About Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. It had a population of over 3.4 million in the city proper in 2025, and a metropolitan area population of approximately 6.8 million. Madrid is the second-largest city in the European Union (EU), after Berlin, and its metropolitan area is the second-largest in the EU, after Paris. The municipality covers an area of 605.77 square kilometres (233.89 sq mi). Madrid lies on the River Manzanares in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula at about 660 metres (2,170 ft) above mean sea level. The capital city of both Spain and the surrounding autonomous community of Madrid, it is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
Cheap flights to Madrid
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $509 from Quebec, travelling 30 Nov – 10 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- NYC New York to Madrid16 Aug – 24 Aug · MAD from$742
- MIA Miami to Madrid22 Feb – 1 Mar · MAD from$916
- IAD Washington to Madrid17 Feb – 17 Mar · MAD from$622
- LAX Los Angeles to Madrid2 Dec – 11 Dec · MAD from$834
- BOS Boston to Madrid24 Nov – 3 Dec · MAD from$647
- ORD Chicago to Madrid2 Dec – 6 Dec · MAD from$923
- YTO Toronto to Madrid24 Apr – 6 May · MAD from$609
- DFW Dallas to Madrid25 Nov – 3 Dec · MAD from$1,010
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: Aer Lingus, ITA Airways, Finnair, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Air Canada.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to MadridPlaces to visit in Madrid
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Prado Museum
MuseumOne of the great museums of European art, with masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and Bosch. Prioritize Las Meninas and Goya's Black Paintings if time is short.
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Royal Palace of Madrid
HistoricThe official royal residence, used for state ceremonies, with lavish throne and state rooms, a royal armory and a pharmacy. The Sabatini Gardens and Almudena Cathedral are next door.
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Retiro Park
ParkA large park near the Prado with a boating lake, the glass Crystal Palace, a rose garden and tree-lined avenues. Weekends bring street performers and families.
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Reina Sofia Museum
MuseumMadrid's national museum of modern and contemporary art, best known for Picasso's Guernica. It also holds major works by Dali and Miro, and the cloistered courtyard is a quiet place to pause.
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Plaza Mayor
LandmarkA grand arcaded square in the heart of the old town, framed by painted facades and balconies. Surrounding streets lead to tapas bars and the Mercado de San Miguel.
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Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
MuseumA museum whose collection covers European painting from the early Renaissance through Impressionism and Expressionism to pop art, neatly filling gaps left by the nearby Prado.
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Temple of Debod
HistoricAn ancient Egyptian temple given to Spain and rebuilt in a hilltop park near the Royal Palace. It is a favorite place to watch the sunset over the western hills.
Top experiences in Madrid
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 112 available.
Segovia and Toledo with Alcazar and Optional Cathedral Access - Tour
From $50 per adult
Madrid City Tour - Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
From $38 per adult
Toledo with All Tickets Included (Optional Lunch) - Full-Day Guided Tour
From $88 per adult
Warner Park Madrid - Ticket
From $44 per adult
Offer Amusement Park of Madrid
From $31 per adult
Explore Toledo and Segovia - Full-Day Tour
From $80 per adult
Royal Palace and Prado Museum - Half-Day Tour
From $71 per adult
Tablao Flamenco Torres Bermejas
From $37 per adult
Segovia, Ávila and Walls with Optional Alcazar and Lunch
From $70 per adult
Madrid’s Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour with Skip the Line Tickets
From $38 per adult
Prado Museum Skip the Line Small Group Guided Tour
From $34 per adult
Special Discount Offer: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium - Guided Walking Tour
From $57 per adult
Where to stay in Madrid
Popular hotels in Madrid, out of 1,073 properties you can book.
Axor Feria
From $96 per night
Hotel Villa de Barajas
From $109 per night
NH Collection Madrid Suecia
From $309 per night
NH Madrid Zurbano
From $171 per night
NH Madrid Nacional
From $217 per night
Porcel Avant
From $89 per night
Password To Madrid Plaza España
From $147 per night
Password To Madrid Casa De Campo
From $219 per night
Amazinn Collection Plaza Mayor
From $162 per night
Password To Madrid Gran Via
From $166 per night
Porcel Ganivet
From $169 per night
Password To Madrid Malasaña
From $135 per night
Best time to visit Madrid
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Madrid is September, when average daytime highs are around 81°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Madrid weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 59° 54° 100%
- Thu 12 Nov 60° 54° 68%
- Fri 13 Nov 60° 54° 20%
- Sat 14 Nov 56° 51° 50%
- Sun 15 Nov 56° 49° 35%
- Mon 16 Nov 56° 51° 56%
- Tue 17 Nov 65° 52° 59%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +34
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/MadridUTC+1
Upcoming public holidays in Spain
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Immaculate ConceptionInmaculada Concepción
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- EpiphanyDía de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor
- Good FridayViernes Santo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Madrid
These are the airports closest to central Madrid. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- MAD Madrid-Barajas Airport8 mi (14 km) from the city centre
- TOJ Madrid-Torrejón Airport15 mi (24 km) from the city centre
Getting around Madrid
Madrid proudly sports one of the best public transportation networks in the world and the second largest metro network in Europe after London's. Buses and subways work with the same tickets, and operate within the integrated transit network of .mw-parser-output .listing-coordinates{display:none}.mw-parser-output .listing-name{font-weight:bold}.mw-parser-output a.mw-kartographer-maplink.mw-kartographer-autostyled.mw-kartographer-link{border:1px solid #FFF}@media screen{html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-out…
Metro
The Metro de Madrid[dead link] (Madrid's subway/underground) is one of the best and least expensive metros in Europe. The underground tunnels can provide relief from the sun on hot days.
Bus
Whatever the Metro doesn't cover, EMT buses do. Generally buses run 06:00-24:00. Búho (owl) night buses have their main hub at 40.41898-3.693272 Plaza de Cibeles, covering most of the city at roughly 20-minute intervals.
Train
Madrid has a system of local trains called Cercanías that connects outlying suburbs and villages with the city centre. Although most useful for visiting historic or outdoor destinations outside the city core, it is also useful for quickly getting from one end of the city to another, as well as to 40.4913-3.5923 Terminal T4 of Barajas airport. If you are flying from another terminal; there is a free inter terminal bus but you will have to allow extra time to use it.
Madrid travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Madrid is September, when average daytime highs are around 81°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Madrid?
August is usually the warmest month in Madrid, with average highs of 95°F (35°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 38°F (3°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 174 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Madrid?
Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (14 km) from the centre of Madrid. Other nearby airports include Madrid-Torrejón Airport (TOJ, 15 mi).
How much are flights to Madrid?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Madrid in the last 30 days was $509 from Quebec, travelling 30 Nov – 10 Dec. November is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $509.
What currency is used in Madrid?
Madrid uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.
What time zone is Madrid in?
Madrid uses the Europe/Madrid time zone (currently UTC+1). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Madrid?
Madrid proudly sports one of the best public transportation networks in the world and the second largest metro network in Europe after London's.
What are the best places to visit in Madrid?
Top sights in Madrid include Prado Museum, Royal Palace of Madrid, Retiro Park and Reina Sofia Museum. One of the great museums of European art, with masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and Bosch. Prioritize Las Meninas and Goya's Black Paintings if time is short.
What are the top things to do in Madrid?
Popular experiences you can book in Madrid include Segovia and Toledo with Alcazar and Optional Cathedral Access - Tour, Madrid City Tour - Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour and Toledo with All Tickets Included (Optional Lunch) - Full-Day Guided Tour. Destina Holidays offers 112 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Madrid?
Popular areas for hotels in Madrid include Barajas-Ifema, Gran Via and Chamberi. Well-reviewed options include Axor Feria and Hotel Villa de Barajas.
How many hotels can I book in Madrid?
Destina Holidays currently lists 1,073 properties in and around Madrid, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
