{2025} 12+ Things that Surprised Me about Madrid, Spain

So you're off to Madrid, Spain's gorgeous capital? Grab a delicious Spanish red and let's discuss a few top Madrid travel tips.

Madrid (JSB)

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Planning a trip to Madrid?

Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid

Madrid is a bustling European capital city, with a great blend of everyday locals going about their business, alongside the city's fair share of tourist attractions. Madrid truly is an excellent destination for all sorts of travelers, with offerings from the famed Prado to splendid food and drink around every corner.

For the history-focused tourist, Madrid offers one of the most concentrated historic centers I've seen in Europe, with almost everything you'll want to visit within almost surprisingly easy walking/Metro distance.

And, perhaps most importantly (and shockingly), though a large number of tourists visit Madrid each year, with the recent "over tourism" experienced by Barcelona, Madrid definitely had a refreshingly relaxed vibe, when comparing Spanish tourist destinations. Though we certainly visited the tourist highlights, in restaurants, we were often the only people speaking English.

​No matter what brings you to Madrid, I promise you'll fall in love. And as you prepare, I'll walk you through everything I wish I'd known before my first trip to Madrid. Let's dive right in!

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Madrid

FAQ: Should I visit Madrid or Barcelona?

I'm going to take a controversial stand and say, as much as I loved Barcelona, Madrid's enchanting, less-touristy atmosphere really stole my heart. From endless appetizers to friendly staff, I truly felt welcomed in this bustling city. And you know I loved that Royal Palace.

FAQ: Is Madrid 'worth' visiting?

I feel like we, as American tourists, can fall into the trap of visiting specific cities, which have been identified to us as "the best" and forgetting about the others. Recognizing that going to Europe is a luxury that most people don't do often and we need to be picky about where we go, Madrid is absolutely 'worth' visiting and will not disappoint. Great history sights, excellent food, friendly people, and a language that many of us speak - what more can you ask for?

{2025} 10+ Surprising Things I Wish I'd Known about Madrid

 Understanding Madrid's history

Madrid and Barcelona are very different cities for a number of reasons. One of the common travel mistakes visitors often make is not learning the history of a place before visiting, and Spain is no exception (for more on the political issues over in Catalunya, check out Common Tourist Mistakes in Spain).

The second-largest city in the European Union, Madrid might not be as old as you would expect. Madrid only became the capital of Spain in 1606, after the King moved his Court from the historic capital of Toledo the previous century.

Many of Madrid's must-see sights, such as the Prado and Retiro Park, were built for the reasons they're used now - to beautify the city and provide entertainment. And, of course, to "keep up with the Joneses" (the other major European powers).

​This is as opposed to places like the Louvre, which was a royal palace, or many of London's royal parks, which were private gardens for the Royal Family. Madrid was built to impress, relatively from the ground up. It has a much newer feel than, say, Barcelona, an ancient Roman port city.

​It's less touristy

I've said it once, but let's discuss it again! The absolute #1 reason to visit Madrid is its "less touristy" atmosphere.

Of all the major cities we've visited in Europe, Madrid boasted by far the most "local" vibe, even in the historic, tourist centre.

While there are obviously the main squares (read: Puerta del Sol) and shopping areas (Gran Via) positively buzzing with tourists, it's perfectly easy to escape those areas quickly enough. In many a restaurant, we were the only people not speaking Spanish - which was a fun surprise. While the city's top sights garner their fair share of visitors, you'll enjoy shorter lines, and less frazzled employees, than in Barcelona.

Catedral de la Almudena, Madrid (JSB)

Madrid has excellent public transportation

Madrid has the fourth-largest metro system in Europe. Metro de Madrid is clean, safe, and fast, connecting a surprisingly large city. We actually didn't take a cab during our entire visit, because the Metro made everything so easy for us. With 302 stops, you're never far from your destination.

Get ready for appetizers & olives

One extremely tangible and tasty benefit of Madrid's "less touristy" atmosphere is the abundance of free appetizers coming your way to accompany your delicious Spanish beer!

If you pop by a bar/restaurant to grab a drink, helpful waitstaff will regularly bring you small plates of olives, potato chips, and/or cheese. Of course, the locals are enjoying these as well, but a we all know, in "touristy" establishments, staff will often avoid giving such freebies to tourists, who don't know to expect them.

If you want to be sure you get beer with alcohol (GASP! There's another option??) Check out my thoughts on the Top 10 Common Tourist Mistakes in Spain.

Madrid offers access to many of Spain's best cities as day trips

Spain's capital is easily connected to a wide variety of small towns, perfect for a day trip outside of Madrid. Trains for day trips leave from Madrid's Puerta de Atocha Station, and you'll be pleased to find that even short distances are often covered by high-speed trains.

Toledo Cathedral (JSB)

We had an amazing time on our day trip from Madrid to Toledo, one of the many highlights of which was the 38 minute train ride each direction (what!?!). And, of course, Toledo's gorgeous Cathedral!

Don't miss Spain's Palacio Real

Entrance to the Royal Palace, Madrid (JSB)

Spain's Royal Palace is in Madrid - and, frankly, the Palace alone is reason enough to visit Spain's capital!

​No longer the actual residence of the Spanish Royal Family, Europe's largest functioning Royal Palace's 3,418 rooms are now used for official engagements and tours for people like me! Unfortunately, you can't see all those rooms (would you want to? Probably a bit much), but the tour is spectacular. It's hugely reminiscent of London's Buckingham Palace - you won't be disappointed!

Come prepared for incredible weather

No matter the season, you really can't beat Madrid's mild weather. Even in winter, it's plenty warm to just wear a light winter jacket and certainly comfortable to walk around, hitting all the tourist highlights! For more on what to wear in Spain in winter, check out the full post! Of course, things get toasty in the summer months, with highs in the upper 80s and almost no rain - so don't forget the sunscreen!

Scenic Madrid on a December day (JSB)

There's plenty of green space

And thankfully, that lovely weather gives you ample time to stroll in Madrid's romantic Retiro Park, home to more than 15,000 trees. If you happen to be in town on New Year's Day, as we were, be sure to stop by in the late morning, as you'll definitely find most of the city out for a stroll, waiting for the shops and restaurants to wake up after a late night!

Retiro Park, Madrid (JSB)

Retiro Park (JSB)

​You'll love Madrid's reasonable prices

Compared to many other major cities in Europe, you'll be pleasantly surprised with prices in Spain, even in Madrid. Dinner, drinks, & trinkets are all a bit cheaper than you'd expect. So maybe try a few extra tapas and another glass of verdejo.

Madrid's food markets alone are worth the trip

Madrid is home to some very exciting food markets throughout the city. Stop by to enjoy a lively atmosphere, and a massive selection of delicious meals and snacks! I'd highly recommend Mercado San Antón, seen below, in Madrid's Chueca neighborhood, which is much less crowded than the more famous Mercado San Miguel, right next to Plaza Mayor.

Mercado San Anton, Madrid (JSB)

Mercado San Anton, Madrid (JSB)

Thanks for stopping by!

I so appreciate you coming here to talk about Madrid and hope you'll visit and enjoy all that Spain has to offer. While you're here, I hope you'll take advantage of the many free resources, I've created over the years for Americans visiting Europe. No paywalls, no gimmicks, just free advice from your friendly neighborhood travel blogger.

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