←Spain travel guide
Community of Madrid, Spain
Madrid
Grand boulevards, golden art, and nights that never end
Art & MuseumsCultureFood & DrinkNightlife
Spain's capital is a city of genuine substance: the Prado houses one of the world's great art collections, the Reina Sofia is home to Picasso's Guernica, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza fills in the rest of European art history. Beyond the museums, Madrid rewards wandering through its market halls, neighbourhood bars, and parks, with a nightlife culture that regards midnight as early.
Check Spain visa requirements →
Best time to visit
March to May and September to November
Region
Community of Madrid
Main airport
Madrid MAD (MAD)
Discover
Top Things to Do in Madrid
Culture
Prado Museum, Madrid
The Museo del Prado is one of the world's great art museums, housing the finest collection of Spanish painting in existence alongside major European works accumulated by Spanish monarchs over four centuries. Goya, Velazquez, and El Greco are represented here in unparalleled depth, while Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights and Rubens' major canvases fill the European galleries. The building itself forms part of Madrid's UNESCO-recognised Golden Triangle of Art.
UNESCO World HeritageCulture
Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro
A landmark tree-lined boulevard and adjoining Retiro park in central Madrid, laid out from the sixteenth century as an urban landscape devoted to the arts and sciences. Lined with fountains, museums and gardens, it set an early model for the green civic avenue.
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Madrid
UNESCO World HeritageCulture
El Escorial
A vast 16th-century palace, monastery and royal mausoleum northwest of Madrid, built for King Philip II. Austere yet monumental, this granite complex blends a basilica, library and royal apartments and served as a center of Spanish power and Counter-Reformation culture.
UNESCO World Heritage
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Madrid
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Spain
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Spain page at Yoogo.
Spain uses the euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, though some smaller bars, markets, and rural businesses prefer cash. ATMs are plentiful in cities and towns. It is worth carrying a small amount of cash for tapas bars, taxis, and tips.
Spain is generally a safe destination. The main risk for travellers is petty theft, particularly pickpocketing in busy tourist areas, on public transport, and near major attractions. Keep bags in front of you in crowds and avoid leaving valuables visible in hire cars. The emergency number for all services is 112.
Spain has an excellent rail network. High-speed AVE trains connect Madrid with Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and other major cities quickly and comfortably. Renfe operates the national rail service. Long-distance buses are the most economical option for many routes. Rental cars are useful for exploring rural areas and the coast, though parking in city centres is expensive and challenging. Spain drives on the right.
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for most of the country. Summer is peak tourist season and can be intensely hot, particularly in Andalusia and central Spain. The north and northwest have a cooler, wetter Atlantic climate year-round. Winter is mild in the south and ideal for visiting cities such as Seville, Malaga, and Granada.
Spanish (Castilian) is the official national language. Catalan is co-official in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, Basque in the Basque Country and Navarre, and Galician in Galicia. Regional identities are strongly felt, and locals in these areas appreciate acknowledgement of their language. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and major cities, but basic Spanish phrases go a long way outside these zones.
No vaccinations are required to enter Spain. Routine immunisations should be up to date. Spain has a reliable public healthcare system. EU and EEA citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public healthcare. All other visitors should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical costs.
Tipping is not mandatory in Spain, but it is appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros for good service is customary. For longer meals or larger groups, 5–10% is common. Taxi drivers are often tipped by rounding up the fare. Bar staff are not routinely tipped for drinks, though leaving small change is appreciated.