Madrid has an amazing fusion of history and modern, urban lifestyle. Because Madrid is a very large city, it can be hard to get your bearings. Here’s some of the basics you need to know for your trip to Madrid!
Language: The official language is Spanish, naturally. You’ll find that people in the tourism businesses speak English, but not as widely as in Barcelona, or other major European cities.
Madrid has hot and dry summer months, and mild spring temperatures. I think the best time to visit Madrid is between September and November or in the early spring—March and April. Accommodations tend to be cheaper during their winter months, but expect cold weather!
City traffic tends to be congested so it’s best to stay off wheels unless you’re driving out of town.
By Metro: The metro is very easy to navigate, even for non-Spanish speakers, and it’s much less expensive than other metro systems in Europe. If you’re heading into the suburbs, hop on one of the local trains or buses.
By Car: Parking is no picnic in Madrid, but if you must arrive by car, be sure to use a reliable GPS.
Arriving by Air: The airport is just a few minutes from downtown. Catch the metro to the city center for just a couple of euros.
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