Why visit
Madrid is the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen art triangle; late-night tapas at Cava Baja; Retiro Park; and San Isidro's old Madrid energy.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Madrid is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Spain. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Madrid, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Spain better matches the trip style.
Madrid at a glance
City population
3.3 million
Metro: 6.8 million
Elevation
667 m
2,188 ft
Time zone
UTC+1 (UTC+2 DST)
Europe/Madrid
Airport
MAD
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas
Founded
9th century
Getting around
Metro (13 lines), commuter rail, buses
Signature dish
Bocadillo de calamares, cocido madrileño, churros con chocolate
Neighborhoods for travelers
MalasañaLa LatinaChuecaSalamanca
Spain at a glance
Country center
40.0°, -4.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
505,992 km²
195,365 mi²
Country population
47.9 million
95/km²
Subregion
Southern Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+34
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Spanish
Internet
.es
UN
Member state
ISO code
ES / ESP
Where in the world
40.0° - -4.0°
Spain
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Madrid is the highest capital in Europe at 667 m above sea level.
- The Prado Museum has one of the densest collections of European art anywhere, especially Velázquez and Goya.
- The city has no natural river running through it that you can navigate. The Manzanares is small by comparison.
- Spain has the second-most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
- La Tomatina: the giant tomato fight: happens in Buñol on the last Wednesday of August every year.
Bordering Spain
Traveler notes
- Museum 'Paseo del Arte' ticket bundles the big three
- Lunch at 3pm, dinner at 10pm. Adjust accordingly
- Day-trip to Toledo or Segovia by fast train
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Madrid
What currency is used in Madrid?
Madrid uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Spain?
The primary language is Spanish.
What is the international calling code for Spain?
The calling code is +34.
What airport serves Madrid?
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas (IATA: MAD).
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