Madrid

Full of energy and packed with cultural attractions, Madrid is a modern metropolis that offers a taste of the real Spain. Wide avenues are congested with traffic, but beautiful parks break up the urban sprawl.

Madrid doesn't have the traditional charm of Andalusia or the beauty of Barcelona, instead, it is a hub of social life with a happening café culture and bustling nightlife. The city is constantly buzzing with activity and there are so many things to see and do that tourists will be spoiled for choice.

Climate

Madrid has a Mediterranean climate, with dry, warm and pleasant weather most of the year; winters are cold, but not as chilly as winters in many other European cities, and summers are hot. The city's high altitude and proximity to mountains causes some steep variations in winter and summer temperatures. In summer, between June and August, average temperatures range between 65°F (18°C) and 88°F (31°C) and the heat at midday can be intense, though evenings are often pleasantly cool. Summer temperatures can rise above 95°F (35°C) during occasional heat waves. Winters, between December and February, bring temperatures dropping to just below freezing, averaging between 36°F (2°C) and 50°F (10°C). Rain in Madrid is a rarity and no season is marred by heavy rain, but what rain the city does receive falls mostly in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. The wettest months are April, May, November and December.

The most popular time to visit Madrid is in the summer months between June and August, as this is the peak tourist season in the whole country, but the best time to visit is just before or after summer, in May or October.

Transport

Madrid public transportation is clean, fast, safe, extensive and efficient. It includes 13 metro lines, more than 170 bus lines (EMT), 3 tram lines and 10 lines of Cercanias (local trains that link the city centre with the suburbs). In addition, it is very cheap: a single ticket costs only 1.50 - 2 €, and if you buy a 10 trips ticket (valid both for buses and the metro, and can be shared by several people) it's €12,20. There are also tourist passes for unlimited usage during 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days. You can buy single tickets on buses (cash) or at machines in metro stations(cash or c/c). The same 10-trip ticket (available at metro stations) may be used on the metro system and busses. Taxis are white with a diagonal red band on both front doors and a taxi roof sign. If a taxi is free, the green light on its roof sign is lit and all you have to do is raise your hand to hail it. There are also taxi ranks throughout the city centre with a “T” signpost. With over 15,000 taxis in Madrid, it shouldn’t be difficult to get a cab.
Very few taxi drivers speak English, so we recommend always writing down the address where you wish to go.

Helpful telephone numbers

  • Adolfo Suárez Madrid – Barajas Airport: (+34) 91 321 10 00 / 902 404 704
  • Citizen advice/information service: 012
  • Emergency services Madrid: 112
  • Spanish police: 091
  • Community of Madrid Fire Service: 080 / 085 / 092
  • Taxi service: 91 371 21 31