Madrid Holidays

Fancy a little fiesta and maybe a siesta? Then we're thinking Madrid is calling your name. And not just in that "let's take a quick pic at the Royal Palace and dip" sort of way. Nope, we're talking full immersion, baby—like getting drenched in a downpour of culture, tapas, and, okay, maybe a bit of sangria. (Responsibly, of course.)

Madrid isn't just Spain's capital; it's the capital of cool. And who better to guide you through its labyrinthine streets than us? Sure, you could go with that other travel site that thinks "flamenco" is just a fancy way to say flamingo (yikes), but why settle? We're here to confidently serve you Madrid on a shiny, sizzling plate of top city breaks. From the hidden gems in Malasaña to the late-night vibes of La Latina, we're diving into the deep end. Because, let's be real, you don't just want to visit Madrid—you want to live it, even if it's just for a weekend.

And hey, if you end up in an impromptu dance-off at a local bar, remember: It's not about the moves; it's about the attitude. (But also, maybe practice your floss beforehand. Just in case.)

Popular Madrid hotels

Weather in Madrid

JAN

13^°C

FEB

15^°C

MAR

16^°C

APR

18^°C

MAY

21^°C

JUN

24^°C

JUL

27^°C

AUG

27^°C

SEP

25^°C

OCT

20^°C

NOV

16^°C

DEC

13^°C

Now, imagine if Mother Nature had a sizzling romance with the Sun, and they decided to set up home in Spain's capital. Boom! You've got Madrid. Summers here aren't just hot; they're the "I-didn't-know-I-could-sweat-there" kind of hot. Temperatures average between 20°C and 30°C degrees all summer long. But hey, it’s the perfect excuse for an extra scoop of gelato or another chilled drink, right? And don’t even get us started on those spring and fall temps—pure perfection. Mild, friendly, and as welcoming as your grandma when you come to visit. Winters? Crisp and cool, but never too frosty. Because even when Madrid decides to chill, it does it with a dash of pizzazz. So, whether you're packing flip-flops or fashionable boots, Madrid's got a weather mood to match yours. Just remember the golden rule: Always pack your shades. After all, in Madrid, the sun doesn't just shine, it struts its stuff.

FAQs

The average flight time from the UK to Madrid is around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Madrid is one hour ahead of UK time.

The official language spoken in Madrid is Spanish.

Madrid's not just a city, it's a vibe: where every cobblestone oozes history and every fiesta challenges your notion of late-night. Dive in for a city break and discover why "good" gets redefined in the Spanish capital.

Get all arty-party at The Prado Museum

Think you know art? The Prado’s about to school you! Get up close and personal with Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. And if you're there wondering why the naked Maja isn't shy, well, that's Madrid's sass for ya!

Have a royal rendezvous at The Royal Palace

Who needs Buckingham when you've got this beauty? Explore lavish rooms, get lost in its grandeur, and hey, if you casually wave from the balcony, we won't judge.

Greener than Your Salad: El Retiro Park

It's not just a park; it's THE park. Picnic near the Crystal Palace, row a boat in the lake, and if you see a street performer pulling a floating Yoda stunt—no, you're not hallucinating.

Foodie's dreamland at Mercado de San Miguel

Tapas, wines, Iberian ham—oh my! Dive into this gastronomic wonderland and remember: In Madrid, calories don't count. (Okay, maybe they do, but who's counting?)

History Comes Alive at Plaza Mayor

It's not just a square, folks; it's where history happened. And sure, today you're more likely to find a caricature artist than a knight, but hey, that's progress.

Try some authentic flamenco at Corral de la Morería

Experience the soul of Spain! At Corral de la Morería, the dance isn't just in the feet, it's in the heartbeats. Leave your "two left feet" excuse at the door and get lost in the rhythm.

What events are on in Madrid?
- Three Kings Parade (January) - Who needs Santa when you've got THREE kings bringing gifts to town? Watch as the city lights up with parades, candies, and a touch of regal magic.
- Madrid Gastrofestival (February) - Taste buds, unite! Dive into a culinary fiesta that’s more diverse than your playlist. From tapas to avant-garde creations, this is foodie heaven.
- San Isidro Festival (May) - Grab your fanciest chulapo hat and celebrate Madrid's patron saint with dances, music, and (you guessed it) more food!
- Madrid Pride (June) - A rainbow explosion! Madrid's Pride is a mega party championing love and diversity. Everyone's invited, and glitter is the dress code.
- Noche en Blanco (July) - Who needs sleep? For one night, Madrid becomes an insomniac's dream with cultural events, music, and art lasting 'til dawn.
- La Paloma Festival (August) - Time to embrace tradition with dances, costumes, and yes, some cheeky drinks in the historic La Latina district.
What's the nightlife like in Madrid?
Alright, night owls and dancefloor divas, you’re about to delve into Madrid's nocturnal scene, and oh boy, it's a wild ride! They say New York's the city that never sleeps, but clearly, they haven't partied in Madrid. Let’s dive into the crème de la crème of the Spanish capital's moonlit escapades:
- Teatro Kapital - Seven floors of pulsating beats and eclectic vibes. From R&B to classic Spanish hits, Kapital is the nightclub equivalent of a pick-n-mix candy store. And did we mention the karaoke room? Yup, unleash that inner Shakira or Enrique.
- The Hat Madrid - Sip your cocktail while soaking in the skyline. It's a bit hipster, a bit chic, and 100% the place where memories (and some fantastic Insta stories) are made.
- BarCo - Live music, art, and a dash of underground charm. From jazz nights to indie rock, BarCo is where Madrid's cool cats swing by.
- Cardamomo Tablao Flamenco - If you're in Madrid and haven't experienced flamenco, are you even doing it right? Cardamomo serves passion on a platter – fiery dance moves, soulful strums, and vocals that'll give you chills.
- The Passenger - Whimsical train-themed décor and killer playlists. All aboard the fun train, where every night feels like an unexpected journey.
- La Latina's Cava Baja Street - Winding streets brimming with tapas bars, quirky pubs, and spontaneous dance-offs. Dive into the maze and let the night surprise you. And if you end up singing with locals, well, that's just a typical Tuesday.
- Mondo Disko - For the techno heads and electronic enthusiasts, Mondo Disko spins tracks that'll keep you grooving 'til the sun says "Hola!"
What's the food like in Madrid?
So, you've come to Madrid, ready to dive fork-first into the Spanish food scene? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because Madrid is about to take your taste buds on a sabroso spin. Here's the lowdown on the must-try delicacies in this city that never skips a meal:
Tortilla EspañolaThink you know omelettes? This thick, gooey-in-the-middle potato and egg marvel beg to differ. Pair it with a cold cerveza and you're golden. It’s the comfort food you didn't know you needed.
- Cocido Madrileño - A hearty stew that's Madrid in a pot. Chickpeas, chorizo, beef, and more – it's like the city threw a party and everyone's invited... into the pot.
- Churros con Chocolate - Morning or night, it’s always the right time for these crispy fried dough sticks, especially when dunked in thick, luscious hot chocolate. Forget love, we'd rather fall in churros.
- Callos a la Madrileña - Dive into Madrid's gutsy side (literally). Tripe stewed in a spicy, rich tomato sauce. It’s an acquired taste, but hey, when in Madrid, right?
- Bocadillo de Calamares - Crispy fried squid rings in a fresh baguette. Simplicity at its best. Slap on some aioli and experience street food magic.
- 6. Indulgent Sip: Horchata - A chilled, sweet drink made from tiger nuts. Perfect for those scorching Madrid afternoons when you want a taste that's nutty, milky, and all kinds of dreamy.
- Mercado de San Miguel - A gastronomic wonderland! From Iberian ham to olives, it's where Madrid's flavours converge. And yes, if you want to taste a bit of everything and then go back for seconds, we're totally here for it.
- Plaza Mayor - Dotted with cafes, this iconic square is the spot to enjoy a relaxed meal, sip sangria, and judge paellas (because every Spaniard has an opinion on the 'perfect' paella).

Places to visit

Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is Madrid's vibrant heartbeat, humming with centuries-old stories and modern-day merriment. Dive into alfresco dining, catch impromptu flamenco shows, and soak in the ambience of this iconic square. Think of it as Madrid's living room, where history meets hustle and every visitor gets a front-row seat!
El Retiro Park
El Retiro Park is Madrid's green oasis, bursting with serene ponds, statuesque monuments, and locals soaking up the sun. Dive into rowboat adventures, meander through fragrant rose gardens, and lose track of time in this urban paradise. It's where Madrid lets its hair down, kicks off its shoes, and says, "Relax, amigo!"
Royal Palace
Ah, the Royal Palace of Madrid: where opulence meets history in a glitzy tango. Picture sprawling rooms filled with tales of monarchs past, and chandeliers that probably have more gossip than your favorite reality show. It's not just a palace; it's Madrid's crown jewel, playfully winking at the modern city. If walls could talk, these ones would spill some royal tea. So, ready for a majestic stroll? Don’t forget to curtsy at the door!