Madrid
Visited: 10 - 13 October 2024
Preparation time
- Travel documents
EU-citizens: Valid national ID-card
Other countries: Valid passport valid 3 months after stay
(* please check with your own local government or embassy for most recent updates)
- Airport transfer
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is located at around 30 minutes (15 KM) from the city centre. You can easily transfer to the center by bus and/or metro or book a car upfront.
- Booking accommodation
Whenever possible, book as early as possible. Prices can double or triple in a few weeks time, depending on demand and availability. I've booked numerous hotels and hostels which ended up doubling in price between my booking date and my actual dates of stay, if I would have made a booking later.
Always book the option with free-cancellation if you book ahead. You can always cancel / modify later if needed or if a better deal presents itself.
I personally stayed here:
The Central House Madrid Lavapiés
Calle Encomienda 16, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Roomtype booked: Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
Very central location and clean dormitory room, definitely recommend
Day 1
I went to Madrid to attend a concert so my time in Madrid itself was limited, yet very worthwhile.
After dropping off my luggage in the hostel I booked, I went to the Kings palace (closed due to National holiday unfortunately when I was there) and visited the surroundings. I strolled in one of the main shopping streets and took notes of where I wanted to possibly buy stuff the next day already. At around 5 PM, I left for the Prado Museum, one of the main sites I definitely wanted to visit in Madrid.
Museo Nacional del Prado
Paseo del Prado s/n. 28014 Madrid
This museum is considered the main art gallery of Spain and has over 35.000 works. It is honestly one of the most beautiful museums I have visited so far and you can easily spend hours here. A regular ticket can be booked online, so you can enter easily without having to wait. The museum has an impressive collection of paintings and statues.
Please note every evening from Monday to Saturday you can enter the museum for free after 6 PM until 8 PM (Sunday 5-7 PM). This gives you a short timeframe to visit parts of the museum for free and is a great deal for visitors with restricted time in Madrid. Please arrive early, the line will be long but once they open access, the line will go smoothly.
After leaving the museum I got to witness some very nice lightning projects on buildings of the city as well, which was a great end of a busy first day.
Day 2
The foodie in me started the day with a visit of the Mercado San Miguel, a covered food hall in the most beautiful building, where you can enjoy all kinds of tapas and other foods. I walked around the market several times as the food displays were just so pretty, while ending my visit with a glass of Spanish red wine and some toasts. Jummy!
El Mercado de San Miguel
Plaza de San Miguel, s/n 28005 Madrid
Opening hours: From 10 AM up to midnight
In preparation of the concert and the massive rain they predicted, I then went shopping a bit in Madrid center and visited the Plaza Mayor, before going back to the hostel to prepare for the concert, Music Bank Madrid.
