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Europe · Spain

Madrid

Spain's beating heart: art, football, tapas, and very late nights

Best time
May to June, September to October
Language
Spanish
Currency
EUR
Timezone
UTC+1
Experiences
32+ available
About Madrid

Madrid is the city that sets the rhythm for all of Spain. The Prado is one of the greatest art museums on Earth. The tapas culture along Calle Cava Baja defines what Spanish food should be. The Retiro park on a Sunday morning is a masterpiece of urban living. And the night, Madrid's night begins after midnight and often ends at dawn. It is a city of extraordinary energy, warmth, and flavour.

Top attractions
Prado MuseumReina SofíaEl Retiro ParkMercado de San MiguelRoyal PalaceChueca neighbourhood
Must-try food & drink
  • 01Jamón ibérico de bellota at Museo del Jamón
  • 02Cocido Madrileño at La Bola
  • 03Vermouth at El Económico
  • 04Churros con chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés
Getting around
Metro is excellent. Walks between the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza are short and pleasant.
Local tips from travellers

El Rastro flea market runs every Sunday morning, arrive before noon

Prado is free after 6pm on weekdays, worth the late visit

Dinner before 10pm marks you as a tourist, embrace the late schedule

Book Reina Sofía in advance if you want to guarantee seeing Guernica

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Health

The most effective jet lag recovery approach, based on chronobiology

Light exposure, not melatonin, is the most powerful tool for resetting your circadian clock.

Safety

Most travellers are underinsured - here's the minimum you actually need

A single medical evacuation can cost $50,000-$200,000. Standard travel insurance often doesn't cover it.

Editor's choice

our top pick in Madrid

Experiences

things to do in Madrid

Hand-picked tours, activities and tickets, vetted by travellers

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