Spain · The Capital
Madrid
Royal palaces, three of the world’s great art museums and a food scene that runs late into the night. Experience Madrid with private guides and the best tables in town, planned by our Spain specialists.
- 3 world-class art museums
- 1725 Botín, the oldest restaurant
- 33 min by train to Toledo
Hassle-Free Dream Travel!
Meet the city
The Madrid Highlights
Spain’s capital is grand by day and lively by night. Tap through to explore its royal and artistic heart.

One of Europe’s largest palaces
The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, though today it’s used for state ceremonies. Its more than 3,000 rooms include the gilded Throne Room and a royal armory.
Next door, the Almudena Cathedral and the Sabatini Gardens complete a perfect morning, especially with a private guide.
- Private guided palace tour
- The Royal Armory and Throne Room
- Sunset at the nearby Temple of Debod

The Golden Triangle of Art
Three great museums sit within walking distance along the Paseo del Prado: the Prado, with Velázquez, Goya and El Greco; the Reina Sofía, home to Picasso’s Guernica; and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, which spans the centuries.
An expert art guide helps you see the masterpieces without the overwhelm, at your own pace.
- Velázquez’s Las Meninas at the Prado
- Picasso’s Guernica at the Reina Sofía
- Private, skip-the-line tours

Madrid’s grand boulevard
Built in the early 20th century, Gran Vía is lined with theaters, shops and elegant buildings like the Metropolis, with its famous winged statue on the dome.
Rooftop bars along the boulevard offer some of the best sunset views in the city.
- Rooftop drinks at sunset
- Theater and musicals
- Shopping in the Salamanca district nearby

Plazas, markets and tapas
The heart of old Madrid revolves around the arcaded Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol. Just beyond, the Mercado de San Miguel and the lanes of La Latina are perfect for a tapas crawl.
Finish with chocolate and churros at a classic chocolatería, or dinner at Botín, recognized as the world’s oldest restaurant.
- Tapas in La Latina
- Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel
- Churros and hot chocolate

The cathedral beside the palace
Facing the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral took more than a century to complete and was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. Its bright, modern interior surprises many visitors.
Climb to the dome for one of the best views over the palace and the Casa de Campo beyond.
- Views from the dome
- Combine with the Royal Palace
- Quiet early-morning visits
In the city and beyond
Things to Do and Day Trips
Madrid sits at the center of Spain’s high-speed rail network, so historic cities are a short ride away. Filter by what you love.
33 min by trainToledo
The “City of Three Cultures,” where Christian, Jewish and Muslim heritage meet in a hilltop maze of lanes above the Tagus River.
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The high-speed train takes about 33 minutes. Visit the cathedral, the El Greco museum and a damascene workshop, and save room for marzipan.
1.5 hrs by trainSalamanca
Spain’s oldest university city, built of golden sandstone, with one of the country’s most beautiful plazas.
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About an hour and a half by train. Look for the little astronaut carved into the cathedral doorway during a 1990s restoration.
Under 2 hrs by trainValencia
Paella’s hometown, with the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and long Mediterranean beaches.
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The high-speed train takes under two hours, making Valencia an easy overnight or a stop on the way to the coast.
EveningsFlamenco in a tablao
Madrid has some of Spain’s best flamenco venues. We reserve front-row seats at an intimate show, often with dinner.
AfternoonsA private tapas tour
Hop between classic bars in La Latina and Huertas with a local guide, from jamón and croquetas to vermouth on tap.
SunsetRooftops on Gran Vía
Madrid’s rooftop terraces are the place to be at sunset, with views over the domes and the boulevard.
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Pair a rooftop drink with a show in one of Gran Vía’s theaters, then a late dinner nearby.
Know before you go
How to Do Madrid Well
Madrid runs on its own clock. These tips help you enjoy it like a local.
Late nights are normal
Lunch is from 2 pm and dinner rarely before 9 pm. Siesta-time quiet and late nights out are part of the rhythm.
Go early or with a guide
The Prado and Reina Sofía are busiest at midday. Timed tickets and a private guide make a big difference.
Central and characterful
We love the area around the Paseo del Prado, the elegant Salamanca district and the streets near Gran Vía.
Trains for day trips
High-speed trains from Atocha and Chamartín reach Toledo, Segovia and beyond. In town, walk or use private drivers.
Hot summers, crisp winters
Madrid sits high on the central plateau. July and August are hot and dry, while winter days are often cold but sunny.
The Rastro market
Madrid’s famous flea market fills the streets of La Latina on Sunday mornings, followed by tapas nearby.
Work with One of Our Travel Experts
The average person takes over 11 hours researching their vacation. Take that time back and let us handle the nitty gritty of reading reviews, asking questions, comparing hotels and more.
After a true deep dive into your requests, your travel agent will come back with a variety of suggested hotels, activities, and surprise experiences. You tell us which ones fit you best and we'll work through the logistics!
You'll be equipped with an itinerary complete with the details of your trip. If anything happens along the way, you can relax knowing your travel agent will take care of everything!
Good to know
Madrid FAQs
How many days do I need in Madrid?
Three days covers the palace, the art museums and the old town. Add a day for each day trip, such as Toledo or Segovia.
Is Madrid or Barcelona better?
Both, if you can. Madrid is about art, royal history and tapas, while Barcelona brings Gaudí and the beach. The high-speed train links them in about two and a half hours.
What is the best time to visit Madrid?
April to June and September to October are ideal. Summer is hot, and many locals leave the city in August. See our best time to visit Spain guide.
Do I need to book the Prado in advance?
It’s a good idea. Timed tickets save waiting in line, and a private guide helps you focus on the masterpieces.
Is Madrid a good base for day trips?
Yes. Toledo, Segovia and El Escorial are under an hour away, and Salamanca and Ávila are easy by train or with a private driver.
Your Spain journey
Keep exploring Spain
Your Dream Spain Getaway
Madrid is a feast of art, royal history and late-night tapas. Tell us about the trip you’re dreaming of, and one of our Spain specialists will start designing it with you.
- A tailor-made itinerary, designed around you
- Tickets, guides and transfers handled
- Hand-picked hotels with exclusive perks
Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip by Contacting One of Our Spain Specialists


