Madrid Travel Blog

Many people in Madrid speak English. The younger generations of Spaniards have been required to study English in school and most who work in the hospitality industry speak English. That said, learning some of the local lingo before you visit Spain is still useful. Madrid locals appreciate the effort...

There’s a sandwich – fillings placed between two slices of sandwich bread – and then there’s a bocadillo – fillings placed between a Spanish-style baguette (crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside) sliced length-wise. While you’ll run across sandwiches in Madrid (go to sandwich chain...

If you enjoy eating late, then you will feel right at home in Madrid, as what many people call late-night dining anywhere else is just considered, well, simply dining here in Madrid. Most Madrid restaurants don’t even open for dinner until 8:30 or 9:00 pm. Then the local crowds don’t usually sit...

Fast, efficient and cheap, Madrid has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. Seriously. There is no reason to spend money on taxis (though they are plentiful) if you don’t want to. While Madrid’s public transportation network actually consists of subways, trains, buses and light...

It doesn’t matter whether you ultimately decide to travel by subway or taxi, downtown Madrid is very easy to reach from the city’s Barajas airport. I’ll show you how and why. Metro / Subway Advantage: Metro tickets are cheap. Disadvantage: You have to handle your own luggage. The Metro (subway)...

August 15 is the date of one of Madrid’s most traditional fiestas, ostensibly in honor of the Virgin of La Paloma. But while modern-day celebrations include manifestations of religious devotion, they also showcase Madrid’s keen desire to party in the streets. The fiestas actually start a few...

Regardless of your budget, it is practically impossible to be bored in Madrid; aside from being Spain’s artistic and cultural capital, Madrid has an amazing variety of free things to do. Wondering where to start? With many museums, parks, churches and squares to choose from, we’ve compiled a...

If you want to stretch your legs and see Madrid’s more natural side, you don’t even have to leave the city to do it. Madrid’s large Casa de Campo park on the western edge of the city provides acres upon acres of woods and trails. While attractions like the zoo, amusement park and boating lake are...

There’s no need to dip into your 401k to go on vacation. Madrid is a cool, exciting European capital but without those Paris and London prices. With a little discipline, you don’t need to go over 50 euros a day. Food Spanish breakfasts are quite economical. A cup of coffee and a croissant will...

Statistically speaking, there is no reason to worry in Madrid and you will most likely have a lovely vacation. However, sometimes stuff happens like anywhere else in the world: passports get lost, wallets get stolen, people have heart attacks, etc. So we’ll let you know what to do. Print this page...