Madrid
Hotels, motels and where to sleep
Restaurant, taverns and where to eat
Cultural (and not so cultural) events
Interesting information and useful tips
Description of Madrid
Madrid is a municipality and city of Spain. It is the capital of
the State and the Community of Madrid. The city, which has
historical status as a town, is also known as the Villa and Corte.
The metropolitan area of Madrid has a population of 6,543,031
inhabitants, making it the third or fourth area metropolitan area of
the European Union, according to the source, behind those of Paris
and London, and in some sources behind also the Ruhr Region, as well
as the third most populous city in the European Union, behind Berlin
and London.
The origins of the city are subject to revision after recent
discoveries of Visigoth burials as well as remains that go back to
the Folklore or pre-Roman period. The archaeological excavations
also discovered remains that are attributed to Roman Madrid.
Findings from the Visigothic period have confirmed that the
subsequent fortified Muslim settlement of Maǧrīţ (of the ninth
century) had been based on a Visigothic document of the seventh
century called Matrice.
It was not until the eleventh century that Madrid was incorporated
into the Crown of Castile, after its conquest by Alfonso VI de León
in 1083. It was designated as the seat of the Court by King Felipe
II in 1561, becoming the first permanent capital of the city.
Spanish monarchy. From the Renaissance to the present it has been
the capital of Spain and the seat of the Government and the
administration of the State, except for brief intervals of time: the
first of them between the years 1601 and 1606, when the capital
passed to Valladolid; subsequently, from 1729 to 1733, in the
so-called royal lustrum, then the court moved to Seville by decision
of Isabel de Farnesio, who sought a cure for the depressive state of
her husband, King Felipe V. Capital was also moved during the War of
Independence when the Central Supreme Junta, opposed to José
Bonaparte, when the government was established in Seville, in 1808,
and in 1810, as Council of Regency, in Cádiz. Finally, during the
Civil War, although Madrid did not cease to be the capital of the
Republic under Article 5 of the Spanish Constitution of 1931, the
Republican Government moved in November 1936 to Valencia and
Barcelona in November of the following year, until the fall of
Catalonia in February of 1939, when a part of the Government headed
by its president, Juan Negrín, moved to Alica.
Location
Madrid is located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula. Like other
historic European capitals, its streets are characterized by lack of
symmetry, locating the center of the city and most of its monuments
in the southeast, near Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía, one of the main
arteries of the city. city.
Climate
The climate of Madrid is continental, characterized by high
temperatures in summer and mild winter weather. With rain during the
spring and autumn, scarce and intense summer storms and occasional
snow in winter. There are large differences between the northern
(colder and rainier) and southern areas of the city.
Culture
Madrid, historically has been identified with the royal family,
responsible for the capital of the city to move it there Felipe II
from Toledo , where the influence of the Church posed obstacles to
the incipient empire of the Austrias.
Since the sixteenth century, Madrid has not stopped growing. The
real sites attract a lot of nobility, merchants, artisans and of
course army. Wealth attracts the cream of culture. In addition to
the creation of institutions located in nearby places such as the
University of Alcalá de Henares. Madrid is the protagonist and
witness of the main events in the history of Spain.
It is currently one of the largest and most cosmopolitan capitals in
Europe, hosting small communities from different places: Europeans,
North Africans, South Americans, Chinese, Indians and immigrants
from Eastern Europe.
Madrid is an open, cosmopolitan and tolerant city. It enjoyed a
cultural rebound in the 80s with the so-called movida , a cultural
movement that aimed to break with the traditionalism of Franco's
society. In the 90s the infrastructures of the city were expanded.
Currently, the city is a mixture of styles and vanguards in its
different neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods
Malasaña , alternative neighborhood, between punk, rock and
acoustic music.
Chueca , neighborhood of the gay community, electronic music.
Lavapiés , multinational and multicultural, ethnic music.
La Latina , a traditional neighborhood.
Salamanca , wealthy bourgeoisie neighborhood, full of boutiques.
Retiro, another wealthy bourgeoisie neighborhood, south of the
previous one where the Prado Museum is located, El Retiro Park
Moncloa-Argüelles, student district, due to the proximity of the
Complutense University.
Chamberí, middle class neighborhood, the result of the widening of
Madrid in the nineteenth century.
Carabanchel and Vallecas, south of Madrid, these working-class
neighborhoods.
Travel Destinations in Madrid
Museums
1 Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)
The largest and one of the best art galleries in the world, inside
we can enjoy the best Spanish paintings (El Greco, Velazquez, and
Goya), Flamencas and Dutch (Rubens, van Dyck, and Brueghel), Italian
(Botticelli, Tintoretto Caravaggio , and Veronese) and Germans
(Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach, and Baldung Grien).
2 Reina Sofía Museum Magnificent collection of modern art of the
capital, includes some of the most famous works of Picasso, such as
Guernica, Miró, Kandinsky, Dalí and Bacon.
3 Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum It represents one of the largest private
collections of art in the world belonging to the House of Barons
Thyssen in which we can find works by: Monet, Goya, Degas, Renoir,
Van Gogh, Picasso, Mondrian, Bacon and Lichtenstein.
4 National Archaeological Museum (Madrid)
Tel. 91- 577 79 12
Subway: Serrano, Retiro
Buses: 1, 9, 19, 51, 74
Open: 9:30 am- 8:30 pm (6:30 pm Jul & Aug) Tue- Sat, 9:30 am- 2:30 pm
Sun; Free Sat pm and Sun)
Main Spanish institution responsible for the conservation and dissemination of the archaeological heritage of the country. Its funds include pieces that range from Prehistory to the Modern Age. It also exhibits collections with material from Ancient Egypt and Greece. In the gardens of the enclosure a reproduction of the cave paintings of the Altamira cave was installed. National Archeological Museum of Madrid was founded by Isabel II. Its artifacts presents history from the prehistoric times to the 19th century. The civilization of El Argar (1800- 1100 BC) is one of the highlights of the exhibition as well as Treasure of Guarrazar. Exact replica of Altamira caves in Cantabria has coped of the prehistoric art from around 18,000- 13,000 BC.
5 Sorolla Museum Exhibits works by the painter Joaquín Sorolla
and objects that he compiled throughout his life.
6 Museum of San Isidro Also known as «from the Origins of Madrid».
Exhibits archaeological pieces that narrate various stages of
prehistory and founding of the city.
7 Museum of History of Madrid It includes part of the history of the
city from the time of the reign of Felipe II until the beginning of
the 20th century.
8 Royal Botanical Garden Located next to the Prado Museum, it is a
historic site that houses plants from different continents. There
are several outstanding trees, a bonsai collection donated by former
government president Felipe González and two greenhouses that
simulate the climatic conditions of tropical and desert areas.
Parks of Madrid
9 Parque del Retiro (Madrid)
Magnificent park over 400 years old, with an innumerable variety
of species. It houses a pond where you can take a boat ride, the
monument to the victims of 11M, several exhibition halls (Casa de
Vacas, Casa de Velázquez, Palacio de Cristal, etc.) and the famous
monument to the Fallen Angel, considered the only monument to the
devil.
10 Country House The lung of Madrid. It highlights the access via
cable car from the Paseo del Pintor Rosales and the artificial lake.
Metro stop: Lake (line 10).
11 Pradera de San Isidro Formerly a recreational area on the
outskirts of Madrid, it is currently one of the most historic parks
in the city.
12 West Park Witness of the Civil War, there are still shelters used
in the fight for control of the University City, home to the Garden
of Ramón Ortíz or Rosaleda de Madrid.
13 Gardens of Campo del Moro They stand out for their view towards
the western facade of the Royal Palace, saving the steep slope that
exists up to the banks of the Manzanares River.
14 Parque del Capricho Located in the Alameda de Osuna district,
this romantic style garden, built in 1787 by the Duchess of Osuna,
is one of the most beautiful in Madrid. It has several monuments
inside and a bunker of the Civil War.
15 Madrid River Park Space of recent creation, was raised after
burying the M-30 ring road . Follow the course of the Manzanares,
extending along both banks.
Streets and squares
16 Gran Vía One of the arteries of the city, vibrant and full of
life, full of shops, and cinemas. Highlights include the building of
Fundación Telefónica, New York-inspired skyscrapers, at the time the
highest in Europe, and the oratory of the Caballero de Gracia.
17 Plaza de Cibeles It has an iconic fountain, built by Carlos III
to beautify the Paseo del Prado. Currently, due to the affection
professed by the locals, it is considered one of the symbols of
Madrid.
18 Plaza Mayor (Madrid)
Ordered to build by Felipe III (whose equestrian figure watches all the place), emphasizes the House of the Bakery, at the moment seat of the Meeting of District Center. Every Sunday it gathers the Numismatics Market and during the summer many street shows take place. Eating is expensive, as it is practically "just tourists".
19 Puerta del Sol Center of Madrid and the peninsula, is the only
square that is not called "square", but "door" and has been the
scene of stories, legends and events in the future of the city. The
Casa de Correos stands out, from whose clock the countdown is made
every December 31 to take the traditional 12 grapes, bringing
together thousands of people. Near the main access to the Post
Office is Km. 0, the center of roads in Spain. On the other side of
the Puerta del Sol, are the Bear and the Madroño, symbol of the city
of Madrid, and the monument to Carlos III.
20 Plaza of Spain Built where a site used to be, it is a haven of
peace in the connections between Gran Vía and Calle Princesa. It
emphasizes in its center a voluminous monument to Miguel de
Cervantes. In winter season a flea market is installed.
21 Plaza de Colón and Gardens of Discovery Space located in a
privileged area of the city, between la Castellana and Serrano
street and next to the National Library building and the
Archaeological Museum. The most patriotic corner of Madrid: a huge
flag of Spain flies in it, also with a monument in memory of the
"discovery" of America and another honoring Cristóbal Colón.
22 Plaza de la Villa It was the central and neuralgic square of the
Madrid of the Austrias, connected to the Calle Mayor. Small but
harmonious square, highlights the old Cabildo, seat of the City
Council until 2006, in addition to the House of Culture and the
Headquarters of the Archbishopric.
Buildings and monuments
23 Palacio Real
de Madrid Royal Palace An excellent palace of neoclassical style and
international reference, it was built by King Felipe V in 1738. The
Kingdom Hall, the Courtyard of Arms and the royal rooms stand out.
It was a royal residence until Isabel II. At the moment, the kings
reside in the Palace of the Zarzuela, to the outskirts of Madrid.
24 Puerta de Alcalá Neoclassical door of the eighteenth century
located in a corner of the Retiro Park. It is one of the emblematic
corners of the city.
25 Temple of Debod Gift from Egypt to Spain for the help given in a
rescue in 1968. Free visit, outdoors. It also highlights the views,
has a viewpoint overlooking the Royal Palace. Beautiful sunsets.
26 Teatro Real Built in 1850, it is the opera house in Madrid and is
considered one of the most important in Spain.
27 Santiago Bernabéu Stadium It is the second most visited museum in
the city and you can see the numerous trophies of the Real Madrid
Football Club, as well as take a walk inside the stadium, if you are
passionate about football you have to go to see it, located in the
district de Chamartín, north of Madrid and owned by Real Madrid, has
a capacity of 80,354 people.
28 Circle of Fine Arts Cultural emblem of the city, promotes
concerts, exhibitions, cinema, conferences, etc. Highlights the
statue of Minerva on top and its cafe, a meeting point for
intellectuals.
29 Palace of Communications Next to the fountain of Cibeles, this
building of the early twentieth century stands out. Currently houses
the City Council.
30 Cathedral of the Almudena It is the cathedral of Madrid, of
little antiquity. Blessed by Pope John Paul II, he has a statue in
his memory.
31 Old Chamberí station Located in the homonymous neighborhood and
recently restored after almost 50 years of neglect, this metro
station (now converted into a museum) preserves the appearance of
the time it was built and was active.
32 Royal Basilica of San Francisco the Great It stands out for its
dome, considered the third largest circular plant in Christianity;
for its sumptuous interior decoration, made in eclectic style at the
end of the 19th century; and for its pinacoteca, representative of
the Spanish painting of the XVII to XIX centuries, with paintings by
Zurbarán and Goya.
33 Palace of the Courts Neoclassical building that houses the
Congress of Deputies, the lower house of the Spanish Parliament. Two
bronze lions flank its entrance. Access to the interior rather
restricted: possibility of non-group visits on Fridays and Saturdays
(with reservation) and Monday (without reservation); visits for
groups during the week (with reservation). Closed in August.
34 Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal) (Madrid)
History of Madrid
The origins of the city are subject to revision
after the recent findings, in its oldest perimeter, of Visigoth
burials as well as remains that go back to the Folklore or pre-Roman
period. The archaeological excavations in the municipal area also
throw Roman remains in different districts of the modern city,
attributed to the Roman Madrid, and on the basis of the remains
found during the burial of the M-30, a location on the banks of the
river Manzanares in the area of influence of the bridge of
Segovia, in the environment today occupied by the park of Athens,
the lower part of the street of Segovia and the promenade of the
Virgen del Puerto. The Roman Madrid would not be located therefore
in the later enclave in height of the Visigothic period to be
located in the valley of the Manzanares, a few meters from where the
Visigoth remains are documented, on the hill formed by the current
Royal Palace and Cathedral of the Almudena
These recent findings from the Visigothic period have confirmed the
theories of several authors who argued that the subsequent fortified
Muslim settlement of Maǧrīţ (of the ninth century) had been founded
on a Visigothic vicus of the seventh century called Matrice.
It was not until the eleventh century that Madrid was incorporated
into the Crown of Castile, after its reconquest by Christian
Spanish, coming from Segovia and commanded by Sanz Day, being King
Alfonso VI of León, in 1083. From that moment is when Madrid begins
a slow but steady process of growth in its territory, population and
influence, which spans the entire medieval period until it reached
the end of the fifteenth century as one of the main cities of
Castile. Result of this growth process, among other reasons, would
be its designation as seat of the Court by Philip II in 1561,
becoming the first permanent capital of the Spanish monarchy. From
that same year of 1561, Madrid experienced an exponential growth in
size and population, which by the end of the nineteenth century
would reach more than half a million inhabitants on the ground of
the consolidated city (the oldest city in Brazil). Madrid,
therefore, has been since the Renaissance (sixteenth century) and
until now, the capital of Spain and seat of the Government and the
administration of the State, except for a brief interval of time
between the years 1601 and 1606, in which the capital passed to
Valladolid as well as during the Civil War, when the Government of
the Republic moved first to Valencia and then to Barcelona.
Transportation
Arrive
By plane
The Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is located approximately 13
kilometers from the city center. It is among the 20 busiest airports
in the world. You can reach it from almost anywhere in the world,
especially from Latin America.
There are several alternatives that connect the capital with the
airport. Line 8 of the Metro de Madrid offers services from the
Nuevos Ministerios interchange to the "Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3" and
"Aeropuerto T4" stops. The latter shares a location with the railway
station that leaves from the airport through the Renfe Cercanías
service , being the C-1 and C-10 lines that operate the service to
the stations of Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Recoletos, Atocha,
Méndez Álvaro, Delicias, Pirámides and Príncipe Pío.
Several bus lines of the Municipal Transport Company ( EMT ) connect
the airport with the city. Line 200 connects terminals T1, T2, T3
and T4 with the Avenida América interchange. Line 101 with
Canillejas and line 203 Express from the airport that runs 24 hours
a day and connects the four terminals of the airport with O'Donell,
Cibeles and Atocha (this last stop is not operational between 11:30
p.m. and 6 p.m. 00).
Regarding the journey by taxi , you must take into account certain
precautions at the airport. As of January 7, 2014, a new fixed rate
for the current airport began to apply for all official taxis of the
municipality of Madrid, white with a red band. The fare is 30 euros
from or to the airport from any point that is located within the
first ring road of the city that receives the name of M-30 . These
are the most trips that will be made because the entire tourist area
and the historic center of Madrid are within the M-30 .
It is a fixed price and can not be increased under any
circumstances. Includes all possible reasons: passengers, suitcases,
hypothetical weekend supplements, night, return, tolls. No surcharge
is admissible under any circumstances. If the taxi driver tries to
charge more than that amount request a receipt (they are required to
deliver it for the amount paid) and must be reported to the Madrid
City Council.
If the trip is from the airport to a point outside the M-30 , the
current rates that must be shown on a sticker inside the taxi in the
passenger window will apply. Again, in case of doubt, request a
receipt for the amount paid (everything must be included and
detailed on the receipt). If they have overcharged, the taxi driver
must be reported to the Madrid City Council.
Because taxi drivers must wait long lines to pick up passengers at
the airport terminals, some taxi drivers may be reluctant (and
sometimes even aggressive) when the desired destination is a place
not far from the airport. It is necessary to inform airport managers
when the taxi driver refuses to offer service for this reason.
Likewise, it is also frequent that some unscrupulous taxi drivers
try to charge non-existent supplements when it comes to short races
starting from the airport.
As for other Private Transportation Services, we can find different
options such as Aerocity or DotTransfers , specializing in private
door-to-door transportation from the airport to any point in the
city or vice versa, transfers to business events or individuals
By train
Madrid is the center of the Spanish High Speed Network (AVE). As
for international connections, there is a train service to Lisbon
and Paris , the latter operated jointly by Renfe and SNCF under the
name Elipsos . As of January 9, 2013, the inauguration date of the
Barcelona - Gerona - Figueras line , it is possible to travel from
Madrid to Paris by high speed, with transfer to a TGV train at
Figueras station. It is planned that, as of April 2013, there will
be trains that make the journey without transshipment.
Madrid has two main stations: the Puerta de Atocha station and the
Madrid - Chamartín station . From the Puerta de Atocha station all
trains leave to the south and east of the peninsula, and all
high-speed trains with the exception of the trains that run towards
Valladolid . The station of Chamartín is the terminus station of the
connections with the north, including the Basque Country and Galicia
. Trenhotel services to Paris, Lisbon and Galicia also depart from
Chamartín station.
International rail services
Paris , France ( Trenhotel Elipsos Francisco de Goya )
Lisbon , Portugal. ( Trenhotel Lusitania )
Cerbère , France ( Costa Brava Star )
By bus
Stations of:
Avenue of America.
South Bus Station , in the Méndez Álvaro interchange.
Moncloa
Plaza de Castilla.
Elliptical Square
Prince Pius.
By car
Highways: Madrid is practically in the center of the Peninsula.
It has a network of radial highways to the main points of the
country (whose names follow the direction of the hands of the
clock). The free highways are A-1 , A-2 , A-3 , A-4 , A-5 and A-6 .
Some of them have toll alternatives with the same number, but
preceded by an R. The toll to leave Madrid is between five and ten
euros.
To these motorways we must add the A-42 motorway (Madrid-Toledo),
and its toll alternative, the AP-41.
Circumvallation : Begin with an M and surround the city. Not all do
the full circle. M-30 , M-40 , M-45 , M-50 . Sometimes, the
orientation can be somewhat complicated with the existing
indications if you do not know some streets of Madrid and its road
network. The M-30 runs for a good part of its journey underground
where there will be no reception of GPS devices for the navigators
of the cars.
Around Madrid
By bicycle
For certain routes, an increasingly popular alternative is to use
the bicycle. There is a public rental system managed by the EMT
(Municipal Transport Company) called BiciMAD and which makes
available to its users an infrastructure of stations located on
several streets in a large part of the interior of the M-30 as well
as more than 2,000 bicycles in total. For a more tourist use, the
occasional Card of 1, 3 or 5 days has been created and does not
require the payment of an annual subscription. The fee for the first
hour of use (or its corresponding fraction) is € 2.
There are also private bicycle rental services that are scattered
around the city but unlike those of BiciMAD, they are not electric.
You have to use a mobile phone with data to locate and unlock them
in order to use them. Two very widespread are oBike (yellow), Mobike
(gray) and Donkey Republic (orange).
In electric scooter and similar
Increasingly, the use of light transport vehicles with wheels,
electric or not, such as skateboards, skates, skateboards,
hoverboards, segways, electric unicycles, ... well in rental regime
is well owned. The municipal regulations prohibit exhaustively the
use of this type of equipment on the sidewalks. Only pedestrians can
walk on a sidewalk. If someone wants to use one of these devices on
the sidewalk must go disassembled dragging or if it is mounted, must
go at the same speed pedestrians very difficult if not impossible if
you want to keep the balance on it.
The municipal police will fine anyone who does and the person who is
mounted on it will be responsible for any abuse of a passerby or any
other incident that may occur. Keep in mind that in case of injury
with injuries the indenmnizaciones to the injured can be a huge
amount not to mention in case of disability or death.
The City Council of Madrid approved in October 2018 a municipal
ordinance regulating the circulation of different types of vehicles.
The electric skateboards can do it exclusively by the road and by
the streets whose maximum speed is 30 km / h which are all the
streets of Madrid of a single lane either in one direction or a
single lane in each direction.
Special attention must be paid to the requirements to be able to use
this type of vehicle, such as the obligation to wear a helmet, the
minimum age to rent them or simply to be able to drive them.
The most widely used electric skateboards are those of Lime (green),
VOI. (orange), Wind (blue) and Bird (black).
By metro
The Madrid Metro is an efficient and simple service for newcomers to
the city. A single ticket for the municipality of Madrid (zone A)
costs between € 1.5 and € 2 (November 2018).
Since July 2017 it is no longer possible to buy paper tickets. It is
necessary to acquire an electronic card that can be recharged in the
machines located in all the subway stations of the network.
These cards can be purchased at some metro stations (not all),
tobacconists and other authorized points. The card costs 2.5 euros
and then you have to recharge it with the balance to be able to
travel with it. The recharge if possible in all metro stations in
the machines that are at your entrance. They can be topped up with
cash or credit and debit cards.
This card is also valid for use in EMT city buses (although the EMT
buses still allow payment in cash provided it is paid with coins or
small bills).
There are the following networks in the Madrid metro:
Metromadrid: is the metro network of the municipality of Madrid
(zone A). It is valid for a single trip between Metro stations in
zone A.
Light rail: it is a tram that connects the periphery of the city. It
has 3 lines.
Metrosur: is the Metro network in the municipalities of Alcorcón,
Leganés and Getafe (zone B1), Móstoles and Fuenlabrada (zone B2).
Metronorte: is the Metro network in the municipalities of Alcobendas
and San Sebastián de los Reyes.
Metroeste: is the Metro network in the municipalities of Coslada and
San Fernando de Henares.
TFM: is the Metro network in the municipalities of Rivas Vaciamadrid
(areas B1 and B2) and Arganda del Rey (area B3): € 1.00.
These last four are linked to the Metromadrid through the Puerta del
Sur , Tres Olivos , Estadio Olimpico and Puerta de Arganda stations
, respectively. The prices are summarized:
Simple combined ALL THE METRO NETWORK (METROMADRID, METROSUR,
METRONORTE, METROESTE AND TFM) € 3.00
Simple MetroMadrid METROMADRID (ZONE A) 1'5-2 €
Simple MetroSur METROSUR and Joaquín Vilumbrales (Line 10) (AREAS B1
and B2)
Simple MetroNorte METRONORTE (Hospital del Norte-La Granja) (ZONE
B1)
Simple MetroEste METROESTE (Henares-Barrio del Puerto) (ZONE B1)
Simple TFM TFM (Arganda-Arganda del Rey Gate) (ZONE B1, B2 and B3)
Metrobus 10 trips METROMADRID (ZONE A) and EMT € 12.20
Metrosur 10 trips METROSUR
MetroNorte 10 trips METRONORTE (Hospital del Norte-La Granja)
MetroThis 10 trips METROESTE (Henares-Barrio del Puerto)
TFM 10 trips TFM. (Gate of Arganda-Arganda del Rey) (ZONE B1, B2 and
B3)
Simple + Supplement METROMADRID (ZONE A) and to enter or exit
through the stations T-1 T-2 T-3 and T-4 € 4.50-5.00
Simple Combined Metro + Supplement ALL THE METRO NETWORK
(METROMADRID, METROSUR, METRONORTE, METROESTE AND TFM) and to enter
or exit through the stations T-1 T-2 T-3 and T-4 € 6.00
Airport supplement Necessary for entry or exit at Airport T-1 T-2
T-3 and Airport T-4 for travelers with a Metrobus ticket, Single or
Single Combined € 2
Tourist Ticket Prices according to the area (A or T) and the
duration of the subscription (1 to 7 days)
Zone A 1 day € 8.00 / 2 days € 13.40 / 3 days € 17.40 / 5 days €
20.40 / 7 days € 33.40
Zone T 1 day € 16.00 / 2 days € 26.80 / 3 days € 33.40 / 5 days €
48.00 / 7 days € 66.80
Children under 11 years: 50% discount, and children under 4 years do
not need ticket.
By bus
The single ticket costs € 1.50 and can be purchased directly from
the driver or use the MultiTransport card used to travel on the
Metro. To see the plan and news visit the Municipal Transport
Company website. All the vehicles of the EMT have free Wi-Fi.
By train
The city has a good suburban rail network, known as Cercanías and
operated by Renfe, which communicates it quickly and comfortably
with its metropolitan area and some of the most important cities in
the Community of Madrid. Currently it is formed by nine lines, and
all except the C-9 line (Cercedilla-Cotos) are part of its route
through the city.
The rates established in January 2015 are expressed here:
Crossed areas Single ticket (€) Bonotrén (€)
1 or 2
1.75
10.00
3
1.85
13.70
4
2.60
18.55
5
3.40
24.30
6
4.05
28.55
7
5.50
38.45
By taxi
The taxi service is reliable (except for some taxi drivers
especially at the airport and mainly if you are a foreigner).
The price of an official taxi service of the city of Madrid, white
with a red band, from the airport to any point that is located
within the first ring of the city ring that receives the name of
M-30 is 30 € These are the most trips that will be made because the
entire tourist area and the historic center of Madrid are within the
M-30 .
It is a fixed price and can not be increased under any
circumstances. It includes absolutely everything: suitcases,
passengers, hypothetical weekend or night supplements, ... No
surcharge is admissible under any circumstances. If the taxi driver
tries to charge more than that amount request a receipt (they are
required to deliver it and for the amount paid, can not argue that
there is any amount that is paid outside the receipt) and must be
reported.
If the trip is from the airport to a point outside the M-30 , the
current rates that must be shown on a sticker inside the taxi in the
passenger window will apply. Again, in case of doubt, request a
receipt for the amount paid (everything must be included and
detailed on the receipt). If they have overcharged, the taxi driver
should be reported at the town hall.
Transport vehicles with driver (VTC)
There are several companies that offer transport vehicles with
driver. From the most widespread in the world such as Uber or Cabify
to local car rental companies with driver.
There are also shared minibuses with other travelers who travel
around Madrid leaving and picking up travelers.
Visit the section of private pick-up services at the airport with a
fixed price. There are two companies: MAD SHUTTLE and Aerociti.
In private car
To visit the center of Madrid, it is preferable to leave the car
parked and use public transport. At peak times the traffic is
unbearable and finding parking may be impossible at certain times of
the day.
Much of the historic center are areas for residents. This means that
if you enter them a vehicle that does not belong to a resident will
be fined. The accesses with cameras are watched and the city council
is very effective fining those vehicles. Numerous agents run through
the city, fining improperly parked vehicles.
Additionally, the Madrid City Council has planned for the fall of
2018 to establish a large area called the Priority Residence Area
(APR) covers the entire historic center of Madrid whose access to
vehicles will be vetoed. Only vehicles belonging to residents of
that area and electric vehicles, other than public transport (buses,
taxis and VTC) can enter.
There are parking meters throughout the center (particularly
throughout the area within the circle of the M-30 ). The green areas
are more expensive than the blue ones and allow to park less time.
There are guards continuously patrolling the areas to fine anyone
who is incorrectly parked.
In addition, the most polluting cars pay more, they have more
restrictions and in case of episodes of high pollution they are the
first to be prohibited from entering.
A tip: if you arrive in Madrid by car leave it parked in a garage as
soon as possible and take public transport.
In rental car
Multiple companies provide car rental service at the airport
arrivals, train stations and other points in the city. If you are
going to be alone in the historical center it is a very bad option
because you will have problems to park it (foresee the cost of the
parking) and also you will not be able to enter with them to the
historic center. This option is discouraged for inside the city
although it may be useful to travel to nearby places with the
possibility of parking. Some companies rent electric cars which give
a little more flexibility in the old town although the parking
problem persists: Bluemove and Wattacars are two of them.
Cars and motorcycles shared (Carsharing)
The service of shared cars or motorcycles is becoming more popular
in Madrid. Many of these vehicles are electric propulsion which
gives them enormous advantages in terms of access to restricted
areas and the possibility of free parking. Therefore, attention
should be paid to know if the vehicle being rented is electric or
with an explosion engine to take advantage of the first ones.
To be able to use them, it is necessary to have data coverage in the
mobile phone, install an application in it (app) and enter personal
data and a card as a means of payment. Some companies allow to use
the same application in the different cities where they provide
service. The price is based on the time the vehicle is used and is
charged to the means of payment provided in the user's profile in
the application.
The companies that provide service in Madrid are:
Electric cars : Car2Go, Emov, Zity
Hybrid cars : Wible, whose special feature is that it can be used
both inside Madrid and out of the city, which is a good option for
visits to places outside the urban area.
Automobiles with thermal engines : Advance, I breathe
Electric motorcycles : eCooltra, Muving, Ioscoot, Movo, Coup,
Acciona Mobility and soon will be also Yugo
This service may have its usefulness but presents its problems for
tourists:
- You have to have data service on your mobile phone. For tourists
from the European Union it is not a problem because you can continue
to use your phones with the same rates as in your country of origin
but if the phone is from a company outside the European Union the
cost of using data roaming can be so High that the cost skyrockets.
- Cars have the disadvantage that you have to find a place to park
them. Those who are electric can park for free in paid areas (blue
or green) but the problem is that there is usually no place to park
even in those areas. That is why it is preferable to use motorcycles
that can be parked in the exclusive areas of motorcycle parking or
above the sidewalks if it is wide enough and if there is no obstacle
to an exit, zebra crossing, ...
An additional advantage that electric cars have is that they can
access the Residential Priority Area (APR) a large area that covers
the entire historic center of the city of Madrid whose access is
vetoed to other cars. Even so, it is very difficult to find parking
lots and this type of cars can not be parked in private car parks,
they can only park on the street.
- Both cars and motorcycles have specific areas of use that coincide
with the city center (in Madrid it is approximately the area that is
inside the M-30 although it is necessary to check on the website of
each company its area of use). Normally all areas of the historical
center of Madrid are included in the areas of use.
Hotels, motels and where to sleep
Restaurant, taverns and where to eat
Cultural (and not so cultural) events
Interesting information and useful tips
Buy
Madrid has many options for shopping: department stores, shopping
centers or commercial streets with shops at street level.
Department stores : The best known is El Corte Inglés . It has
several centers scattered around the city.
Shopping centers : there are many of them. CC La Vaguada , CC
Principe Pío , CC Full Moon , CC Arturo Soria Plaza , CC Alcalá
Norte , CC La Gavia , ABC Serrano .
Commercial areas
Gran Vía and annexes
Preciados Street
Barrio de Salamanca: in this area you will find the luxury shops of
Madrid.
Mercado de Fuencarral: with many stores that offer exclusive
clothing and footwear or accessories and "fashion", although some
things are a bit expensive.
Stroll through the center of the city, especially through the
streets of Serrano and Goya and enjoy its exclusive shops and,
whenever you can, buy some of their products.
Books : There is a large number of bookstores. An alternative is to
visit the surroundings of the Glorieta de Carlos V, going up to the
Parque del Retiro where there is a Book Fair in Cuesta de Claudio
Moyano. Second hand and new copies can be purchased in their stalls.
On the other hand, one of the most important cultural events in the
city is the Madrid Book Fair , which takes place in the Parque del
Retiro at the end of May and the first of June. The Casa del Libro
and Fnac possess a great variety of titles.
Security
Although crime rates and common crimes are not high compared to
other areas of the world, it can not be said that Madrid is a
completely safe city.
The robbery with violence is not very habitual but neither
non-existent. Avoid walking at night in poorly lit areas and do not
show off jewelry, watches, money, mobile phones, .. in public.
Be careful with the use of mobile phones on the street. A criminal
can approach him and in a second snatch him by the hand and run away
with him.
You should be very careful in public transport, metro and bus, where
mobile phones and wallets can be stolen. It is advisable to wear
them in zippered interior pockets and never lose sight of them.
The same applies to large crowds of people like the popular street
market "El Rastro" among others.
Highlight the bus line that connects the airport with the city
center. The fact that the baggage is left at the beginning of the
bus and the seats are at the end cause that in a stop, especially in
the first, the thieves get off with suitcases that are not their
property.
As a general rule, nothing should be left unattended without
constant vigilance: suitcases, cameras, wallets ... can disappear in
a matter of seconds even in the presence of video surveillance
cameras, police or security guards. Inadvertent theft is quite
common. Any forgotten object on the street can disappear in a matter
of seconds so it is recommended to have all your belongings held by
your hand at all times.
In train stations, buses, ... organized bands act that while one of
its members approaches to confuse him with any excuse the others are
responsible for stealing your belongings so it is recommended never
to drop the luggage and be very careful to be approached by
strangers.
Nothing of value should be left inside a car. It is usual the
breaking of moons or the forcing of the doors to steal what is
inside. It is safer to leave the car in a closed and guarded parking
lot, but safety is still not absolute.
A lot of caution with the trileros and other scammers who sometimes
sit on the streets pretending to be a betting business. Besides
being illegal, it is always a hoax. They never lose and although it
seems hard to believe there are tourists who have lost more than $
3,000 in this type of illegal bets.
Before paying for any service that does not seem appropriate
(restaurants, bars, taxis, ...) demand your bill. It is mandatory to
deliver it by the establishment with the amount that has been paid
detailing the service that has been provided. You also have the
right to see the official price list of the services that must be
shown by the establishment and to request the claim form where you
can detail what you do not agree with. In case of doubt, report the
fact to the town hall or the police.