Travel to Madrid

Madrid probably has more sites to see than you can fit in during one vacation, but that’s a part of its appeal. This is definitely a fun place to visit with lots of great cafes and restaurants, an enjoyable nightlife, a multitude of historic landmarks, and a city full of beautiful architecture to admire. More on Madrid highlights.

And click for a complete Madrid airport guide.

Madrid Hotels

Whether you want a room at an elegant villa or just a cheap guest house during your stay, Madrid will provide. There are all varieties of Madrid hotels around the city, many in walking distance of some great attractions. For the best rates on hotels in Madrid, click here.

There a numerous hotels right in the center of the city, but you can also find a hotel on the outskirts of town where it may be a little quieter. See which Madrid hotel you prefer here.

Highlights

Madrid is famous for bullfighting and you can still catch a bullfight during the summer months at the bullring Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas, which is the largest of its kind.
One of Madrid's top tourist drawcards is its impressive entertainment scene and the city boasts plenty of high-end cultural entertainment including theatre, ballet and opera.
Calle Huertas is a happening part of town where you can find clubs and bars to listen to live music including jazz and traditional Spanish melodies. Masaña is more popular among the younger crowd and provides bars and clubs where it's possible to dance all night.
For an interesting shopping experience, visitors can spend a Sunday at El Rastro, one of the biggest flea markets in the world, selling everything from antiques to clothes.
Plaza Mayor, a square originally planned by Felipe II for public executions, crowning ceremonies, bullfights, inquisition trials and countless fiestas, is a great attraction to visit and also a place to check out some fun craft shops and cafes.
Madrid of the Habsburgs has Puerta del Sol and Casa de Correos, the head quarters of the Community of Madrid's Autonomous Government, to see along with other historic sites.

Day trips by hire car

Arranging a hire car in Madrid means you have the flexibility to go where you like whenever you like. Several car hire companies are available in Madrid. Go online to reserve a Madrid car hire.

There are many unique and beautiful villages to visit not far from Madrid that are worth a short excursion by hire car to see. Alcala de Henares village, only 30km by hire car from Madrid, is home to the birthplace of the Spanish author Cervantes, which is now a museum; and the San Bernando Convent a beautiful building constructed in 1618.

San Loranzo de El Escorial is also a good destination to see by hire car. It is the village where Phillip II decided to build the Royal residence in 1563. This is the palace where many of the kings and queens of Spain now lie buried in the impressive Panteon de los Reyes.