Spain · MAD
Madrid travel guide
Madrid is a working capital rather than a preserved one, and it keeps hours that surprise first-time visitors — dinner at ten is unremarkable. The centre is compact enough to cross on foot, and the city sits at the middle of Spain's high-speed rail network, which makes it a sensible base for wider travel.
When to visit
Spring and autumn. July and August are genuinely hot and much of the city empties out; winter is cold but clear and quiet.
Getting around
The metro is fast, cheap and reaches the airport directly. Central Madrid rewards walking more than most capitals of its size.
Good to know
- Madrid-Barajas is large and multi-terminal; a connection between T4 and T4S requires a train and real time.
- Many restaurants do not open for dinner until 20:30 or later.
- High-speed rail reaches Seville, Barcelona and Valencia in a few hours — often a better option than a short domestic flight.
