Madrid

Good to know

1. 1Madrid is the capital of Spain and sits on a high plateau near the middle of the country, which makes it one of the higher capital cities in Europe.
2. 2The so-called Golden Triangle of art brings together the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, all within a short walk of each other. Between them they cover everything from Velázquez and Goya to Picasso's Guernica.
3. 3Madrid became the seat of the Spanish court in the 16th century under Philip II, and the old Habsburg quarter around the Plaza Mayor still carries that history.
4. 4Typical local dishes include cocido madrileño, a slow-cooked chickpea and meat stew, and bocadillo de calamares, a squid sandwich. Churros with thick hot chocolate are a classic for breakfast or after a night out.
5. 5Meals run late by many countries' standards. Lunch is often around two or three in the afternoon and dinner rarely starts before nine.
6. 6Spanish is spoken everywhere, and the local accent is considered clear and easy to follow for learners. The currency is the euro.

Tips for a first visit

• The centre is compact enough to explore largely on foot, and the metro covers most of the rest. Both are simple to use for a first visit.
• Cards are widely accepted, but it helps to carry a little cash for small bars and market stalls.
• Try tapas by moving between a few bars rather than sitting down for one big meal. In many places you order a drink and something small to eat with it.
• Plan your day around the local rhythm. Many people take a long lunch, and restaurants that open early for dinner are often aimed at tourists.
• Walk or sit in the Retiro Park for a quiet break from the city, especially on a weekend when locals come out in numbers.
• Greet shopkeepers and waiters with a quick hola or buenos días. It is a small courtesy that is noticed and appreciated.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit, with mild days and pleasant evenings for sitting outdoors. Summers are very hot and dry, and the city feels slower in August when many locals leave. Winters are cool and often sunny, with cold nights, which suits museum-heavy trips.

From the airport

Madrid-Barajas airport is northeast of the centre and is linked to the city by metro, by a dedicated airport bus, by commuter train and by taxi. Depending on the route and traffic, the trip into the centre usually takes somewhere between 20 and 45 minutes.