Madrid

Madrid is Europe’s latest-staying-up capital — dinner starts at 11 PM, bars at 2 AM, breakfast around 6. Spain’s political heart, with a world-class museum triangle (Prado + Reina Sofía + Thyssen) and La Liga at its center. Less touristy than Barcelona, more “real Spain” — and a great launch point for Andalusia and Toledo.

Best time to visit

April–June and September–October are gold: 18–28°C, terraces busy. July–August 35–40°C, dead hours (siesta) are real — locals empty out to Costa del Sol, hotels cheap but everything closed. December–February 5–12°C, Christmas decor lights up the center, calmer. Holy Week (Semana Santa, March/April) processions.

How many days?

3 days city + 1 day Toledo or Segovia day trip. 1 day Prado + Reina Sofía + Thyssen triangle, 1 day Royal Palace + Plaza Mayor + La Latina + Lavapiés, 1 day Retiro Park + Salamanca + tapas tour. 5–7 days adds Seville (2.5 hours AVE) and Granada (Alhambra). A La Liga match (Real or Atlético) is a worthy add.

What to see

Museo del Prado (Velázquez Las Meninas + Goya — go at 10 AM, free 6–8 PM but crowded), Reina Sofía (Picasso’s Guernica), Thyssen (private collection covering all of European art), Royal Palace + Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol (km zero), Gran Vía, Retiro Park (Crystal Palace, rowboats), Mercado de San Miguel (touristy but cute tapas), Salamanca (luxury shopping). Lesser known: Templo de Debod (Egyptian temple, sunset spot), Malasaña + Chueca neighborhoods (alternative), El Rastro Sunday flea market, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium tour.

Food & drink

Tapas culture: Madrid is one of the few cities where free tapas with a drink still exists (especially La Latina + Lavapiés). Cocido madrileño (chickpea + meat + veg stew — winter dish). Bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich, Plaza Mayor classic). Patatas bravas, tortilla española, jamón ibérico. Restaurants: Sobrino de Botín (1725, world’s oldest by record, roast lamb), Casa Lucio (huevos rotos), Mercado de San Miguel (touristy tapas). Vermut: Madrid culture — Ana La Santa, La Venencia. Beer: Mahou local; wine: Rioja + Ribera del Duero. Churros con chocolate: Chocolatería San Ginés (24h).

Getting around

Metro 12 lines + bus + national rail: Tarjeta Multi card 2.50€ + ticket 1.50–2€. 10-pack T-10 12.20€. Madrid Metro is Europe’s biggest. Barajas airport: Metro Line 8 30 min + 5€ supplement (total 7€), Renfe Cercanías 25 min 2.60€, taxi 30€ flat. Cabify + Uber + Bolt all work, cheap (5 km 6–8€). AVE high-speed train: Madrid–Seville 2.5 hours, Madrid–Barcelona 2.5 hours (book Renfe 6 months out for 35–60€).

Things to watch out for

Sol + Gran Vía + metro are classic pickpocket spots — backpack on the front. “Sign this petition” → pickpocket. Menus include service — 5–10% tip is plenty, leaving “suelto” (small change) is enough. Sundays national museums free in the last 2 hours but crowded. Smoking: banned indoors but fine on terraces. EU/UK passports visa-free 90 days. Hot summer: 2–6 PM outdoor avoidance advice is real.

Budget estimate

Economy €50–80/day (hostel, supermarket + tapas, metro 10-pack). Mid €100–170/day (3★ hotel, restaurants, 2 museums). Luxury €250–600/day (4–5★, fine dining, La Liga VIP). 4-day mid trip €500–800 (flights excluded). Flights from Europe €40–250 (Iberia, Easyjet, Ryanair). Hotels: Sol/Centro pricey, Lavapiés/Malasaña cheap + authentic. Prado + Reina + Thyssen combo ticket 32€ (vs 45€ individually).