Why MADRID?
There are many reasons to choose Madrid as your next destination, but they all lead to the same answer: Madrid is a city where you can find everything, and where anything can happen.
A vibrant, dynamic, welcoming, and safe capital, with a thriving culture, a prosperous lifestyle, and sunny weather that make it the ideal destination.
CULTURE
Known for its rich history, Madrid stands out for its impressive architectural heritage, seamlessly blending the old with the new.
From the ‘Madrid de los Austrias’, home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks—such as the majestic Plaza Mayor, the imposing Royal Palace, and the vibrant San Miguel Market—to Las Cuatro Torres, representing the city's most modern and futuristic side.
Madrid boasts more than fifty museums of all kinds and can proudly claim to have some of the world's finest in their category, including the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza.
If visitors are left wanting more art, all they have to do is look up at the sky and the rooftops of Madrid, where impressive sculptures welcome them and transport them to another time. Gran Vía, Cibeles, Sol, the Arts District… As you stroll through the streets, don’t forget to look up.
In addition, six World Heritage Sites can be reached from Madrid in less than an hour's drive: Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez and El Escorial in the region; Ávila, Segovia and Toledo in neighbouring communities.
GASTRONOMY
Madrid’s gastronomy is another of its great attractions, making the region a paradise for lovers of fine cuisine. The city has embraced modern times without abandoning its traditions, offering everything from classic tapas to the most innovative dishes.
Its most emblematic and renowned culinary representative is cocido madrileño, best enjoyed with a glass of Madrid’s local wine. But no visit would be complete without trying the famous callos a la madrileña, a calamari sandwich in Plaza Mayor, or, of course, some delicious churros at any traditional café in the city center.
This rich culinary scene has given rise to cherished traditions like tapas routes and Sunday vermouth gatherings, particularly in neighborhoods such as Lavapiés, Malasaña, Chueca, and La Latina. Another great option is to visit one of Madrid’s famous markets and gourmet spaces, including San Miguel Market, San Antón Market, La Cebada Market, and San Ildefonso Market, among others.
While the city boasts an extensive traditional food scene, its fusion cuisine and haute cuisine offerings are equally impressive. Many of Spain’s top chefs have chosen Madrid as the base for their culinary projects. The city is home to 28 Michelin-starred restaurants, including DiverXO, the only one with three stars, and Deessa, Smoked Room, Paco Roncero, DSTAgE, and Coque, each holding two stars. These avant-garde gastronomic experiences are well worth exploring.
But there’s even more—because in Madrid, you should always look up to its sunny skies, where you’ll find its famous rooftops and terraces that soar above the city. Here, you can enjoy a meal or simply sip a drink while taking in breathtaking views of the capital.
DAYTIME
LEISURE
In Madrid, boredom is simply not an option—there’s always something fun to do. Its sunny climate and welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect place to enjoy a stroll through one of its many parks, with El Retiro standing as the city’s green lung. But a walk through “El Madrid de los Austrias” is also a must, as is visiting one of its many museums (see Culture section) or exploring one of the 14 amusement parks in the region.
Madrid is also a shopping paradise, offering something for every taste. You’ll find everything from trendy fashion stores, tattoo studios, home décor shops, comic book stores, art bookstores, and vintage boutiques in Fuencarral Street, Chueca, and Malasaña, to the Milla de Oro (Golden Mile) in the upscale Salamanca district, where the world’s most luxurious brands are concentrated.
Another must is a walk along Gran Vía—more than a century old and more vibrant than ever. Known as the street of musicals, it is also home to major fashion stores housed in iconic buildings. Right next door, Calle Preciados is lined with top Spanish and international fashion and jewelry brands, becoming a bustling hotspot during the Christmas season.
Madrid is also famous for its street markets, with El Rastro, located in Ribera de Curtidores and around Plaza de Cascorro, standing as a true emblem of the city.
NIGHTLIFE
If Madrid is full of life during the day, it never slows down when the sun goes down—earning its reputation as the city that never sleeps. Famous for its vibrant nightlife, the capital offers a wide array of bars, musicals, concerts, theaters, and nightclubs that keep the city buzzing until the early hours of the morning.
But if there’s one tradition that defines Madrid, it’s "el tardeo"—a popular concept that, as its name suggests, involves going out for tapas or drinks in the afternoon. It starts around 6 PM, but when it ends is anyone’s guess. It’s a more relaxed form of nightlife, but just as fun, and many venues have embraced this trend, making it a staple of Madrid’s social scene.
A similar and closely related tradition is "el afterwork", widely practiced in Madrid. It involves grabbing a drink after work on weekdays to unwind after a long day. Usually enjoyed with colleagues, it tends to wrap up earlier than tardeo.
WHERE TO STAY
IN MADRID
Finding a place to sleep in Madrid won’t be a problem, as the city boasts over 900 hotels and a total of 92,500 tourist accommodations, according to data updated in December 2024. If we consider the entire Madrid region, the numbers rise to 1,185 hotel establishments and an estimated 123,000 available beds. Nearly 65% of the rooms are in 4- and 5-star hotels, but there are options to suit every budget.
The key is to choose the right location to make the most of your stay, depending on your personal preferences. From the lively neighborhoods in the city center, such as Sol and Gran Vía, to the bohemian areas of Malasaña and La Latina, the upscale districts of Salamanca and Chamberí, or the Paseo de la Castellana, stretching from Atocha to Las Cuatro Torres, where hotels are abundant.
Madrid offers something for every type of traveler, ranking as the top city in Spain in terms of hotel availability.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
