Barrio de las Letras
The streets where Cervantes and Lope de Vega lived, between Sol and the Prado, with literary quotes set into the paving and many tapas bars.
- Population
- ≈ 3,500,000
- Language
- Spanish
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone
- UTC+1
- Best time
- Apr – May, Sep – Oct
- Nearest airport
- MAD, 14 km
Start in the square: Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol, 28013 Madrid
Puerta del Sol is the busy heart of Madrid and of Spain: a plaque in the paving marks Kilometre Zero, the point from which the national roads are measured. On New Year's Eve, crowds gather under the clock to eat twelve grapes at midnight.
Within a short walk
- Prado MuseumPaseo del Prado, 28014 Madrid1 km
- Thyssen-Bornemisza MuseumPaseo del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid700 m
- Royal PalaceCalle Bailén, 28013 Madrid900 m
- Almudena CathedralCalle Mayor, 28013 Madrid900 m
- Plaza MayorPlaza Mayor 30, 28012 Madrid400 m
- Gran VíaGran Vía, 28013 Madrid300 m
- Mercado de San MiguelPlaza de San Miguel, 28013 Madrid500 m
Where to stay in Madrid
Barrio de La Latina
Old Madrid around the Plaza de la Cebada, known for the tapas bars along Cava Baja and the Sunday flea market, El Rastro.
Malasaña
900 m from Puerta del SolA lively area north of Gran Vía with vintage shops, cafés and bars that stay busy late into the night. Good for younger visitors.
Lavapiés
1 km from Puerta del SolA multicultural neighbourhood south of the centre with small theatres, international food and a strong local feel. Lower prices, steep streets.
Salamanca
2.6 km from Puerta del SolWide, elegant streets east of the Retiro with designer shops and smart restaurants. Quiet and well connected, but more expensive.
Things to do in Madrid
Prado Museum
Paseo del Prado, 28014 Madrid
One of the great collections of European painting, with Velázquez's Las Meninas and the dark late works of Goya. Entry is free in the last two hours of most days.
Reina Sofía Museum
Calle de Santa Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid
Modern and contemporary Spanish art in a former hospital, home to Picasso's Guernica. Entry is free on some evenings; check the times online.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Paseo del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid
A private collection that fills the gaps between the Prado and the Reina Sofía, from early Italian painting to Pop Art.
Royal Palace
Calle Bailén, 28013 Madrid
The king no longer lives here, but the palace is still used for state ceremonies and has more than 3,000 rooms. Visit the state rooms and the armoury, and book a time slot online.
Almudena Cathedral
Calle Mayor, 28013 Madrid
Madrid's cathedral, opposite the Royal Palace, was finished only in 1993. The bright, modern interior is a surprise behind the classical front.
Retiro Park
El Retiro Park, 28009 Madrid
A large park near the Prado with a boating lake, a rose garden and the glass Crystal Palace, which hosts free art exhibitions.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor 30, 28012 Madrid
A large arcaded square from the 17th century, a short walk from Puerta del Sol. The cafés on the square are expensive; the side streets are cheaper.
Temple of Debod
Calle Ferraz 1, 28008 Madrid
An ancient Egyptian temple given to Spain in the 1960s and rebuilt in a park near the Royal Palace. Come at sunset for the view over the west of the city.
Gran Vía
Gran Vía, 28013 Madrid
The city's main avenue, built in the early 20th century, with grand façades, theatres and shops. Look up at the domes and rooftop statues.
Mercado de San Miguel
Plaza de San Miguel, 28013 Madrid
A glass and iron market hall near Plaza Mayor, now full of food stalls serving tapas and drinks. Busy at lunchtime and in the evening.
Getting there
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)
28042 Barajas
14 km from the city centre
Madrid Atocha railway station
Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, 28014 Madrid
Main railway station, 1.5 km from Puerta del Sol
When to go
Average daytime high and night-time low per month (2005–2024). Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
- 9°Jan
- 11°Feb
- 15°Mar
- 18°Apr
- 23°May
- 29°Jun
- 34°Jul
- 33°Aug
- 27°Sep
- 21°Oct
- 14°Nov
- 10°Dec
| Measure | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 9 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 23 | 29 | 34 | 33 | 27 | 21 | 14 | 10 |
| Low °C | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 37 | 37 | 49 | 55 | 38 | 26 | 8 | 13 | 33 | 68 | 52 | 43 |
| Rain days | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 7 |
| Daylight h | 9.6 | 10.6 | 11.8 | 13.2 | 14.4 | 15 | 14.8 | 13.8 | 12.4 | 11.1 | 9.9 | 9.3 |
The year in Madrid
The biggest events that come back every year, starting with the next one.
February or MarchCulture
ARCO
One of Europe's main fairs for contemporary art, held at the IFEMA exhibition centre. The last days are open to the general public.
AprilSport
Madrid Marathon
Thousands of runners cross the centre on a hilly course, with shorter races on the same morning. Many central streets close for the day.
Late June to early JulyFestival
Madrid Pride
One of the largest Pride celebrations in Europe, centred on Chueca, with a big parade on the Saturday and concerts in several squares.
July and AugustCulture
Veranos de la Villa
The city's summer culture festival, with concerts, theatre and dance in open-air venues and old courtyards across Madrid.
Mid-AugustFestival
Fiestas de la Paloma
A traditional street festival in La Latina and Lavapiés, with dancing, music and people in old-fashioned chulapo dress.
Practical information
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- 1 EUR = 1.11 USD = 0.84 GBP (ECB, 28 October 2026)
- Language
- Spanish
- Plugs
- Type C and F, 230 V
- Emergency number
- 112, 061, 091
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (summer UTC+2)
- Country calling code
- +34
- Traffic drives on the
- Right
Public holidays in the next 12 months
Shops and museums may close or keep Sunday hours on these days.
- All Saints Day (Día de todos los Santos)1 Nov 2026
- Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)6 Dec 2026
- Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción)8 Dec 2026
- Christmas Day (Navidad)25 Dec 2026
- New Year's Day (Año Nuevo)1 Jan 2027
- Epiphany (Día de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor)6 Jan 2027
- Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo)25 Mar 2027
- Good Friday (Viernes Santo)26 Mar 2027
- Labour Day (Fiesta del trabajo)1 May 2027
- Day of Madrid (Fiesta de la Comunidad de Madrid)2 May 2027
- Assumption (Asunción)15 Aug 2027
- National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España)12 Oct 2027
Madrid FAQ
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
Apr – May, Sep – Oct, when the average daytime high is between 18 and 27 °C.
Which airport is closest to Madrid?
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), about 14 km from the city centre.
What currency is used in Madrid?
The euro (EUR).
What plugs are used in Madrid?
Type C and F, 230 V.
What are the biggest yearly events in Madrid?
ARCO (February or March), Madrid Marathon (April), Madrid Pride (Late June to early July), Veranos de la Villa (July and August), Fiestas de la Paloma (Mid-August).
Nearby cities
All guides in Spain →Castille-La Mancha · 68 kmToledoPopulation ≈ 87,000
Castille and León · 69 kmSegoviaPopulation ≈ 52,000
Madrid · 30 kmAlcalá de HenaresPopulation ≈ 190,000
Castille and León · 88 kmÁvilaPopulation ≈ 58,000
Last updated 29 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.