We list the best hotels and accommodations in Madrid as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Madrid: B&B Hotel Madrid Centro Fuencarral
Best boutique hotel in Madrid: Only You Boutique Hotel
Best luxury hotel in Madrid: Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques
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Madrid is the central capital city of Spain that is noted for its manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro, elegant boulevards, and rich repositories of European art such as the Prado Museum’s works by Velázquez, Goya and other Spanish masters.
The best neighborhoods in Madrid are:
Barrio de las Letras
Barrio de las Letras has been the city’s literary neighborhood for centuries and is now the home to many shops, restaurants and cool bars. It has a Plaza Santa Ana that is a busy centre during the day and is a great place to sit and observe the culture and the people of the city.
Chueca
Chueca is one of the most vibrant and stylish neighborhoods of the city. The area is home to a host of shops, cafés, clubs, restaurants and cocktail bars, and is the centre of Madrid Pride that takes place at the end of June each year.
Malasaña
Malasaña is the neighborhood that was the centre of Movida Madrileña – a countercultural movement developed after dictator Francisco Franco died. The area is located just west of Chueca and is the hippest neighborhood of the city. It is filled with restaurants, bars, boutiques, vintage shops and nightclubs.
Las Salesas
Las Salesas is a neighborhood with restaurants, tempting cafés and designer boutiques that makes it a perfect place for a leisurely weekend.
Lavapiés
Lavapiés is one of the most multicultural neighborhoods of the city with hip cafés, bars, cool street art and international cuisine. The area is an ideal place to check out local artists and take a street-art tour.
Also check out our travel guide about the best areas to stay in Madrid.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Madrid, then book B&B Hotel Madrid Centro Fuencarral. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Madrid.
Not a fan of big chain hotels? No problem. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel in Madrid, then you should book Only You Boutique Hotel. The hotel has been rated highly by previous guests for its boutique style. It has also been recommended by influential travel journalists.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Madrid, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Madrid, then go for Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Madrid, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you're looking for a great hostel in Madrid, then you should check out Hostel The Hat. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it's in a good location. Also check out our list of the best hostels in Madrid.
For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $120 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $170 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star Madrid hotel then you can expect to pay around $270 per night.
Looking for a great view while having your dinner or drinking a beer? Hotel NH Collection Innside Suecia or Hotel Praktik Metropol, both have excellent rooftop bars.
Madrid: Royal Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Tour. Enjoy an early access guided tour of the Royal Place in Madrid with a walk from Plaza de Isabel II. Visit the Private Royal Apartments and Royal Gardens. Price: $40.
Toledo and Segovia Tour with Alcazar Entrance from Madrid. Immerse yourself in the medieval majesty of Toledo, a UNESCO-listed site replete with historical monuments, and Segovia on a full-day tour from Madrid. With a knowledgeable guide, witness the arresting landmarks of each city while discovering fascinating historical facts. Price: $75.
Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour. Discover Madrid’s vibrant culinary scene on a delicious tapas tour. Stroll through the evening-lit streets with a guide and sample delicious tapas dishes at popular restaurants while learning about the local ingredients. Price: $89.
More things to do in Madrid
Wondering how to plan the perfect trip to Madrid? The Spanish capital is one of the most vibrant, exciting and accessible cities in Europe. From its famous art galleries and landmarks to its hidden cafes, bars and restaurants, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for things to do with your partner or want to take the kids somewhere educational, you can find it all in Madrid. This article gives an introduction to what travelers should know about visiting this city.
What’s the best time to visit Madrid?
The best time to visit Madrid is between late spring and early autumn. This is known as the ‘Golden Season’ in Madrid, when the weather is warm but not too hot. You also avoid the peak tourist season and can expect quieter, more authentic experiences. Madrid’s average temperature is about 14 degrees Celsius (57 Fahrenheit) in April and May, with July and August being a little warmer at an average of 19 degrees Celsius (66 Fahrenheit). Although Madrid’s summers are not as hot as other parts of Spain, it is best to avoid the heat of July and August if you can.
What to see in Madrid
If you only have a few days to experience Madrid, you need to know about the must-see attractions.
Prado Museum: This world-renowned art gallery is home to the world’s largest collection of Spanish art from the 13th to the 20th century. It is worth visiting even if you don’t like art because the architecture alone is worth a trip to Madrid.
Plaza Mayor: This plaza is one of Madrid’s best-known landmarks and is one of the city’s top attractions. It is a great place to experience Madrid’s buzzing culture, with street performers entertaining the crowds.
Parque del Retiro: This famous park is a must-visit attraction in Madrid. Take a stroll around the beautiful lake, or hire a rowboat to go out on the water. The park is also home to the Museo del Prado and Casa de America, two other top Madrid attractions.
Activities in Madrid
There are plenty of things to do in Madrid that are not related to visiting museums and galleries. If you want to experience a bit of Madrid’s culture and cuisine, take part in a traditional Spanish activity.
Flamenco: If you love listening to music and watching dance, you cannot miss a flamenco show when you visit Madrid. The art form originated in Andalusia, a province in southern Spain, but is also very popular in Madrid.
Bullfighting: Although animal rights activists are trying to get this tradition banned, you can still visit a bullfight while you are in Madrid. The city is home to many famous bullfighting events, which are very popular in Spain.
Football: Madrid’s football teams, Real Madrid and Atlético, are some of the most famous teams in the world. Take your kids to a game or visit the stadium to understand why these teams are loved in Madrid and across Spain.
Summary
This article is a guide to the best things to do and see in Madrid. Madrid is a buzzing Spanish capital, famous for its art and architecture. There are plenty of attractions to choose from, but it is important to know when the best time to visit Madrid is. The best time to visit is between late spring and early autumn, when the weather is warm but not too hot. Madrid’s must-see attractions include the Prado Museum, Plaza Mayor and Parque del Retiro. There are plenty of things to do in Madrid, such as watching a flamenco show, going to a bullfight or taking your kids to a football game.
Want to get to know the city a bit better? Check out our guide about where to stay in Madrid, it includes recommendations about the best areas, museums, attractions and other things to do.
If you like our list of hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Madrid, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Barcelona or the best hotels in London.