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Madrid is like the second child of a family. It may be much better than “the first and most famous child”, Barcelona, but no one pays much attention to it. Most tourists have it as a second choice and talk about the “first”, Barcelona, all the time. Madrid located from madrid airport MAD just 10 minutes by the madrid airport taxi.
And yet, the capital of Spain is much more beautiful, much more “cuddly”, much cleaner and much more real than you’d expect – and certainly more so than the overrated Barcelona.
So let’s take a look at what to explore and how to get around Madrid if you choose it for your next trip:

When to go
The best seasons are spring and autumn, when the weather is milder. The climate is similar to Greece. Summer is generally quite hot, so it’s best to avoid it, although when I went in the summer I enjoyed it because I only saw the locals who were “stuck” in the city.

Accommodation
The best option, as in most European cities, is to choose a hotel or hostel in the city centre to have everything close by and to take the metro. As an indication, you can look around the main city square Puerta del Sol. You’ll find several decent and cheap hotels, with prices starting at €60 a night.

Getting around
The cheapest and best option is the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass, which is available both at the airport and in major metro stations, so once you arrive, you can take it out. In general, the metro is very convenient and takes you everywhere.

Don’t forget:

Mercado De San Miguel
-Be sure to buy jamon, there are many kinds both in the flea markets and in shops in the city centre and the most important thing is that it doesn’t need a refrigerator because it is airtightly packed. Also, eat churros -I wasn’t blown away, but you have to try them.
-There’s police everywhere, don’t be afraid to move around at night, even in quiet neighborhoods.
-Check out the free admissions to museums, because season after season they can change and it’s a shame not to take advantage of them.

Sightseeing

1. First, you will take a day to stroll around the beautiful downtown area. Puerta del Sol square has three or four major streets around it, leading to the must-see spots.

2. Prado Museum. The Prado is one of the most famous paintings in the world. Be careful not to miss the “black paintings” that are in rooms 67 and 68. In the afternoon, depending on the season, admission is free. Huge queue, but it moves fast, don’t be disappointed.
3. Parco Retiro: Beautiful park, nothing earth-shattering in terms of vegetation, but the monuments it has plus the boat ride (around 5€ for 45 minutes) make it a must-see attraction. You should also visit the Palacio Cristal, which is inside the park.

4. Palacio Real: Versailles type, in terms of opulence, but without gardens. It’s right behind the Opera, so you can combine it into your walk. In the afternoon – not all days of the week – admission is free and it’s worth going around 6pm. Also huge queue, but worth being patient.

5. Reina Sofia: Museum worth going to especially for the Guernica, if you don’t have much time, if you do, see it all. Also, admission is free in the afternoons, no long queue. Very close to the museum is the huge Atocha station, well worth a visit. A beautiful building that they’ve created a… little jungle inside!

6. The area is called La Latina and is full of bars, eateries, etc., so you can go in the evening, regardless of the Sunday market. Near La Latina is also the Lavapies area, more alternative neighbourhood, nice to walk around and have a morning stroll.

7. plaza des toros. where the controversial bullfights take place. The imposing square.

8. Flamenco: A wonderful spectacle that if you don’t see it in Spain, you won’t see it anywhere. There are many shops in the city centre that do flamenco performances (indicatively in Las Tablas, near Plaza De Espana). You need to book a table.

9. Bernabeu: If you’re a Real fan, it’s worth a visit!
10. If you’re a fan of Real, you should visit Toledo