A Long Weekend In Madrid: Travel Guide
Madrid is the Spanish capital and is just the perfect size for a long weekend trip away. This travel guide should help you plan your trip!
How many days are needed?
3-4 days
Currency
Euros
How to get from the airport
Madrid has one of the best transport system and links with the rest of Spain. Getting from the airport to the city is super simple.
Get a metro card at the airport and hop on L8. Depending on where you are staying, which station you will get off at, will likely change. If you are staying close to the centre, however, you will most likely need to change onto another metro line at Nuevos Ministerios.
Where to stay?
Madrid’s neighbourhoods are so full of life and each one distinct in their own way.
Sol/Gran Via
This area is the busiest and most touristic part of Madrid. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be central and well connected, as Sol has many train line connections. I lived in Sol, and I loved how central it was and I really felt like I was at the centre of everything that happened, just accidentally. At times though, I do wish I had lived somewhere a little more ‘local’ as Madrid has an abundance of culture across each of its districts.
Salamanca
Salamanca was first built exclusively for those of Madrid’s aristocracy and is still very much a place that the wealthy frequent. This is incredibly clear from the level of luxury shops and restaurants in the area. If this is the vibe you’re after, Salamanca is the perfect place to stay, just be prepared to bring out the bucks.
Chueca
Chueca is the epicentre of the LGBT community, noted by the rainbow flags seen on the street and on Chueca station. Nowadays, the district is also known for its lively nightlife.
Malasaña
Malasaña is definitely a favourite neighbourhood of mine, where I spent time in many restaurants and cafes. It is more of a ‘hipster’ area and is full of vintage shops.
Austrias
Austria is the oldest part of Madrid, with buildings dating back to the 15th century and is home to the Spanish Royal palace and the Teatro Real, where you can watch real opera. This district definitely has a historic and elegant feel to it.
Lavapies
La Latina is another favourite district of mine and is very much the cultural hub, which reminded me a lot of home. When you are fed up of tapas (which will be hard), Lavapies has a wide range of restaurants to offer. One restaurant I absolutely could not forget is a Senegalese restaurant, called Mandela 100. I absolutely would recommend, the taste is divine.
La Latina
La Latina is another place where I spent much of my time, mostly eating tapas. Its Medieval narrow winding streets always lead you to discover something you never have seen before! The district is also home to the famous El Rastro flee Market on Sundays.
Of course there are other districts that you can stay, but these are the oens I would recommend!
What to do?
Prado Museum
One of the world’s premier art galleries with the likes of Velazsquez and Goya. Adults go in for 15 euros but you can also visit for free Mon-Sat 6-8pm or 5-7pm on Sundays.
Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Home to Picasso’s Guernica, one of Spain’s most famous artworks, as well as Salvador Dali. Tickets are 10 euros or free on 7-9pm Monday, Wednesday-Saturday or 1:30-7pm on Sunday
Plaza Mayor
Madrid’s central square is breathtaking and must not be missed. Whilst nearby you must also pass through Puerta del Sol and Gran Via, the perfect place to shop.
Palacio Real
The elegant, official residence of the Spanish royal family. Tickets are 11 euros or EU citizens go free last 2 hours Monday – Thursday.
Retiro
Retiro is one of the largest parks in Madrid, filled with marble monuments, gardens and surprisingly, turtles! It is the most perfect place for a sunny afternoon stroll, or if you fancy it, you can even rent out a row boat in Retiro’s lake!
Temple of Debod
The Egyptian temple dates back to the 2nd century and was a gift from Egypt. You must visit it in time for sunset, as just behind it is a beautiful backdrop of Madrid.
Local tapas bar
Now of course you wouldn’t be able to say you’ve visited Madrid, without visiting a local tapas bar. There are so many to choose from.
If you want to see more places where to eat, make sure you check out the food part of this blog:
