CulturePrado Museum
Velázquez, Goya and El Greco in one of the world's great art museums.
Cheap flights to Madrid
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Madrid at a glance
- Country
- Spain
- Airports
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas (MAD)
- Search code
MAD- Money
- Euro (EUR)
Discover Madrid
Spain's sunny capital lives late: tapas at 10 pm, plazas full past midnight, and three of Europe's greatest art museums within walking distance of each other.
What it's called
- Mayritits Arabic name from the 800s
- Villa y Corte"town and court", as the royal seat
- Gatolocals with Madrid-born grandparents are called gatos
Things to do in Madrid
Culture
HistoryRoyal Palace
Over 3,000 rooms, making it Western Europe's largest royal palace by floor area.
NatureRetiro Park
Row a boat on the lake and see the glass Crystal Palace.
FoodPlaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel
A grand 17th-century square, then tapas in an iron-and-glass market.
ShoppingGran Vía
Madrid's grand avenue of shops, theaters and rooftop bars.
Day tripToledo
A medieval hill town 33 minutes away by high-speed train.
About Spain
Spain covers most of the Iberian Peninsula plus the Balearic and Canary Islands. Expect sunny beaches, Moorish palaces, mountain villages and cities that come alive late at night.
- CapitalMadrid
- MoneyEuro (EUR)
- LanguageSpanish (Catalan is also official in Catalonia)
Economy
One of the largest economies in the euro zone. Tourism is huge, as Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world. It is also the world's top olive oil producer and makes cars, wine, fashion and lots of solar and wind power.
Culture
Late lunches, later dinners and tapas with friends. Flamenco, the art of Picasso, Dalí, Goya and Velázquez, fiestas like La Tomatina, and fierce football rivalries are all part of life.
Places to visit
- Sevilleflamenco, orange trees and the Alcázar
- Granadathe Alhambra palace
- Valenciathe home of paella
- San Sebastiánpintxos bars by the beach
- Mallorca and IbizaMediterranean island life
- Canary Islandsvolcanoes and sun all year
Why Spain is worth it for you
- Lots of sunshineLong sunny seasons, especially in the south and the islands.
- Fast trainsHigh-speed trains link Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and more.
- Good value for Western EuropeTapas, wine and menus of the day are easy on the wallet.
- Easy to combineShort, cheap flights to the rest of Europe and North Africa.
Travel more of Spain
Places worth adding to your trip, from Madrid or on another visit.
CultureSeville
Flamenco, orange trees and the royal Alcázar palace.
HistoryGranada and the Alhambra
A Moorish palace complex with the Sierra Nevada behind.
FoodValencia
The birthplace of paella and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences.
FoodSan Sebastián
Pintxos bars and a perfect shell-shaped beach.
BeachMallorca
Coves of clear water and mountain villages in the Balearic Islands.
CultureBarcelona
Gaudí, beaches and the Gothic Quarter.
See the guide →Eat like a local
- Bocadillo de calamaresA fried squid sandwich, Madrid's classic.
- Cocido madrileñoA hearty chickpea and meat stew.
- Churros con chocolateDunked in thick hot chocolate.
The story of Madrid
Madrid began as a Moorish fortress called Mayrit in the 9th century. King Philip II made it Spain's capital in 1561, and it grew grand with palaces, boulevards and the Prado, which opened in 1819.
Spain through history
- 218 BC
The Romans arrive in Hispania.
- 711
Moorish rule begins; Al-Andalus flourishes for centuries.
- 1492
Granada falls and Columbus sails to the Americas.
- 1561
Madrid becomes the capital.
- 1936–1939
The Civil War, followed by Franco's dictatorship until 1975.
- 1978
A democratic constitution is approved.
Good to know
- Best time to go
- April to June and September to October. July and August are very hot.
- Getting around
- The Metro is fast and clean; the center is easy to walk.
- Language
- Spanish (Catalan is also official in Catalonia)
Ready to see Madrid for yourself?
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Tips for flying to Madrid
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When you land in Madrid
Places to stay, things to do and getting around, from trusted travel brands.
Questions about Madrid
Which airports serve Madrid?
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas (MAD). Search code: MAD.
What currency is used in Madrid?
Euro (EUR).
How do I find cheap flights to Madrid?
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