Holidays to Madrid
Think Madrid holidays, think taste bud-tingling tapas, world-class art, verdant parks, flamboyant flamenco and amazing architecture. Oh, and plenty of sizzling Spanish sunshine too!
Park life
Spain’s glorious capital is one of Europe’s greenest cities. True story. Parks are not difficult to find here, but the largest – and most fun for families – is Casa de Campo Park, aka Madrid’s ‘green lung’. It’s even got a zoo and an amusement park!
El Retiro Park is another green wonderland. Here you can walk and cycle amidst pretty scenery, enjoy a boat ride in the grand lake and take in some art at the Palacio de Velázquez. If you have time for yet more pottering in parks, head to Madrid Río, which lies on the grassy banks of the Manzanares River.
A whole host of art
Culture vulture? Madrid holidays won’t disappoint. The city is packed with fantastic galleries showcasing a dazzling array of art. If you’re on an ‘every second counts’ kind of city break, a whistle-stop whizz around the city’s cultural cache via the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) is recommended.
The route features Madrid’s most wander-worthy museums – the so-called golden triangle of El Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia – where you can experience endless masterpieces. Highlights include Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights, Dalí’s Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee and Picasso’s Guernica.
Plaza aplenty
Madrid’s wonderful plazas are the place to be to soak up the charm, the buzz and the many foodie delights of the Spanish capital. The star of the glittering bunch is arguably Plaza Mayor. Here you can enjoy an al fresco drink, a tasty bite and a spot of gift shopping.
For an old-school vibe, head to Plaza de Villa, where historic attractions like the 15th-century Torre de los Lujanes await. Elsewhere, there’s Plaza de Oriente, which is overlooked by the Royal Palace (Europe’s largest, btw) and the Teatro Real, a palatial opera house where you can catch a show.
Sneak Peek
Best for... A sun, seafood and sangria-soaked sashay around a charming capital 🍹
Go... In the spring for a more affordable – and sweat-free – getaway with fewer crowds ☀️
You have to... Pile on the tapas ‘til your table topples in the traditional taverns of Las Letras 🍤
Madrid holiday deals
VP Jardín de Recoletos
4.6
Excellent
- 15 Jan 2026
- 4 nights
- Room only
- From Manchester
Prices from
Catalonia Goya
4.6
Excellent
- 15 Jan 2026
- 4 nights
- Room only
- From Manchester
Prices from
Partner Barrio de Salamanca Suites
4.4
Excellent
- 15 Jan 2026
- 4 nights
- Room only
- From Manchester
Prices from
NH Madrid Lagasca
4.3
Excellent
- 15 Jan 2026
- 4 nights
- Room only
- From Manchester
Prices from
Details
Currency
Euro
Language
Spanish
Time difference
GMT +1
Cost of a beer
€3
3-course meal
€20
Flight time
2 hours
Dine as the locals do
If tucking into fresh, authentic cuisine is always the highlight of your hols, you’re going to love a Madrid city break. Local dishes to try out include huevos rotos eggs, the chickpea cocido madrileño stew and, for the adventurous, oreja a la plancha (pig’s ears, we kid you not). Head to the La Latina neighbourhood for the city’s best tapas joints, or Mercado de San Miguel for plenty of variety and a buzzing atmosphere. End your night at Museo Chicote, the oldest cocktail bar in the city.
Late European nights
Madrid’s nightlife covers all bases (and then some!). Head to a tablaos for a flamboyant night of flamenco – the award-winning Corral de la Moreria still brings in top names of the genre. The Malasaña neighbourhood, meanwhile, is perfect for modern late-night extravaganza in iconic bars, clubs and dancehalls like La Via Lactea, El Penta and Madrid Me Mata. Or, if you’re looking to boogie until the wee small hours, Wurlitzer Ballroom won’t send you back to the streets until 6am!
Bargain and boutique shopping
Whether you love to ferret through a flea market (visit the 250-year-old El Rastro Sunday market) or your retail habits are a tad more indulgent, Madrid’s shopping scene delivers. For trinkets and tailormade curiosities, trawl the streets of Chueca, Las Salesas and Conde Duque in search of leather goods, embroidered keepsakes and Iberian ornaments. Got a taste for the finer things? Make your way to Barrio de Salamanca, where you can indulge at Christian Dior, Fendi, Balenciaga and more.
When to go to Madrid
There’s never a bad time to touch down in Madrid for a holiday; the charming Spanish capital is very much an all-year-round city break destination.
For Madrid sunshine at its fiery height, book your jollies for the months of July and August, when temps can get up to 40C. Just beware that your prices peak at this time of year, and the city’s streets are at their busiest.
If that sounds like too much heat and too many tourists for your tastes, book your Madrid getaway in late spring or September. You’ll still get plenty of sun-kissed days, but you can explore the city in more comfortable temps.
For cheap holidays to Madrid, look out for flights between November and February (well, except for Christmas and New Year’s). Sure, it’s cold, but everything, from Madrid’s tapas bars to its galleries and attractions, will be open for business.
