Capital city in Community of Madrid, Spain
Madrid
Spain's capital is big, sunny and sociable, with world-class museums, late nights and a strong metro. Hot summers, higher rents and few beaches nearby are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,480–3,380Comfortable, one person · €2,200–3,000Details
- Value for money25/100Better value than 24% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 34°CDetails
- Air quality10 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet263 MbpsFixed broadband, Spain medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableExcellent: comes from mountain reservoirs and is some of Spain's best tap water; locals drink it freely.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$68–124Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCabifyVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phones work almost everywhere; carry some coins for small bars, markets and the Rastro.Details
Where to stay in Madrid
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Malasaña | Young crowd: bars, vintage shops, nightlife, good for solo travellers |
| Chueca | LGBTQ+ scene, central location, cafés and restaurants |
| Lavapiés | Multicultural, cheaper, lively streets; rougher edges at night |
| Salamanca | Upscale, quiet, shopping and safe long stays |
| La Latina | Tapas bars, Sunday El Rastro market, historic center |
Apps that work in Madrid
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Renfe: High-speed and regional train tickets
- ALSA: Long-distance bus tickets
- Taxis: Official white taxis with a red stripe are metered and easy to hail. Airport to center has a fixed fare; confirm it posted in the cab.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Spain.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phones work almost everywhere; carry some coins for small bars, markets and the Rastro.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many Spanish ATMs charge foreign cards a few euros per withdrawal; Euronet machines cost more. Always decline the conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Round up at bars and leave 5–10% for good restaurant service; check whether service is already included.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere. Bizum, used to split bills, needs a Spanish bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Phone shops and airport kiosks sell prepaid SIMs (Orange, Vodafone, Digi, Lebara); about €10–25 for 30–100 GB. Passport required to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Spain
Going to Madrid solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Madrid meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.