Madrid is a city of contrasts. During the day, she is proud to present cultural and heritage institutions which are among the most prestigious in Europe. At night, the people of Madrid go out and live to the rhythm bars, nightclubs and other festive places. But how to visit Madrid while being sure to enjoy its charm? Venture into its different neighborhoods and let yourself be overwhelmed by the sweetness of the Spanish capital.
1. Enjoy the Madrid movida
The movida is the name given to the cultural current born after the end of the Franco regime (1977). It is similar to regenerative movements like that of the New-wave, carried by a youth in need of freedom. At the start of the 21st century, it manifests itself in the revival of nightlife and the development of festive and cultural hotspots, the ideal cocktail for successful holidays.
Each district has its own Madrid
Madrid has many barrios, “districts” in Spanish, which form the cultural diversity of the capital:
- Neighborhood Puerta del Sol is located in the city center not far from the famous Retiro Park. It is the most visited, day and night, both by locals and tourists. There you will find many typical Spanish bars and shops where you can shop. It is also here that you can buy handicrafts. Many family businesses have been maintained for decades, offering a guarantee of quality and craftsmanship.
- This district is contiguous to that of the Huertas, the literary district where famous authors like Miguel de Cervantes or Lope de Vega have lived.
- The Lavapiès neighborhood, it is the most mixed district of the Spanish capital, the meeting point of African, Indian and Arab cultures. Its restaurants give visitors the opportunity to discover all the cuisines of the world.
- Tolerance is king in Madrid: the neighborhood of the Chueca is well known to gays and lesbians, and for several years the favorite place of all party animals.
- Visiting Madrid also means taking a trip to the city's most famous flea market. The Trail is located all around the place coscorro, in the various adjacent streets. This market is the oldest in the city and every Sunday and public holiday brings together a considerable crowd, made up of both locals and tourists. You will then hear the thousand traders selling their goods, discounting their prices at the end of the day. A live show in which it is very easy to take part!
- Le I left Fuencarral is a collection of small shops to discover around a corridor with a psychedelic decor. It is worth the detour for the permanent explosion of color.
- Spain has made a place for itself in shopping tourism. Madrid is fully contributing to this, with an increase in the number of shopping centers. The size of these huge shopping centers means that you can easily spend the day there: you will also find many leisure activities so that the children can also participate in the party. However, you have to get out of Madrid to find the biggest shopping centers: Alcobendas, Arroyomolinos and Las Rozas are among the best known and most important. Good shopping !
From one tapas bar to another
How to visit Madrid without eating Tapas ? They are part of the Spanish gastronomic heritage. In Madrid, they come in small or large plates garnished with different dishes.
Tapas
If you want to follow local customs, take one or two with a drink and then go to another bar, and do the same. These small appetizers are therefore the real companions of beginnings of evenings in Madrid.
Madrid: Where to go out and party?
Any self-respecting Madrilenian can go out dancing at night, even during the week. Don't expect it to be less crowded at the start of the week: nightclubs are full from Tuesday to Sunday. Warning ! Unlike those on the Costa Brava, for example, Madrid nightclubs are generally chargeable and difficult to access. Correct dress is often required.
If you like to vary the dances and the musical styles, prefer the big nightclubs of Madrid. They are often on several floors, with so many different musics: house, minimal, techno pop and hip hop.
2. Go to Madrid at the right time of the year
Without hesitation, the best time to visit Madrid is summer. You will be able to enjoy the summer temperatures and all that this beautiful capital has to offer. But beware, when it comes to crowds and prices, this is also the most expensive period, especially for the months of July and August.
PRACTICAL TIPS : consult Madrid's annual climate to know when to go.
If you can afford it, book for the month of june or that of September. The climate will be just as lenient and the prices much more attractive. You will thus discover the Spanish evenings and the restaurants of the city where the Madrilenians will welcome you warmly.
Visit Madrid in winter is also possible, but you will have to cover yourself, the winter temperatures are quite low. It rarely snows but a few showers are possible, especially in January.
Christmas in Madrid
Regarding the prices, they are quite random. If you go on the Christmas time, they will be quite high. The months of January and February are much more affordable. On the other hand, Madrid is a city very decorated during these festivals, the Madrilenians do not skimp on the Christmas decorations and all other enchantments for this so beautiful period.
3. Estimate your budget for a peaceful stay
It is well known that Spain is a very affordable country in terms of budget. You can therefore visit Madrid quite inexpensively. Depending on your choices and your expectations, your budget will vary. Allow around 40 € for a menu for 2 people in a mid-range restaurant and 22 € for a cheap restaurant. Regarding the breweries, you can enjoy a beer on the terrace from around € 3. To get around, prefer public transport, more economical, they serve the entire Spanish capital.
RoomsThey have very variable prices depending on their range, their location and the period chosen. For example, for 1 week in July for 2 people, the prices vary between 450 and 1 €, or even more.
You will be able to visit several places for free throughout the city and admire its spectacular architecture like its famous cathedral. The paid visits, they remain quite affordable. Ask before your departure, you will be able to find tempting offers for guided tours or any other low cost activities.
4. Choose the right means of transport to get to Madrid
The best means of transport to get to Madrid will depend on where you are leaving from. If you live in the south of France, the easiest and most economical way is your own vehicle. If, on the other hand, you are going from further afield, you can opt for several other solutions such as the plane or the bus. Prices vary regularly, but you may find that you will need to spend between 120 and 300 € round trip by plane depending on the departure airport. Knowing that the plane will be the fastest means of transport to get to Madrid!
Create an alert when the price of the plane ticket is at its lowest.
We advise you to follow the price variation 3 to 4 months before purchasing the ticket.
Regarding the bus, you will need to be patient, the journey is long and often boring, but the prices are very attractive. You will obviously choose the most economical way depending on the number of people accompanying you on holiday. If you are a family of 5, you will probably prefer to go with your car rather than by plane. The latter will be more suitable, at the cost level, for a single person or a couple.
5. Prepare your taste buds to taste good Madrid dishes
Visiting Madrid means discovering a city in which the atmosphere is guaranteed at all hours of the day and night! Take the opportunity to eat with the culinary specialties of the Spanish capital.
It is impossible to come to Madrid without tasting the true local gastronomic cult: the tapas. In Spain, and in Madrid in particular, there are many tapas bars. These are friendly, festive places, in which the kitchen is a pretext for socializing. There are countless places to try these little snacks. Tortilla, raw ham, cheese, fried calamari or even the famous croquetas… thrill your taste buds while having a good time with friends or family!
Flamenco
Who says Spain says Flamenco! And in Madrid more than elsewhere, this bewitching music flourishes in cabarets. It's up to you to choose the tablao (cabaret-restaurant) of your choice… You may be able to taste there I cooked him, a kind of stew with vegetables, chickpeas and different kinds of meats and sausages. Unless your choice falls back on madrilenian guts, flavored with garlic and tomato sauce. What is certain is that the culinary specialties of Madrid will make your mouth water!
6. Plan your trips on site
Once in Madrid, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to getting around. If you took your vehicle, the question does not arise but in other cases, several solutions are available to you to discover Madrid. The capital is fully served by lines bus, metro and tram. You will also find there bicycle stations (electric or not) self-service for a few euros per hour.
The city also has many taxi ranks, a rather expensive solution but which also has its advantages, no detour, parking problem and a whole trunk for your luggage.
Madrid
Alternatively, you can rent a car for one or more days depending on your needs. On average, you will have to pay around thirty euros per day for a 5-seater car. Whether you picked up your vehicle or a rental car, you will need to refuel. Note that its cost is almost similar to the price in France. Of course, walking will remain the cheapest way to visit Madrid. You will walk through the city step by step and discover the capital in great detail.
7. Book your accommodation in the right place in the capital
To stay in Madrid, you can choose according to what you want to discover during your stay. If you are looking for serenity and tranquility, opt for the Retiro district or Le Barrio de Salamanca. These are very popular neighborhoods. Here you can explore many historical remains, parks and museums. The prices are quite high there, but behind the architectural facades hide magnificent apartments to rent for your holidays.
On the other hand, if you want to discover lively neighborhoods, prefer Les quartiers Malasaña ou Puerta del Sol-Gran Via. Renowned for being very touristy, they will offer you some unmissable places to visit. You will also discover the long Madrilenian evenings there. The cost of accommodation varies from single to double, depending on what you want. You will still find hotels there for less than 50 € per night.
To the most partiers of you, opt without hesitation for the endless nights of Chueca district ! It is the most festive place in all of Madrid. There you will find many nightclubs and other festivities. Accommodation is affordable, for around forty euros per night.
Find a hotel or rental in Madrid:
8. Discover the cultural richness of the city
Madrid is a cultural city, blessed with a rich heritage as well as important museums.
The Prado museum
The Prado Museum presents the whole artistic collections of different kings, since Charles Quint. Do not miss the paintings by Goya, El Greco, Velàsquez, but also the Flemish paintings painted by masters such as Bruegel or Rubens. Paintings of the Italian Renaissance complete this art museum where it is good to stroll.
The Reina Sofia Museum
The Reina Sofia Museum brings together 20th century artistic collections. He has a very famous canvas: Guernica, by the famous painter Picasso. It also offers a collection of impressive contemporary art paintings, such as Dali's Great Masturbator. You will also find there sculptures by Miro, one of the instigators on surrealism.
Thyssen Museum
This museum is perhaps less well known, but it has magnificent private collections with paintings dating from the 13th century. The most visited paintings are those of the great masters such as Van Gogh, Rubens, Gauguin… This museum is really worth the detour and ideally complements the first two!
The Royal Palace
Official residence of the kings of Spain, the Oriental Palace, the other name of the Royal Palace, was designed during the reign of Philippe V. It is essential to go there and visit the throne room, that of mirrors or that of columns, not to mention the royal armory. An unforgettable visit!
The Royal Palace of Madrid
Top tip: The Paseo del Arte skip-the-line ticket gives you access to the Thyssen museums, the Reina Sofia and the Prado.
9. Stroll through the gardens and attractions of Madrid
Tired of visiting monuments and museums? Madrid definitely has the answer to everything! Many activities are possible and will satisfy all tastes: stroll in a famous garden, visit the Santiago Bernabeu stadium or the amusement park located in the city center.
Le parc du Retiro
Founded by the Jeronimos, the Retiro Park is the most famous park in Spain. It is often compared to New York's Central Park. There are many buildings to visit on site: the Casa de Vacas, which houses a cultural exhibition, or the Crystal Palace. Also to see: the fountain of the Angel Caido, the only statue of the devil in the world.
Madrid Amusement Park
Fancy a thrill? To please the children? Spend the day in the amusement park located in the Casa de Campo park adjacent to the Royal Palace. Between the Tornado, the Lanzadera and the various activities, let yourself be carried away by a whirlwind of adventures!
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
The Santiago Bernabeu stadium is Real Madrid compound, the legendary football team. You can visit the stadium by first taking a panoramic lift. At the start, the visit begins with the presidential stands, then the visitor changing rooms. Then, take the locker room tunnel and gain access to one of the largest lawns in Europe. Sit on one of the coaching benches and finish with the trophy room. A must visit for football fans!
10. Prepare the details of your visit
In order to properly prepare your discovery of the Spanish capital, here is some practical information. They will be very useful to you to anticipate your stay as well as possible!
- For Europeans, a simple identity card valid is sufficient to enter Spain
- La Madrid card allows you to visit Madrid at low cost: its purchase gives access to around XNUMX main museums, various amusement and leisure parks. You will also benefit from reductions from partner merchants. In addition, a city guide is given in the pack to facilitate your trips.
- The Madrid Culture Card gives you access to the city's cultural offer: museums, monuments, palaces. You also get offers in restaurants, on the tourist bus and various other shops.
- The tourist ticket is a transport pass that allows you to travel inexpensively in Madrid.
- The main events in Madrid, not to be missed: Holy Week at Easter, the San Isidro festival on May 15, the San Juan festival in June or the New Year's Eve at Puerta del Sol and the impressive cavalcade of the Three Kings.
Your most frequently asked questions
Do not hesitate to ask us your questions in comments, we will try to answer them here.
As you can see, visiting Madrid can be done all year round. The atmosphere of the Spanish capital will charm you day and night! Have you ever been to Madrid? Share your tips in the comments!
