Madrid is Spain’s big-hearted capital: three of Europe’s great art museums within a short stroll, leafy parks, buzzing markets and a nightlife scene that really starts after dinner. It also makes a superb base for history-rich day trips.
Approximate per person per day, including a share of a twin room, and excluding flights. Not live prices.
Paseo del Prado
One of the world’s greatest collections of European painting, with Velázquez and Goya at its heart.
Daily, roughly 10:00–20:00; shorter hours on Sundays and holidays
Retiro
Madrid’s green heart, with a boating lake, rose garden and a glass Crystal Palace.
Daily, roughly 6:00–midnight (earlier closing in winter)
Palacio
A vast, opulent palace with over a thousand rooms, of which the grandest are open to visitors.
Daily, roughly 10:00–18:00 (to 19:00 in summer); check for closures
Paseo del Prado
A single collection that walks you from medieval altarpieces to Impressionists and pop art.
Roughly 10:00–19:00; Monday hours are limited
La Latina
Madrid’s sprawling Sunday street market, full of antiques, vintage finds and bar-hopping locals.
Sundays and public holidays, roughly 9:00–15:00
Chamberí
The painter’s former home and studio, a light-filled house with an Andalusian-style garden and his sun-drenched canvases.
Tuesday–Saturday and Sunday mornings; closed Mondays
La Latina
A secret walled garden in the middle of La Latina, opened to the public at set hours.
Open at limited hours: check locally before you go
Vallecas
A hilltop park of rounded mounds with a huge sky and a skyline view, a local sunset spot far from the tourist trail.
Open-air; best at sunset
Well reviewed and fairly priced for what you get: not simply the cheapest.
Salamanca, Madrid
Rated 9.1/10, priced in line with similar 5★ hotels in Madrid, in a central location.
Malasaña, Madrid
Rated 8.5/10, about 20% below typical 3★ prices in Madrid, in a central location.
Chamberí, Madrid
Rated 8.3/10, about 19% below typical 4★ prices in Madrid, with a pool.
A tavern from 1860, birthplace of the Spanish Socialist Party, now famous for a standing-room counter of fried cod.
Known for: Croquetas and battered cod (tajadas)
Under about £14 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
A classic bar just off Plaza Mayor selling the city’s signature fried-squid sandwich.
Known for: Bocadillo de calamares
Under about £14 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
A tiny bar that has served sizzling garlic prawns and sweet red wine since 1906.
Known for: Gambas al ajillo, gambas a la plancha
About £14–30 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
A grand café that opened in 1887, with marble tables and a literary past, still popular for coffee and breakfast.
Known for: Café con leche, churros, tostada
Under about £14 per person
Local favourite Good for Couples · Families
Madrid · History + Food + Nightlife
World-class museums, a sunset at a temple and Malasaña after dark.
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