Plan Your Madrid Holiday: Best of Madrid
Explore Madrid
Essential Madrid
Things to do
Food & drink
Best tapas in Madrid
La Venencia320No photos, no bookings, and wait service as creaky as the century-old floorboards, the charms of La Venencia are inarguable. It's one of Madrid's best sherry and tapas bars for evoking the vibe of a traditional tabanco (tavern). Sometimes, it's jam-packed; on other occasions, a spindly wooden table, a plate of manchego and chorizo, and a carafe of wine are easy to come by.
Bar La Paloma105I never let the brightly lit utilitarian space dissuade me from entering Bar La Paloma. If anything, these signs point to La Paloma's singular focus—fresh, affordable shellfish and cheap draft beer. When I wander the La Latina neighbourhood, I'll pop in for shrimp on the grill (gambas plancha), a plate of clams (almejas), and a glass of white vermouth. I do as the Spanish do and eat standing at the bar.
Mercado de San Antón2,505I love markets, especially in Madrid, where I can tapas crawl between stalls while sipping a glass of Rioja. This upmarket food hall in the festive Chueca neighbourhood has a traditional market on the ground floor and vendors on the second floor offering a range of snackable classics from salty-sweet jamón, crunchy croquetas, and Spanish cheeses. There's abundant seating for those with families or diners who want to rest their feet.
Mercado de San Miguel34,507First opened in 1916 and then renovated in 2009, this market attracts hordes of tourists, which raises the prices. Yet, the festive ambiance, twenty food stalls, and plentiful seating make up for it. My New York flights often land earlier than hotel check-in, so I'll pass the morning at San Miguel—-when it's least crowded—with a glass of Cava, jamón bocadillo (sandwich), and a fried seafood cone.
Bodega de la Ardosa1,399I don't go here for friendly service, though a little Spanish goes a long way with the brusque, busy staff. Instead, I make a beeline for Madrid's best Tortilla Española, a fluffy succulent sensation of eggs and potatoes served in a pie wedge. When in season, I also order the artichokes. Steeped in olive oil until soft, then crisped on a hot plancha, they changed my mind about this thorny vegetable. The place gets busy, so always check the back room for tables.
La Perejila502Everyone should wander down Cava Baja on an empty stomach at least once. This is the street for tapas, and La Perejila stands out from the crowd. I know I've arrived when I spy the forest green doors trimmed in holiday red. The whimsical ambiance continues inside with twinkling chandeliers and a mural of flamenco dancers. If I'm on a tapas crawl, I'll order lighter dishes like juicy gazpacho and octopus dusted in sweet paprika with a carafe of sangria.
Vi Cool1,054Madrid is chock-full of old-school tapas bars. While fun, sometimes I crave a contemporary twist in a seated restaurant. For that, I head to Vi Cool. The menu changes regularly and weaves international flavours into Spanish dishes like fried prawns with curry and mint or kimchi chicken wings. While the wine list is short, Vi Cool offers an excellent range from Albariño to Tempranillo for an incredible 5-6 dollars a glass.
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Madrid Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Madrid
Erin R
Madrileños eat lunch around 2 p.m. and dinner roughly at 10 p.m. As such, don't expect restaurant kitchens to be open before 1:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively.
onzils
Most museums in Madrid have time slots when you can visit for free. Check it out.
Matilda
The ‘Bocata de Calamares’ (calamari sandwich) is both a Madrid speciality and local favorite.
Inés R
Walking is the best way to enjoy the city centre, but for places outside that area, you can buy a 10-trip pass for the metro.
Matilda
Savvy shoppers know that the best time to hit the stores in Madrid is during "Rebajas". These huge end-of-season sales take place in winter (usually January-February) and summer (July-August).
Inés R
The city is a melting pot for people from different Spanish provinces and all over the world.
Christian S
The Spanish capital has much to offer to the curious traveler.
JannyB12144
Madrid is always on our "let's go there again, I miss it" list.
Inés R
Cozy coffee shops, excellent cuisine, beautiful parks and stunning sunsets make Madrid the perfect place to enjoy a romantic weekend that you and your partner will never forget.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
International flights land at Madrid Barajas Airport (Adolfo Suarez), from where you can hop on the metro or take a shuttle or taxi into the city.
train
Madrid has two main railway stations—Chamartin and Atocha. AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) runs high-speed trains to Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and many other cities around Spain.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting Madrid from overseas, use Schengen Visa info to see if you need a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer temperatures can reach more than 86°F (30°C) in the city and many locals head out to the provinces in July and August. Many local bars, restaurants, and shops close down during this period. Spring and fall offer more pleasant weather for sightseeing, as well as festivals such as the San Isidro festival (May), Flamenco Madrid festival (June), and the European White Nights Festival (Sept.).
Get around
bicycle
Bicimad is a bikeshare system with over 100 bicycle stations located across Madrid.
train
Madrid’s metro is the fastest way to get around, with 13 lines linking all corners of the city. Trains run daily from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
bus
EMT operates Madrid’s local bus system daily from 6 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. (10 a.m. till 11 p.m. on weekends).
taxis
Madrid taxis are white with a red band on the front door. Although it’s possible to hail one on the street in Madrid, it’s generally easier to go to an official taxi stand, located by all the main streets and plazas.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Central European Standard Time
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in Spain is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. The plug has two round pins.
What is the currency?
The Euro
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes and are typically preferred.
How much do I tip?
Tipping is not obligatory in Madrid, however, a 10-15% tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
Public transport
Allow others to disembark before boarding, don’t take up more than one seat, and stand to offer seating to pregnant women or someone with a disability.
Try to speak the language
Most locals will speak some English, but mastering a few basic Spanish phrases will be appreciated.
Watch where you sit
Be aware that prices often vary in bars and restaurants depending where you sit—the cheapest seats are at the bar or indoors, while a terrace table is typically about 10% more expensive than dining inside.
Prepare for some late nights
Many locals dine as late as 10 p.m. Nightclubs in Madrid don’t start getting busy until midnight and often stay open until 6 a.m.
Take a siesta
Many shops close from 2-5 p.m., especially during the hottest months of the year.
Don’t expect speedy service
Spanish culture is laid-back, and service is equally leisurely. You will need to ask for the bill when you have finished your meal—it won’t automatically be brought to you.