajas has metro line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios in about 15 minutes, and a fixed taxi fare to the center.
Where to stay in Madrid, in brief
Sol, Huertas and the old center
first visits and walking
Close to the Plaza Mayor, the Prado and the best tapas bars. Noisy on weekends, so ask for an upper floor.
Malasaña and Chueca
nightlife, cafes and young crowds
Lively streets with bars, shops and small restaurants. It is good for nights out and less quiet.
Salamanca
calm, elegant streets and shopping
Wide streets, boutiques and quiet evenings, near the Retiro. More expensive, and fewer bars.
La Latina
tapas and Sunday markets
A traditional district with the best tapas street and the El Rastro market. It is busy on Sundays.
Things to do in Madrid
Prado Museum
One of the great art museums, with Velázquez, Goya and El Greco. Go late in the day for free evening entry hours or book a timed slot.
1 to 2 weeks ahead
Royal Palace
A grand palace with richly decorated rooms. Allow 90 minutes.
a few days ahead
Retiro Park
A large park with a lake, rowing boats and the Crystal Palace. Free and good for a morning walk.
Reina Sofía
Picasso's Guernica and modern art. Free in the evening on some days.
a few days ahead
Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol
The old center's main squares. Visit in the morning, before the crowds.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
A smaller museum with works from the 13th century to the modern day.
a few days ahead
El Rastro market
A big flea market on Sunday mornings in La Latina.
Temple of Debod
An Egyptian temple in a park, best at sunset.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Madrid can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Madrid, and which to pick- Prado Museum1 to 2 weeks ahead
Timed slots and busy weekends.
- Royal Palacea few days ahead
Visits are by timed ticket, and closures happen for state events.
- Flamenco showa few days ahead
The best small venues sell out.
What to skip in Madrid
- Restaurants on the Plaza Mayor
They are expensive and the food is average. Eat on the nearby side streets.
- Overpriced tapas on Calle Cava Baja at peak hours
It is busy and loud. Go early or choose a quieter street.
Best time to visit Madrid
April to June and September to October are the best, with mild days and long evenings. Spring has terrace weather and gardens in bloom.
July and August are very hot, with temperatures over 35 degrees. Winter is cold and dry, and the museums are calm.
- From Barajas airportMetro line 8 runs to Nuevos Ministerios in about 15 minutes. A taxi to the center has a fixed fare.
- MetroA fast and cheap network with a stop near every sight. Buy a Multi card for a few rides.
- Cercanías trainsSuburban trains run to Atocha, Chamartín and beyond.
- On footThe old center is walkable, and the Prado is about 25 minutes from the Puerta del Sol.
Madrid in three days
- Day 1
Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace. Tapas in La Latina and an evening in the old center.
- Day 2
The Prado in the morning, the Retiro after lunch and the Reina Sofía in the evening.
- Day 3
Malasaña in the morning, the Thyssen after lunch and the Temple of Debod at sunset.
Day trips from Madrid
- ToledoAbout 35 minutes by high-speed train. A walled hilltop city with a cathedral and old streets.
- SegoviaAbout 30 minutes by high-speed train. A Roman aqueduct and a castle.
- El EscorialAbout an hour by train and bus. A monastery and palace in the hills.
Madrid: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Madrid?
Three days covers the main sights. Four lets you add Toledo or Segovia.
Where should I stay in Madrid?
Near Sol or Huertas for a first visit. Salamanca is calmer, and Malasaña is lively.
What is the best time to visit Madrid?
April to June and September to October. July and August are very hot.
Do I need to book the Prado?
It is wise. Timed slots are available online, and weekends are busy.
How do I get from Madrid airport to the center?
Metro line 8 runs to Nuevos Ministerios, and a taxi has a fixed fare to the center.
Is Madrid safe for tourists?
Mostly. Pickpockets work crowded streets and the metro, so keep your bag closed.