Before You Go
Madrid Travel FAQ
Visas, money, tipping, safety, and timing — the practical questions, answered plainly.
Do I need a visa to visit Madrid?
Spain is part of the Schengen Area, so citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Requirements change by nationality and occasionally by policy (the EU's ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is being phased in for visa-exempt visitors), so check your own government's travel advice or the Spanish consulate before booking.
What currency does Madrid use, and can I pay by card?
The euro (€). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small tapas bars and taxis, but it's worth carrying €20–40 in cash for tiny family-run bars, public toilets, and the occasional card-minimum policy.
Do you tip in Madrid?
Tipping is appreciated but not expected the way it is in the US. Rounding up or leaving small change (€1–2, or 5–10% at a sit-down restaurant for good service) is normal and generous — nobody will chase you down for more.
Is Madrid safe for tourists?
Yes, by European capital standards — violent crime targeting tourists is rare. Pickpocketing is the real risk, concentrated in Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the metro, and crowded tapas streets like Cava Baja at night. Keep bags zipped and in front of you, and treat a stranger's sudden friendliness (spilled drinks, "free" bracelets, distraction ploys) with polite suspicion.
What's the best time of year to visit Madrid?
Late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) — mild days, manageable crowds, and the terraces are in full swing. July and August run genuinely hot (regularly 35°C+/95°F+) and much of the city empties out as locals head to the coast; winter is mild by northern-European standards but the Royal Palace and major museums still draw queues year-round.
How do I get around Madrid?
The metro is fast, cheap, and covers almost everywhere you'll want to go — a 10-trip Metrobús ticket is the best value for a short stay. The historic centre (Sol, Austrias, La Latina) is genuinely walkable and often faster on foot than changing lines. Taxis and Uber/Cabify are affordable for late-night trips when the metro has closed (it stops around 1:30am).
Do people in Madrid speak English?
In hotels, major museums, and central tourist areas, yes, reasonably well. Step into a neighbourhood taberna or talk to an older shopkeeper and you'll get much further with a few words of Spanish — even just "la cuenta, por favor" and numbers for ordering. Translation apps close the rest of the gap easily.
What time do people in Madrid actually eat?
Later than almost anywhere else in Europe: lunch (the main meal) runs roughly 2–4pm, and dinner rarely starts before 9pm — many kitchens don't open until 8:30pm and get busy closer to 10. Siesta is largely a myth for modern Madrid workdays, but plenty of small shops still close for a couple of hours in the early afternoon, especially in August.
What should I wear to visit the Royal Palace or a cathedral?
Shoulders and knees covered is the safe rule for religious sites like the Almudena Cathedral, and the Royal Palace's state rooms expect similar modesty (no shorts, no bare shoulders in practice, even without a strict posted rule). Comfortable shoes matter more than anything else — Madrid's centre is cobblestones and hills.
How many days do I need in Madrid?
Three full days covers the essentials well: one for the Royal Palace and historic centre, one for the Prado/Reina Sofía art axis, one for a neighbourhood like La Latina or Malasaña plus tapas. Add a fourth day for a train day trip to Toledo or Segovia, or a fifth if you want unhurried museum time rather than a highlights pass.