Love The Views

A Travel Blog by Mirz

Love The Views

A Travel Blog by Mirz

First Time in Madrid, Spain: Where to Stay, What to Do, What to Eat

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Last September, we checked Madrid, Spain off our travel bucket list - and it was even better than we imagined. We flew from Lyon, France straight into Madrid Barajas Airport, arriving at night and so glad we had arranged a private airport pickup. It was very convenient, professional, and highly recommend - especially after a long travel day when all you want is a smooth ride to your stay. The ride took about 30 minutes from the airport to our Airbnb, which was close to the city center - a total win for location and charm (and yes, it even had a washer and dryer we couldn't quite figure out...LOL).

Where to Stay in Madrid: Top Neighborhoods

for Every Budget and Vibe

We stayed in Centro, right in the heart of Madrid — honestly the best spot for first timers. Everything was just a short walk away: Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and Plaza Mayor. We loved being able to explore on foot and sneak out late for churros. It’s convenient and gives you that real Madrid vibe right outside your door.

If you’re planning a trip, here are a few other neighborhoods to consider depending on your vibe and budget:

Malasaña – Trendy, artsy, and full of energy. Great for nightlife, vintage shops, and cool cafés.
Chueca – Stylish and lively with amazing food and a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
Lavapiés – Multicultural and authentic, with global eats and a local, artsy feel.
Retiro – Peaceful and elegant, perfect if you want to be close to Retiro Park and museums.
La Latina – Historic, charming, and full of tapas bars — especially around Cava Baja.
Salamanca – Upscale and polished, ideal for shopping, fine dining, and a more luxurious stay.

Each neighborhood has its own vibe — so whether you’re there for food, culture, nightlife, or just relaxing, Madrid’s got a corner that fits your travel style.

Tip: You can compare and book the best hotels in Madrid here via Trip.com — it’s an easy way to find great deals before your trip!

Things We Did

Best Things to Do in Madrid Near Centro

Staying in Centro was one of the best choices we made — everything was close and easy to explore on foot. If you’re planning your Madrid itinerary, here are a few must-see spots you can’t miss:

Royal Palace of Madrid
This stunning palace is one of the city’s top attractions, and honestly, the photos don’t do it justice. The size, detail, and royal history are incredible. Whether you tour the palace rooms or just walk around the gardens, it’s a must.

Tip: Book your tour in advance via Viator....highly recommend!

Almudena Cathedral

Right next to the palace is Almudena Cathedral, with its striking mix of classic and modern design. Climb up to the dome for one of the best panoramic views of Madrid — totally worth it!

Retiro Park
Need a little nature break? Head to Retiro Park, the perfect spot to unwind. Rent a rowboat on the lake, grab a coffee, or just relax under the trees. It’s peaceful, pretty, and full of locals enjoying the sunshine.

Madrid’s Iconic Museo del Prado

If there’s one place that truly brings Spanish art history to life, it’s the Museo del Prado. From masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, to jaw-dropping galleries filled with centuries of stories, this museum is a must-see when in Madrid.

We spent a slow afternoon wandering through its grand halls (and honestly, it’s easy to get lost in there — in a good way!). The highlights? Las Meninas by Velázquez and The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch — both total showstoppers.

Tip: Book your tickets in advance to skip the long lines — they get really long, especially in summer.

Book your Museo del Prado Skip-the-Line Tour on Viator

here: Book Now on Viator

Sobrino de Botín
You can’t leave Madrid without eating at Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant! Their roast suckling pig is legendary, and the old-world charm makes it an unforgettable experience.

Definitely reserve ahead — it’s popular for a reason.

Our Favorite Tour:

3 Cities in One Day from Madrid

One of our absolute favorite experiences in Spain was the 3 Cities in One Day Tour — hands down, the best way to see more of the country without the stress of planning everything yourself. We booked it through Viator (our go-to for tours) because they always make things super easy — professional guides, comfy transport, and prices that don’t make your wallet cry.

The tour covered Toledo, Segovia, and Ávila — three historic cities, each with its own personality and charm.

First stop: Toledo, the city of three cultures. The winding streets, medieval walls, and mix of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences make it feel like stepping back in time. We even caught a glimpse of the famous Toledo steel swords — so cool to see up close.

Next up was Ávila, known for its massive medieval walls that look straight out of a movie. You can actually walk along parts of them, and the views are unreal. It’s one of those places that makes you appreciate just how much history Spain holds.

Finally, Segovia — honestly, this one might have stolen the show. The Roman aqueduct alone is jaw-dropping, and the fairy-tale Alcázar of Segovia looks like it came straight from a Disney movie (fun fact: it actually inspired one!).

It was a full day, but totally worth it — comfortable, well-paced, and packed with unforgettable views and stories.

If you only have a few days in Madrid and want to make the most of it, this tour is a must. Everything’s taken care of, and you get to see three incredible cities in one go.

We booked ours through Viator — super convenient, professional guides, and reasonable prices. Highly recommend reserving your spot early, as these sells out fast!

More to Add to Your Madrid Trip

We booked several tours through Viator — and honestly, we loved how convenient, professional, and reasonably priced they were. Whether it’s a skip-the-line palace tour, a tapas and wine tasting, or a day trip to Toledo, Viator made everything smooth and stress-free.

Highly recommend booking your tours in advance. Check available Madrid tours here.

And if you’re still planning where to stay, it’s smart to book your hotel early, especially around Centro.

Compare the best Madrid hotels - great options for every vibe and budget.

What We Ate in Madrid

Madrid is a foodie’s playground — from classic tapas to sweet treats, there’s something delicious around every corner. We definitely ate our way through the city, and it was worth every bite.

Here’s a taste of what we couldn’t stop eating in Madrid — simple, flavorful, and totally worth the calories:

Gambas al Ajillo – Fresh shrimp sautéed in olive oil with lots of garlic and a little kick of chili. Served still sizzling — don’t skip the bread for dipping! We found a local gem right near our Airbnb called El Típico — super cozy, authentic Spanish comfort food, and very affordable. It felt like the kind of place locals actually eat (and that’s always the best sign).
Paella Mixta – A Spanish classic loaded with seafood, chicken, and veggies. We shared one big pan and scraped every last bit of that crispy rice from the bottom.
Churros con Chocolate at San Ginés – Madrid’s sweetest tradition. Crispy, golden churros dipped into thick, rich chocolate — perfect any time of day.
Mercado de San Miguel – Tapas paradise! We hopped from stall to stall trying everything from jamón ibérico and croquetas to mini bocadillos and sangria.

Money-Saving Tips

If you’re staying a few days, stock up on basics at Lidl or Carrefour. Both have great prices on snacks, bottled water, and even ready-to-eat meals. It’s an easy way to save a few euros so you can splurge on the fun stuff — like tapas and wine.

If you’re a foodie like us, Madrid has tons of food tours and tastings that make it easy to explore the city’s best bites. We booked ours through Viator and loved it — super convenient, professional guides, and really reasonable prices.

Highly recommend booking a Madrid food tour via Viator — it’s the perfect way to eat like a local without the guesswork!

Getting Around Madrid
Most of the main attractions in Madrid are within walking distance, so comfy shoes are your best friend! For longer trips, the Metro is fast, clean, and super affordable—it’s a great way to feel like a local. If you’re feeling adventurous, try hopping on a bus or e-scooter for a change of pace.

Prefer private transport? Taxis and Uber/Bolt are easy to find and great if you’re short on time or traveling with family.

Tip: If you prefer hassle-free rides, book a private transfer ahead of time—especially for airport runs or day trips outside the city.

Book your private Madrid transfer here.