Is Madrid Worth It? First Trip to Spain or Not? My Opinion

Madrid, Spain’s capital, isn’t the most “postcard-perfect” city in the country, nor the one people mention first when thinking about a vacation in Spain (at least that’s my impression). And yet. I’ve been there quite a few times already, and I never get tired of it! In this article, I’ll give you my take on whether Madrid is really worth it — whether it’s for a first trip to Spain or for yet another city break. And I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments if you already know the city too!

Quick answer: is Madrid worth the trip?

Yes, clearly! Madrid is a majestic European capital, an important one, with a very strong identity. What I love most is this mix: a city that’s culturally super rich, while also being really cool, really lively, and ultimately very Spanish despite its status as the capital. You might expect a colder or more “institutional” city given its role, but no, Madrid keeps a really warm and festive side. Which is, in the end, what I love about Spain.

What could make you not like Madrid? If you’re mainly looking to relax and hit the beach, this clearly isn’t the destination (Madrid is a landlocked, inland city). And if you’re traveling in the middle of summer, brace yourself for scorching heat.

First trip to Spain: should you choose Madrid?

Legitimate question: Madrid or another city to discover Spain for the first time? For me, it’s a great choice, and even a smart one.

First, because Madrid is super accessible (more on that just below), which makes it an easy gateway into the country. Second, because it’s a city that on its own brings together so many great things about Spain: culture, food, nightlife, street atmosphere, and also room to breathe.

That said, if your number one goal is the beach or lounging around, as I mentioned in the intro, you’ll want to plan a second stop elsewhere (Andalusia, the Balearics, Costa Brava…). But as a first contact with the country, or as a base for a city break, Madrid checks a huge number of boxes.

And good news if you’re planning to stay longer in Spain: from Madrid, you can easily reach Andalusia, the Costa Blanca (hello Valencia, which you can reach super easily and cheaply by train), and plenty of other places.

What makes Madrid a must-visit

• Amazing restaurants, cafés, and bars

I’m putting that in caps because it’s really what strikes me every single time: Madrid’s food and nightlife scene is insane. Foodie, brunch lover (like me 🙈), cocktail fan, or more of a team-parties-that-go-until-dawn kind of person, you’re covered. It’s truly the perfect city for that, with something for every style and every budget: from the tiny neighborhood tapas bar to the trendy rooftop.

• Top-notch accessibility

Here we go. This is one of its biggest strengths for me. Madrid has a huge international airport, with connections all over the world, plus two major train stations serving domestic lines (including the AVE, the high-speed train) and international ones. Bottom line: it’s super easy to get there, and just as easy to branch out to the rest of the country afterward.

• Lots of free activities

You can absolutely enjoy Madrid without breaking the bank: strolling through the different neighborhoods, wandering through the parks, discovering the architecture… I actually have a dedicated article on the topic if you want to dig deeper: What to Do for Free in Madrid?

• Retiro Park

A detail that might seem minor, but that matters a lot to me: having such a huge park right in the heart of a capital city is just amazing. It’s THE spot to breathe, have a picnic, take a walk, or simply watch Madrid life unfold on the weekend.

• Neighborhoods with completely different vibes

This is also one of my favorite things about Madrid: there’s something for every taste, depending on the neighborhood. Salamanca, very upscale and chic. Malasaña, super alternative, with vintage shops and bars with a young, creative vibe. Chueca, the gay neighborhood, super open and festive. Turn a corner, and it’s almost like a different city.

My favorite activities in Madrid

If I had to give my top 3 activities to do in Madrid, it would be:

• Strolling through Retiro Park
• Visiting the Reina Sofía museum (because yes, I didn’t mention it, but Madrid also has an amazing museum scene!!)
• Watching the sunset from the Temple of Debod

See available tours in Madrid

Madrid’s downsides

There are still two downsides to Madrid (besides not having the sea, but that’s just geography, nothing we can do about that 😂).

• The crowds, of course

It’s still a capital city, so it has that capital-city energy: crowds in the streets, locals and tourists constantly mixing. If you’re looking for calm, you’ll need to venture a bit outside the most central areas.

• Very intense summer heat

In the height of summer, it gets really, really hot in Madrid. It’s a dry, scorching heat, not always easy to handle if you’re sightseeing back-to-back under the blazing sun.

Madrid by season: my preferences

I find that pretty much every time of year is good for visiting Madrid. But here’s my take on each season:

Spring (March to May) is an ideal time: temperatures are mild, pleasant for back-to-back walks and enjoying terraces without suffering from the heat. There are also quite a few popular festivals like San Isidro in the streets, it’s lively and really nice.

Summer (June to August) is reserved for fans of intense heat: the days are long, the atmosphere is festive, but you’ll need to deal with temperatures that climb quickly and steeply during the day. In August, Madrid also basically empties out! Spaniards go on vacation and leave the city at a slower pace. If the heat doesn’t scare you, I think it’s actually a good argument for visiting without the crowds.

Autumn (September to November) lets you enjoy milder temperatures, with fewer people than in high season.

Winter (December to February) can be cool, even downright cold for a Spanish city (it sometimes snows), but it remains a good option because the Christmas market is lovely, and so are the lights around the city.

FAQ: Is Madrid worth the trip?