Madrid
Spain
Overview
Spain's passionate capital thrills with world-class art museums, buzzing tapas bars, lush royal parks, and a nightlife that doesn't start until midnight.
Cost of Travel
Daily budget guide for Madrid — what you can expect to spend per person including accommodation, meals, transport, and activities.
per person per day
per person per day
per person per day
Approximate costs in USD based on today's exchange rates.
Explore Madrid
Retiro Park
Expansive, 19th-century park with boating lake & rose garden, plus numerous fountains & statues.
Museo del Prado
Art museum with Velazquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces in vast 12th- to 19th-century collection.
Royal Palace of Madrid
18th-century, ridge-top palace for state occasions, plus tours with rooms full of art and antiques.
Puerta de Alcalá
Triumphal arch near to Parque del Buen Retiro & rich with stone carvings & elegant sculptures.
Cibeles Fountain
18th century neoclassical fountain depicting the goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by 2 lions.
Jardín del Capricho
Manicured 18th-century landscaped gardens with sculptures, water features & a Civil War bunker.
Where to Stay
The Westin Palace Madrid
A Belle Epoque landmark on the Paseo del Prado, steps from the art museums, with a stunning stained-glass rotunda and classic luxury.
Hotel Urso
A refined boutique hotel in a restored 1920s palace in the Chamberi neighborhood with a beautiful courtyard, spa, and peaceful atmosphere.
Where to Eat
DiverXO
Avant-garde
Spain's most boundary-pushing three-Michelin-star restaurant by Dabiz Munoz, serving a theatrical multi-course journey through global flavors.
Mercado de San Miguel
Spanish Tapas
A stunning iron-and-glass market near Plaza Mayor with gourmet tapas stalls, wine bars, and artisan food vendors.
Travel Tips
- Lunch is 2-4pm, dinner after 9:30pm — restaurants are empty before then
- The Art Walk (Prado, Reina Sofia, Thyssen) is a must — all three museums in one area
- Free entry to major museums in the last 2 hours of the day
- Tapas hopping in La Latina on Sunday is a beloved local tradition
- Churros con chocolate at San Gines (open since 1894) is essential
- Madrid is at 650m elevation — drier and more extreme temperatures than coastal Spain
Getting There & Around
Madrid's metro is one of Europe's largest and has elevators at most stations. All EMT buses are fully accessible. Cercanias commuter trains connect the wider region. Taxis are affordable and Uber operates here. The city center is very walkable, though some hills exist in La Latina.
Book & Reserve
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