Here is what you need to make sure your plans go smoothly in the capital and elsewhere in Spain. Our Madrid travel tips ensure you have the best trip by not leaving details to change. We recommend travel insurance for every trip. With all the recent travel changes, peace of mind is only a small % of your trip cost. Check out
Madrid is an accessible city to get to. Luis Barragan International is central, located an easy 30mins outside the city. EU and North American citizens do not need a visa to enter. Immigration at the airport is straightforward,,, and we have breezed through in under 20 mins on each visit. Getting to center city, take the Renfe Train to Atocha. This is the mid-distance train and is cheaper and quicker than the metro.
Any day is a good day to visit Madrid. Peak Summer (May-August) will be the hottest and most packed with tourists. March-April/September-October – cooler weather offers a more enjoyable experience. Winter months (November-February ) are still pleasant but expect temperatures requiring a light jacket and some rain. Very rarely, snow and colder temps. can occur during this time.
Most of Spain speaks the official Castilian Spanish. In select regions, versions are spoken: Galician, Basque, Catalan, and Aranese. English is an option in the tourist areas, and with Spanish basics, you will get by. Be sure to try and speak the local languages – it goes a long way to building goodwill.
Spain uses the euro for all goods and services. Most places accept credit cards, and when paying you can select your home country’s currency or the Euro. If you travel deeper into neighborhoods or smaller towns, cash is more useful and appreciated. Morning coffee, buses, and small souvenirs are easier to purchase with cash; often to only way to pay in those instances.
Spain and most of Europe use 230V. Most devices do not have the correct plug for Spain. The type F adapter is the most common option. If you are staying in older areas, or hotels – there are not as many outlets in the rooms. So a power bank or multi-plug will be important to keep everything fully charged.
Madrid is an enjoyable walking city. The tree-lined streets, interesting architecture, and cafes make it perfectly easy to stroll for hours. The metro and trains work together to get you near and far. The high-speed trains are great for day trips from Madrid. Visit Renfe.com for maps, prices, and timetables.
Madrid and all of Spain, are quite safe for tourists. Typical pickpockets and petty thievery can occur. As always, keep your valuables close and your eyes looking about. In the past few years, Spain has seen more political and social protests, while non-violent that can disrupt train travel and block streets.
Check out our other articles on Madrid, what to see, where to stay, and more.
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