Madrid in the rain, things to do and see on a rainy day

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is renowned for its sunny climate most of the year. But even the sunniest cities can have their rainy days, especially during the winter and spring months.

Fortunately, even in gloomy weather, Madrid in the rain is full of things to explore. Here’s a list of things to do and see when it rains in Madrid. One thing’s for sure: even if it does occasionally rain in Madrid, the hospitable warmth of the Madrilenians never fails.

Visiting Madrid's museums in the rain

Madrid is home to some of the world’s most famous museums. The Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum form the famous Golden Triangle of Art. The Prado boasts an impressive collection of European masterpieces, while the Reina Sofia exhibits works of modern art.

The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza offers an eclectic collection, from Old Masters to modern art. To avoid waiting in the rain, consider reserving priority tickets for the Prado or Reina Sofia museums, which will save you an enormous amount of time.

It’s also possible to buy a special ticket that will give you access to several Madrid museums. This is a quick option that could be advantageous if your time is limited.

2 Hours

Prado Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

1h / 2h / 3h

Madrid by Tuk-Tuk

Personalized

Book now

Attend a show or a play when it's raining in madrid

Madrid, famous for its musicals, offers an attractive program. Rainy evenings are the perfect opportunity to buy tickets for shows on the Gran Via, including the famous “Lion King” and a variety of other shows to suit all ages and tastes. The city also boasts a vibrant theatre scene. The Teatro Real, one of Spain’s most important theaters, offers operas and classical shows. For something more modern, check out the program at Teatro Lope de Vega, where popular musicals are frequently performed.

A cinematic escapade at the Filmoteca Española

For film lovers, spending a few hours in a cinema is a great way to make the most of a rainy day. There are many cinemas, including some offering films in their original version (VO). The Filmoteca Española cinema is particularly recommended for its historical ambience and its selection of classic and contemporary films.

Shopping on Gran via, in Malasana or in the city's shopping malls

If you prefer to stay dry when it rains in Madrid, we recommend a trip to the capital’s shopping malls.

The Príncipe Pío shopping center, located in a former train station, combines impressive architecture with a wide variety of stores and restaurants.

On the other hand, for a more luxurious experience, visit the ABC Serrano shopping center, featuring designer boutiques and high-end brands. You can also browse the aisles of Vaguada, Madrid’s oldest and most traditional shopping center.

To help you prepare for your stay in Madrid, we suggest you take a look at the things to do in Madrid on our blog.

Discover Madrid's gastronomy in the covered markets

Covered markets such as the Mercado de San Miguel and the Mercado de San Antón allow you to sample a variety of Spanish and international dishes. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy tapas, local cheese and, why not, a glass of Spanish wine. There’s no better time to enjoy churros than during a rainstorm! The best place to do this is at Chocolateria San Ginés, the most popular tourist spot, open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

Now you know what to do when it rains in Madrid, and you’ll have no more excuses for visiting the capital in the best possible way.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 1 August 2024 | Featured

The weather in Spain in December, temperature, rainfall and climate

December in Spain is a month of meteorological contrasts, marked by the approach of winter. Influenced by oceanic and Mediterranean climates, cooler and milder weather replaces the harsher conditions of previous months. Plan your stay in Spain now with this article about the weather in Spain in December.

Discover Spain from a different angle with our exclusive guided tours of Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Valencia and Bilbao! Between sun, history and culture, explore each city in a new light, whatever the weather. Send us a request using the following form :

Weather in Spain in December, the perfect month to plan your Christmas vacations?

Temperatures in Spain in December generally range from 4°C (39,2ºF) to 12°C (53,6ºF), except in inland areas.

The climate in Spain in December varies considerably by region. In the north, temperatures are relatively cool, even dropping below freezing, especially at night, with snow in mountainous regions. In contrast, southern Spain enjoys a milder climate. Daytime temperatures are mostly pleasant, although evenings can be cool. If you’re planning to visit Spain during this period, it’s important to understand what you can expect in terms of weather in certain cities. Here’s a summary of temperatures in Spain’s main cities.

Temperature and Weather Risk Table for Spanish Cities in December

City	Average Temperature (°C/°F)	Maximum Temperature (°C/°F)	Minimum Temperature (°C/°F)	Rain Risk (%)	Snow Risk (%)
Madrid	9 / 48.2	15 / 59	-2 / 28.4	30	20
Barcelona	12 / 53.6	16 / 60.8	4 / 39.2	25	5
Valencia	13 / 55.4	17 / 62.6	8 / 46.4	20	1
Seville	12 / 53.6	15 / 59	7 / 44.6	25	0
Zaragoza	8 / 46.4	12 / 53.6	-5 / 23	30	10
Malaga	13 / 55.4	17 / 62.6	9 / 48.2	20	1
Murcia	11 / 51.8	15 / 59	7 / 44.6	25	0
Palma	12 / 53.6	16 / 60.8	8 / 46.4	25	5
Las Palmas	18 / 64.4	21 / 69.8	15 / 59	15	0
Bilbao	9 / 48.2	13 / 55.4	2 / 35.6	35	10

Where to go in Spain in December?

In December, sun and beach lovers will find plenty to do in Andalusia. For those interested in visiting cities, then Madrid and Barcelona are the best cities to visit in December. Ski enthusiasts will find their happiness near Madrid and Zaragoza, where temperatures are cooler and the slopes unique.

Here’s a summary of cities by center of interest:

Where to go in Spain for sun and beach in December? For mild temperatures and sunny beaches, we recommend Málaga, Las Palmas, Cadiz, Ibiza, Mallorca and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Take advantage of the December weather to visit cities and museums: we recommend Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville.
Skiing in Spain: the ski resorts near Madrid and Zaragoza are great places to ski. You can also enjoy the Spanish Pyrenees (Eastern and Central Pyrenees).

The weather in Madrid in December

Madrid enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, dry winters.

During December, daytime temperatures generally hover around -2°C (28,4ºF) for minimums and rise to 15°C (59ºF) for maximums.

However, the weather varies from day to day, alternating between brighter and overcast periods. The weather in Madrid in December is relatively pleasant, and may surprise you with sunny afternoons. It’s also a very good time to visit Madrid.

What to do in Madrid in December

Visiting Madrid in December is a unique experience. The most popular way to visit Madrid is by Tuk Tuk. As well as taking a fun ride, you’ll be able to see the Christmas lights in different parts of the city.

It’s also a great time to visit the Prado and Reina Sofia museums. If you’d like to explore Madrid’s surroundings, you can also visit the cities of Toledo and Segovia.

2 Hours

Prado Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

1h / 2h / 3h

Madrid by bike

English-speaking guide

Book Now

The weather in Barcelona in December

Barcelona’s climate is mild, pleasant and easygoing, in contrast to the harsher winters found elsewhere in Europe. It’s a perfect time to explore and enjoy Barcelona’s attractions. The average maximum temperature is around 13.8°C (38,84ºF), while the minimum is 5.2°C (41,36ºF).

Rainfall is relatively low, averaging 35 mm. Sea temperature remains around 16°C (60,8ºF).

Seville in December: what's the weather like?

Seville, in southern Spain, has one of the mildest climates in December. Temperatures range from 10ºC (50ºF) to 17°C (62,6ºF). There’s also a progression in the weather over the month. This is characterized by a slight cooling and an increase in the number of rainy days as the month progresses. The low probability of rain also makes this a particularly pleasant month in which to visit Seville.

The weather in Malaga in December

In December, the weather in Malaga is rather wet, with 102.5 mm of precipitation spread over 9 days and an average temperature of 12.7 °C (54,86ºF). At night, the temperature drops to 8.6°C (47,48ºF), while during the day it rises to 17.6°C (63,68ºF).

The weather in Alicante in December

In December, Alicante enjoys a mild climate, with average temperatures around 12°C (53,6ºF). Afternoons can reach 17°C (62,6ºF), while evenings remain cool at around 7°C (44,6ºF). This pleasant weather makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities and walks by the sea, even in winter.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 1 August 2024 | Featured

What's the weather like in Spain in October? Climate, weather and temperatures, the guide to preparing your vacation

October is a month of climatic transition in Spain. It marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, with mild temperatures and optimal weather. This time of year is generally pleasant, with moderate temperatures and fewer people on vacation. It’s the ideal time to visit the country’s various regions and enjoy the best possible weather.

Weather in Spain in October: mild temperatures and pleasant climate

The weather in Spain in October varies from region to region, but is generally mild, with very sunny days and occasional rainfall.

Daytime temperatures in October are comfortable, often between 20°C (68ºF) and 25°C (77ºF) in many regions. In some regions, evenings are cool, especially in inland and mountainous areas. It’s an excellent month for those seeking to avoid the excessive heat and crowds of the summer months.

The weather in southern Spain in October

Southern Spain is one of those regions where temperatures are pleasant all year round. The weather in October is very pleasant, allowing you to enjoy a long summer on the beaches of Malaga or Seville throughout October and early November.

Where is the hottest place in Spain in October?

In October, the hottest temperatures in Spain are generally found in Andalusia, particularly in Seville and Cordoba, where maximums can reach 30°C (86ºF). These sunny days are perfect for enjoying the last days of summer. If you’re looking for a warm destination, we recommend Malaga, Seville, Cadiz or Cordoba, the hottest cities in Spain in October.

Madrid weather and temperatures in October

Climatic data indicate that the weather in Madrid in October is ideal for a pleasant visit to the city. Daytime temperatures range from 14°C (57,2ºF) to 25°C (77ºF). During October, they tend to fall slightly towards the end of the month, and rainy days increase, but remain infrequent, with only four days of precipitation on average.

The climate in Madrid during October is rather dry, with a total of 59 mm of rainfall spread over four days. The usual minimum temperature is 14°C (57,2ºF), setting the monthly average at around 18°C (64,4ºF). Expect around 26 days with temperatures above 19°C (66,2ºF), which is 84% of the time in October.

October in Madrid is therefore one of the best months to visit the city and its region. To make the most of the weather, we advise you to come in late October or early November, as the climate is very pleasant and the streets less crowded than the rest of the year.

Things to do in Madrid in October

Take advantage of October’s pleasant temperatures to explore Retiro Park or Casa de Campo. You can also take the opportunity to visit the capital’s renowned museums, such as the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. If you’re visiting Madrid for the first time, we advise you to book your guided city and museum tours a few weeks in advance.

2 Hours

Prado Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

1h / 2h / 3h

Madrid by bike

English-speaking guide

Book Now

Barcelona weather and temperatures in October

October in Barcelona is a sunny month. During this period, temperatures range from a low of 17°C (62,6ºF) to a high of 22°C (71,6ºF), making it ideal for exploring Barcelona in conditions that are neither too hot nor too cold. Statistics show that there are between three and eight days of rainfall on average in Barcelona during October.

It would therefore be wise to take an umbrella with you on your outings to avoid being caught unawares by the rain. With 22 days of sunshine expected, you should nevertheless be prepared for 19% of the time to be marked by often intense showers. These weather forecasts will give you a reliable idea of the weather to expect if you plan to visit Barcelona in October.

Weather and climate in Seville in October

Seville, in southern Spain, remains quite warm in October, with temperatures rising to 26°C (78,8ºF). Seville enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers. In October, the average temperature in Seville is around 20.6°C (69,08ºF), with an average rainfall of 56.9 mm. At night, the thermometer falls to 13.8°C (56,84ºF), while during the day it rises to 26.1°C (78,98ºF).

Depending on the forecast, there are usually between three and eight days of rain in Seville in October. To avoid being caught unawares by the rain, remember to bring an umbrella. The climate in Seville in October is very pleasant, making it an ideal month to visit Seville, the Andalusian capital. The best months to explore Seville are: May, June, August, September and October.

October weather, climate and temperatures in Malaga

In October, Malaga records temperatures ranging from a low of 19°C (66,2ºF) to a high of 23°C (73,4ºF). These climatic conditions are perfect for visiting the city in comfort, without suffering from heat or cold. Be prepared, however, for a few hot and humid days during this month. The combination of heat and humidity makes some days particularly muggy. We therefore advise you to choose outfits suited to both heat and precipitation.

Alicante weather in October

In October, Alicante enjoys a very pleasant climate, with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59ºF) to 25°C (77ºF). The days remain mostly sunny, offering great opportunities to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities. Rainfall is rare, ensuring dry, pleasant weather.

Weather and climate in Marbella in October

In October, Marbella’s climate is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59ºF) to 25°C (77ºF). Sunny days are perfect for enjoying the beaches and Andalusian charm. The month of October, synonymous with the low season, is ideal for spending a few days in the sun on the Costa del Sol. You can enjoy a game of paddle or spend an afternoon on the golf courses.

Ibiza weather and climate in October

October is one of the best months of the year to go on vacation in Spain. Ibiza is one of the top destinations, and the weather in October is perfect: with minimum temperatures of 12ºC (53,6ºF) and maximums of 25ºC (77ºF), it’s the perfect time to relax and enjoy the island’s turquoise waters.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 30 July 2024 | Featured

What's the weather like in Spain in August? Climate, weather, temperature, the guide to preparing your vacation

Whether you want to explore the bustling streets of Madrid, discover the historic treasures of Seville, or relax on the beaches of Barcelona, here’s what you need to know about the weather in Spain in August, for a relaxing trip.

Temperatures in Spain in August

August in Spain is generally characterized by sunny weather, ideal for visiting Madrid or sunbathing on the Costa Brava.

The table below shows the average weather in Spain’s main cities in August.

Table of the 10 Largest Cities in Spain

City	Minimum Temperature in August (°F)	Maximum Temperature in August (°F)	Precipitation in August (mm)
Madrid	64.4	96.8	10
Barcelona	71.6	93.2	25
Valencia	71.6	91.4	7
Seville	69.8	100.4	2
Zaragoza	68	96.8	9
Malaga	73.4	95	3
Murcia	73.4	96.8	3
Palma	71.6	91.4	7
Las Palmas	71.6	84.2	0
Bilbao	62.6	84.2	50

The Spanish summer is shaping up to be a colorful one, with more than twenty sunny days, ideal for strolling, relaxing and exploring.

Weather in Spain in August city by city

Most Spanish cities enjoy impeccable sunshine during the summer months, especially in August.

Weather in Madrid in August, visit the Spanish capital under the sun

The Spanish capital has a warm summer climate. Temperatures range from 22°C to 36°C, with little precipitation. You can count on 12 hours of sunshine a day to visit Madrid, stroll through Retiro Park or visit the Prado National Museum. Other options include enjoying tapas in local bars in Plaza Santa Ana or Plaza Mayor, taking in a flamenco show or discovering Madrid’s nightlife.

What to do in Madrid in August

August in Madrid means immersion in a city that, despite the summer heat, never ceases to thrill and surprise its visitors. Although many locals go on vacation, Madrid offers visitors a multitude of exciting activities and unique experiences.

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

1h / 2h / 3h

Madrid by Tuk-Tuk

Personalized

Book now

1h / 2h / 3h

Madrid by bike

English-speaking guide

Book Now

Art lovers will be delighted by Madrid’s cultural wealth. The famous Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, where you can admire Picasso’s famous “Guernica”, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, with its varied collections, are perfect refuges for escaping the heat while nourishing the spirit.

2 Hours

Prado Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Reina Sofia Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Thyssen Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

Weather in Seville in August, visit the Andalusian capital with your family

Seville, capital of Andalusia, is one of Spain’s hottest cities in August. Temperatures can reach 39°C. To avoid the intense heat, we recommend morning or evening activities. You can, for example, visit the Alcazar, explore the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and wander the picturesque alleyways of this bewitching city with its medieval charm.

Malaga weather in August

Also in Andalusia, Malaga enjoys a pleasant climate, in line with the weather in August in Spain. You can visit the Picasso Museum, the Pompidou Center and the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress. The Costa del Sol’s heavenly beaches make it an ideal destination for bathing enthusiasts. The Costa del Sol also boasts a large number of golf courses, ideal for practicing your swing on vacation.

Barcelona weather in August

With its coastal position on the Mediterranean, the Catalan capital enjoys comfortable temperatures and an open view of the sea. Be sure to bring an umbrella to protect you from the occasional thunder shower.

What to do in Barcelona in August

In Barcelona, the best activities include:

Visits to cultural/religious sites such as the Sagrada Familia, the Gothic barrio and the ramblas.
Tasting local dishes on Plaça Reial and at La Boqueria.
And, above all, escape to Barcelona’s magnificent beaches.

All in all, planning a trip to the Iberian Peninsula in August is synonymous with sun, warmth and exciting discoveries. Whether you’d like to explore Andalusia, take a trip to Madrid or put down your bags in Barcelona, the weather in Spain in August offers incredible temperatures for unforgettable moments.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 30 July 2024 | Featured

Internships in Spain, the complete guide to finding the ideal job

Spain is one of the most popular internship destinations for students. The climate, the festive atmosphere and the cost of living are the main attractions of this magnificent country. Every year, thousands of students come here to try their luck at an internship. If you’d like to find out how to find an internship in Spain, then this article is for you!

The advantages of an internship in Spain

There are many advantages to doing an internship in Spain, on both a personal and professional level, and it’s easy to see why.

Spain is made up of two large, dynamic cities, Madrid and Barcelona, where economic activity is brisk. If you’re looking for an internship in a large company like Facebook, Google or Mondelez, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for an internship in a large company, you may need to be fluent in Spanish to communicate.

Having professional experience abroad will add value to your future career, and may also help you secure future expatriate positions around the world. Doing an internship in Spain will also give you a foothold in the Spanish working world, and could open up some great opportunities for you.

The advantages of an internship in Spain

Once you’ve made up your mind, it’s time to get down to business: finding an internship in Spain. To help you find an internship in Spain, here’s our advice:

Tip 1: Start with the simplest and talk to the internship office at your university or school.

Once you’ve contacted the internship office, you can try to contact former students of your university who have done an internship in Spain, as they may have company contacts.

Tip 2: LinkedIn is your friend! Update your profile to show that you’re looking for an internship abroad, and particularly in Spain. Follow the companies that interest you so you don’t miss out on their internship offers. Spanish companies are very active on social networks, so you’ll be able to get offers quickly.

In addition to this social network, we recommend the following websites:

Infojobs / Indeed / Monster

Tip 3: Placement agencies: these companies will provide you with an advisor to help you find an internship. In general, these agencies charge a fee, but their high-quality contacts will help you find what you’re looking for.

Administrative formalities for an internship in Spain

Once you’ve completed your internship, all you need to do is complete a few administrative formalities. You’ll need to present your company with an internship agreement drawn up by your school or university. This agreement will be signed by all three parties (you, the company and the school).

Once this has been done, the company will send you a list of documents you’ll need to provide in order to integrate.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 30 July 2024 | Featured

Faro de Moncloa, Madrid's highest viewpoint

Located in the Princessa district of Moncloa, this building is one of the capital’s highest watchtowers. Perched more than 90 meters above the ground, it is reached by a glass elevator. A visit to this viewpoint will give you one of the most spectacular views of the city of Madrid.

Faro de Moncloa, enjoy thrills and breathtaking views of Madrid

Would you like to explore Madrid from the sky and observe its architecture? Here’s a list of the main buildings you can see from this viewpoint.

Madrid’s Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral.
The Riu and Melia Princesa hotels.
Madrid City Hall.
The main hotels on Gran Via.
The business center with Madrid’s 4 towers.
Europa Tower and Picasso Tower (Google, Facebook…).

A visit to the Faro de Moncloa is a unique experience with a breathtaking view of Madrid, a far cry from the touristy rooftops.

2 Hours

Prado Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

1h / 2h / 3h

Madrid by bike

English-speaking guide

Book Now

How much does it cost to get to Faro de Moncloa?

Visiting el Faro de Moncloa is not very expensive and will give you a great experience. Here are the prices for access to the Faro de Moncloa:

General admission: 3€

Reduced price of 1.5€ for children aged 7 to 14, the unemployed, seniors over 65, the disabled and their companions.

Free admission for children under 6.

Timetable del Faro de Moncloa

The Faro de Moncloa is open almost every day. Here are the opening times:

Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with last entry at 7:30 p.m. El Faro de Moncloa is closed on Mondays.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 29 July 2024 | Featured

Visiting Madrid with a baby: what things to do and see?

Madrid is a magnificent city with many monuments, historic sites, museums and theme parks. However, not all of them can be visited with children under the age of 3. Discover with Madrid Discovery some interesting tourist activities to do with a baby in Spain’s capital.

In Madrid, take a stroll through the city's child-friendly parks

For your stay in Madrid with a baby or small children, we recommend you explore the capital’s parks.

Visit Madrid's Retiro Park

Located in the heart of the city, it features numerous playgrounds, an artificial lake, the Velasquez Palace and the Palacio de Cristal.

You can even enjoy street performances. On weekends, you’ll also find street vendors selling a variety of souvenirs.

Visit el Campo del Moro, the garden of the Royal Palace

We also recommend a visit to the Campo del Moro park, a historic garden open to the public and located behind Madrid’s Royal Palace. It features some 70 species of trees, as well as fountains, statues, etc. In 1109, this site was used as an encampment by the Arab soldiers who laid siege to the Alcazar. In 1844, it was transformed into a park and garden by order of a member of the royal family. Its current appearance was achieved following renovation in 1890.

Before discovering el Campo del Moro, take a stroll through the Sabatini gardens, one of Madrid’s most beautiful parks, located next to the Royal Palace.

2 Hours

Prado Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

1h / 2h / 3h

Madrid by Tuk-Tuk

Personalized

Book now

Visit Madrid's historic center with an English-speaking guide

Madrid’s historic center boasts a number of emblematic landmarks that you can visit with a baby. For example, the Plaza de Oriente is located between the Royal Theater and the Royal Palace.

You can stop here before or after visiting the Sabatini or Campo del Moro gardens.

Madrid Discovery also recommends a visit to the Reina Sofia National Art Centre Museum. Here you’ll find modern and contemporary works of art. Another emblematic place to visit in Madrid with a baby is the Plaza Mayor. This is a large esplanade featuring a bronze equestrian statue of one of Spain’s great kings. You can also visit the National Archaeological Museum to discover Spain’s history from prehistoric times to the 19th century. Among the works on display, you’ll discover ethnographic, archaeological, decorative arts and Hispano-Roman discoveries…

Discover activities to do with a baby on rainy days

Even when it’s raining, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy with a baby in Madrid. These are exclusively indoors, but they are interesting and highly entertaining. For example, you can visit the Museum of Illusions, a popular spot for young and old alike. It comprises several rooms, each dedicated to a particular game. It’s suitable for all ages, and you can even take original photos.

Fun things to do with a baby in Madrid

Another baby activity to do in Madrid when it’s raining is to go and watch a show. You could, for example, book a seat at the Maravillas theater. The shows are of very high quality, and some are exclusively for children.

You can also visit the Casita-Museo de Ratón Pérez house-museum, where the little mouse is represented. He is very well-known and appreciated in Spain.
This baby activity in Madrid allows visitors to explore the special world of this emblematic character and learn more about this tradition. You’ll find books, illustrations… During the visit, guides explain to children how teeth are treated and preserved when they fall out.

An unforgettable tourist experience is therefore possible, even when visiting Madrid with a baby. You can choose from a wide range of interesting and entertaining activities.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 28 July 2024 | Featured

The complete guide to working in Madrid

Spain is certainly one of the best destinations for expatriates in Europe, with its pleasant climate, year-round sunshine and low cost of living. For these reasons, many Europeans come to Madrid to find their dream job.

Living in Spain and working in Madrid

Thousands of people want to live in Spain. Often synonymous with vacations, it’s important to do your research before leaving everything behind to try your hand at adventure.

Like its European neighbors, Spain is made up of different regions where the weather and culture are very different from the rest of the country.

The climate is also very different, depending on the geographical area. You’ll find colder areas in the north and west, and warmer regions in the south and east.

Andalusia is very hot, and summers can be excessively hot.

“The cost of living in Spain is low”, yes and no, it depends on where you live. If you want to live and work in Madrid or Barcelona, you’ll be surprised at the high cost of rent and property. Some neighborhoods come close to Parisian prices.

How can I work in Madrid?

Working in Madrid is relatively straightforward, and you won’t have to deal with a lot of red tape.

The only essential document is the NIE, which allows you to open a bank account and sign an employment contract with a Spanish company.

For more information on obtaining the NIE, visit our blog. We’ll soon be publishing a detailed article on the steps involved.

Once you’ve got your NIE, all you have to do is find the job of your dreams and settle in Spain. Before you begin your job search, we strongly recommend that you find out about working conditions in Spain and the laws governing Spanish workers.

It’s important to note that social benefits in Spain differ from those in other European countries.

Do you need to speak Spanish to work in Spain?

As we’ve mentioned, working in Madrid or Spain is technically and administratively very straightforward. However, finding a job is another matter, and there are two important points to bear in mind if you want to work in Spain.

Firstly, competition is fierce. Getting a job in a Spanish company with a local contract is virtually mission impossible.

Secondly, and most importantly, it’s crucial to speak the local language. This requirement is not specific to Spain; in any country in the world, you’ll need to master the language to succeed.

During your research, you may hear stories of people working in Spain without speaking a word of Spanish. Although this is possible, it is extremely rare.

How to find a job in Spain

Now that you know what it takes to work in Spain, let’s talk about the winning way to find a job in Spain. Here are 2 tips to maximize your chances of finding your dream job in Spain.

Tip nº1: Register on Spanish ad sites

Job boards are a great place to start your search for work in Madrid or Spain. This will give you an idea of what’s on offer, the type of company looking for employees, and the salary and qualifications required.

A second important point is to put your CV online in Spanish. You can post your CV in Spanish if you wish. To maximize your chances of finding a job quickly, opt for an optimized CV that will make all the difference.

Once you’ve done that, all you have to do is activate your alerts to receive the offers posted on the page first.

Tip nº2: Network and prospect locally

Networking is very important when you want to work in Madrid. Knowing expatriates who live in Madrid is very useful and will open doors for you.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 27 July 2024 | Featured

How is the traditional Valencian horchata prepared? The recipe of the quintessential summer drink

Horchata, whose full name is “horchata de chufa,” is a drink that originated in the city of Valencia, Spain. In the rest of the article, we will explain the traditional recipe for this drink.

2 Hours

Prado Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Reina Sofia Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

What is horchata de chufa?

Horchata de chufa is a sweet drink from the province of Valencia. It is made from the tubers of the sweet tiger nut, which may also be known as ground almond, tiger nut, or orgeat. The name “Orxata” is also found on some bottles.

It is a plant-based milk that can be compared to almond or soy milk, ideal to enjoy when the warm weather arrives.

@losfogonesdedan Horchata de chufa casera 🥤⛱️🤤 Ingredientes; - 300 gr de chufas - 1 L de agua - 70 gr de azúcar (más si os gusta más dulce) #foodtiktok #receta #cocina #parati #fyp #Viral #horchata #horchatadechufa #horchatalovers #verano ♬ Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido - KAROL G

TikTok @losfogonesdedan Dani San

How is horchata de chufa prepared?

To prepare horchata you will need :

250 g of Valencian chufa (it is very important that it actually comes from Valencia, because it is the best quality you can find),
1 liter of water
80 g of sugar,

2 Hours

Prado Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Reina Sofia Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

The full recipe steps for making horchata

First, place the tiger nuts in a bowl of water. The nuts should be well covered and allowed to sit for at least 8 hours. It is best to leave them for a full day! Store in the refrigerator and remember to change the water from time to time.
Then you can drain the tubers.
Then they can be blended to a fine powder.
Add half the water and blend again to make a smooth paste without lumps.
At this point you need to strain this paste to extract as much milk as possible, using a coffee filter or fine sieve, for example.
Repeat the operation with the other half of the water to extract as much milk as possible from the paste.
At this point, you can add the sugar to the liquid.
Store in the refrigerator and enjoy well chilled, almost frozen!

What can be served with horchata de chufa?

For those with a sweet tooth, it is advisable to have something to accompany or dip in horchata.

Traditionally, horchata is eaten with “fartons,” a kind of stick-shaped brioche. If you are in Madrid, you can also serve it with churros. Here is a very simple recipe for making it yourself, which takes only 30 minutes!

All you need is:

500 grams of flour
half a glass of water
a pinch of salt
125 g of butter
150 g of sugar
2 eggs
50 grams of baking powder (to make them rise well),

Knead all the ingredients to form a ball with the dough, then arrange them into small balls that we will let rise for about 15 minutes. You can then shape the sticks, letting them rest a little longer and then putting them in a preheated oven at 200 degrees fan for 10 to 15 minutes.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 27 July 2024 | Featured

What's the weather like in Spain in April? Temperature, climate, precipitation...

Spain is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and thousands of tourists flock there every year to spend a few days on vacation. With dream beaches, numerous tourist attractions and historical sites in abundance, there’s enough to fill a vacation program lasting several months.

However, while some people prefer to visit Spain during the summer season, other visitors who prefer peace and quiet opt for the low season to spend their vacations in Spain.

In this article, we’ll tell you about the weather in Spain during April and the best destinations.

Weather in Spain, temperatures in April

As a general rule, Spain enjoys a fairly mild climate, with plenty of sunshine in April, making it one of the best months of the year to visit Madrid or Barcelona. Temperatures range from 41 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on factors such as geographical location (sea, mountains, plains, forests, etc.).

Summary of April temperatures in Spain's main cities

Weather conditions can vary from region to region, especially as Spain is a vast country. Here’s an overview of average temperatures in April in Spain.

Average April temperatures in Spain's main cities

City	Average Low Temperature (°F)	Average High Temperature (°F)
Madrid	45	64
Barcelona	52	64
Valencia	52	68
Seville	52	73
Zaragoza	48	68
Malaga	54	70
Murcia	50	72
Palma	50	66
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria	61	73
Bilbao	46	61
Alicante	52	68
Cordoba	50	72
Valladolid	41	61
Vigo	48	61
Gijon	48	59

Weather in Spain late April early May

Along with April, May is one of the best months for a vacation in Spain, with temperatures at the end of April and the beginning of May being ideal. You can visit a coastal city like Barcelona, or a city in the Spanish hinterland (Madrid, Toledo, Segovia…) in optimal conditions.

Where is the hottest place in Spain in April?

Andalusia is one of the hottest areas in Spain during April. Seville and Granada hold the record as the hottest cities, with temperatures of almost 95ºF (record high for April).

Weather in Madrid, what's the climate like in April?

If you’re planning to visit Madrid in April, you should know that the city enjoys around 8 hours of sunshine a day.

Temperatures range from :

46°F to 67°F during the day.
30°F to 40°F at night.

At the end of April, temperatures in Madrid are very pleasant. It’s not unusual to enjoy sunny days with temperatures of over 68°F. The weather in Madrid at the end of April is very pleasant. As well as enjoying the sunshine, you’ll be able to keep up with the Spanish rhythm, with days that finish late.

What to see and do in Madrid in April

What could be better than a weekend in Madrid to enjoy the weather and do some sightseeing? The Spanish capital offers a huge range of activities to give you a change of scenery from the very first seconds of your vacation. Discover our Top 3 things to do during a few days in Madrid in April.

2 Hours

Prado Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

1h / 2h / 3h

Madrid by bike

English-speaking guide

Book Now

Visit Madrid's Prado Museum

Spend your morning visiting the capital’s various museums. The most famous is the Prado Museum, followed by the Reina Sofia Museum, the Royal Palace and the Thyssen Museum.

Discover Madrid with an English-speaking guide

Visiting the city of Madrid on foot is one of the activities not to be missed on a family trip to Madrid. Discover the Spanish capital in the company of an English-speaking guide and learn all about its history.

Bike around Madrid

A bike ride is undoubtedly the best activity to do during a stay in Madrid. Take advantage of your guide’s expertise to visit Madrid on a 1h30, 2h or 3h bike ride.

Barcelona weather in April

Although quite hot in summer, Barcelona enjoys 7 hours of sunshine a day in April, with around 9 days of rain. Average temperatures range from :

58°F and 68°F during the day ;
42°F and 50°F at night.

What to do in Barcelona in April

Visiting Barcelona in April is very pleasant: the sun, the tapas and the gentle way of life will give you a unique time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Just like Madrid, you can take a bike ride or explore the city with an English-speaking guide. You can also visit Parc Güell or the famous Sagrada Familia. For more thrills, we recommend you take a surfing or kitesurfing course. If you’d like to spend some exclusive time with your family, we invite you to enjoy a sailing excursion. In addition to a magnificent view of the city of Barcelona, you’ll be able to discover some of the most beautiful and little-visited beaches, accessible only by boat.

Need help booking activities in Barcelona? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Lloret de Mar weather in April

Just 1 hour’s drive from Barcelona, Lloret de Mar is a pleasant seaside resort where you can spend some quality time. The weather in Lloret de Mar in April is similar to that in Barcelona. You can make the most of sunny days for swimming and sunbathing.

Ibiza weather in April

True to its reputation, Ibiza remains quite warm in April, with over 8 hours of sunshine, and temperatures ranging from :

55°F to 77°F during the day.
44°C and 50°C at night.

However, temperatures can reach 86°F during the day, while April sees an average of 4 days of rain.

A vacation in Ibiza in April is one of the best things to do if you want to make the most of the low season.

What to do in Ibiza in April

The island of Ibiza is rather quiet in April, so it’s a good time to make the most of its beaches, or take a stand-up paddle and discover its small coves.

Atlantis Cove: Ibiza's hidden treasure

Better known as Sa Pedrera de Cala d’Hort, this secret cove is a unique and magical place full of mystery. Here you’ll find natural pools, ideal for a good time.

Weather in Andalusia in April, climate in Malaga, Cadiz and Seville

In April, Andalusia enjoys a mild, pleasant climate, perfect for vacations. As Spain’s largest region, you can enjoy mountainous areas, beaches and wide-open spaces. To help you plan your stay, here’s the April weather forecast for three of Andalusia’s most visited cities.

Malaga: temperatures generally range from 54°F in the morning to 70°F in the afternoon. The city enjoys sunny days and low rainfall, providing ideal conditions for exploring its beaches and attractions. We recommend starting your visits early in the morning to make the most of your stay.
Cadiz: average temperatures range from 55°F to 68°F. Cadiz enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with mostly sunny days and occasional showers. Ideal for a weekend at the beach.
Seville: temperatures in Seville in April range from 50°F to 82°F. The city is renowned for its warm, dry climate and plenty of sunshine, making it a popular destination for tourists. Don’t hesitate to rent a car to discover the cities of Carmona and Cordoba.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 26 July 2024 | Featured

Juan Gris, an exceptional painter

Juan Gris is a Spanish painter famous for his paintings of breakfast, the guitar and the violin. If you’re visiting Madrid on your next vacation, it’s a golden opportunity to discover his works at the Reina Sofia Museum. A true icon of Cubism, he worked with the greatest painters such as Picasso and Braque. Find out more about the life of Juan Gris, cubism, his works and much more in this article.

Juan Gris and cubism, biography

Juan Gris, born José Victoriano Carmelo Carlos González-Pérez, was born in Madrid on March 23, 1887. A Spanish painter and founder of Cubism, he is known for his unique, modern works that changed the art world.

Juan Gris learned to draw at the Escuela de Artes y Manufacturas in Madrid between 1902 and 1904. From 1904 to 1905, the academician José Maria Carbonero taught him painting.

In 1906, after his military service, he moved to Paris, where he became friends with Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Guillaume Apollinaire and Fernand Léger, as well as Pablo Picasso.

Discover Juan Gris at the Reina Sofia Museum

The Reina Sofia Museum is one of Spain’s most famous museums. Here you’ll find works by Juan Gris, Picasso and Miro.

To better understand the artists’ approach, the definition of Cubism and the history of the Civil War, we recommend a visit to the Reina Sofia Museum with an English-speaking guide. You’ll experience a unique and authentic visit in a confidential setting, with a guide specialized in art history.

2 Hours

Prado Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Reina Sofia Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

Juan Gris and the cubist artistic movement

Juan Gris, along with Pablo Picasso and Braque, was one of the leaders of the Cubist movement. This movement shook up the perception of traditional art in Paris at the beginning of the 20th century.

Definition of cubism: Cubism is an artistic movement that began in the 20th century. A veritable revolution in painting and sculpture, the movement influenced architecture, literature and music. Cubism was born in Paris in 1907 and evolved mainly in the Paris region with Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris and Georges Braque.

Cubism’s heyday came between 1910 and 1912 with the Analytical Cubism period, followed by Synthetic Cubism and finally Orphism.

Synthetic cubism: Synthetic cubism puts the dimensions of objects back into paintings, making works more realistic and less distorted.
orphism: this operation of cubism comes from Guillaume Apollinaire, who linked cubism to his poems, referring to his poem Orphée, which deals with pure poetry.

The First World War (1914-1918) interrupted the movement. Cubism was replaced by the Dada movement, geometric abstraction and art deco.

Works by Juan Gris

Here is a selection of works by Juan Gris that we think are worth presenting:

Still life with mirror, painted in 1910 – In this still life, we can see the beginnings of his Cubist period, with the inversion of planes and points of perspective. The problem of light distribution on objects is also addressed.

Dans les maisons à Paris, painted in 1911 – Gris paints these buildings in an attempt to highlight their volume, using segmentation of planes in the facades and roofs of the houses.

Bottles and Knife, painted in 1912 – This is one of the still lifes in which Juan Gris applied Cubism. It features bottles and plates.

Composition with clock, painted in 1912 – In this work, Gris created a linear frame that breaks down the objects and allows different points of view.

Violin and guitar, painted 1913 – In this still life, the three-dimensionality of the objects, which are arranged in two sets, is explored. One, formed by the guitar and violin, occupies the center of the picture, and the other, formed by a bottle, wallpaper and tablecloth. Gris creates relationships between the two sets, through interwoven planes and lines, by associating the elements represented.

Le Petit Déjeuner, painted 1915 – This painting by Juan Gris in October 1915 was executed in oil and charcoal. It depicts a coffee mill, a coffeepot and a compotier.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 25 July 2024 | Featured

The complete guide to Madrid's Royal Palace

Madrid’s Royal Palace is one of Spain’s most visited monuments. We recommend that you visit it with a tour guide during your stay in Madrid. Here’s a guide with some practical tips for a unique and unforgettable experience in this magnificent palace.

Organize your stay in Madrid and plan a visit to the Royal Palace

Rich in history, it will surprise you with its magnificent rooms and rich decorations. To live a unique experience we suggest you to take a guided tour of the Royal Palace, where you’ll discover an impressive collection of clocks, canvases by famous painters, tapestries, royal jewels, the royal crown and even a rare collection of Stradivarius violins unique in the world.

November 2024

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

The history of Madrid's Royal Palace

The history of the Royal Palace of Madrid begins during the reign of Emir Mohamed Iᵉʳ (9ᵉ century) and continues with the kings of Spain.

The latter chose to build a fortress in the city of Madrid to protect the ancient Spanish capital Toledo from the advancing Christians. It wasn’t until the 14ᵉ century that the kings of Castile built the first Alcázar, bearing the name Antiguo Alcázar, and it was Charles Iᵉʳ of Spain and his son Philip II who completed this transformation, turning the ruins into the residence of kings.

In 1734, a fire destroyed the Alcázar, and it was Philip V who oversaw the construction of a new palace on the ruins of the previous two. He appointed Filippo Juvara to build it, but the latter died shortly after construction began, and it was his disciple Juan Bautista Sachetti who completed the work in 1738, seven years after work had begun.

The first king to reside in the royal palace was Charles III, and he was also the first to decorate it. The greatest decorative changes were made by his successor Charles IV, who fitted out the Hall of Mirrors. Studies have shown that the Royal Palace of Madrid was inspired by the organization of Bernini’s Louvre in Paris. Both structures feature a square courtyard, a gallery and a main palace facade overlooking the Plaza de la Armería.

The Royal Palace of Madrid boasts some 3,000 rooms and reception areas, a staircase designed by Sabatini with over 70 steps, a throne room featuring a magnificent fresco by Tiepolo, a guard room (formerly a ballroom), a royal chapel and a room dedicated to Stradivarius stringed instruments.

2 Hours

Royal Palace

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

4 Hours

Prado + Palais Royal

English-speaking guide

Book now

What to do at the Royal Palace of Madrid ?

To give you a foretaste of a visit to Madrid’s Royal Palace, here’s a detailed look at the most important things to see at the official residence of the Spanish kings.

How many rooms does the Royal Palace of Madrid have ?

Madrid’s Royal Palace has 3,418 rooms. However, only 50 of these are open to the public. It is the largest working royal palace in Europe. Some rooms are only open to the public on special occasions.

Where is the Royal Palace of Madrid located ?

The Royal Palace of Madrid is located in the historic center of Madrid, in the west of the city. It is located on Calle de Bailén, near the Plaza de Oriente. It is one of Madrid’s main monuments, and stands opposite the Almudena Cathedral. The palace is surrounded by magnificent gardens, including the Jardines de Sabatini and the Campo del Moro.

Palace address: Calle de Bailén, you can get there by metro by getting off at the Opera station on lines 5 and 2.

The metro ticket will cost you no more than 2€, and if you take a card it’s cheaper.

If you’d like to take a stroll around the Plaza Espana before coming to the Royal Palace, we recommend getting off at the Plaza de Espana station on lines 10 and 3.

The armory square

The armory square separates the Royal Palace from the Almuneda cathedral, and is an ideal spot for taking photos of the Royal Palace, as well as for entering the palace and starting your tour. For military graduations and other events, the Armory Square is not accessible, to ensure the smooth running of the event. If you’re visiting Madrid’s Royal Palace, we recommend that you start your visit in this square, to soak up the sublime royal decor.

The main staircase of Madrid's Royal Palace

Designed to have a graceful, harmonious step, this is made possible by the small spacing between each step, making it very easy and pleasant to use. Each step is carved from a single 5-metre-long piece of Spanish marble. As you pass through, take time to look at the magnificent vault and its paintings depicting the Spanish monarchy of the 18ᵉ century. You’ll find numerous sculptures representing royalty, including two lions symbolizing power and Spain.

Room of Charles III or Mattia Gasparini

Charles III’s bedroom is decorated in Rococo style from floor to ceiling. Very much in vogue at the time of Charles III, this cheerful style represents the beauty of nature and oriental art. The decoration, very difficult to put in place, was completed almost 50 years after the request. The floor is decorated with marble marquetry depicting plants, as are the seats and walls. Charles III’s room is one of the most prestigious in the Royal Palace, with a richly decorated interior and one of the most important clocks in the palace (the shepherd’s clock).

The Royal Chapel of Madrid's Royal Palace

The chapel of Madrid’s Royal Palace is one of the most impressive rooms in the palace, a veritable jewel of a chapel full of luxurious detail and meaning. To make the most of this room, we recommend spending several minutes observing the details of the magnificent dome.

The Stradivarius Hall

This is one of the most eagerly awaited rooms in Madrid’s Royal Palace. Stadivarius instruments are on display: 2 violins, a viola and a cello. Acquired by the court in 1775, these four instruments were regularly used for concerts, and are still used for exclusive events in Madrid’s Royal Palace. This hall is much loved by music lovers the world over, both for its decoration and the instruments on display.

The throne room of Madrid's Royal Palace

The King’s throne is housed in a large, sumptuously decorated hall with red velvet walls. The room was completed in 1772, and the decoration has remained intact to this day. Each decorative element is an allegory symbolizing the Spanish monarchy. It’s worth taking a guide with you to learn about the significance of each element in this masterpiece.

The armory and the royal kitchen

It’s not possible to visit the palace in its entirety (over 3,000 rooms), but you can visit the impressive royal armory and the royal palace kitchen. The armory is located at the far right (looking towards the Almuneda cathedral) of the main courtyard of the Royal Palace. For the kitchens, we advise you to ask the royal palace staff whether or not they are open on the day of your visit.

The palace gardens, Campo del Moro and Sabatini garden

Madrid’s Royal Palace has two gardens that we recommend you visit: the campo del moro and the Sabatini garden. This is where the king used to come to rest, and where he also liked to go to Retiro Park.

Visit Madrid's Royal Palace with a specialist art history guide

The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe, and one of the palaces that has seen the most kings and cultures live within its walls. Visiting it with a historian-guide will help you understand the works of art and the significance of the palace’s allegories. One of the great advantages of visiting Madrid’s Royal Palace with an English-speaking guide is that you can spend more time in the rooms, enjoying them. You’ll learn how the king used painters and artists to demonstrate his superiority and power. A tour of the palace with a guide lasts almost two hours, and with its wealth of explanations, it’s an unbeatable experience.

2 Hours

Royal Palace

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

4 Hours

Prado + Palais Royal

English-speaking guide

Book now

Watch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace in Madrid

The Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace in Madrid takes place on Wednesday and Saturday of each week (except for official ceremonies or inclement weather). The ceremonial changing of the guard takes place every first Wednesday of the month (except January, August and September).

Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace of Madrid
Type of Guard Change	Day	Time	Location
Weekly Change	Wednesday and Saturday	11am to 2pm (10am to 12pm in July and August)	In front of the Puerta del Príncipe (Bailén Street)
Solemn Change	First Wednesday of every month (except January, August, and September)	Noon	Plaza de la Armería, access via Puerta de Santiago (Bailén Street)

Additional details to attend the Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace in Madrid

Weekly changeover: Guards rotate every thirty minutes, accompanied by the beat of a drum.
Solemn changeover: Preceded by a concert by the Music Unit, this ceremony involves around 400 soldiers and 100 horses, and lasts around 50 minutes.

We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the ceremony to guarantee a good seat. To complete this activity, we recommend a visit to Almudena Cathedral and its crypt.

Visit Madrid's Royal Palace with your company or on a school trip

If you’re planning to visit Madrid with your company for a seminar, team-building event or corporate trip, we can offer you a “complete package” to visit Madrid.

We work with top-quality partners offering top-of-the-range services to meet your requirements and provide you with an experience to match. We regularly welcome school groups on trips to Madrid, and are delighted to organize visits to the Royal Palace.

Our guides’ explanations reflect the educational goals of our teaching staff. We have developed tours to capture the attention of students and provide them with real added value to make their stay as beneficial as possible.

Royal Palace of Madrid tickets

Ticket price for admission to the Royal Palace in Madrid (ticket valid for one day)

Adult price: 14€.
Reduced rate (for under-16s, large families, over-65s and students): 8€.
Free for children under 5.

Royal Palace Madrid entrance fee

Madrid’s Royal Palace is free from Monday to Thursday, from 5pm to 7pm from October to March, and from 6pm to 8pm from April to September. Children under 5 and disabled people with an accompanying adult also benefit from free admission. Other specific cases of free admission may apply on certain dates and special events, so please contact the Royal Palace of Madrid directly for the most precise information.

Royal Palace of Madrid opening hours

Opening hours of the Royal Palace of Madrid

Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, October to March.
Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., April to September.
On public holidays, the palace closes at 3pm.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 24 July 2024 | Featured

What to do in Madrid ? Top 10 free activities and visits to not miss

You’re probably planning your stay in Madrid and would like to know about free things and activities in Madrid. We’ve thought of you and put together this top 10 list of the best things to do and see for free in Madrid.

1- Visit the Prado Museum for free

The Prado Museum boasts one of the most famous art galleries in the world. It’s a must-see on your visit to Madrid.

Many of these works were created between the 12th and 20th centuries. They depict divine figures from mythological tales, episodes from sacred texts, figures revered for their sanctity and royal personages. You can also discover one of the largest representations of Charles IV and his family.

How can I visit the Prado Museum for free?

The standard entrance fee is 15€. If you are a student, you can visit the Prado Museum free of charge all day long on presentation of your student card.

You can visit the Prado Museum free of charge every day of the week, as well as on Saturdays from 6 pm to 8 pm, and on Sundays (and Spanish public holidays) from 5 pm to 7 pm.

It’s important to know that during these hours, queues can last several dozen minutes. To avoid wasting too much time, we advise you to varnish 20 to 30 minutes beforehand, so that you can get in quickly during free admission to the Prado Museum.

2 Hours

Prado Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

1h / 2h / 3h

Madrid by Tuk-Tuk

Personalized

Book now

2 - Visit the Reina Sofia Museum free of charge

Like the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum is world-renowned for its rich collection of works of art. The museum exhibits modern and contemporary works, including major pieces such as Guernica, an emblematic work by Pablo Picasso from 1937, and works by Miro.

Admission to the Museo Reina Sofía costs 12 euros, but the museum is open free of charge on Mondays and from Wednesday to Saturday between 7 and 9 pm. On Sundays, admission is free from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm.

The museum is also free on the following public holidays: April 18, May 18, October 12 and December 6.

3 - Visit Madrid's Retiro Park for free

Retiro Park is undoubtedly one of the Spanish city’s must-see attractions. Its status as one of Madrid’s main free attractions is due to the fact that it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunny spring afternoon.

Built in the 17th century by the royal family, this haven of tranquillity welcomes Madriders and visitors in search of relaxation every afternoon. An artificial lake surrounds the monument to Alfonso XII. You can hire a boat for a few euros.

Free visit to the Palacio de Cristal in Retiro Park

You’ll find some magnificent monuments in Retiro Park, one of which, the Palacio de Cristal, is free to visit. Numerous exhibitions are held here. If you’re a regular visitor to Madrid, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to discover them.

4 - The Temple of Debod, free visit to an Egyptian temple in Madrid

In the very heart of Madrid lies an unusual and free activity: a visit to the Temple of Amon de Debod (Temple of Debod). Standing majestically on a hill, this temple offers a breathtaking view of the city. It’s a great place to take photos of Madrid’s Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral.

Dating back over two millennia and originally erected in Egypt, it was generously donated to Spain as a sign of gratitude for its support in preserving Egyptian temples. A remarkable gift that bears witness to the historic ties between the two countries.

The temple of Debod is open Tuesday to Sunday (and public holidays) from 10:00 to 19:00 (last access at 18:30).

The Debod temple is closed on Mondays, January 1ᵉʳ and 6, May 1ᵉʳ, December 24, 25 and 31.

Important: Debod Temple is located in a park; in the event of bad weather, the park may be evacuated, and the temple closed without notice.

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

1h / 2h / 3h

Madrid by bike

English-speaking guide

Book Now

1h / 2h / 3h

Madrid Segway Tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

5 - Gain altitude with the capital's free rooftops

Several terraces and rooftops offer free access and are perfect for admiring Madrid’s skyline. You can tour Madrid from the rooftops for free.

Enjoy a breathtaking view of the city without spending a penny by going to the rooftop at Corte Inglés plaza Callao.

The 9ᵉ floor is home to the Gourmet experience, a dining area where you’ll find a large number of food stalls (Mexican cuisine, ice cream, bar, cheese shop…). Thanks to its huge windows and terrace, it offers exceptional panoramic views of the city.

6 - Take a free tour of Madrid in English

Discovering Madrid on foot is probably the best way to appreciate the city’s unique architecture and atmosphere. Free guided tours depart regularly from various points in the city, providing an enriching insight into its history and culture.

To visit Madrid free of charge with an English-speaking guide, we recommend you go to Plaza Mayor or Puerta Del Sol, where you’ll find numerous guides offering free tours of Madrid.

How does a free tour of Madrid work?

Freetours are free guided tours where you explore the city with an English-speaking guide. There’s no fixed cost in advance, but it’s usual to tip the guide at the end of the tour, based on your satisfaction.

The tour is therefore not completely free, and will cost between 5€ and 10€ per person.

These tours offer a flexible and cost-effective way to discover Madrid’s main sights while learning about its history and culture. However, it’s important to know that not all guides have degrees in history or art, which can have an impact on the quality of the tour.

7 - Visit Madrid's historic center for free by strolling from monument to monument

Madrid’s historic center is brimming with emblematic buildings and charming alleyways. Stroll through neighborhoods such as La Latina and Malasaña, and discover the city’s living history. Stroll along the Gran Vía, admire the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, and immerse yourself in the soul of the city.

The city of Madrid has the advantage of being easy to visit in just a few days, without too much travel by public transport. You’ll be able to visit a large number of monuments free of charge, including churches, the Almudena Cathedral and its magnificent Crypt.

8 - Visit Madrid's Royal Palace for free

Take advantage of your stroll through Madrid’s historic center to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid free of charge. To do so, you’ll have to be patient and wait for the free entrance hour. Madrid’s Royal Palace is one of the capital’s most visited monuments, and many people are keen to take advantage of this free hour to visit it.

When is a free visit to Madrid's Royal Palace possible?

You can visit the Royal Palace of Madrid free of charge at the following times: Monday to Thursday, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in winter from October to March).

9 - Visit Madrid's free flea market, El Rastro

The Rastro flea market, open every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday (Sunday is the best day to come and do business), is the ideal place to stroll and discover hidden treasures.

You’ll find this market in the back streets of the Latina district. You’ll find everything from old vinyl records to second-hand clothes and other treasures littering the stalls.

10 - Free visit to Atocha station and its tropical garden

Still looking for the best free activities and visits in Madrid? To round off this guide, we suggest you visit Atocha station. It boasts an exceptional botanical garden with rare plant species that are hard to find elsewhere. What’s more, it’s home to a variety of animal species, including the famous turtles that have become one of Atocha station’s main attractions over the years!

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 22 July 2024 | Featured

Visit Madrid's Retiro Park. What to see and do ?

A veritable green lung, el parque del Retiro is a green space similar to New York’s famous Central Park. Located not far from the Paseo del Prado and the Puerta del Sol, we recommend a visit during your stay in Madrid.

This haven of peace in the heart of the capital will give you a change of scene with its many fountains, gardens, sculptures and central lake, where you can take a boat trip.

2 Hours

Prado Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

1h / 2h / 3h

Madrid by Tuk-Tuk

Personalized

Book now

Madrid Retiro Park opening hours

Spring-summer (April to September): 6am to midnight

Autumn-Winter (October to March): 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

ATTENTION: In the event of adverse weather conditions or inspections after heavy rain or wind, the park may be temporarily closed without notice. Please consult the signs at the entrance for further information.

Prices for Madrid's Retiro Park

Entrance to Madrid’s Retiro Park is free for all visitors. You won’t need a ticket for Retiro Park.

The history of Retiro Park

Referred to by Madrilenians as the Parque del Retiro, it was so named because it was once the spiritual retreat of the kings of Spain.

The Palacio del Buen Retiro was built as a secondary residence for the king and his court.

The gardens, once a place of entertainment and leisure for royalty, are now the park we know today.

Area of Madrid's Retiro Park

Created between 1630 and 1640, el parque del Retiro covers more than 125 hectares. El Retiro features over 15,000 trees, as well as numerous fountains, sculptures and gardens. Once reserved for the king and his court, in 1868 it was finally opened to the public.

How do I get to Retiro Park?

Madrid’s Retiro Park is accessible via metro line 2, as well as the following bus routes: 1,2,9,15,19,20,26,51,52,61,63,74,146,152,C1.

If you’re taking the metro, get off at Banco de Espana station at the start of Paseo Del Prado, then continue to Puerta de Alcalá. You can also get off at Retiro station.

Guided tour of Retiro Park

Discover Retiro Park with our guided tour. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide specializing in Madrid, you’ll experience a unique and unforgettable moment.

Immerse yourself in one of Madrid’s jewels, where history, nature and culture meet in harmony. Our expert guides will reveal the park’s hidden secrets, from lush gardens to iconic monuments. Book your guided tour of Retiro Park now by contacting us via the contact tab.

2 Hours

Prado Museum

Private guided tour

Book now

2 Hours

Madrid private city tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

1h / 2h / 3h

Madrid by Tuk-Tuk

Personalized

Book now

The palaces of parque del buen Retiro

El parque del Retiro is home to a number of architecturally remarkable buildings. The two most famous palaces are the Palacio de Cristal and the grand Palacio de Velázquez. Although very different, they are both must-sees in El parque del Retiro, whether for a cultural getaway or a leisurely stroll.

Both palaces are owned by the Reina Sofia Museum. For more information on temporary exhibitions, take a look at our complete guide to the Reina Sofia Museum.

The Crystal Palace in Retiro Park

The Crystal Palace is the work of architect Ricardo Velázquez. It was originally built to house an exhibition of Philippine islands, hence its initial use as a greenhouse.

Today, it regularly hosts exhibitions by the Reina Sofia Museum of Contemporary Art. An exhibition space and a work of art in its own right, it is a favorite with tourists, as it perfectly captures the light for superb photos in a unique environment.

With its 22-metre-high dome, the palace overlooks a small lake.

Please note, however, that the palace does not have the same opening hours as the park. In high season, from April to September, it opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m., while the rest of the year, it closes at 6 p.m.

Admission to the Crystal Palace in Madrid's Retiro Park

The Crystal Palace in Retiro Park is free to visit.

Velázquez's Grand Palace

The Grand Palacio de Velázquez is similar to the Palacio de Cristal in that it was built by the same architect, inspired by the same work and initially used for the same purpose. However, it was built a little earlier, between 1881 and 1883, to house the National Mining Exhibition.

Its structure is also made of glass and iron, with a high dome, but it stands out for its many brick pillars and its earthenware decoration from the Moncloa Royal Factory.

The palace is open from April to September between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., from November to March between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and finally in October between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Palacio del buen Retiro - Casón du buen retiro

Formerly the ballroom of the court of Felipe IV, this building is one of the few remaining vestiges of the Retiro Park. The building has undergone extensive renovations to enlarge the room and restore the fresco on the vault by Giordano. In the past, the hall housed numerous works from the Prado Museum. Today, the building is home to the Prado Museum Studies Center, dedicated to research and the training of art experts.

It also houses the Prado Museum’s archives, documentation and conservation center and library.

The building contains a wealth of works on paintings, sculptures and drawings from the Middle Ages to the 19ᵉ century.

Since the building now houses a training facility and valuable works, it is no longer accessible to the public, but you can still admire its beautiful Baroque-style facade.

Boating on the Retiro Park pond

Built between 1634 and 1636, it was once possible to watch the king and his court enjoying a ride on the water, or water and musical shows, as a small island was located at its center. Today, it has been submerged by the waters.

A little anecdote: in 1964, the pond was used as a film set for the movie “Le monde fabuleux du cirque”, which featured John Wayne among its famous cast.

You can rent a rowboat or a solar-powered boat on this artificial lake to soak up the sunshine and take a stroll on the water. A real attraction in Retiro Park, we advise you to come as soon as the lake opens to enjoy a boat ride.

The Retiro Park rose garden

The rose garden in Retiro Park was designed by Cecilio Rodriguez in 1915. It contains over 4,000 rosebushes, most of which bloom in May and June. It’s a peaceful place that awakens your senses with the many scents of the flowers that surround you.

The Retiro Park – Garden

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 30 April 2024 | Featured

Why should you choose a rental apartment when visiting Madrid?

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 1 February 2024 | Featured

If you’re planning to discover Madrid and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage, renting a vacation apartment might be the key to an unforgettable experience. Discover now the advantages of renting an apartment in the heart of Madrid. Benefits … Read More

The Reina Sofia Museum, the complete guide

Find out in this article why the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid attracts so many visitors.

The Museo Nacional Centro Reina Sofia is part of the famous Golden Triangle of Madrid’s art. It is one of the largest museums in Madrid after the Prado Museum and the Thyssen & Bornemisza Museum.

It is known all over the world for its contemporary art and for the famous paintings on display such as Picasso’s Guernica and his masterpieces.

Located in downtown Madrid in front of the Atocha train station in an old hospital, the Reina Sofia National Museum will surprise you with its unique cultural offer.

In order to answer any questions you may have about visiting the museum we have prepared a comprehensive article to prepare you for your experience and have a great time during your stay in Madrid.

Table of Contents

What to see at the Reina Sofia Museum
Where the Reina Sofia Museum is located
How much does the entrance to the Reina Sofia Museum cost?
The museum’s schedule
Visit the museum with a French-speaking historian guide
Why visit it with Madrid Discovery
Organize a visit with your EC
Visit the museum without a guide
Visit the Reina Sofia Museum for free.

1. What to see at the Reina Sofía Museum

The museum is composed of 3 floors, a garden, a small terrace and more than 20,000 works of art are on display.

The period covered by the Reina Sofia Museum is complementary to that of the Prado Museum, they are two museums that deserve to be visited one after the other to get a chronological view of Spanish art and movements.

You will find a bookstore as well as a locker and toilets. For lovers of beautiful views we advise you to go up to the second floor to have access to a magnificent terrace.

Count 2 hours for a visit of the museum with a French-speaking guide, you will have the opportunity to study nearly 18 works. If you make the visit alone you will be able to discover up to 25-30 works (quick passage without explanations).

2. Where the Reina Sofía Museum is located

The museum is located in front of the Atocha train station and not far from the Retiro Park. The imposing building (former hospital) is quickly recognizable.

Museum address: Calle de Santa Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid

If you come from the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum or the Prado Museum then you will only have to follow the paseo del arte to get to the National Museum in the Reina Sofia Center.

The crystal palacio of Velasquez palace are an extension of the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid, we advise you to visit them, they are located in the Retiro park just behind the Prado museum. To get there, go up the paseo del arte.

Extension of the museum: crystal palacio and Velasquez. Here you will find unique and high quality temporary exhibitions exhibiting the works of renowned artists.

Museum Terrace

3. How much is the entrance fee to the Reina Sofia Museum?

Admission to the museum is 10€. If you are over 65 years old then you will get a discount. By comparison, the Prado museum costs 15€ per person and the Thyssen Bornemisza museum costs 12€ per person.

Subject to proof of age, persons meeting the following conditions will be admitted free of charge:

To be under 18 years old.
Student from 18 to 25 years old.
Journalists, people with reduced mobility, people without work.

4. Timetable of the Reina Sofia Museum

The museum opens every day at 10:00 am, it is also one of the busiest hours, you may have to wait 30-40 mins before you can enter the museum.

The solution is to come earlier to have a good place in the queue or to come later when the 10:00 am visitors have finished visiting the museum.

We advise our clients to book their visit for 3:00 pm, it is a low hour and the number of visitors is very low, which will allow you to enjoy the museum’s collection.

Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm
Sundays and holidays from 10am to 7pm

The Reina Sofia Museum is closed on the following days:

January 1st
May 1st
December 25th

The centro de arte reine sofia is also closed on January 6th.

5. Visit the museum with a French-speaking historian guide

The visit to the Reina Sofia Museum is one of the most surprising visits in the city, many of our clients had not thought about visiting the museum and finally chose to visit it with a guide following recommendations they got from friends.

A true cultural heritage, the National Museum Reina Sofia Center partly retraces the Spanish Civil War (with Picasso’s Guernica as the main canvas) and the history of modern Spain with the feminist movement.

One part is dedicated to Cubism and its history, you will have the opportunity to contemplate paintings by the famous painter Juan Gris and his masterpieces.

The visit of the museum without a historian guide is quite complex, cubism and contemporary art is not as descriptive as the paintings that can be found in the Prado Museum or the Thyssen Museum.

The museum visits that we offer at Madrid Discovery are developed to offer you more added value than the classic visits.

In order to offer you an exclusive and complete service, we take care of the organization of your visit as well as the purchase of the fast tickets. Your guide will pick you up directly at your hotel and take you to the Reina Sofia Museum. If you plan to visit the Museo Nacional Centro Reina Sofia with young children or teenagers, the private tour will be an excellent way to capture their attention and avoid boredom.

Don’t waste any more time and discover our tour of the Reina Sofia Museum with our English speaking guides.

6. Why visit it with Madrid Discovery

Visiting the Reina Sofia de Madrid with Madrid Discovery will allow you to live a unique and authentic experience.

Most of the guided tours that you will find in Madrid are not private and you will have to buy the tickets by yourself.

To save you from having to manage the organization of your visit we will take care of it.

Being transparent with our clients is a priority, once the reservation is made on our website you will not have to pay anything, we do not ask you to pay any cash or buy the tickets yourself.

Included in the price is a series of exclusive services such as the purchase of fast tickets, the departure of your visit from your hotel, the cab ride from your hotel to the museum and a dedicated customer service that can be reached at any time.

Can’t make the tour? Had to cancel your stay in Madrid? Don’t worry, contact customer service to get a full refund of your purchase*.

* Refund conditions are indicated in the general conditions of sale.

7. Organize a visit to the Reina Sofía with your company

The museum adapts very well to group visits and especially to company visits. We regularly organize visits to companies that come to Madrid for a seminar or during vacations organized by the EC.

Our services for companies have been developed to offer a stress-free turnkey experience. Once the visit is booked we take care of all aspects of the visit to ensure that you have a unique experience.

For more information on group tours or team-building organization please do not hesitate to contact us directly by email.

Main entrance of the museum

8. Visiting the museum without a guide

It is not an easy museum to understand and many of the works require an explanation to decipher their meaning.

It is important to understand the context of each of the works in order to appreciate the visit. Its imposing size may lose the visitor and not allow him to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

There may be some waiting when buying tickets to visit the Reina Sofia Museum. During the high season it is possible to wait more than 30 minutes to return. This is a constraint that you will not have when visiting the museum with a private guide.

9. Visit the Reina sofia museum for free

t is possible to visit the Reina Sofía Museum free of charge, for this you will have to wait for the end of the day slot between 18:00-20:00 during the week and 17:00-19:00 on weekends and holidays. You will have access to the entire collection of the museum.

Is it interesting to visit the museum for free?

Visiting the Reina Sofía Museum during this time can be interesting if you have a small budget and want to visit Madrid economically.

However, to be able to visit it you will have to start waiting from 5:00 pm or even 4:30 pm on busy days.

To be sure to return during the free schedule some people start waiting very early. In general the number of people who enter for free is quite high and you will not be able to visit the museum in the best conditions.

To sum up, visiting the Reina Sofía Museum for free may be interesting but requires some sacrifice of time and comfort. It is important to note that temporary exhibitions are not open to the public for free.

This article was first published on May 25, 2020. It is regularly updated with news and new activities.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 6 January 2021 | Featured

What to do in Segovia ? Discover the Alcázar, the Roman aqueduct and Segovia Cathedral

Segovia, a medieval pearl in the heart of Spain, just 100 km from Madrid, was once the nerve center of royal power in the Middle Ages. Its strategic location enabled the monarchs to consolidate their hold on the kingdom.

Immerse yourself in our guide to visit Segovia in a day during your stay in Spain. Don’t waste any more time discovering what to do and see in Segovia.

A day trip from Madrid to Segovia: what to see and do?

Madrid has the advantage of a multitude of nearby cities, such as Segovia, Avila, Cuenca and Toledo, ideal for day trips from the capital. In an upcoming article, we’ll be revealing the must-sees of Toledo, a medieval city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Plan your visit to Segovia now and make the most of your stay in Spain with our list of things to do in a day in Segovia.

Tourism map of Segovia

You can find a detailed map of Segovia via this PDF link.

How long does it take to visit the medieval city of Segovia?

To visit Segovia’s main attractions, such as the aqueduct, cathedral and Alcazar, one day may be enough. If you want to explore more, including the surrounding area and lesser-known sites, allow two to three days. This will allow you to take full advantage of the city and its surroundings.

Half / full day

Segovia tour

English-speaking guide

Book now

Exclusive experience

Hot-air balloon ride

English-speaking team

Book now

Full-day tour

Segovia & Avila

English-speaking guide

Book now

How do I get to Segovia from Madrid?

Segovia is part of the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León, named “Historical and Cultural Community” for its great cultural wealth. The city of Segovia lies to the northwest of Madrid.

There are three options for getting there:

The first option is to get there by car.
The second, quicker and more economical option is to take the train from Madrid Chamartin station to Segovia station.
The last option is to take a bus from Madrid to Segovia.

The Madrid-Segovia connection is very easy. If you don’t want to organize this excursion yourself, please write to us. The Madrid Discovery team will suggest the ideal itinerary for a unique and authentic experience.

Madrid-Chamartín Segovia train timetable

To reach the city of Segovia from Madrid by train, go to the Madrid-Chamartín train station located north of Madrid.

Madrid-Segovia Train Schedule

Departure from Madrid-Chamartín	Arrival in Segovia	Duration
08:00	09:08	1h 08m
10:00	11:08	1h 08m
12:00	13:08	1h 08m
14:00	15:08	1h 08m
16:00	17:08	1h 08m
18:00	19:08	1h 08m

Visit the Alcázar of Segovia

A visit to Segovia’s Alcazar is one of the city’s most interesting tours. Here you can discover the different rooms where Spanish history was written, offering a complementary visit to Madrid’s royal palace.

The Segovia Alcázar consists of three parts: the museum, the castle and the Juan II tower.

We recommend a visit to the Juan II Tower for a breathtaking view of the city, but don’t forget that 152 spiral staircases await you!

Timetable for visiting Segovia's Alcázar

Summer opening hours: (April 1 to October 31) 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Winter opening hours: (November 1 to March 31) 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Discover the Segovia aqueduct

Segovia’s aqueduct is part of the medieval city’s landscape, and you can’t miss it. For one of the best views of the building, we recommend taking the stairs to the right of the aqueduct. Once at the top, you’ll be on the rampart, with a breathtaking view of this magnificent structure dating back to the Middle Ages.

Visit Segovia Cathedral

Segovia Cathedral, imposing in its size and architecture, is a must-see when visiting the city. It is composed of 3 naves forming a Latin cross plan. The cathedral can be entered through three doors: Puerta de San Geroteo, Puerta de San Frutos and Puerta de Santa María.

Segovia Cathedral opening times

March to November: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (last visit half an hour before).

April to October: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 9:30 pm (last visit half an hour before).

Visit the walls of Segovia

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Segovia wall is one of the most beautiful and ancient walls in Spain. The total length of the wall is 3 km 406 m, and it can be up to 2.5 m thick. Its average height has been estimated at almost 9.50m.

The wall was made up of 5 toll gates, of which 3 can be seen today: the San Andrés gate, the Santiago gate and the Saint-Cyprien gate.

Visit Segovia's Jewish Quarter and Old Town

We recommend visiting the Jewish Quarter beyond the city wall. The wall’s parapet walk will give you a breathtaking view of the city’s Jewish quarter and general architecture. Once you’ve completed your visit to the city walls, head off to Segovia’s Jewish Quarter to discover the district’s atypical architecture.

Discover Segovia's culinary specialties and eat a suckling pig

Segovia is best known for its impressive Roman aqueduct and magnificent Alcazar, but for food lovers the world over, Segovia is one of the best cities in the world in which to enjoy a suckling pig, the region’s specialty.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 17 August 2020 | Featured

The malasana neighbourhood is one of the most popular places in Madrid, a place to live, shop or go out, where you can gather and have a good time with your family or friends.

Emblematic district of Madrid both by its history and by the different cultural movements that have emerged there, malasana neighborhood has become over time a unique and authentic neighborhood not to be missed during a stay in Madrid.

In love with Madrid and passionate about its history, we have decided to write this post to tell you more about this district so emblematic of our beautiful city Madrid.

You are probably wondering :

Why does malasana neighborhood have this name? Why is the 2 de mayo square so important? Who is Malasana? What to do in Madrid? Where to eat in Malasana? Where can I go shopping?

We hope that this guide to the malasana neighborhood will help you prepare your stay, if you liked it don’t hesitate to tell us on our social networks and share the article around you.

Malasana’s story

Before introducing you to the modern malasana neighborhood, it is interesting to start by telling you the history of this district. Discover the life of the alasana district right now to become a schoolteacher in the trendiest district of the capital.

malasana neighborhood

La movida and Malasana neighborhood

The movida is a cultural movement that followed Franco’s dictatorship in the 70’s, unique in all Europe it was at this time that Spain freed itself from its chains and discovered the world.

Malasana neighborhood was the cradle of this movement with famous bars and still famous for their parties and big parties.

The modern Malasana

The malasana neighborhood is the perfect place if you want to spend a shopping day in the capital.

After this section you will find a guide to spend an ideal day in Madrid.

Discover or go shopping in Madrid, or drink a cana, the rooftops of the neighborhood or the best restaurants in the city.

Shopping in Malasana

Once you’re in this beautiful neighborhood, you’ll be able to feel the hipster atmosphere.

Fashion in Spain is very present and you won’t be disappointed when you see the numerous thrift shops, in total you will find no less than 15.

Each one has a particular style, with pieces coming from the US, France or Spain. One of the most famous is the flamingo where you will be able to buy a lot of clothes and finally pay by weight. A concept that is very popular with Spaniards and that does not leave indifferent every traveller passing through the malasana neighborhood.

malasana neighborhood

drinking beer in the malasana neighborhood

Malasana neighborhood is also and above all a place where you can meet with friends to enjoy tapas around a cana. Spend a real moment in Spanish “tapar” from bar to bar.

You’ll find the best bars in the area in plaza del 2 de mayo where beers and glasses of wine are usually less than 2€.

A list to make your cana break a success:

La Bicicleta, A bar for bicycle lovers, atypical and warm, this bar will transport you in less than a few minutes in the Spanish atmosphere!

Ojala, If you have to choose a bar in malasana it will be this one. A bar with three different atmospheres, a terrace or in the sun, a flowerpot where you will eat between the plants and finally a travel atmosphere with a basement full of sand, enjoy a break with your feet in the sand!

Pepe botella, One of the mythical bars of Malasana, located near the Plaza del dos de mayo this bar has taken the nickname given to Napoleon’s brother “pepe botella”. This goes back to the time when Napoleon’s brother was governor of Madrid, he decided to make decrees on the sale of alcoholic beverages and was caricatured by the artists of the city that gave him this nickname. For the most curious we suggest you take a trip to the Museum of History of Madrid where you will find the original drawings of the caricatures of “pepe botella”.

Lunch and diner in the malasana neighborhood

Malasana neighborhood is also the place to enjoy tapas with friends and dine in small restaurants.

You will find a great diversity and will be able to taste a simple tapas to a Greek dish through a Mexican dish.

Here is a list of our good addresses:

Another great place to enjoy good food: Ojala, if you want to eat with your feet in the sand, on the terrace or in a greenhouse. A very popular place in Madrid and often sold out, especially when the sun makes its first appearances.

To taste many styles of cuisine you will find the market of St Anton. A delight for gourmets and foodies from all over the world.

The Fuencaral street will plunge you into a gustatory broom.

Our good address:

Lateral, present in several districts of Madrid, is a sure value in terms of tapas.

We recommend the pincho de tortilla! If you liked this restaurant we advise you to find the different restaurants in Madrid.

Saporem, a restaurant hidden by a rather banal facade, entry into a world where you will be cut off from the world, an atypical decoration awaits you and delicious dishes to enjoy with friends or family.

If you prefer Mexican food, we suggest you take a street tour where you will find a typical Mexican restaurant. Get into the atmosphere and taste a real michelada!

A restaurant not very touristy, but just as delicious, … this Japanese will make you travel through its thematic rooms, attention, if you want to eat there try to book in advance to have a table. The ramens are delicious !

Eating a hot dog on the go, a crazy street food style restaurant is waiting with their delicious perros calientes !

Malasana neighborhood & LGBT experience

The malasana neighborhood is located right next to the famous chueca neighborhood, where you will find many famous addresses of the LGBT community. If you want to have a list of gay experiences to do in Madrid don’t hesitate to take a look at our LGBT guide.

Going out and meeting people in the malasana neighborhood

Malasana is a party place. Party again, relive the movida and dive into the authentic Madrid during your stay. This is the bar not to be missed at a party in malasana.

La via lactea: a bar well known to Spaniards and famous for its concerts and the personalities who have frequented it.

malasana neighbourhood

Our guide to spend a perfect afternoon in the district of malasana

Make the most of a sunny day to discover this beautiful neighbourhood and live to the Spanish rhythm.

A historic morning

Explore the Museum of Madrid where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the city.

Enjoy some tapas and explore the neighbourhood from the plaza del 2 de mayo, from the plaza upwards and then head to fuencarral.

Take a lunch break in Saporem and enjoy delicious food.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 21 July 2020 | Featured

Prado Museum

Discover a complete guide to the Prado Museum and plan your stay in Madrid in complete tranquillity.

Table of Contents

The Museo del Prado is one of the museums to visit during your stay in Madrid. Located on the Paseo del arte in the city centre it is part of the famous Golden Triangle of Art along with the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum.

The Museo del Prado is known worldwide for its works of art belonging to Spanish monarchs.

Works by Goya, Velazquez and Bosch commissioned by the kings are on display as well as a large number of paintings by European artists.

When to visit the Prado Museum? Where is the museum located? How much time is it worth to visit the Museo del Prado? Do we need to take a historian guide? How much does the entrance to the Prado cost?

In order to answer the questions you need to ask yourself about your visit to the Museo del Prado we have prepared a complete article about the museum and its visit. Discover now how to make your visit a success and not miss the greatest works of art in the museum.

Museo del Prado

Visit the Prado Museum with a historian guide

As many of you still book our private tour of the Prado Museum, your feedback on the visits is very positive and we are delighted that your experience has been a success.

Visiting a museum like the Prado Museum without the explanations of a historian guide can make you miss the meaning and history of most of the works.

If you want to visit the Prado Museum, it is because you are sensitive to art and want to know the history of the works and the history of the painters.

At Madrid Discovery we have developed private tours of the museum with English speaking historian guides, during your visit you will study about 15 important works of art in the museum.

Your guide will introduce you to the life of the painters and their relationship with the court and society, as well as the rivalries between them.

In order to offer you a complete service, we take care of the purchase of the tickets as well as the transport from your hotel to the Prado Museum. Our mission is to make you live a unique and enriching experience on the history of art. You will be accompanied by a French-speaking guide and will benefit from quick entries so that you don’t have to wait long minutes in the queue (included in the price).

In order to personalize your experience as much as possible, you can ask your English-speaking historian guide to visit a particular part of the museum.

Satisfy your desire for culture and discover the unexpected with Madrid Discovery.

If you visit the Prado Museum with your family and young children or teenagers it will be a good way to capture their attention and avoid them getting bored, our guides are used to working with a very young audience and will capture their attention.

Why visit it with Madrid Discovery?

Unlike the majority of the visits you will find at the Museo del Prado our tours are entirely private and in your language. At Madrid Discovery we work day by day to offer completely personalized experiences thanks to our network of qualified and professional partners.

Being transparent with our clients is a priority, so once you make a reservation on our website you will not have to pay anything, we do not ask you to pay cash or buy the tickets yourself.

Included in the price is a series of exclusive services such as the purchase of fast tickets, the departure of your visit from your hotel, the journey from your hotel to the museum and a dedicated customer service that can be contacted at any time.

Can’t make the tour? Had to cancel your stay in Madrid? Don’t worry, contact customer service for a full refund of your purchase*.

* Refund conditions are indicated in the general terms and conditions of sale.

Museo del Prado

Visiting the Prado Museum with your company

The Museo del Prado will be an ideal visit for an afternoon of team building, many companies contact us to organize a visit during their trip to Madrid and we are happy to offer them our experiences.

We have dedicated products for companies, these are “turnkey” visits so you don’t have to worry about the organization.

For more information about group visits or team-building, please contact us directly by e-mail.

Museo del Prado

Visit the museum without a guide

If you wish to visit the Prado Museum without a historian guide then this part will help you to organize the visit. The Prado Museum is quite complex and requires some organization to visit it.

Composed of three floors and more than 1200 works, the Prado Museum is spread over 45 km2, it is very easy to get lost without really enjoying the visit. Its size and the large number of works can make the visit very tiring and most visitors visiting it alone do not make the most of their experience due to a lack of explanations.

Before returning home you will have to buy your ticket at the ticket office, if you come to visit the Prado Museum during the high season it may take more than 30 minutes to get in.

To avoid wasting too much time we advise you to come and visit it at off-peak times. We will detail the rates and times below.

What to see at the Prado Museum

Once inside the Museo del Prado you will find yourself on level 0, a very spacious level with a luggage locker, toilets, a bookshop and a cafeteria. It is also on level 0 that you will find the museum’s temporary exhibitions.

If you have no idea how to start your visit to the Museo del Prado we advise you to ask the information stand for advice, they will help you along the way. The museum offers flyers with the high-lights to see, to give you an idea it takes 2 hours to see 20/25 paintings (quick passage without explanations).

The three levels of the Prado Museum

Level 0 of the Prado Museum: Jeronimos building and Villanueva building / Temporary exhibitions.

Level 1 of the Prado Museum: Spanish / German / Italian paintings / drawings.
Level 2 of the Prado Museum: sculptures / 18th and 19th century Spanish paintings

The black paintings of Francisco de Goya are located on level 0 room 67, you will find a large number of works from his period known as the “black paintings”.

The meninas of Velázquez are located on the 1st floor in room 12.

Museo del Prado

3 great painters present at the Museo del Prado

Francisco de Goya

Francisco de Goya is a Spanish painter of the 18th century, he made many trips to Italy to cultivate himself and learn new painting techniques. He is famous for his paintings of the royal family, 2 de mayo, black paintings and much more. Very represented in the Prado museum you will have the opportunity to discover his career.

Diego de Velazquez

Diego de Velazquez is a Spanish Baroque painter, famous for his paintings he is also one of the most represented painters in the Prado Museum. You will find one of his most famous paintings on level 1: The Meninas.

Bosch

Jerome Bosch is a Dutch painter of the Flemish Primitive Movement. The Prado Museum exhibits various works including the Garden of Delights, a painting used to teach religion to the young kings of Spain.

During your visit to the Prado Museum you will discover a large number of painters and works. Visit the Prado with an English-speaking guide to know the details of each work.

10 of the works that the Museo del Prado advises to see

Here is a very brief list of the works that you can admire at the Prado Museum.

Sala 56A EL BOSCO El jardín de las delicias
Sala 56A EL BOSCO La mesa de los pecados capitales
Sala 25 TINTORETTO El Lavatorio
Sala 58 VAN DER WEYDEN El Descendimiento
Sala 56B FRA ANGELICO La Anunciación
Sala 55B DURERO Autorretrato
Sala 9A VELÁZQUEZ Las lanzas o La rendición de Breda
Sala 12 VELÁZQUEZ Las meninas
Sala 29 RUBENS Las tres Gracias
Sala 32 GOYA La familia de Carlos IV

We advise you to end your visit by passing by the room dedicated to the black paintings of Goya, you will find not far from this room one of the most famous paintings of Goya, “el dos de mayo” (the back of mayo).

Where the Prado Museum is located

The Museo del Prado is located in front of the Thyssen and Bornemisza Museum, if you sleep at the Ritz, Westin palace or NH paseo del Prado you will only have to cross the paseo del arte to get there.

If you come to spend the day in Madrid and take the train to the capital then you will have to walk a few minutes to get to the Prado Museum.

The Atocha train station is located right in front of the Reina Sofia Museum and very close to the Prado Museum.

You will find the Retiro Park behind the Prado Museum, once your visit is over it will be a good opportunity to take a walk there.

If you decide to go to the Museo del Prado by metro then we suggest you take line 2 and stop at banco de espana, it will take you a little less than 10 minutes to walk there.

How much does admission to the Museo del Prado cost?

Admission to the Prado Museum is 15€. If you are over 65 years old then you will get a discount.

Subject to proof, persons meeting the following conditions will be admitted free of charge:

Under 18 years of age
Student from 18 to 25 years old
Journalists, people with reduced mobility, people out of work.

Schedules of the museo del Prado

The Museo del Prado opens every day at 10:00 am, it is also one of the busiest times of the day, you may have to wait 30-40 mins before you can enter the museum.

The solution is either to come earlier to get a good seat in the queue or to come later when the 10:00 am visitors have finished visiting the museum.

We advise our customers to book their visit for 3:00 pm, this is a slow time and the number of visitors is very low.

Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm
Sundays and holidays from 10 am to 7 pm

The Museo del Prado is closed on the following days:

January 1st
May 1st
December 25th

Visit the Prado Museum for free

It is possible to visit the Museo del Prado free of charge, for this you will have to wait for the end of the day slot between 18h-20h on weekdays and 17h-19h on weekends and public holidays. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact the Museo del Prado directly for more information.

You can also visit the Museo del Prado free of charge on Prado’s birthday on 19 November and on 18 May for International Museum Day.

Museo del Prado

Is it interesting to visit the museum during this time?

Visiting the Prado Museum at this time of the year can be interesting if you have a small budget and want to visit Madrid in an economical way. However, in order to get in, you will have to start waiting from 5:00 pm or even 4:30 pm on busy days. To be sure to get in during the free schedule some people start waiting very early.

In general the number of people who enter for free is quite high and you won’t be able to visit the museum in the best conditions. To sum up, visiting the Prado Museum for free may be interesting, but requires some sacrifice of time and comfort.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 18 July 2020 | Featured

Historic Centre of Madrid – Royal Palace of Madrid – Plaza Mayor

Table of Contents

For a visit to the historic centre of Madrid we recommend you to visit :

The Royal Palace in Madrid
The Cathedral of the Almuneda
La plaza mayor
The mercado de san Miguel
La puerta del Sol
The Latina district
Eating at the Sobrino de Botin

One of the advantages of Madrid is that despite its very large size it is possible to visit the historic centre of the city on foot without wasting time on public transport.

The historic centre of Madrid is big enough to spend a morning during a 2 or 3 day stay in the capital.

The historic centre of Madrid is located in the current city centre, many hotels are in this area and it will be easy for you to find the one that best suits your needs.

If you are visiting Madrid in 3 days we advise you to stay in one of the hotels located near the Royal Palace.

For more information about the different hotels in the city don’t hesitate to consult our Madrid hotel guide, where you will find the best addresses, our opinions and a list of more than 10 hotels where you can stay or sleep in the capital.

In this article you will find the essential information about what to visit during your stay in Madrid. If you are wondering what to do in Madrid and what to visit during a stay of 2 or 3 days then you are at the right place.

Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about your stay, we will be happy to answer them.

The historic centre of Madrid offers a wide range of cultural activities and many places to visit, which is why we’ve included a full article to cover the subject and help you prepare for your future stay.

Don’t hesitate to book a city tour of Madrid so that you don’t lose time during your stay and visit the best of the city.

Not to be missed: the ideal itinerary in the historical centre of Madrid (at the end of the article) during a stay in Madrid.

The heart of the historic centre of Madrid: the Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace in Madrid is one of the most beautiful and grand palaces in Europe and is one of the monuments of the city to visit during your stay.

The palace represents the historic centre of Madrid, it is from this point that the city has grown to currently cover more than 600 km2 or almost 6 times Paris!

The palace opens to the public from 10am, if you want to live an exclusive moment it is possible to start the visit from 9am, but only with an official guide. For more information about this service do not hesitate to contact us and take a tour on our website, we will organize you a unique and authentic visit of the royal palace with a English-speaking guide.

Once inside the royal palace you will have the opportunity to visit it and to plunge back into the life of the monarchs. Here is a list of the main rooms you will be able to see:

The grand palace staircase.
You will discover the Column Lounge.
The bedroom of Charles 3.
The porcelain cabinet.
The Gala dining room.
The royal chapel.
The throne room.

The visit doesn’t stop there, if you have time is that they are open then you can access the royal armoury and the royal kitchen.

Don’t hesitate to ask a member of the staff if it is possible to visit them.

During your visit you will pass by the Stradivarius room, you will find an impressive collection of original Stradivarius as well as the scepter and the royal crown.

If you are interested in the royal palace and the history of Madrid do not hesitate to read our article dedicated to this monument and the history of the monarchs who lived there.

-> Our article on the Royal Palace of Madrid

If you are visiting the historic centre of Madrid we recommend you to take a tour around the Opera Square in front of the Royal Palace of Madrid. The building is open to the public and you will have a great view of the palace from the Opera Balcony.

Historic Centre of Madrid – Opera Madrid

The Cathedral of the Historic Centre of Madrid: L’Almuneda

Located in front of the Royal Palace and separated by the Plaza de la Armería the Almudena Cathedral will surprise you with its magnificent statues.

It is a relatively young cathedral built in the 20th century with different styles (neoclassical on the outside and neo gothic on the inside).

It is important to note that it is the only Spanish cathedral to be consecrated by a pope.

It was during a trip to Spain that Pope John Paul 2 consecrated it in 1993.

Located in downtown Madrid it is also one of the monuments to visit. Access is free, but a donation is required. You will discover a large nave as well as a magnificent dome at the crossing of the transept.

The crypt of the Almuneda Cathedral

We advise you to visit this neo-Romanesque style crypt, under the Almudena Cathedral. You will have to go around the cathedral on the left to get to the entrance of this unique place.

The crypt of the Almudena is one of the largest in Spain, generally not much frequented you will be pleasantly surprised by this jewel.

Historic Centre of Madrid – Crypt of the Almuneda Cathedral

The palace gardens: El campo del moro

If you have the opportunity to visit the historic centre of Madrid between March and October then we recommend you to take a walk in the beautiful Campo del Moro Park.

This English style garden is full of flowers. El campo del moro is ideal to rest after a visit to the royal palace and take your best pictures.

Historic Centre of Madrid – Royal Palace of Madrid – Campo del moro

The Basilica of San Francisco

This basilica is located not far from the Latina district and very close to the Almudena Cathedral. It is the most beautiful basilica in Madrid that you can visit.

You’ll have to cross the Segovia viaduct that connects the Royal Palace and Las Vistillas Park.

This viaduct became famous thanks to its appearance in Pedro Almodovar’s films like Matador or The Passenger Lovers.

You will find this basilica on your right after passing the viaduct. It is not very well known by tourists and is rather frequented by locals, it was our favorite when we entered it, with a neoclassical style you will find works of Goya.

It has a very large dome which is one of the largest in Europe after St. Peter’s Basilica or the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Florence. This basilica is one of the most beautiful in the historic center of Madrid.

Take advantage of your visit to the Royal Palace to take a tour of this unique place.

aHistoric Centre of Madrid – Basilica Madrid

The historical square of Madrid: Plaza Mayor

Madrid is made up of different squares that have evolved over time.

The plaza mayor which is part of the historic center of Madrid and also one of the most historic squares, it delineated one of the boundaries of the city in the 16th century.

Originally equipped with a hall it was the city’s market. It was three big fires that shaped it and changed its appearance.

You will find the statue of Philip 3 in the centre. Stroll under the arcades to admire the architecture of this magnificent place.

The Plaza Mayor is one of the most touristic places of the city, not to fall into the trap here is a list of authentic addresses of the place.

Have a drink at the café at: Al Fresco.
Eat a squid sandwich at the bar La Ideal.
Eat a traditional dish at the restaurant Gustos.
Visit Madrid in winter to see the famous Christmas market!

Historic Centre of Madrid – Plaza mayor Madrid

The historic market of Madrid: Mercado de San Miguel

You have probably already heard about the San Miguel market from a friend of yours who has been to Madrid or when reporting on the Spanish capital.

Located in the historic centre of Madrid the San Miguel market is a must for lovers of tapas and Spanish gastronomy.

It’s also a unique architectural work of art, made of glass and a metal structure that makes it an atypical and pleasant building to visit.

It’s usually a stop on our private tours of the city, it’s the ideal place to recharge your batteries after a visit to the royal palace.

Known all over the world by the presence of prestigious Spanish and foreign chefs, you will have the opportunity to taste tapas from all over Spain without forgetting a glass of Sangria or a caña.

This is what awaits you:

Joan Roca artisanal ice cream (3 Michelin stars).
Pellas de Rodrigo de la Calle (1 Michelin star).
Basque gastronomy with Amaiketako.
Typical Madrid dish from Casa Lhardy.

If you want to taste real Mexican tacos you will find Roberto Ruiz (1 Michelin star).

The mercado san Miguel is open every day from 10am to midnight and until 1am on Saturdays. You will be able to enjoy tapas every hour of the day. If you wish to enjoy the Spanish atmosphere we advise you to come and eat around 11am to enjoy a unique moment with your family or friends.

Historic Centre of Madrid – Mercado de Madrid San Miguel

Historic street of Madrid: Calle Mayor

Main axis of the historic center of Madrid this street starts at the foot of the Almudena Cathedral to reach the puerta del sol. Here you will find many restaurants and tourist shops.

You will be able to admire the modernist architecture of the buildings while strolling through its atypical little streets in the historic centre of Madrid. You will find famous historical buildings such as :

Casa de Calderón.
Joyeros de Mayor.
Miradores de chaflán.

Sobrino de Botin

One of the most popular addresses in the capital is the Sobrino de Botin, a typical restaurant serving traditional Spanish dishes, the oldest restaurant in the world opened in 1725.

It is on 4 floors that this 16th century style restaurant with low ceilings and antique period decoration is located.

Its characteristic wooden façade makes this restaurant a unique place where you can taste many traditional dishes such as cocido or lentils.

To eat there nothing simpler, you can go there and wait half an hour to have a table. To avoid this and to be sure to have a table quickly we advise you to book via their website, they have an online reservation system.

Historic Center of Madrid – Botin restaurant Madrid

Puerta del sol

Historic Centre of Madrid – Puerta del Sol

The Puerta del sol, located in the historic centre of Madrid is the central square of the city, this is where many events take place such as the New Year, the 15 M, events and political demonstrations.

You will also find the 0 kilometer of Spain and the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree, emblem of the city.

La puerta del sol is almost entirely pedestrian, but it was not in its infancy.

Real nerve centre of the capital it is very well connected with Callao, Plaza Santa Ana, Plaza Mayor, the Madrid Opera or the Paseo del Prado with the famous Prado Museum, Thyssen and Reina Sofia.

La Latina aera

A visit to the historic centre of Madrid is not limited to the main monuments of Spanish history.

The Latina quarter is an integral part of Madrid’s history and will surely be part of your itinerary on your first visit to Madrid.

You should know that this neighborhood is built on the ruins of an ancient medieval Moorish fort. You will find a very atypical architecture with small streets that wind between the buildings. It is interesting to compare the structure of this neighborhood with the modern Salamanca neighborhood where the streets are straight.

Real district dedicated to shopping, discover our article on the Salamanca district with our good shopping and lifestyle addresses.

You will find many churches such as the church of San Pedro el Real or the basilica of Saint Francis the Great that we mentioned earlier.

La Latina is a very lively neighbourhood where Spaniards like to meet on Sundays to go hunting at the Rastro market, a real attraction in the historic centre of Madrid.

Historic Centre of Madrid – La Latina aera

The Cava Baja and the Cava Alta

The cava baja and the cava alta are two very lively streets in the historic centre of Madrid.

Rich in history, they have shaped the Latina quarter and are the ideal place to eat tapas and meet up with friends. With an older and calmer style, another atmosphere awaits you.

Make the most of your stay in Madrid to live both atmospheres.

You will find many bars in the cava Baja, the animation is greater in the evenings. The cava alta is less lively, but very nice to see with its many facades and tile shopfronts typical of the historic centre of Madrid.

Historic Centre of Madrid – Calle cava alta Madrid

The Cebada market

Very well known market for locals and visitors you will find fresh products, ideal to bring Spanish ham home. Take advantage of a Sunday to visit this typical place and enjoy some tapas on the terrace.

The Rastro Market

Located in the historic centre of Madrid, the Rastro market is open every weekend and on public holidays.

It is a paradise for antique and second-hand goods dealers, where you can find antique paintings, antiques, antiques and much more.

Always remember to negotiate prices, the Rastro’s sellers are rather conciliatory and accept your offers.

You will find a main street where many sellers offer you new products typical of the markets, if you want to hunt the best is to go into the small shops between the main avenues.

One area of the market is dedicated to picture frames and another to fripe.

Historic Centre of Madrid – Rastro Market

What to do in Madrid in 2, 3 or 4 days?

What to do in Madrid? How long does it take to visit Madrid? What to do in Madrid in 3 three days?

What to do in Madrid in 2 days? How to visit the historical center of Madrid?

In order to make it easier for you, we have prepared a typical itinerary to discover the historic centre of Madrid in one day.

The perfect itinerary for a day in the historic centre of Madrid

Historic Centre of Madrid – what to do in Madrid in 2 days

Whether it’s your first visit to Madrid or your tenth, you will be left out of this beautiful city. If you are planning your trip to Madrid this is the ideal day to discover the historical center of the city:

Morning

Visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid – We advise you to visit it with a guide, it will be more comfortable and you won’t have to worry about the organization.

If you are visiting the Royal Palace alone then we advise you to get there by 9:30am so you don’t have to wait too long.

Visit to the Almudena Cathedral (optional the crypt) – Once you have finished visiting the Royal Palace go to the Almudena Cathedral to visit it. It will take you no more than 25 minutes. If you have time you can visit the crypt of the Almudena Cathedral.

Time for tapas!

Once these two monuments have been visited, it’s time to leave for the San Miguel market to enjoy some tapas and regain your strength. You can stay there for 1 hour while you take a walk and enjoy some tapas.

Once the market is over, go to the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del sol, stroll from square to square and discover the secrets of these squares.

Lunch

Direction plaza santa Ana for lunch. We advise you to set yourself on Spanish time (lunch at 14:00 / 14:30) to make the most of your stay. You will find many restaurants on this beautiful square.

Once your meal is finished it is time to discover the district of the Latina is to stroll through the streets of the district. Pass by the calle mayor to find the district of the latina. Don’t forget to take a picture in front of one of the oldest restaurants in the world the Sobrino de Botin.

The snack

Take advantage of your stay in Madrid to taste churros con chocolate in one of the most famous restaurants: San Gines located in the historical center of Madrid between Callao and Opera (see district at the beginning of the article).

Your day of discovering the historic centre of Madrid is now over, take advantage of the Gran Via to do some shopping or enjoy a fresh cana in one of the bars in the area.

If you come across this article “the historic centre of Madrid” while preparing your stay in Madrid and you are wondering the following questions: What to visit in Madrid? What to visit in Madrid in 2 days? What are the best museums in Madrid? Where to eat in Madrid?

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 2 July 2020 | Featured

travailler à madrid

Stay in Madrid – weekend trip to Madrid

In order to help you prepare your stay in Madrid, we have put together a complete guide to the city.

Find out how to easily get to the capital, where to stay and the must-see places to visit. We also give you some tips on how to enjoy the typical food of the country.

Presentation of the Capital

Before introducing you to the city’s must-see attractions, it is imperative that you get an in-depth introduction to the Spanish capital for a successful stay in Madrid.

As mentioned before, Madrid is the capital of Spain, located in the heart of the country in the autonomous community of Madrid and has a population of over 6.6 million people.

A city increasingly appreciated by tourists from all over the world, it is known for illustrating the culture and history of Spain. The language spoken here is Spanish and the currency is the Euro.

Madrid is one of the European cities suitable for weekend breaks and short stays of 4 days or less. There are many hotels in Madrid that offer low rates for this type of stay, below in the article you will find different types of establishments ranging from cheap Madrid hotels to the city’s palaces.

Many of you ask us: What to do in Madrid during a 4-day stay? How many days to visit Madrid?

For more details about things to do and see in the capital don’t hesitate to take a tour on our blog and especially on our guide “visiting Madrid“. You will also find an article about hotels in the city and restaurants in Madrid so that you can prepare your stay in Madrid.

Do they speak English in Madrid?

You may be wondering: is Spanish the only language spoken in Madrid?

Sorry to disappoint you but the answer is yes! Even if the locals and shopkeepers are used to welcoming English tourists, in Madrid nobody speaks English for all that.

But don’t worry, Spanish remains a language easy to understand. If you wish to visit the museums and the city, we advise you to hire an English-speaking guide for more comfort during your stay in Madrid.

The hotel staff speaks several languages and will answer your questions.

Where to stay in Madrid for a weekend / stay in Madrid

Practical information for your stay in Madrid

In order to best prepare yourself for your stay in Madrid it is important to understand the daily life of the people of Madrid and their different habits from those of its European neighbours.

Here we will give you some practical information before your departure so that you will not be surprised during your stay in Madrid.

Many Spaniards take a nap in the early afternoon, which can be surprising since shops are closed at this time of day, but this is not the case in the capital.

Indeed, this habit is especially adopted in the southern regions of Spain where the temperatures between noon and 4pm are unbearable!

Spain has no time difference with some countries in Europe, so no jet lag is guaranteed if you travel from a country that has the same time!

If you travel from USA then you will have a time difference from +6h to + 9h. The jet lag can be difficult to fight so we suggest you to take a rest to your hôtel before starting to visit the city.

If you travel from Asia and Australia the you will have a time difference from – 6h to – 9h.

You will also need adapters since the plugs are European type.

Other essential information: the country code is +34.

I was telling you about the translators earlier to facilitate communication, but without Internet, no translator!

Rest assured that Spain is a country very well equipped in terms of mobile phone network with operators such as Orange, O2 or Vodafone. You can find a pre paid sim for cheap at the airport or in the shops of the city, it will be very usefull during your stay in Madrid. We wrote an article about the prepaid sim card to travel in Spain. Do not hesitate to check it on our blog.

In addition, many free Wi-Fi networks are available in the city, ideal for a cheap stay in Spain without any extra charge.

We recommend here some very practical clothes which will be indispensable during your stay in Madrid. First of all, even if the city has a good public transport network, take good walking shoes with you, also think about taking a hat or a cap especially in summer with of course your best pair of sunglasses.

If you are travelling during the sales then you will have the opportunity to shop and take advantage of very interesting prices. We therefore advise you not to overload your suitcase and take advantage of your stay in Madrid to do some shopping.

Make sure you bring comfortable clothes so that you are comfortable during your visits, but don’t neglect elegant outfits for going out in the evenings to restaurants. Ladies always bring a pair of high heels with you and your best summer dresses.

Also consider a swimsuit if you feel like taking a dip in one of the pools offered by the city’s rooftops.

If you’re interested, check out our Madrid rooftops guide to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the trendy spots during your stay in Madrid.

Finally, don’t skimp on sunscreen!

séjour Madrid soleil

Short stay in Madrid

The cost of living in Spain, how to prepare your stay in Madrid

The cost of living in Spain is much lower than in other European countries, but of course the amount of money you spend on your trip depends on your desires and the type of travel you choose, whether it is economical or luxurious.

The price of a night in the capital can vary between 20€ and up to 250€ (22 US$ to 280 US$)

The food is generally much cheaper than in other European countires as far as tapas or beers are concerned, but of course the amount can quickly increase if you want a dish from a typical and reputable restaurant or if you want to dine in a gastronomic restaurant, with prices reaching 250€ (280 US$) per menu. The city’s markets are a good way to eat local and cheap.

Public transport is also much cheaper with a metro ticket at 1.50€ (1,68 US$) and a train ticket for a long journey of 1h40 starting at 5€ (5,61 US$).

Clothes are also much cheaper, which is a good bargain at Zara’s for example.

Sightseeing activities such as private visits to the Prado, the Reina Sofia or the Royal Palace have a price, however visiting a historical monument with a private guide in a confidential way is one of the best activities to do during your stay in Madrid.

What’s the climate like in Madrid?

In Madrid, the climate is mild in spring but the heat is felt from July onwards and becomes extremely intense in August and then becomes very pleasant again at the beginning of September.

Note that it rarely rains more than two days which will make your stay in Madrid very pleasant.

Winters are cold and dry, so it is very rare to find snow.

soleil madrid visite

stay Madrid – climate

When to organize a stay in Madrid?

You’re probably wondering when to go to Madrid? Which season is best? Here is some information that will help you plan a successful stay in Madrid.

In the capital, the tourist season usually starts in early March to admire the flowers blooming in spring, especially in the Quinta de los Molinos park with its famous almond trees and Retiro park with its flowering rose bushes.

The tourist activity continues until November when the temperatures are still very appreciable!

The months of July and August are very hot but allow you to enjoy long evenings outdoors. However, these two months are quieter and it is during this period that people from Madrid go on holiday, so it is less crowded.

If you are planning to stay in Madrid for a few days or a weekend then the ideal time would be between March and June and then September and November.

This is when you will have the perfect time to visit Madrid.

How to get to Madrid?

There are various ways to get to Spain during a stay in Madrid. Some are cheaper and some are more expensive like flying but go much faster and will save you valuable time on your holiday.

Do not hesitate to make a price comparison when preparing your stay in Madrid to enjoy a cheap stay in Spain.

The easiest way to get to Spain is by plane, this will allow you to get to Spain from any country in the world in record time.

How to get from the airport to the city centre during your stay in Madrid.

Madrid Airport or its full name Adolfo Suarez de Madrid-Barajas is located in the north of the city about 20km from downtown Madrid.

It can be reached by taxi, bus, metro or train. It has 4 terminals, if you would like a complete article about Madrid airport please feel free to visit our blog.

The first option is the taxi, it is the most expensive, but the most convenient and costs around 30 euros. If there are several of you then this is the most economical option. If you want to get to your hotel quickly then we advise you to take a taxi. The duration varies according to the traffic but never exceeds 50 minutes.

Dedicated bus lines have been set up for airport-city centre and return journeys. The bus runs every day, at any time of the day and drops you off at Atocha or Cibeles train stations.

If you have booked a hotel near these stations for your stay in Madrid then this is a very good option.

The journey can be made in 35 minutes and will cost you 5 euros.

The metro line that serves Madrid airport is line 8, the journey takes approximately 25 minutes to get to the city centre of Madrid and a ticket is displayed at 5 € (5,61 US$).

It is important to have a good location of your hotel in Madrid before taking the metro as it is possible to make several changes to arrive at your hotel with your suitcases.

If you plan to take the metro again during your stay, you can also buy books of 10 tickets. If you plan to travel around Madrid during your stay, then we recommend that you take the day or week pass to get unlimited access to the metro.

The train also connects the airport and the city with line C1 which is accessible from terminal 4 of the airport, the journey takes 27 minutes on average and costs 2.6 € ( 2,92 US$) one way. It is therefore not advisable to take the train if you are not in terminal 4.

How to get around during your stay in Madrid?

Madrid is a city very well equipped in terms of public transport. The metro is a convenient, cheap and fast way to get around during your stay in Madrid. Indeed, the city has 12 lines that run from 6am to 1am.

Then there are the bus lines, of which there are many, which serve even the most remote suburbs of Madrid.

You can also choose to get around without polluting, on one of the many electric bikes available for rent and easily spotted thanks to a mobile application!

As in any large city, it is not advisable to travel by car, and even less so during rush hours.

As for the train, Madrid has 2 train stations: Chamartin station and the largest, Atocha station. These allow you to travel throughout the country to Barcelona, Zaragoza or Bilbao but also to visit the surrounding cities such as Toledo and Segovia with the trains called Cercanias.

metro de Madrid

stay Madrid – Madrid metro

Safety in the city during your stay in Madrid

As in any big city, thieves and pickpockets are well present but Madrid is a very safe city.

However, their main target is obviously tourist groups as they often don’t know which places to avoid and which ones to favour.

In order for you to travel safely and have the best possible stay in Madrid, here are some places to avoid in the city and those you should be wary of.

Firstly, there are no fake police in Madrid.

Secondly, be on your guard in the metro and especially on line 8 that leads to the airport. Indeed, pickpockets are very common there as tourists are crowded and cluttered with luggage.

Finally, you are probably wondering which district to avoid in Madrid? The city centre during the day is a very safe place. The Lavapiés neighborhood, known for its traffic and other activities that are not very glorious and should be avoided late at night.

Apart from that the whole of Madrid is very well guarded by the police as well as the civil guarda, you will be able to go out without any problem and enjoy your stay in Madrid to the fullest.

Where to stay for a weekend in Madrid?

Madrid is full of hotels that allow you to stay in the city centre, to be close to everything!

Here we are going to advise you several hotels, for all budgets, to help you know where to stay during your stay in Madrid. To get the best rates and organize a cheap trip to Spain we advise you to visit Booking.com where you will find the best hostels in Madrid, youth hostels in Madrid, hotel on the Gran Via or palaces in the city.

Cheap hotels for your stay in Madrid

The Hat, hostel

This hotel is more like a youth hostel located not far from the Plaza Mayor and offers a wide selection of rooms ranging from private rooms with their own bathroom to places in mixed dormitories.

It is the ideal place to spend a stay in Madrid and meet travellers from all over the world.

It is very well located and will allow you to get out and make the most of Madrid’s nightlife.

The establishment also has a rooftop with a bar that offers delicious cocktails. A night in a dormitory in the middle of August will cost you 21 € (23 US$) and 25 € (28 US$) if you wish to include breakfast. This is one of the cheap hotels/hotels in Madrid that we recommend most of the time for an economic stay in Madrid.

Hostel Gala Madrid

This hostel offers low cost private rooms fully equipped with internet connection and television, very practical for a successful stay in Madrid.

The standard of this hostel is higher than most and offers private rooms for more comfort.

Its central location allows you to have easy access on foot to emblematic places of the city such as the Royal Palace. One night in August in a double room will cost you around 45€ (50 US$)

Hostel JQ Madrid

The JQ Madrid Hotel is very well located in the city and has rooms equipped with WI-FI, TV and air conditioning, a must in the city in July-August. This will make your stay in Madrid more than pleasant!

Situated not far from the Paseo del Prado this hotel is very well classified. The three most emblematic museums are easily accessible on foot. A night in August in a triple room costs about 39 € (43 US$).

Adeco Madrid

This hostel is located near the Chueca LGBT area of the city. You will find many restaurants in the Chueca area close to this hostel.

Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, free internet access, TV and some have en suite bathrooms.

A night in a double room with private bathroom costs 30 € (33 US$) in the middle of August.

Hostel Patria Madrid

The rooms of this hostel are fully equipped with WI-FI, TV, air conditioning and heating. This hostel is one of the best in the city and will provide you with the comfort you need to enjoy your stay in Madrid in very good conditions.

There are also rooms with private bathroom. A night in a double room in August will cost you around 30€ (33 US$).

This establishment, due to its central location, allows you to have all kinds of amenities nearby, including restaurants, shops and bars!

Mid-range hotels for your stay in Madrid

Room mate Oscar Madrid

Room mate Oscar Madrid is located near the Gran Via and the Chueca district, making it a popular place for its central location, but also very popular with the LGBT community who come to visit the city.

Very well located it is the ideal hotel to go out in the Chueca district and enjoy your stay in Madrid.

The rooms are all fully equipped with air conditioning, high-speed WI-FI access, minibar and each one has its own bathroom.

Every morning you can enjoy a buffet breakfast and in the evening you can go to the rooftop bar on the top floor to enjoy delicious cocktails with a great view of Madrid.

A night in a double room in August with breakfast included will cost you around 115 € (130 US $). If you prefer to sleep in a different area during your stay in Madrid you will have the possibility to sleep in another room mate, the hotel has several hotels in the area.

Novotel Madrid City las Ventas

This hotel is a little further out of town but is easily accessible as it is well served by metro and bus lines and is located between Madrid Airport and Madrid city centre.

The hotel has a restaurant offering typical Spanish dishes, a bar and a swimming pool, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing!

One night in a superior room with queen size bed and a sofa bed perfect for children will cost you 119€ (133 US$), breakfast included!

Eurostars plaza Mayor for a unique stay in Madrid

This hotel is located right next to the famous Plaza Mayor, allowing you to be close to many restaurants and bars.

This establishment also has a bar and a great breakfast to enjoy on the 7th floor with a great view of Madrid. This is the ideal hotel for a unique and authentic stay in Madrid.

A night with breakfast will cost you around 115€ (130 US$).

Vincci Capitol

You couldn’t be more centrally located in the heart of the city with this hotel on Madrid’s famous Gran Via.

It features a rooftop with a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings. The hotel also offers a buffet breakfast every morning.

The rooms are fully equipped, very well decorated and spacious! One night in the middle of August costs around 94€ (105 US$) for a double room with breakfast included.

The Pavilions Madrid Hotel

This hotel has fully equipped rooms with your own bathroom, air conditioning, flat-screen TV and minibar.

There is also a bar and a very good breakfast. Room service is available and the hotel also has a parking lot, which is very convenient!

It is also located close to the shops and especially the luxury boutiques on Serrano Street. A night in a double room with king size bed and breakfast will cost approximately 100€ (112 US$)

Luxury Hotels

Gran View Apartments Explore Madrid and feel at home. Whether you come for leisure or if you are looking for a unique space for your business trip, Gran View Apartments tourist apartments have everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Discover all the options and facilities such as swimming pool and terrace with 360º views and start enjoying.

https://www.granviewapartments.com

piso lujo
piso gran via

To disconnect. To recover energy and continue the journey. To savor the best of the city in an exclusive enclave. Whatever your stay, the Gran View Apartments in the center of Madrid’s Gran Via have all the amenities you are looking for to enjoy the city without worries.

Prepare your favorite dishes in our fully equipped kitchens, take a break in the living-dining room or cool off in the swimming pool while contemplating one of the most iconic views of the city. Book your vacation rental in Madrid for days, weeks or months and create unforgettable experiences.

-> To book

piso turistico
piso madrid
piso terassa

Hotel VP Plaza Espana

Hotel VP Plaza Espana is a 5-star hotel with many facilities such as an on-site restaurant called Botania offering Mediterranean cuisine, as well as a rooftop bar and a buffet breakfast served every morning.

It is one of those luxury hotels where we all dream of sleeping during a stay in Madrid.

There is also a wellness centre and swimming pool, and a car park with a Tesla terminal. The rooms are fully equipped, spacious and luxurious.

RIU Plaza Espana

Riu Hotel Plaza de Espana Madrid Discovery

where to stay in Madrid for a weekend / stay in Madrid

This 4-star hotel is located on Madrid’s famous Gran Via avenue, which is home to all kinds of restaurants, shops and bars, giving you the perfect central location for a stay in Madrid.

The hotel has a rooftop with a 360° view and a bar to sip delicious cocktails under the sun, as well as a restaurant, room service, parking, gym and even a disco!

So you will have everything you need to make the most of your stay. The rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, are modern and you can also choose family rooms.

If you sleep at the RIU Hotel you will have free access to the hotel’s rooftop, enough to spend a pleasant stay in Madrid.

ME Madrid Reina Victoria

Situated in Plaza Santa Ana, this hotel offers modern and well-decorated rooms, but above all very comfortable! It is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.

Its location gives you easy access to Madrid’s 3 largest museums: the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen, which are located nearby on Paseo del Arte, forming the Golden Triangle of Art.

Like many luxury hotels, it has fully equipped rooms and a rooftop with an incredible view of the city. If you want to spend a stay in Madrid with all the comforts not far from the museums, this is the place to go.

There is a bar as well as a gourmet restaurant, but also a wellness centre, a car park and pets are allowed!

Hotel Hyatt Centric Gran Via

As its name suggests, the Hyatt Centric Hotel is located on the Gran Via. It has many facilities such as a bar, a restaurant, a café and also a music studio, which is unique in the city!

The rooms are spacious, soundproofed and all have a desk, hairdryer, private bathroom and TV, as well as free internet access.

You can also opt for family rooms, with king size bed, suites and even suites with terrace for a unique experience during your stay in Madrid!

circulo roof top madrid

where to stay in Madrid for a weekend / stay in Madrid

Hotel GRAN MELIA PALACIO LOS DUQUES

This hotel is a 5-star hotel in Madrid located near the Royal Palace and has luxurious rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, good WI-FI connection and services such as a spa, gym, room service and a rooftop with panoramic views of the city.

It also has 3 restaurants on site, a bar and a café. The plus of this hotel are its shuttle services to and from the airport but also the fact that pets are allowed!

Hotel Gran Melia Palacio los Duques is one of the best luxury hotels in Madrid and will make your stay in Madrid unique.

What are the must-see places during a stay in Madrid?

Madrid has many must-see places but here are the 4 places not to be missed during your stay in Madrid.

All focused on the culture and history of the country, they allow you to discover Spain and its riches.

The Prado Museum

The Prado Museum is an emblematic place in Madrid and has an incredible collection of works from the 14th to the 19th century.

It allows us to travel back in time but also to discover works by famous painters such as Velazquez or Goya.

One finds there in particular the paintings “Las Meninas” or “May 2nd“. It is a must during your stay in Madrid.

musée du prado

Prado Museum / stay in Madrid

The Reina Sofia Museum

The Reina Sofia Museum is a museum of contemporary and modern art which exhibits works illustrating both the First and Second World War through its permanent exhibitions, as well as much more current works through temporary exhibitions.

There are paintings by Picasso and in particular the huge painting “Guernica“. It is one of the best museums in Madrid and we recommend you to visit it during your stay in Madrid.

Musée Reina Sofia

Reina Sofia Museum / stay in Madrid

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is no longer the main residence of the royal family, which is why part of it has been reorganized into a museum to help us discover the castle and its sumptuous rooms.

There are many works of art, both paintings and sculptures.

But the palace also houses a huge collection of the royal armoury and instruments, in particular Stradivarius.

Its most beautiful rooms are the throne room and the chapel, and outside, there are two sumptuous formal gardens: the Campo del Moro and the Sabatini Garden.

During your stay in Madrid we advise you to visit it together with the Prado Museum. To spend a unique and authentic moment do not hesitate to book a visit with a private English speaking guide.

palais royal de Madrid

stay in Madrid – royal palace of Madrid

The park of the retiro for an afternoon of rest during your stay in Madrid

The Retiro Park is the green lung of the city, once intended to house the king and his court in the Palace del Buen Retiro, which was destroyed, it has now become a public park.

Here you can go for a walk, do sports, have a picnic, sail on the lake or continue to discover the history of the country through the monuments, museums and palaces it houses, such as the Crystal Palace.

If you visit Madrid between March and November it is the ideal place to rest after a visit to the Prado Museum.

parc du Retiro Madrid

stay in Madrid – Retiro Park

Markets to visit during your stay in Madrid

The two main markets of the city are the markets of San Miguel and San Anton. Both have local and fresh products, but the first one offers tapas dishes and ice creams made by renowned chefs listed in the Michelin guide.

The second one offers take-away dishes, where we introduce you to flavours from all over the world, and also a restaurant with a terrace on the top floor.

If you love gastronomy don’t hesitate to visit our blog, where we have posted articles about Madrid’s markets, restaurants and tapas bars in the capital.

For a unique stay in Madrid book your tapas tour with a private guide now.

stay in Madrid – private tapas tour in english

How can I attend a football match during your stay in Madrid?

Have you always dreamed of attending a Real Madrid match?

If so, I invite you to visit the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, which houses a museum specially dedicated to the team.

There you can visit the trophy room, the press room and even the changing rooms.

But the most impressive thing is the visit to the high stands. I urge you to find out about the schedule of matches and to focus on small games if you do not have a large budget because the price of tickets is quite high, especially if you want to be well placed!

Nevertheless, whether you come to Madrid especially for a match or for a cultural stay, whether you are an unconditional fan of the club or not, to experience a match day is something that I can only recommend that you pass by this mythical address at least once during your stay in Madrid.

4-day stay in Madrid

Where to eat in Madrid during your stay?

Madrid has many restaurants and tapas bars that you will have the opportunity to discover during your stay.

There’s something for every taste and price, here are a few good addresses for different budgets.

The first restaurant that I recommend you and that is really cheap is “100 Montaditos“. This restaurant chain offers, as its name suggests, a 100ène of variations of small sandwiches with different toppings to add. It’s a unique place to try during your stay in Madrid to accompany a cerveca.

There are traditional Montaditos reminiscent of tapas but also American recipes. There are more than a dozen “100 Montaditos” in Madrid, so there must be one near you!

In order to taste the best tapas, I take you to Casa Labra where you can taste traditional dishes in the restaurant based on Bacalao, Spanish wines of all kinds and succulent tapas.

This century-old tavern in the city is one of the most renowned in terms of typical Madrid cuisine.

The Sobrino de Botin restaurant is known to be the oldest restaurant in the world, and this record is in the Guinness Book of Records. Tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy a traditional and inimitable cuisine with the speciality of suckling pig. It is an address not to be missed and we recommend it to many visitors during their stay in Madrid.

A very popular and trendy place in the city is without a doubt the Salvador Bachiller restaurant. It is located in 3 different places in Madrid: the garden with its terrace, which offers a haven of peace, with its flowers and natural materials, and the café, which offers a very intimate interior atmosphere and also offers very good and original cocktails.

Finally, there is the greenhouse, a restaurant imagined to transport the client to the tropical jungle.

A place not to be missed is the Madrid Ham Museum, quite touristy this address will allow you to buy good quality cold cuts to bring back from your stay in Madrid. There are different addresses, but I highly recommend the Plaza Mayor with its terrace.

There you can taste all kinds of Spanish cold meats but also cheese. The shared trays they serve are perfect for an aperitif on the terrace with friends or family and a good glass of wine!

What are the best bars in the city to go to during a stay in Madrid?

The hat is a hotel with a rooftop with a beautiful view of Madrid and a bar on the top floor.

Here you can meet up with friends in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere, far from the city, around a good beer. If you want to meet new people during your stay in Madrid, this is the rooftop to go to.

The Ojala restaurant located in the Malasana district is a great place to have a drink.

It’s a trendy place and decorated in a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of the beach and the sea. There are delicious wines and cocktails. The Malasana neighborhood is very well known for its hipster atmosphere and is often part of the to do list of a stay in Madrid. We advise you to visit its vintage shops and trendy bars.

The Café Comercial is an emblematic place in the city and is one of the oldest bars in Madrid.

Well known as a café, it also has a bar and terrace offering all kinds of non-alcoholic drinks, as well as delicious cocktails, beers, wines and vermouth.

What are the typical Spanish dishes and drinks to try during a stay in Madrid?

In terms of drinks, Spain is mainly known for its sangria, although it is very popular with foreign tourists for its fruity and sweet taste; in reality, at least in the capital, this drink is not very common among Spaniards. A good beer is preferred.

Tinto de verano is also very popular among Spaniards, it is a wine but sparkling and very refreshing. The people of Madrid are also very fond of gin and tonic.

In terms of dishes, paella is obviously first on the list, consisting of crispy rice and meat.

Depending on the variant, it can be made with rabbit, chicken or seafood.

Discover now our guide to the best paella in Madrid and don’t fall into the trap of the restaurants that attract tourists during your stay in Madrid.

Next is the Gaspacho, a popular cold soup from Andalusia made with tomatoes, peppers, onions and cucumbers.

Then come the tortillas de patatas, a potato omelette, very easy to make and very popular in the country. If you want to taste one of the best tortilla in Madrid then we advise you to take a look at one of our latest articles, it will help you choose the best restaurant to enjoy a real tortilla during your stay in Madrid.

Finally, there are the tapas. There are different kinds of tapas, which are small dishes served with a drink such as croquetas or garlic shrimp.

The croquetas in this case are traditionally made with ham or chicken that is mixed with béchamel sauce.

They are formed into small balls that are covered with breadcrumbs and fried.

Partying during your stay, Madrid nighlife

Teatro Kapital

Teatro Kapital is one of the best clubs in Madrid. There are people of all nationalities who come here to have fun and a good time.

There are different atmospheres on each of its floors, the club has 7 of them.

For example, on the 2nd floor there are karaoke rooms, on the 4th floor there is a bar and on the 5th floor there is a dance floor where you can dance the night away to Latin rhythms.

Teatro barcelo

Another very good nightclub is Teatro Barcelo. Initially designed to be a cinema and theatre, this place very quickly became an emblematic place in the city to go out at night.

Many celebrities used to come here to dance like the Rolling Stones or Prince.

Formerly a very private club and popular with celebrities, it has now opened up to a new, more accessible and younger clientele.

The 3-storey establishment offers a variety of music from the greatest DJs such as Martin Solveig or Lost Frequencies.

Discothèque Gotham

This club is very popular with students since it is located not far from the university city of Moncloa.

The evenings there are crazy and unforgettable, with young people of all nationalities coming to have fun and meet people.

The club offers a rather house and reggeaton music and closes at 6am, which leaves you the whole night to enjoy, if you close it, you will surely see the first rays of sunshine when you go out.

Where can one attend a flamenco show?

There are various tablao in Madrid to attend typical flamenco shows.

The best known and one of the oldest is the tablao Cardamomo. It’s one of the best flamenco tabaloes in Madrid.

We advise you to visit it during your stay in Madrid, the quality of the show is there.

Every evening from 6pm, there is a show that lasts about 2 hours of flamenco and where dancers, musicians and singers get together and improvise, letting their desires and emotions speak for themselves.

This place also has a bar and restaurant, which allows you to enjoy a good meal while contemplating the show.

Tablao flamenco madrid discovery

4-day stay in Madrid – flamenco in Madrid

What are the events and religious festivals not to be missed during a stay in Madrid?

One of the most popular and unique festivals in Madrid is the festival of San Isidro, patron saint of the city. It’s a holiday in the capital, which is celebrated around May 15.

The people of Madrid dress up for the occasion in traditional dress and parade through the streets of the city.

La Paloma festival is also unique in Madrid as she is the patron saint of the neighborhood called La Latina. It is celebrated around the 15th of August and a procession is held for the occasion.

Visit Madrid at Christmas

When Christmas comes, Madrid lights up in all its colours and brings out its most beautiful decorations.

There are also a number of illuminated cribs in the city and in the Plaza Mayor. Huge illuminated Christmas trees also decorate different squares in the city.

The Plaza Mayor is also the venue for the Christmas market, with numerous food stalls, craft decorations with light decorations for your garden, snowballs or decorations for your own tree.

Christmas is also the time when ice rinks invade the city, where you can admire exhibitions of nativity scenes in the Town Hall or board the Naviluz bus to take a tour of Madrid and its most beautiful decorations.

But one of the most emblematic events is the lottery or Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad.

You have to buy a lottery ticket and the draw is held at the Teatro Real in the city.

The best places to shop in the city

One of the most popular places to shop in Madrid is of course on the Gran Via, where you will find a wide range of shops of all kinds with ready-to-wear boutiques such as Zara or H&M.

Right next to the Gran Via is the narrower Calle Fuencarral, which is also full of trendy or vintage shops, there is something for every style.

The Malasana district also offers a wide choice of boutiques but with a more vintage style and small independent shops.

The Salamanca district has many luxury shops, more precisely in Calle Serrano with the boutiques of great designers such as Christian Dior or Louis Vuitton.

What to bring back during your stay in Madrid

Your stay is coming to an end and you would like to bring a little piece of Spain with you?

Or you would simply like to bring back a few souvenirs to share this experience with your family and friends?

I can recommend some gifts and souvenirs that are sure to please.

A beautiful postcard of the city always pleases, it is not at all old-fashioned and very authentic.

The museum shops offer wonderful souvenirs, if a friend of yours is an art lover why not offer him a figurine, a photo or a keychain referring to famous paintings such as Las Meninas de Velázquez?

If you are a food lover, why not take a good bottle of Spanish wine or even a Spanish ham with you?

And finally, if you’re a football lover, why not treat yourself to a t-shirt, a ball or a scarf in the club’s official shop! You can also find some articles about Atletico Madrid.

Take advantage of your stay in Madrid to visit Toledo and Segovia

The surroundings of Madrid are also very rich and perfect for a day trip.

The city of Toledo can be reached by train from Atocha Central Station.

The one-way ticket starts at 8€ (9 US$)and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. The city’s Alcázar and its museums are its main attractions. The Alcázars are fortresses with sometimes fortified walls, where the king or prince once resided.

Then comes Segovia, always accessible by train, from 6€ (6,74 US$) and for a journey time of 45 min. There is a magnificent Roman aqueduct, as well as the Alcázar and the museum of Antonio Machado, the famous 19th century poet.

Aranjuez is a charming little town located 35 minutes from Madrid, the outward journey costs around 5€ (5,61 US$) and its most beautiful monuments are the Royal Palace and the Casa del Labrador, another of the town’s palaces built in a neoclassical style.

El Escorial is located 40 minutes from Madrid and is a large city wall which includes a library, a church, a palace and also a necropolis with the pantheon of the kings of Spain.

Finally, Avila is the farthest destination from the capital since it is located 1 hour and 40 minutes by train. It is an ancient medieval city where you can still admire the ramparts that surround it.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 1 July 2020 | Featured

Latina neighborhood

The latina neighborhood is one of the best aera in the capital and offers a multitude of things to do and see. What to do in Madrid’s Latina neighborhood ?

Visit the historic area

Visit Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande

Eating tapas

Visit the Rastro Market

See the Segovia Viaduct

Visit the Cebada market

Eating at the Sobrino de Botin

Shopping

When the sunny days come, the people of Madrid usually go out in the Latina neighborhood to make the most of the good weather.

If you’re planning to visit Madrid you’ll enjoy relaxing over a drink in this bohemian and historic part of the city.

If you are going to go on vacation in Madrid and if you are wondering what to do in Madrid then this article is for you.

In the following paragraphs you will find the top 10 things to do and see in the Latina neighborhood.

If you liked the article do not hesitate to tell us on social networks. If you wish to have our best addresses follow us on our Instagram (@madrid.discovery) we post very regularly the last addresses we discover.

Table of Contents

The historic area of the Latina neighborhood

One of the first things to do when coming to Madrid is to visit the historic centre of the city on the edge of the Latina district.

You will find an article entirely dedicated to this in our blog where we detail in detail the monuments to see and things to do in the historic centre of the city.

On the border of Latina neighborhood you will find part of the historic centre of the city, which will allow you to visit the most important part of Madrid while enjoying the atmosphere of the Latina aera.

The main monuments located in the historic centre of Madrid near the Latina quarter are the following:

The Madrid Opera House, a magnificent building that can be visited, the rear part of the opera house has a large terrace overlooking the Plaza de l’Oriente and the Royal Palace.

A unique point of view that will ensure you one of the most beautiful pictures of your stay.

The Royal Palace of Madrid can be visited all year round. For more information about visiting the Royal Palace do not hesitate to contact us directly.

The Almudena Cathedral, located in front of the Royal Palace of Madrid. Open all year round we recommend you to visit it.

Once the area of the royal palace is visited our itinerary will take you directly to the heart of the Latina district with two of the most beautiful churches of the Latina.

visit madrid private tour

Latina neighborhood – things to do in Madrid

Visit the churches of the Latina neighborhood

In the Latina district you will find two important monuments in the history of Madrid; the Basilica of San Francisco El Grande and the Church of San Andrés.

These two holy places are not very well known by the big tourist groups, which will give you the opportunity to visit them without waiting and in a calm atmosphere.

Opposite the church of San Andrés is the museum of San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid.

This museum traces the life of Madrid in the time of San Isidro. It is interesting to note that there is a second museum on the history of Madrid, this one is located in the Malasaña district, it tells the modern history of the city of Madrid during the Napoleonic era. This is the Museum of History of Madrid.

San Francisco Basilica

La latina

Latina neighborhood – things to visit Madrid

Continuing your visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Almudena Cathedral, you can discover this magnificent 18th century basilica which is located in the Latina neighborhood, once you have crossed the Segovia viaduct it will be on your right.

The Basilica of San Francisco in neo-classical style has the largest dome in Spain and the fourth largest in Europe.

The main attraction of this basilica is the huge frescoes by Goya and Zurbarán.

Calle San Buenaventura, 1, 28005 Madrid, Spain.

The basilica is located not far from the royal palace. All you have to do is cross the Segovia Viaduct.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10:30 to 12:30 and from 16 to 18:00. Saturday from 10.30 to 12.30 and from 16 to 18 hours (if no religious act is official).

July, August and September: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 to 12:30 and from 17 to 19 hours.

San Andrés Church

Peaceful church in the center of the Latina neighborhood you will be pleasantly surprised during his visit.

Take advantage of your afternoon at La Latina to visit it after having tasted good tapas cava Baja.

Built in the 1600s (the oldest church in the city of Madrid) this church will transport you back in time.

With its magnificent dome, stained glass windows and gold leaf, its decoration will not leave you indifferent.

Once the visit is over (20 min) enjoy a coffee in the San Andres square.

Address: Plaza de San Andres, 1, 28005 Madrid, Spain

Telephone: +34 913 65 48 71

The museum of san isidro in the Latina neighborhood

In front of the cathedral you will find the San Isidro Museum, the patron saint of Madrid.

The San Isidro Museum will take you on a journey through the history of Madrid, from prehistory to the establishment of the court.

The museum’s permanent exhibition displays a total of 153 pieces.

Eating tapas cava baja

la latina

Latina neighborhood- cava baja Madrid

If you visit Madrid you must absolutely taste the Spanish tapas!

You will find a multitude of tapas bars in the city. If you would like to spend your day in the Latina neighborhood or just enjoy some tapas then we recommend the cava Baja.

In this street you will find tapas bars offering authentic and high quality cuisine. Suitable for every budget you will find the restaurant that suits you best in this famous street of Madrid.

Our tapas bar suggestions:

Casa Lucas (very popular wine bar in Madrid)
Taberna Txakolina (to eat Basque tapas)

Going to the rastro market in the latina neighborhood

The Rastro market, located in the district of La Latina is THE market where you can go shopping at the weekend. Much appreciated by Madrid’s inhabitants and tourists from all over the world, this market will bring out the negotiator in you!

la latina

Latina neighborhood- EL Rastro

Sunday shopping in the Latina neighborhood

marché du rastro madrid

Latina neighborhood- EL Rastro

The Rastro market is open at weekends and on public holidays, but it is mainly on Sundays that the best deals are made.

You will find different areas, a main street with new products, an area of antique shop more interesting for hunting, an area full of sellers of frames and paintings, an area where you will find some thrift shops and finally a more classic area like a garage sale, antique shop.

We advise you to come at 9:30 am / 10:00 am to take advantage of the best offers.

The market is quickly crowded around 12.00 am and it is more difficult to make good deals.

You will also find shops that sell fripe open during the week in the Latina neighborhood, cheaper and less touristic than the Malasana district, we advise you to go there during the week when the district is quiet.

Eating churros in the latina neighborhood

Eating churros in Madrid is an absolute must.

You have different very famous restaurants that offer very good churros like St Gines or Valor located in the historic center of the city.

A very little known address for tourists and adored by the locals is the Rastro, it is the Churrería Santa Ana opened in 1895, Calle de Santa Ana, 7, 28005 Madrid, Spain.

Here you can enjoy the best churros in the city and the hot chocolate will be of great use especially in winter. Churros and chocolate are sold for take away and can be eaten on the street.

churros la latina

Latina neighborhood – what to do in Madrid – churros

See the Segovia Viaduct

One of the most interesting architectural elements in the Latina neighborhood is the Segovia viaduct.

This viaduct is full of history and connects the area of the royal palace with the latina neighborhood. Take advantage of the visit to the royal palace to see this magnificent construction.

The Segovia Viaduct is famous for its architecture but also for its appearance in various films by director Pedro Almodovar.

We advise you to take from Segovia street, the sunset is magnificent.

Take a mercado tour of Cebada

Built in 1875 the structure of this market is based on the Halles de Paris. The mercado de la cebada close to the Rastro market is one of the central points of the city and many people from Madrid come to shop in this market.

There you will find fresh products from all over Spain, ideal for bringing back good products. You can also find tapas bars in the surrounding area.

You will find this market near the subway “La latina“.

Plaza de la Cebada, 15, Madrid, Spain

la latina

Latina neighborhood

See the Toledo Gate in the latina neighborhood

Madrid being in the past protected by a great wall forming a citadel, there are still many vestiges of this wall and in particular large arches.

Almost every quarter of the historic centre of Madrid has its gate. The latina neighborhood has the Toledo Gate (almost 20 metres high and made up of 3 arches) currently used as a roundabout, a true vestige of Madrid’s history.

We recommend you take a tour to see the size of this gate.

Eating in the oldest restaurant in the world

One of the most famous attractions at foodies is the restaurant Sobrino de Botin. It is the oldest restaurant in the world, you will discover a unique place with a low ceiling on 4 floors in the basement.

Very popular with tourists and gourmets, we advise you to book via their website to avoid queues and wait almost 40 minutes to eat.

An authentic place that we recommend to lovers of gastronomy and unique places.

Calle de Cuchilleros, 17, 28005 Madrid

sobrino de botin madrid

Latina neighborhood

Shopping

Latina neighborhood is not very well known for shopping, but the narrow streets of the Rastro offer some nice surprises and you will find many shops where you can buy frippies at up to half the price of those in the Malasana district.

Going out for a drink in the latina neighborhood

The latina neighborhood is famous for its evenings, you will find a different atmosphere from the district of malasana.

Less hipster, you will not find a club as trendy as in malasana but small bars that close late.

If you like the bohemian atmosphere and rudimentary bars then this area is for you.

You will find your happiness near the tirso de molina metro station, a real meeting place for Madrid’s locals. The Cebada market area is also a very good place to find bars and enjoy an evening with friends.

(BONUS) Or eat in the Latina neighborhood?

If you plan to eat in a restaurant or tapas bar when you visit the latina neighborhood you will be lost in front of the huge range of restaurants on offer.

How do you know if the establishment is too touristy? Are the dishes of quality? Or do the people of Madrid eat in this neighbourhood?

We know the time when it’s time to eat and we have no idea where to eat.

To make it easier for you to prepare your stay we have made a selection of 4 good restaurant addresses and 4 good tapas bars for a successful meal or dinner.

If you would like to have a complete list of the restaurants in the city by district please visit our blog, where you will find the ultimate guide to the city’s restaurants.

TOP 4 List of good restaurant addresses in the latina neighborhood.

Discover our top 4 restaurants in Madrid’s latina neighborhood:

Astor: Mediterranean cuisine

Calle del Almendro 9 local B, 28005 Madrid Spain

Phone: +34 910 39 80 00

Cervecería La Mayor: Spanish Cuisine

Calle Mayor nº 77, 28005 Madrid Spain

Phone: +34 911 30 24 35

Casa Lucas: Mediterranean cuisine & wines

Calle Cava Baja 30, 28005 Madrid Spain

Phone: +34 913 65 08 04

Pajaritos Mojados: Gastronomic cuisine

Calle Humilladero 3 Detras Del Mercado de la Cebada, 28005 Madrid Spain

Phone: +34 912 21 88 89

TOP 4 List of the best tapas bars

tapas la latina

la Latina Tapas in latina neighborhood

TOP 4 List of the best tapas bars

Discover our top 4 tapas bars in Madrid’s latina neighborhood:

Taberna la Concha : Tapas bar / tavern

Calle Cava Baja 7, 28005 Madrid Spain

Phone: +34 616 91 06 71

Taberna Almeria: Tapas bar / tavern

Calle Aguas 9, 28005 Madrid Spain

Phone: +34 913 64 15 71

La Perejila: Tapas Bar

Calle Cava Baja 25, 28005 Madrid Spain

Phone: +34 913 64 28 55

AlliOli Valencian Food: Valencian cuisine

Calle de Carlos Arniches 14, 28005 Madrid Spain

Phone: +34 646 41 46 29

If you come across this article while preparing for your stay in Madrid and you have the following questions:

What to visit in Madrid? What to visit in Madrid in 2 days? What are the best museums in Madrid? Where to eat in Madrid? What to do in the Latina district?

Then take a tour on our blog to find out what you’re looking for.

If you don’t have the answer then don’t hesitate to write to us, here is our email: info@madrid-discovery.com

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 24 June 2020 | Featured

les piscines de madrid le guide

Swimming pools Madrid – Lifestyle & Relaxation

The ultimate guide to Madrid’s swimming pools is ready! The Madrid Discovery team has toured Madrid’s municipal swimming pools and the best hotels in the city centre to advise you on the best swimming pools in Madrid. You will have the choice between large municipal pools, Olympic pools, hotel pools, rooftop pools and amusement park pools.

Discover now the best addresses in the city, whether on a rooftop, in an Olympic swimming pool or in an amusement park.

To complete this article you will find at the end of our post a list of useful resources to plan your afternoon at one of Madrid’s swimming pools.

If you liked this article do not hesitate to share it around you and tell us about it on our social networks, it will be a pleasure for the whole Madrid Discovery team to answer it.

Find us on Instagram and Facebook to get the latest news from Madrid Discovery.

Table of Contents

Madrid’s municipal swimming pools

piscines de Madrid

Swimming pools Madrid – Madrid public swimming pool

Madrid is one of the Spanish cities with the most public swimming pools in its city centre.

Whether you want to do laps, get ready for the Olympics or just go sunbathing you will find your ideal pool in this guide.

We’ve listed Madrid’s municipal pools, Madrid’s elevated pools and water parks.

For more information about schedules we advise you to call the pool in question or visit their website (in our resources).

Important information : Madrid’s swimming pools are open from May 5th to September 20th (information 2020 – covid-19 – schedules will probably be affected, please contact the pools directly before going there).

Rates for pool admission: Adult (4,50€) / Youth (3,60€)*.

*2019 tariff likely to change in 2020.

Swimming pools in Madrid: The polideportivo Canal de Isabel II

It is in the Chamberí district in the heart of Madrid’s city centre that you will find this very complete sports complex for all tastes.

In addition to a large outdoor swimming pool, the centre offers tennis courts, a paddle court, a fronton, a gym and a sports hall.

To enjoy the sun and the beautiful days a beach area and a solarium are accessible.

Here you will find one of Madrid’s swimming pools with the best public transport connections.

tennis sport piscine

Swimming pools Madrid – Tennis

Address: Avenida de Filipinas, 54 28003

Opening hours of the sports complex: 08.00 to 22.00 hrs.

Swimming pool opening hours: from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (In 2019, it was open from June 1st to September 8th)

Editor’s note: Very pleasant swimming pool located in the very centre of Madrid, a few steps away from the metro. Ideal to spend a relaxing afternoon and escape the stress of the city. A favorite for the facilities of the sports complex.

Madrid Swimming Pools: Lago de Casa de Campo

Located next to Casa de Campo and the Madrid Rio district, this is one of Madrid’s most famous swimming pools and one of the most popular in the city in the summer.

With these two pools it can accommodate many families and you will find two large pools, one of 36 m and a second of 33 m (currently under construction).

Address: Paseo Puerta del Ángel, 7 28011

Opening hours: (Winter time) Monday to Friday: 08:30-21:00. This is one of the largest winter swimming pools in Madrid.

Swimming pool closed at weekends.

Summer timetable: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 8:30 pm.

Editor’s note: Very pleasant and family pool located in an outlying area of Madrid’s historic city centre: Puerta del Angel / Casa de Campo.

Ideal for spending an afternoon with the family, especially to enjoy the Casa de Campo and its multitude of activities. You will find more pools in Madrid’s more central location in the rest of the post.

Centro deportivo municipal Vicente del Bosque

piscine madrid 4 torre

Swimming pools Madrid – centro deportivo municipal Vicente del Bosque

It is close to the business centre of Madrid and its famous 4 towers that the del Bosque sports centre is located.

It is one of the largest swimming pools in Madrid and its city centre. With a winter pool and two summer pools of 50 m each you can swim in complete tranquility.

There is also a children’s pool and many activities.

The sports centre has fields for volleyball, beach volleyball, tennis, skating, hockey, indoor football, football, handball, basketball and badminton.

Address: Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 13 28029

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday and on public holidays from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm.

Outdoor swimming pool: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm

Editor’s note: Very large swimming pool close to the business centre, if you finish work at 3pm in the summer like many Spaniards do not hesitate to take a walk there to relax.

One of Madrid’s swimming pools closest to the business centre, ideal after work.

Swimming pool of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid

In a natural and quiet environment you will find the swimming pool of the Complutense University of Madrid.

Close to the university rectorate and surrounded by residences and museums, it is an ideal place to enjoy a summer afternoon in a quiet atmosphere.

Open only in the summer and provided you are a student or accompanying a student you will be able to enter.

Address: Calle del Obispo Trejo, 8 28040

Opening hours: In 2019: 1 Jun – 8 Sep: Mon – Dom 11:00 – 20:00 hrs.

Editor’s note: Swimming pool very little known to Madrid’s inhabitants because it is in the centre of the university.

Swimming Pools Madrid – Madrid Public Swimming Pools

Puerta de Hierro sports park swimming pools

The Puerta de Hierro Sports Centre is located on the Pardo road near the Manzanares River.

Due to its size and the variety of activities available, the Puerta de Hierro is one of the main sports areas in the Community of Madrid and up to six Madrid federations (golf, paddle, ball, canoeing, rugby and archery) currently have their headquarters here.

It is one of the largest swimming pools in Madrid and the largest sports centre in the city.

The Puerta de Hierro Sports Centre has the largest swimming pool in the community of Madrid with an area more than 7 times the size of an Olympic pool (the largest pool in Europe when it opened).

You will find three interconnected pools, one of which is an Olympic pool and a children’s pool.

To complete this you will find a cafeteria, showers / toilets and changing rooms.

A very welcoming complex for all types of activities.

Address: Carretera de la Coruña , km. 7 28035

Hours of operation: Facility hours: 08:00 to 22:00

Swimming pool opening hours: from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (in 2019, it will be open from June 1st to September 8th)

Editor’s note: Swimming pool very far from the centre of Madrid. Ideal if you live on the outskirts of Madrid or if you want a bit more peace and quiet.

Madrid swimming pools & roof top

rooftop swimming pool madrid

Swimming pools Madrid – swimming pools Madrid hotel

If you prefer to relax in the pool of a trendy rooftop with a cocktail then we have just the thing for you!

Ideal for an afternoon of cultural visits or after a meeting in the city centre, rooftops offer a good alternative to Madrid’s municipal swimming pools.

“Discover our guide to the best rooftops in Madrid and become a specialist in Madrid’s best deals.

Are you planning your stay in Madrid? Don’t hesitate to contact us to answer all your questions about Madrid’s swimming pools, sightseeing or hotels!

Dear hotel – Rooftop piscine

Located at the foot of Plaza de Espana you will find the discreet Dear hotel.

Once on the rooftop you will discover a terrace overlooking both Gran Via and the Malasaña district, you can also explore the towers of the business centre.

You will find a bar and restaurant as well as a swimming pool, all in a cosy atmosphere.

Enjoy a relaxing moment with a cocktail and stunning views of Madrid.

Address: C/ Gran Vía, 80, 28013 Madrid

Editor’s note: Very small pool (no more than 5 people). It is one of the pools in Madrid with a view of the 4 towers of the business center.

Hotel indigo – Exclusive swimming pool

Situated on the Gran Via, this exclusive hotel is ideal for a stay in the capital.

You will find an infinity swimming pool and stunning views of Madrid. The hotel is located on the Gran Via and has a swimming pool.

The indigo hotel is a 5-star hotel of high standing.

Their terrace is open only part of the year on sunny days. It is closed in winter due to the temperature.

Address: Calle de Silva, 6, 28013 Madrid

Editor’s note: Exclusive swimming pool overlooking the Gran Via, an exclusive and select place that will not leave you indifferent. Entrance is free and the staff is very professional. Some of the waiters even speak French.

Rooftop circulo de bella arte

circulo roof top madrid

Swimming pools Madrid – pools Madrid rooftop

Emblematic rooftop of the city of Madrid the Circulo de Bella Arte is the best rooftop with pool in Madrid.

Enjoy a 360° view from your deckchair while enjoying delicious cocktails. The pool is not open all year round, please check their website for the pool schedule (depending on the events they organize it is open or not).

-> website of the circulo de bella artes

The rooftop is open almost all year round and has a closed part with heating to spend a warm moment even in winter.

Take advantage of a morning to visit Madrid on a private tour with one of our guides and spend your afternoon at this rooftop while relaxing with a shopping session!

Address: Calle de Alcalá, 42, 28014 Madrid

Editor’s note: Swimming pool with one of the best views of Madrid, very select, you will have to pay 4€ to access it. You will find an international clientele there and we advise you to go there early in the afternoon to find space easily. One of the most international swimming pools in Madrid.

Swimming pools & water park in Madrid

Even better than municipal swimming pools, water parks.

Ideal to enjoy a summer afternoon with the family! Here is a selection of the three main parks in the community of Madrid.

Aquopolis Villanueva de la Cañada

aquatic park

Swimming pools Madrid – aquapolis Madrid

It is in Villanueva de la Canada, 40 minutes from Madrid, that this great amusement park is located.

Very popular with Madrid’s inhabitants, you will find many attractions suitable for all ages. Aquopolis is a theme park with different worlds and different attractions and adrenaline levels.

Discover the Black Hole, a completely closed slide, the Splash, a 15m high waterfall or the Kamikaze.

Address: Av. de la Dehesa, s/n, 28691 Villanueva de la Cañada

Editor’s note: Aquopolis is the favourite water park of Madrid’s inhabitants and tourists from all over the world. A sure bet to spend a sensational afternoon! To be able to enjoy the activities before everyone else come as soon as it opens.

Warner Beach Park

Less than 30 minutes from downtown Madrid discover the famous Warner theme park.

Located 29 km south of Madrid, in the town of San Martin de la Vega.

It is ranked the third largest water park in the country after Port Ventura in Barcelona and Siam park in Tenerife.

Take advantage of the first rays of sunshine to spend an afternoon with your family and have fun at the water attractions at Warner Beach Park.

With almost 10 attractions this park will suit the whole family.

Address: A-4 road, Exit 22, 28330 San Martín de la Vega.

Editor’s note: Water park very close to Madrid, family and very well organized it will be perfect to spend a summer day.

warner park

Swimming pools Madrid – warner park Madrid

Madrid amusement park with swimming pool

Located near the Casa de Campo the amusement park in Madrid will offer attractions for young and old.

Take advantage of the water park to relax and enjoy a successful afternoon.

Address: Casa de Campo, s/n 28011 Madrid

Editor’s note: An amusement park located in the very centre of Madrid. Accessible by metro it will be perfect to enjoy an afternoon.

Posted by Madrid Discovery on 23 June 2020 | Featured