Trips to Madrid
What to know about Madrid
Renowned as a vibrant and scenic cityscape and the populous capital of Spain, Madrid's reputation as a tourist hub is cemented by rave reviews for the local cuisine, historical architecture, sunny weather and rich legacy.
Culturally, the impact of the city can be felt all around the world, whether you're an avid football fan or appreciative of fine art. Madrid is home to mega clubs like Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid and is etched in the history books as the birthplace of many famous names including Pablo Picasso, Francisco Goya, and Rafael Nadal.
There's plenty to see and do in this cosmopolitan metropolis, so regardless of whether you're looking to visit for a weekend or squeeze in a few solid weeks, you won't be stuck for inspiration or options.
Fancy paying a pilgrimage to the acclaimed 'Bear and the Strawberry Tree' sculpture in the wild? Or maybe you're desperate to try authentic churros from Madrid's finest street vendors? Fear not - Opodo is here to help you make the most of your time in Madrid!
Read on for our exclusive guide to booking your flight and hotel for your Madrid trip, as well as tips and tricks for the ultimate, must-see museums, parks and restaurants within the city.
Here is a tip for you: booking your flight and hotel at the same time and not separately can make you save up to 40%. Take advantage of a flight + hotel package in Madrid to your destination and save time searching for hotels separately. If you have already purchased your flight and you’re only looking for a hotel, you can find it here.
What to do in Madrid in a weekend
If you're heading to Madrid for a whistlestop tour, maybe for a brief weekend break or even a day trip, you're probably a little overwhelmed by all the bucket-list options there are to explore. Luckily for you, we've done our homework and plucked up an itinerary with some of our top recommendations. Pick and choose what suits you and happy holidays!
Day 1: Rest up and visit Mercado de San Miguel for foodies
You’ve just landed. You’re dehydrated and maybe a little cranky but generally pumped to get your Madrid adventure underway. Your first stop? Food. Head to the Mercado de San Miguel food market, which boasts a diverse range of stalls from authentic Spanish food to samples of other cultural delicacies too. Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, succulent meats or the 'pick and mix' array of tapas dishes, there's something here for everyone!
Your next pit stop ought to be the world-renowned El Retiro Park, one of Madrid's largest parks. This is the ultimate outdoor space perfect for an afternoon exploration - it's essentially a vast and carefully maintained garden, full of paths and vibrant flora. You can kick back and sunbathe under a tree in the warm wind, enjoy a late-afternoon picnic, or simply pass through for some respite between hitting the exhibitions and indoor opportunities the city centre has to offer.
If you're running on high energy levels and want to see more, you could visit any of the five prestigious gateways in Madrid including:
- Alcalá Gate
- Toledo Gate
- Hierro (Iron) Gate
- San Vicente Gate
- Real Gate.
For the evening spell, we'd highly recommend heading to the 360° Rooftop Bar, which is in the heart of the city. This venue offers gorgeous panoramic views, a bar with the finest cocktails on the menu and also regular events. Whether you're looking for a quiet contemplative spot or the starting point for an epic bar crawl, the 360° Rooftop Bar is the place to be.
Day 2: Soak up culture on the streets of Madrid
To make the most of your second day, there's no better start than a traditional Spanish breakfast. If you're after something light, pan con tomate (toasted bread with tomatoes and olive oil) can keep you active and on your feet. For something heartier, huevos rotos (broken eggs over fried potatoes) can provide all the energy you need to keep moving well into the afternoon.
Heading out into Madrid, famously modern and active neighbourhoods like Malasaña offer eclectic shops, varied boutiques, and varied street art perfect for taking pictures with. From here, famous museums like the Museo Nacional del Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía provide insight into Madrid's long history and contemporary culture.
As the sun sets, the Huertas area illustrates some of the best nightlife that Madrid has to offer. Whether sipping a few drinks under the stars or catching a flamenco show at Corral de la Morería, your last night in the city will be one to remember!
Day 3: Enjoy Madrid’s shops, markets and museums
Your last day in Madrid can act as a microcosm of your adventures so far, so with that in mind, the historic district of Madrid de los Austrias can be the perfect spot. Here you can visit the Royal Palace, marvel at the Plaza Major, and, of course, eat all the street food you can along the way.
Before heading to the airport, you might consider visiting El Rastro, an open-air market held every Sunday. Offering antiques and handmade goods, here you can pick up a perfect memento, or a gift for loved ones back home. We know, it can be tempting to stay for hours, but remember you have a flight back home to catch!
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always rent a car in Madrid and travel the open road.
Frequently asked questions about flights to Madrid
What’s the name of the Madrid Airport?
Though Madrid features three international airports, only one serves public flights and that's the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas (MAD).
Which airlines offer direct flights to Madrid?
A total of five airlines offer flights directly from London to Madrid:
- Air Europa
- British Airways
- easyJet
- Iberia
- Ryanair
How can I get assistance for children travelling alone?
Assistance policies for children depend on the airline you've booked with. Check on their website to see what you need to do to request support. Usually, this is simple as using a phone call or email support to get you set up.
How can I travel with an assistance dog?
Individual airline policy dictates assistance dog travel procedures. Check with the airline you booked with to see what they offer, and how to get in contact with them to request assistance.
How do I find cheap flights to the destination city that have flexible change policies at Opodo?
The Opodo search provides the option to search flights by the cheapest options available. Use this to find a cheap flight, and select a flight you're interested in to see the flexible ticket policy page. These can be sorted into price tiers, where each offers different flex options.
How can I book cheap hotels on Opodo in my destination city?
Opodo features hotel search tools that make your getaway to Madrid easy and convenient. When searching with our website, search for flights and hotels, and use the sort options to narrow down your price range.
What baggage do I need to check on my flight?
Checked baggage is usually larger and heavier bags. The exact criteria depend on the airline and its policies. Find these listed on the airline website when you book a ticket. Certain goods, such as those with batteries, can't go in checked luggage, and will always need to go in carry-on.
How can I check in with Opodo?
You'll be sent an email to use as a flight ticket after booking with Opodo. Bring that to the airport and you can use it to check-in at the associated airline desk. Some airlines feature online check-in, which is usually listed clearly on an airline's website.
Do I need to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my flight from my departure city to my arrival city?
Fees from cancellations will depend on the type of ticket you purchase and the policies of the airline you've booked with. Cheaper tickets will tend to come with more expensive cancellation policies.
How do I know if my flight is eligible for compensation?
Two criteria determine whether flights booked through Opodo are eligible for compensation:
- The flight needs to arrive at least three hours late at its destination
- The reason for a delay needs to be in the control of the airline
Key Madrid Airport information
Five main airlines travel to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas (MAD) from London. These are:
- Air Europa
- British Airways
- easyJet
- Iberia
- Ryanair.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas (MAD) is northeast of the city. At just 8 miles away, this is one of the trips where you (thankfully!) won't have to spend long getting from the airport to the fun stuff.
The Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas (MAD) offers all the necessary and cutting-edge features of a modern airport including:
- Banks, ATMs, and currency exchange services
- More than 30 restaurants, bars, and cafes
- More than 100 shops offering food, souvenirs, jewellery, electronic items, alcohol, and duty-free goods
- Lost property and luggage services
- Child-friendly areas like nurseries and a playground
- Even meeting rooms for business
- Car rental desks
- 24/7 free Wi-Fi and help desks
The airport in Madrid also offers full support for disabled travellers on request.
In terms of how you can get from Madrid airport to the city centre, you can rent a car. Alternatively, there are four other main options to travel to the city centre from the airport:
- A taxi ride costs around €30, takes around 20 minutes (depending on traffic), and is available 24/7
- Travelling via the metro will cost around €6, take just over 20 minutes, and is available between 6 AM and 1:30 AM
- A train is the cheapest option at €5.2, with a trip to the city centre taking around 22 minutes. This operates between 6 AM and 11:30 PM
- Buses cost €10 and take around 50 minutes, depending on traffic. Unlike most bus airport systems, this one runs 24 hours a day, which is fantastic for those late-night/early-morning arrivals
The best time to visit Madrid
With so much to do, see, and eat in Madrid, there's no single best time to visit. Instead, the best time will depend on your tastes, free time, interests, and budget. With that in mind, we've come up with a few times that stand out for different travellers that can help you narrow down when to visit and what to do in Madrid.
The best all-around time to visit Madrid is usually considered spring and autumn. During this time the weather in Madrid is the most comfortable, with temperatures falling in the 5°C to 25°C range. This provides the perfect opportunity to walk around and explore, while also offering lower crowd numbers than in summer months.
Travellers during this time can stroll areas like the Madrid Rio, and Retiro Park, or just cruise the city at their own pace. If you're the type who loves to wander, find a quiet corner and hidden restaurant, and get some serious steps in, these times could be perfect for you. Remember to bring comfortable shoes!
The best time to travel to Madrid on a budget is during the winter season of November to February. This is the off-season for most tourists, so you can expect the lowest prices for flights and accommodations. Though these are the cold months, there isn't much rain and the lows are still above freezing, so as long as you dress warm, it can still be great to explore, regardless of the weather.
You can also enjoy Madrid's fantastic full range of museums and galleries during the colder months. The Prado Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum are just as engrossing no matter the time, and you won't have to pick your way through the crowds. Christmas celebrations are also beautiful in Madrid if you want to celebrate this time exploring the world.
Madrid is world-renowned for its festivals, so if this sounds like you, then May and June could be your perfect times to plan a trip. The most famous of these is the San Isidro Festival, which celebrates the patron saint of Madrid. Held in mid-May, this time sees Madrid burst with life with dancing, music, and cultural activities. Nothing captures the Spanish spirit like the San Isidro Festival, so for food and fun, this time could be worthy of a place at the top of your list.
Spring also features the Mutua Madrid Open for tennis fans, the Feria del Libro for book collectors, and the unmissable Suma Flamenca for some of the best flamenco dancers in the world.
