Madrid Spain Travel Guide
Autumn (September-November) sees temperatures from 15°C to 25°C (59-77°F) during The month of september, cooling to 5-15°C (41-59°F) by November. Winter (December-February) is cold, with the weather ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32-50°F). Frosts are common, and light snowfall can occur.
Tourism & Walking Tours: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) have mild temperatures for outdoor exploration.
Museums & Indoor Activities: Enjoyable all year, providing an escape from summer the heat or winter cold. Shopping: Winter sales during January, summer sales in July-August.
Spain as a nation is part of the Schengen Area, allowing free transit between participating European countries. Many nationalities (e.g., US, Canada, Australia, UK, most EU) don't require a visa for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business. Other nationalities must apply for a Schengen visa (Type C) at the Spanish embassy or consulate. From the middle of-2025, visa-not exempt-EU citizens will need an ETIAS authorization. Consider services like IVisa or VisaHQ for application assistance.
No general entry fees apply for Travel to spain. Immigration procedures involve presenting your passport and any required visa or ETIAS authorization to border control upon arrival. Anticipate questions about your visit's purpose and stay duration.
Valid for at least three months beyond departure, issued within 10 years.
If applicable, a valid Schengen visa or ETIAS authorization.
Recommended for all, mandatory for Schengen visa. Consider World Nomads or SafetyWing.
Proof of your departure from the Schengen Area.
Show you can cover your stay and have lodging.
Generally, no special permits are needed for standard tourism activities in Madrid. No specific health-related entry requirements are currently in place beyond general public health recommendations. Always check for the latest updates before travel.
For tourism or business, stays under 90 days generally do not require a visa for many nationalities. For longer stays or other purposes (study, work), a special visas are mandatory.
Carry photocopies or digital images of all essential documents (passport, visa, insurance) separate from the originals. This secures from loss or theft.
Tip: Confirm your a specific kind of visa requirements well before your travel date. Regulations can change.
Madrid offers experiences for every budget, from frugal backpacking to luxurious escapes. Plan your finances to match your preferred travel style.
The Euro (€, EUR) is the official currency. ATMs are widely available. Most establishments accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). Inform your bank of travel plans to prevent card issues.
€50-€115 daily. Bunk rooms in hostels, supermarket groceries, public transport, free museums.
€150-€310 daily. 3-star hotels, mid-range restaurants, occasional taxi, paid tours.
€380-€1050+ daily. 4-5 star hotels, fine dining, private transfers, exclusive experiences.
Accommodations: Hostel Dorm €25-€50, Mid-range Hotel €90-€150, Luxury Hotel €180-€500+.
A modest gratuity (5-10% or rounding up) for good service is appreciated but not always expected. A lot of local people leave small change.
Round up to the nearest euro for taxis. €1-€2 for bellhops or housekeepers for good service.
Use the "Menú del Día" for lunch; multi-course fixed-price meals offer excellent value. Take advantage of free entry hours at major museums.
Walking is free! Use public transport for longer distances. A 10-trip "Metrobús" a ticket or a Tourist Travel Pass saves money. Consume tap water, which happens to be safe plus outstanding in Madrid.
