Flights to Madrid

Tips for First-Time Travellers to Madrid

It’s the Spanish way of life that draws most travellers to book their first flights to Madrid. But be warned: the sunshine combined with excellent food and wine might entice you to book return flights to Madrid again and again. Once you’ve got your tickets to Madrid in hand, it’s time to start planning.

Save by Using Ride-Sharing Apps

Using taxi apps like Uber or Taxify could save you at least 10€ per day. Budget on anything up to 30€ from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) to the central city. Of course taking the Metro will help you save, at only 5€ per trip. This will leave you with more money for your next flights to Madrid!

Explore the Café Culture

Ditching the hotel breakfast and exploring the city’s café scene is the best way to start your day. Enjoy a streetside flaky pastry and hot coffee as you watch the city wake up. Don’t worry if the flights to Madrid have left you jet-lagged, as the city only gets going after 9am.

Adjust Your Mealtimes

The Spanish way of life does not include early wake-up calls. Don’t expect to see much before 9am, when the city starts to show signs of life. Siesta time sees many shops close up from 2pm to 5pm. And if you normally eat dinner early, you might want to have a snack, as it’s common to only sit down to dine after 9pm.

The Best Time to Visit

Flights to Madrid go up in price for travel during the summer months, when the sun is shining and the living is easy. Cheap flights to Madrid can be picked up in spring and autumn, during Europe’s shoulder season - which some consider the best time of year! Expect milder temperatures during the months of September to November and May to March. The price of an airfare to Madrid during the months of June to August is at its peak, although many locals head out of the city to enjoy their own summer holidays.

Landmarks and Monuments You Can’t Miss

The Royal Palace

The Palacio Real is actually Western Europe’s largest palace! It’s so large in fact, that you might be able to spot it from your window seat as you come in to land at Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport. Originally built in 1737, the palace contains many extremely valuable pieces of art, furniture and other artifacts, making it one of Europe’s most formidable museums.

The Madrid Cathedral

Despite construction having started in 1883, the Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena wasn’t completed until 1993! Today, it’s the only Spanish cathedral to have the blessing of a Pope, having been consecrated by Pope John Paul II.

Free Hours at the Museums

If your airfare to Madrid took a large chunk of your budget, don’t worry because you can enjoy free entry into Prado Museum from 6pm to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 5pm to 7pm on Sundays. The Reina Sofia also offers free entry from 7pm to 9pm from Monday to Saturday (except on Tuesdays, the museum is closed) and 1:30pm to 7pm on Sundays. Don’t forget to arrive early, as the free hours get very busy!

Top Experiences For Visitors

Catch a Flamenco Performance

You can’t board your flights to Madrid without adding a Flamenco performance to your itinerary. The Corral de la Moreria is famous for both its food and its Flamenco performers. In fact, it’s the oldest Flamenco bar in the city.

Share a Plate of Raciones

It’s worth finding cheap flights to Madrid just to tuck in to Spain’s tapas - raciones are the perfect way to get a taste of the city. These plates can be found on menus at restaurants throughout Madrid and feature all kinds of delicious bites such as Spanish ham and fresh bread.

Packing Tips

With your tickets to Madrid booked, it’s time to start packing. Summer is sweltering, while the winter months can be very cold, so pack accordingly to ensure you’re prepared for any weather conditions when you step off your flight at Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport.

Bring Your Sunglasses

Whether you’ve booked your tickets to Madrid for summer or winter, you’re going to need a pair of sunglasses. The Spanish sun shines year round, and your sightseeing won’t be the same without them.

Dress Smartly

You’ll notice from the moment you land at MAD that Spaniards generally dress quite smartly. Thongs, for instance, would look out of place in Madrid. Be sure to pack your good shoes and stylish travel wardrobe, as this city is worth dressing up for.