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Planning a trip to the Spanish capital? Here's your insider guide to exploring Madrid through four key themes: food, culture, fiestas, and day trips.

And we’ve even tracked down four first class places to stay, so you’ll be a total Madrid master in no time.

New to Madrid? – First, the 411

Some European cities can blur into one, but Madrid has its own unmistakable identity. It may lack a central river or globally iconic landmarks, but it offers an abundance of elegance, energy, and a passion for life.

Home to three of the world’s best art galleries, regal architecture, contemporary cuisine, and nightlife that seamlessly shifts from refined to raucous, Madrid has main character energy, and oozes elegance and palpable pride.

Like the locals who love living in Spain’s largest city, you’ll discover Madrid is as much about feeling, as it is about sightseeing.

Cuatro Cultural Highlights

All roads lead to Rome? Well in Spain, all roads lead to Madrid’s Puerta del Sol - with its must-visit plaque marking Kilometre 0 for all of Spain’s highways.

After getting your bearings with a coffee at nearby Plaza Mayor, where arcaded buildings surround pavement cafes, you’ll have sampled some street culture highlights, and be ready to soak up the real thing.

These 4 cultural touchstones are non-negotiables, whether you're in Madrid for 24 hours, enjoying a short break in Spain, or looking to stay longer-term in Madrid.

1. Prado Museum

This iconic building houses one of the world's finest and most diverse collections of European art, including masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya, which all began as the personal collection of a trio of Spain’s greatest art-loving Kings. This cultural treasure trove offers a deep dive into Spain and Europe’s artistic heritage.

2. Royal Palace of Madrid

The official residence of the Spanish royal family, although no longer their home, the Palacio Real is still used for state occasions so the grand Baroque landmark dazzles with chandeliers, frescoes, and finely manicured courtyards, showing off the pomp and ceremony of Spain's history.

3. Retiro Park

Once the royal family’s private gardens, El Retiro is now a much-loved city escape. Glide across the boating lake, wander shady paths, and don't miss the elegant Crystal Palace with its ever-changing art installations.

4. Reina Sofía Museum

Visit this modern art museum after The Prado for a dramatic shift in tone and time, to see more world class art, including Picasso’s powerful anti-war piece Guernica.

Retiro Park, Madrid

Madrid’s Must Eats

Spain’s regions vastly different from each other in many ways but one thing that holds Spaniards together is a passion for food, from traditional tapas to the Pintxos of the Basque Country and Valencian Paella - so eating is the best way to go native in Madrid.

1. Bocadillo de Calamares

The standout snack is the city’s beloved street food, the calamari sandwich - best enjoyed at Bar Postas, a no-frills local favourite in the heart of the old city near Plaza Mayor. Behind an inviting frontage on Calle Postas lies a lively, authentic atmosphere and locals and visitors alike queuing for lightly fried rings of squid, stuffed into a crusty roll.

Needing nothing more than a squeeze of refreshing lemon, it’s sold at equally refreshing prices, so you can see why it’s a rite of passage when visiting Madrid.

2. Churros con Chocolate

We know this classic Spanish treat, traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or as a late-night snack, isn’t unique to Madrid, but it’s worth popping by the famous and photogenic Chocolatería San Ginés, which has been serving churros since 1894 and is open 24-hours a day.

Alternatively take our tip and head to a less historic churros-maker with fewer crowds; Chocolate Madrid in Barrio de las Letras serves artisanal churros and pastries and is praised by visitors.

2. Huevos Rotos

A Madrid favourite, huevos rotos is a simple dish made with crispy fried potatoes topped with lightly cooked eggs, served with slices of jamón or chorizo. Cutting into the eggs so the yolks spill over the potatoes is the payoff on this plate.

Casa Lucio in the La Latina district is a Madrid institution that’s served the dish to celebs like Bill Clinton. Booking ahead is best, especially on weekends. Or you can head to Taberna La Bola, known for traditional Madrid cuisine for over 150 years, as it offers a fantastic version of huevos rotos in a traditional wood-panelled dining room.

4. Tortilla Española

Madrid is passionate about tortillas - and every foodie in the city has an opinion on where to find the best one. Casa Dani, inside the Mercado de la Paz in the Salamanca neighbourhood, serves an award-winning tortilla that sells out fast. Luckily you won’t go hungry if you turn up too late - there’s Spanish delicacies from many other vendors on offer throughout the market.

Find Your Fiesta in Madrid

If you haven’t booked your Madrid trip dates yet, why not time your visit to experience the capital at its most vibrant; during one of its famed fiestas. The Dos de Mayo Festival is a historical celebration, with military parades, cultural events, and street performances in the Malasaña neighbourhood where the revolt against French occupation began.

The traditional San Isidro Festival is held every May in honour of the city’s patron saint. Locals head to the Pradera de San Isidro park dressed in classic chulapo and chulapa outfits, enjoying open-air concerts and processions.

Madrid Pride, held in late June and early July (27th June to July 6th in 2025), transforms areas like Chueca and Paseo del Prado into Europe’s most energetic and inclusive party, with parades, concerts, and rainbow flags flying.

In August the city heats up for La Paloma Festival in the historic La Latina neighbourhood. Streets are decked with bunting and packed with makeshift bars and tapas stalls, while processions and dancing spill out from the old churches and plazas.

Whichever time of year you visit, there’s likely to be some kind of fiesta revealing another side of Madrid’s deep-rooted customs.

How To Spend A Sunday in Madrid

1. Tour the Palacio Real if you haven’t already – fewer crowds make weekends a great time to visit.

2. Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for a tour – a ‘Real’ must for football fans.

3. Browse El Rastro, Madrid’s vast and vibrant flea market.

4. Hop on a train for a day trip – see below for our top four picks.

Four Forays Outside the City

Toledo: A UNESCO-listed medieval gem just 35 minutes away by train, with winding alleys, cathedrals, and a view over the Tagus River.

Segovia: Known for its towering Roman aqueduct and fairytale-style Alcázar, it’s a history lover’s dream, around an hour from Madrid.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial: Visit the monastery and palace in the hills, and the burial place of centuries of Spain’s kings - a cool and cultured retreat with renaissance architecture is just an hour away.

Aranjuez: Around half an hour south of the city, this riverside town boasts royal gardens and a summer palace that’s perfect for a peaceful afternoon excursion.

Master Bedrooms in Madrid: 4 Stellar Student Residences

These Madrid university accommodation options come with some standout credentials - stay at a historic institution where Einstein lectured, bed down in a Neoclassical mansion dating back to 1799 - or treat yourself to resort-style facilities, or a full board booking.

Residencia Universitaria Abay, Madrid

Vibe: Peace & Greenery

Area: Parque del Oeste

Love the idea of waking up surrounded by green spaces yet staying close to the city buzz? Then Residencia Universitaria Abay in the elegant Parque del Oeste area is a great choice.

This leafy neighbourhood famous for its rose garden and atmospheric Temple of Debod is a short walk to Moncloa and Argüelles Metro stations, putting the entire city within extremely easy reach.

The residence itself is very highly rated, with bright and modern accommodation and communal areas, and the option of single or double rooms, some of which are ensuite. All rooms come with air conditioning and WIFI – and access to a terrace with a panoramic view of the park. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast included in their stay, and a shared lounge and a library make for a relaxed and welcoming feel.

Reviews praise the peaceful setting, the cleanliness of the rooms, and the helpfulness of the staff as well as the benefits of having nature on your doorstep, making it easy to blend city exploration with modern and calm base to return to in Madrid’s green heart.

Funway Academic Resort, Madrid

Vibe: Central Convenience & Style

Area: Tetuán

For a lively and colourful city-centre vibe, Funway Academic Resort in Madrid’s Tetuán neighbourhood is a brilliant base. If you’re all about 5 Star facilities and want to make a splash without splashing the cash, you are going to love this option.

With a swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, leisure room, sun terrace, restaurant, library, cooking lounge, classrooms, laundry, free WIFI, and even an onsite Amazon locker, the list of amenities is seriously impressive.

The rooms are equally appealing - all come with flat screen TV, modern ensuite bathroom, and some have a private terrace or patio. Breakfast is included each morning and add the views over Madrid’s skyline, friendly service and stylish décor and you’ll see why it gets rave reviews.

Located just north of the heart of Madrid, it's well connected via Tetuán and Santiago Bernabéu Metro stations, meaning you can be at the buzzing Gran Via or historic Plaza Mayor in minutes.

The vibrant neighbourhood location’s shops and eateries also gets top marks, plus the area is close to the financial district, offering a more modern side of Madrid to explore.

Residencia Universitaria Palacio de Barradas, Madrid

Vibe: Classic

Area: Central Madrid

If you want to be in the thick of Madrid’s historic and cultural action, Residencia Universitaria Palacio de Barradas, with its boutique hotel vibes, is the perfect pick. A stately home which has been beautifully renovated and turned into a contemporary, design-led place to stay, the residence combines classic architecture with modern comforts such as light, bright, airy rooms with ensuite bathrooms, air con, heating, and WIFI.

There’s exceptional cleanliness and a sense of community, and every stay includes a good breakfast as well as access to shared lounges, study areas and a pretty courtyard.

The location near San Bernardo, Noviciado, and Bilbao Metro stations means you’ll be a stone’s throw from Madrid's centre, famous university areas and the lively neighbourhoods of Malasaña and Chamberí.

Glowing reviews consistently mention the great location, peaceful atmosphere, friendly service and hotel-quality facilities. Guests love how easy it is to walk to trendy cafes, independent boutiques, and some of the best tapas bars in the city. While you’re close to all the action, Palacio de Barradas is a great find: a quiet, convenient, comfy and relaxed place to call home in Madrid.

Colegio Mayor Chaminade, Madrid

Vibe: Full-Service Stay

Area: Ciudad Universitaria

Imagine staying on campus at one of the oldest universities in the world, and one of Spain's most prestigious institutions, where Albert Einstein was a regular lecturer?

Colegio Mayor Chaminade offers something quite special. Located in the historic Ciudad Universitaria district and close to the enormous green space of Casa de Campo, this residence feels tucked away while being an easy ride to the city centre thanks to nearby Metro connections at Metropolitano and Ciudad Universitaria stations.

A major advantage is that your stay is full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all provided 6 days a week (aside from Sundays), making it a rare and cost-effective option in Madrid. This full-service approach makes it an especially appealing choice for travellers who want a relaxed, home from home.

Rooms are simple but comfortable, offering private bathrooms and WIFI, while the facilities on offer include a gym, and an outdoor swimming pool plus a bar and cafeteria and onsite laundry.

Guests highlight the sense of community, the quiet surroundings, and the value for money. Staying here offers a different side of Madrid; a peaceful, leafy environment combined with excellent city access.