Spain’s capital city, Madrid, is a dynamic and alluring place that skilfully combines art, culture, history, and a busy metropolitan environment. Madrid offers visitors a variety of fascinating experiences with its striking architecture, top-notch museums, quaint neighbourhoods, and vibrant food scene. Everyone can find something to enjoy in Madrid, whether they are history buffs, art enthusiasts, foodies, or just looking for a fully comprehensive cultural experience.

Explore Madrid with Woking Travel!

Flights To Madrid Guide

Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is home to several airports. The main gateway, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), is a bustling hub just 12 km northeast of the city centre. Its four terminals-T1, T2, T3, and T4-it- offer a seamless travel experience. This modern airport is not just a transit point but a destination, with a wide range of shopping and dining options and comfortable lounges for passengers. 

Another airport, Cuatro Vientos, is situated 8 km southwest of Madrid. It mainly deals with general aviation and pilot instructional flights. Furthermore, Torrejón Airport lies about 24 km northeast of the city centre. It is a military airfield. It is used for private flights by VIPs or business persons.

Choosing Woking Travel for your airport transfer in Madrid ensures a seamless and convenient journey. Our dedicated team of travel experts, with their in-depth knowledge and commitment to service, ensures that your travel is stress-free and enjoyable from the moment you touch down in Madrid. To learn more about our services or to book your shuttle, visit the Transfers page on our website and start your travel experience on a comfortable note.

At Woking Travel, we understand that every traveller has unique preferences and budget considerations. That’s why we offer a diverse range of Madrid hotels, perfect for any budget. We have the ideal place whether you’re looking for a luxurious five-star hotel or a more affordable option. Visit our Hotels and Packages pages to book your favourite place and start planning your stay in Madrid with us.

  1. The Westin Palace, Madrid: Immerse yourself in history and elegance with our hotel, featuring stunning rooms and a breathtaking stained-glass dome near the Prado Museum. Experience the grandeur of Madrid during your stay with us.

  2. Hotel Ritz, Madrid: Famous for its luxury and high-quality service delivery, this hotel offers luxurious rooms and a beautiful garden terrace.

  3. Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques: This hotel’s rooftop pool near the Royal Palace has distinguished it by combining royal heritage with modern comfort.

  4. Hotel NH Collection Madrid Paseo del Prado: Located at one of the most famous places in town, it has a stylish accommodation option featuring an attractive rooftop terrace showing the city’s glamorous night view.

  5. Hotel Atlantico Madrid: Beautifully decorated to preserve classic style, this hotel is in Gran Vía centre. It has cosy rooms and a rooftop bar for relaxation.

  6. Hotel Catalonia Atocha: This modernly designed hotel boasts spacious guestrooms, a rooftop swimming pool, proximity to the Atocha train station, and significant landmarks.

  7. Hotel Europa: It is in the middle of Madrid City Centre; hence, if you are looking for the cheapest one-star hotel anywhere around Spain, I suggest you stay there.

  8. Hotel Francisco: Hotel Francisco is close to Puerta del Sol, which is not so fancy but welcoming, as guests describe it. It features basic rooms equipped with modern facilities coupled with simple accessibility in terms of transport connections and amenities.

  9. Hotel Regina: Although not far from the city’s main attractions, this property combines contemporary comforts with traditional hospitality, making it perfect for tourists.

  10. Hostal Persal: This hostel in the Huertas neighbourhood is ideal for budget travellers. It offers low-cost rooms and friendly services.

Madrid has an inclusive transportation system that makes navigating easy. You can explore the Spanish capital using public transit or private options.

  1. Metro: The Madrid Metro is inexpensive and covers the entire central city. It has 12 lines linking landmarks, districts, and transport hubs, which is essential for tourists.
  2. Buses: Madrid’s bus network is vast and runs throughout the day and night to areas not served by the metro.
  3. Taxis: Taxis are found throughout the town, serving as an efficient door-to-door service where charges are standardised.
  4. Rental Cars: Located at the airport or anywhere around the city, there are several places where one can hire cars to drive themselves around for those who would instead not use public means of transport.
  5. Bicycles: BiciMAD is a bike-hire initiative in Madrid that provides residents with a cheap alternative mode of transportation. There are many docking stations across the town.
  1. The Royal Palace (Palacio Real): This grand palace is an outstanding architectural work with beautiful gardens and luxurious rooms.

  2. Prado Museum (Museo del Prado): The world’s largest art museum, it has one of the largest collections of European masterpieces from the twelfth to the eighteenth century, including works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.

  3. Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro): This vast, peaceful green space allows visitors to relax. It has beautiful gardens containing a large boating lake and an iconic glass building called Crystal Palace.

  4. Puerta del Sol: This square is said to be Madrid’s lifeblood for many reasons. It has a historical watch clock and a sculpture of a bear eating strawberries and is the starting point of the Spanish radial road network.

  5. Gran Vía: This street is often called “Spanish Broadway” because it is full of imposing buildings and where you can participate in different activities such as shopping, going to theatres, or enjoying nightlife until dawn.

  6. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: This museum houses an extensive art collection covering centuries behind us, starting from some items created in the thirteenth century while still featuring contemporary ones like Vincent van Gogh’s paintings.

  7. Plaza Mayor: Madrid’s centre has one beautiful historical square with magnificent architecture. There are cafes for people-watching and shops with a pleasant atmosphere.

  8. Temple of Debod: Parque del Oeste, Madrid, is a reconstructed Egyptian shrine and an ideal spot to enjoy picturesque views like nowhere else.

  9. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium: Real Madrid CF plays football matches there regularly. Tours are also offered here, and visitors can discover everything about this club, which boasts a rich history and numerous cups.

  10. Museo Reina Sofía: It is a museum dedicated to Spanish 20th-century art and has in its collection works by Picasso, Dalí, and Miró, including “Guernica.”
  1. Botín: The world’s oldest restaurant, Botín is famous for its delicious suckling pig and an atmosphere replete with history, which has been serving traditional Spanish cuisines.

  2. DiverXO: For an avant-garde dining experience in Madrid, visit DiverXO, a three Michelin-star restaurant with excellent food.

  3. Casa Lucio: Casa Lucio is well known for its typical Spanish dishes, the most notable of which are huevos rotos (broken eggs). It also has a welcoming rustic ambiance.

  4. Sobrino de Botín: Another historical gem, this restaurant serves excellent Spanish cuisine, which is particularly popular among clients. It is set in an enchanting old-world environment, and its roasted meats are particularly popular.

  5. La Vaca y La Huerta: This farm-to-table restaurant is reputed for its seasonal fresh produce and tasty filling foods.

  6. Ramon Freixa Madrid: This two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers traditional Spanish flavours that are always presented artistically and have excellent service.

  7. StreetXO: StreetXO is a lively place that is perfect for Asian-fusion food lovers who want vibrant and bold dishes such as casual street-food-inspired counterparts to DiverXO.

  8. El Club Allard: This restaurant with two Michelin stars takes you on a journey of modern European cooking inspired by the arts.

  9. Lhardy: Lhardy, one of the oldest restaurants in Madrid, dating back to 1839, boasts sumptuous surroundings and classic offerings of Spanish cuisine like cocido madrileño.

  10. Mercado de San Miguel: Although not precisely one restaurant, this pulsating market teems with food stalls specialised in quality tapas, fresh seafood, or local specialties, thus providing any gastronomical enthusiast a chance to taste various Spanish flavours.
  1. Toledo Tour: Embark on a small-group day tour from Madrid to uncover Toledo’s mysteries. Highlights of the trip include viewing the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and having free time to explore on your own. 

  2. Tour to Quijote Windmills: Take a day trip to the windmills in Consuegra, where you can see the striking scenery scattered with the recognisable windmills rising over the hills.

  3. Madrid Countryside Wineries: Take a full-day wine trip to the gorgeous countryside close to Spain’s capital city and see three wineries in the Madrid Wine Region (D.O Vinos de Madrid).

  4. Avila & Segovia Tour: Visit two of the oldest cities in Spain, Segovia and Avila. Witness the cathedral, walls, and basilica of Avila; then, proceed to Segovia to see the Roman aqueduct, cathedral, and Alcazar.

  5. The Best of Barcelona: Explore Barcelona’s attractions on a fast train. The modern Catalan city will call in just 2.5 hours, urging you to explore and take in its architectural and cultural treasures. 

  6. Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen: For tourists on a tight schedule who want to see historical sites and places of worship, this itinerary is perfect.

  7. Madrid Old Town & Royal Palace: On this walking tour, see Madrid’s Royal Palace and its environs with a qualified guide.

  8. Welcome Tour in Electric Tuk-Tuk: This two-hour trip in an electric tuk-tuk will be enjoyable for first-time visitors to Madrid.

  9. Paella Cooking Class: This Madrid cooking lesson will teach you how to make authentic paella from scratch, complete with wine pairings.

  10. Flamenco Show & Special Menu at Torres Bermejas: Take a trip to Torres Bermejas, arguably the most significant tablao (flamenco venue) globally, and immerse yourself in Spanish culture.
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First, you should know that flight tickets to Madrid are less costly than many think. Knowing the available flights to Madrid helps you make plans.

 Summer (June to August):

  • Average temperatures: 25°C – 35°C
  • Rainfall: Very little
  • Recommendation: Open air attractions, rooftop terraces, and visiting the nearby beaches

 Winter (December to February):

  • Average temperatures: 2°C – 12°C
  • Precipitation: Snow is uncommon within the city limits, but skiing can be done on nearby mountains.

Please refer to the local weather guide for current weather information.

  • GMT to Madrid – Madrid is an hour ahead of GMT.
  • BST to Madrid – Madrid is an hour ahead of BST.

Currency:

  • The Euro (€) is used locally. You can pay using cash or credit card at most places.

Language:

  • The official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.

Local Customs

Eating out in Madrid is a social occasion, with supper usually commencing later, around nine or ten pm; the dress code is generally informal. However, dressing more formally for more innovative restaurants and events is customary. Public displays of affection are a common and acceptable practice.

Laws

The dynamic capital of Spain, Madrid, is located right in the midst of the nation. Every one of its many neighbourhoods has a unique charm of its own: Hipster vibes may be found at Salamanca’s expensive restaurants and boutiques, Malasaña’s charming stores giving way to club throng after dark, and Lavapies’ steep, winding streets with their array of real eateries and excellent people watching. Don’t forget to see Madrid’s well-known sights. Some of my favourites include Plaza Mayor, the Reina Sofia and Prado museums, and the enormous bear monument located in the heart of Puerta del Sol. End the evening with tapas around 10 p.m. (locals do this), and if you’re feeling really wild, head to the pubs and clubs. See even more Madrid recommendations below.

Book your flight to Madrid with Woking Travel and enjoy a seamless travel experience!