Madrid travel tips
Everything you need to know before visiting: how to get there, getting around, budget, best season and the things most guides don't warn you about
Accessible Madrid: a practical guide for visitors with disabilities
Madrid's Metro has lifts at most central stations, the Prado and Royal Palace are wheelchair accessible, accessible taxis bookable. Honest 2026 guide.
Airport to city Madrid: every option from Barajas to the centre
Taxi flat fare €33, Metro Line 8 with €3 supplement (free with Tourist Pass), bus €5, private transfer. Full guide to getting from MAD Barajas to Madrid
Atocha vs Chamartín: which Madrid station do you need?
Atocha for Toledo, Seville, Valencia. Chamartín for Segovia, Ávila, Barcelona. Full comparison of both Madrid stations with transport connections.
AVE train day trips from Madrid: Toledo, Segovia, and beyond
Toledo in 33 minutes, Segovia in 27 minutes by AVE from Madrid. Complete guide to high-speed train day trips: prices, booking, which station, and what to
Best time to visit Madrid: honest month-by-month breakdown for 2026
April–May and September–October are Madrid's best months — 18–25°C, San Isidro in May. July–August is hot (35–38°C). Winter is cheapest. Full 2026 guide.
Madrid Cercanías guide: suburban trains for day trips and city travel
Cercanías suburban trains reach El Escorial, Aranjuez, Alcalá de Henares from Madrid. Covered by Tourist Pass. Complete route and fare guide 2026.
Spain entry requirements and ETIAS for Madrid visitors in 2026
ETIAS is NOT yet in force in 2026. US, UK, CA and AU visitors enter Spain visa-free. Passport rules, Schengen 90-day limit, and EES explained.
Staying connected in Madrid: eSIM, local SIM, and Wi-Fi options in 2026
eSIM, local Spanish SIM cards, and hotel Wi-Fi options for staying connected in Madrid. Digi 20GB for €5.99, Airalo, and Holafly compared for 2026
Getting around Madrid by metro: the complete 2026 guide
13 metro lines, single tickets from €1.50, Tourist Travel Pass for unlimited travel. Everything you need to navigate Madrid's metro system in 2026.
How many days do you need in Madrid? An honest itinerary guide
2 days covers the highlights. 3 days is the sweet spot. 5+ days for day trips. Honest breakdown of what you can and cannot see in Madrid by trip length.
Madrid at Christmas: what's real, what's touristy, and what's worth it
Madrid's Christmas season runs late November to 6 January. Plaza Mayor market, Three Kings Parade, grape countdown at Sol — here's what's genuinely worth
Is the Madrid City Card worth buying in 2026?
The Madrid City Card combines transport and attraction entry starting at €67 for 1 day. Honest analysis of when it saves money and when it doesn't.
Madrid in autumn: the second-best season and the smart visitor's choice
Madrid in autumn (September–November) means 15–25°C, thinning crowds, lower prices than spring, and a cultural season hitting its stride. The smart
Madrid in spring: the best season and why it fills up fast
Madrid in spring (March–May): 18–24°C, San Isidro festival, Retiro in bloom, outdoor life at full intensity. The best season. Book 6 weeks ahead.
Madrid in summer: heat, festivals, and what actually works in July–August
Madrid in July–August means 35–40°C heat, empty streets at noon, the San Isidro summer scene, and prices that stay moderate. Practical month-by-month
Madrid in winter: cold, affordable, and the best time for museums
Madrid in winter (December–February) means 5–10°C, empty museums, low hotel prices, and a vibrant local scene. The city doesn't shut down — it moves
Madrid on a budget: how to visit well for less in 2026
Madrid's free museum hours, menú del día from €12, Tourist Pass, and free parks make budget travel genuinely enjoyable. 2026 guide with real numbers.
Madrid vs Barcelona: which city should you visit first?
Madrid: art, history, day trips, affordable. Barcelona: Gaudí, beach, Mediterranean. Honest comparison — or visit both via the 2h30 AVE connection.
Taxi vs Uber in Madrid: which is better in 2026?
Madrid taxis (white, metered, €1.10 flagfall) vs Uber and Cabify. Honest comparison of prices, surge pricing, airport rules, and when each option wins.
Madrid Tourist Travel Pass: is the Abono Turístico worth buying?
The Madrid Tourist Travel Pass (€8.40–€35.40) covers metro, bus, and Cercanías and waives the €3 airport supplement. Full 2026 price and value breakdown.