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About Madrid
Smack dab in the middle of Spain lies vibrant Madrid—the country's storybook capital. Each of its eclectic neighborhoods has its own distinct charm: You'll find hipster vibes in Malasaña, where quaint shops make way for club crowds after dark; upscale eats and top-tier boutiques in Salamanca; and steep, maze-like streets lined with authentic restaurants and great people-watching in Lavapies. And don't miss Madrid's popular landmarks. A few favorites: The great bear statue in the central Puerta del Sol, the Reina Sofia and Prado museums, and Plaza Mayor. Finish things off with 10 p.m. tapas (it's how the locals do it), then hit the bars and clubs if that's your thing. Find even more Madrid recs below.
Essential Madrid
Best tapas in Madrid
As a wine writer who frequently visits Madrid, I've discovered this elegant capital is also one of the world's best food cities. Despite its regal flair, Madrid gets fewer tourists than other major European cities, making dining out much more affordable. Though several regions claim to be the origin of tapas, this appetizer tradition is firmly ingrained in Madrid culture. Must-eats include ribbons of salty-sweet Jamón Ibérico, crispy patatas bravas, blistered padrón peppers, and cod-stuffed croquetas; all washed down with delicious, affordable wine.
Lauren Mowery, Charleston, SC
La Venencia314No photos, no reservations, 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 Paloma104I 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 neighborhood, 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 Antón2,497I 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 neighborhood 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 Miguel34,433First 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 Ardosa1,381I 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 Perejila497Everyone 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 Cool1,046Madrid 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 flavors 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.
Browse collections
Feel the rhythm
Flamenco experiences that’ll move you
Worth the splurge
Priceless once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Madrid after dark
Bars and clubs that come alive at night
Big pours and small plates
Wine and tapas tastings for food lovers
Do it in a day
Quick trips for every type of traveler
Madrid Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips or experiencing Madrid
LaTortugaViajera
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.
Christmate11
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Madrid
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Madrid, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Madrid include:
- Madrid is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Madrid:
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Madrid between June and August, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between March and May.