The best areas to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors include Centro, Chueca, Lavapiés, Malasaña, and Retiro due to their central location.
With the extensive metro system of Madrid, you can easily travel around the city and visit the city’s highlights.
This allows you to stay in alternative and often cheaper areas in the city where you can witness the daily lives of the people from Madrid.
There are several other recommended areas in Madrid for first-time visitors, such as La Latina, Salamanca, and Atocha which we all discuss in the next paragraphs.
This might be an overwhelming answer to your question about where to stay in Madrid first time.
But don’t worry, as in this article, we cover what we believe are the best areas to stay in Madrid, regarding the type of traveller you are.
If you want to go straight to the recommendations, simply tap on the following button.
Or just continue reading if you want to know just a bit more about Madrid.
Madrid, the dynamic capital of Spain, stands as an ideal travel destination, captivating tourists with its unique blend of history, culture, and vibrant city life.
At the heart of Madrid’s appeal is its rich cultural heritage.
The city houses some of the world’s most renowned art museums, including the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
The Reina Sofia Museum showcases contemporary art, notably Picasso’s “Guernica”.
Madrid’s Royal Palace, a magnificent architectural gem, offers a glimpse into the country’s regal history.
The city’s historic neighborhoods, like the Barrio de las Letras and Lavapiés, exude charm with their winding streets, cozy cafes, and historic sites like the Cervantes House Museum.
Madrid’s sprawling parks, such as Retiro Park, provide peaceful oases amidst the urban bustle.
Madrid is synonymous with culinary excellence, boasting a thriving tapas culture and a wide array of restaurants.
From traditional dishes like cocido madrileño to innovative fusion cuisine, food enthusiasts will delight in Madrid’s gastronomic offerings.
The city’s vibrant nightlife is legendary, with countless bars, clubs, and live music venues that keep the city alive until the early hours.
Whether it’s dancing the night away in Malasaña or enjoying a quiet evening in a traditional tavern, Madrid offers nightlife options for every taste.
But with so many things to offer, it’s a bit challenging to pick the right area for you.
We’ve come up with a list of recommended areas to make things easier.
Each of the recommended areas comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which are summarized after each paragraph.
With that being said, let’s jump straight to our recommendations.
Where to stay in Madrid first time? Keep reading!
Overview of best areas to stay in Madrid for the first time
Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.
You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.
| Best areas to stay in Madrid first time | What’s so special about the area? |
|---|---|
| 1. Centro | This is the most ideal area for sightseeing purposes with many major attractions close by, but prices are a bit higher than elsewhere, though you won’t spend much money on transport as everything is nearby you. |
| 2. Chueca | Trendy and hip neighbourhood that’s also known for its gay-friendly nightlife scene. Especially young travellers would highly appreciate a bustling area like Chueca. |
| 3. Lavapiés |
When travelling on a budget, Lavapiés is probably your best option. You also have good access to public transport and great (tapas) bars, pubs and cafes. |
| 4. Malasaña | This is the nightlife area that focuses more on students and live music venues and although not per se the most beautiful neighborhood, it’s bustling and located centrally. |
| 5. Retiro | Family-friendly area that’s home to several attractions, yet not major attractions because for that, you have to take the metro which shouldn’t be difficult to find in this part of the city. |
| Luxury area of Madrid ideal for shopping and haute cuisine, if your budget allows it and you want true comfort then book your hotel here. | |
| Area home to Estación Madrid, the train station that connects you to ever single corner of the city, so you can explore Madrid to the fullest while staying at a relatively affordable area, although there is not much to do in this area itself. | |
| 8. Barrio La Latina | Budget-friendly area ideal for foodies, charming area that’s surprisingly located near several major attractions despite offering mostly reasonably prices hotels and eateries. |
| 9. Chamberí | Residential area that offers a quieter vibe with parks and shopping facilities nearby, you won’t find mass tourism here, yet you’re conveniently located near several metro lines to explore the city. |
Palacio Real de Madrid.
Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
How to get around Madrid as a tourist when you visit the city for the first time?
Getting around Madrid as a tourist for the first time is relatively easy, thanks to the city’s efficient public transportation system and pedestrian-friendly layout.
Here’s a guide on how to navigate the city:
Metro
Madrid’s metro system is one of the largest and most efficient in Europe.
It’s the fastest way to move around the city.
You can purchase single tickets or multi-ride passes, such as the “Abono Turístico” for unlimited rides during your stay.
The metro covers most tourist attractions and neighborhoods.
Buses
Madrid also has an extensive bus network.
The buses complement the metro and reach places that the metro may not cover directly.
Consider purchasing the “Abono Turístico” for access to both the metro and buses.
Cercanías Trains
If you plan to visit areas in the outskirts or nearby towns, the Cercanías commuter train network is a convenient option.
It connects Madrid with cities like Toledo and Segovia.
Walking
Madrid is a very walkable city, especially in the city center.
Many of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other, so put on comfortable shoes and explore on foot.
Don’t forget to use a map or GPS app to navigate. If you don’t have network access, consider downloading OpenStreetMap.
Cycling
Madrid has a growing network of bike lanes and bike-sharing programs.
Renting a bike can be a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are readily available in Madrid. You can hail one on the street or find them at designated taxi stands.
Ride-sharing services like Uber are also operational in the city.
Tourist Cards
Consider purchasing a Madrid Card or a Tourist Travel Pass, which offer unlimited access to public transportation for a specified period, along with discounts at various attractions.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Buses
These tourist buses offer a convenient way to see the major sights with the flexibility of getting on and off at different stops.
Airport Transportation
To get from the airport to the city center, you can use the metro, airport buses, or taxis.
The metro Line 8 connects the airport with the city center.
Parque de El Retiro
Inviting streets full of tapas bars.
What is the best time to visit Madrid for the first time?
The best time to visit Madrid largely depends on your preferences and what kind of experience you’re seeking.
Madrid experiences a continental Mediterranean climate, which means distinct seasons throughout the year. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons to help you decide when to visit:
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a lovely time to visit Madrid when the city bursts into bloom with colorful flowers and pleasant temperatures.
Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
This season is ideal for outdoor activities, exploring parks, and enjoying the city’s vibrant culture.
Summer (June to August)
Summers in Madrid can be quite hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F) in July and August.
While it’s the peak tourist season, it’s also when many locals take their summer vacations.
If you don’t mind the heat and enjoy lively outdoor events, summer can be a great time to visit. Just be prepared for warm weather.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn offers pleasant weather with gradually cooling temperatures, making it a popular time for tourists.
Daytime temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F) in September but cool down in November.
You’ll experience fewer crowds compared to summer, making it easier to explore the city’s attractions.
Winter (December to February)
Winters in Madrid are relatively mild compared to other European cities, but it can still get chilly, especially in January.
Daytime temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F), and occasional rainfall is common.
If you enjoy a quieter, more budget-friendly experience and don’t mind cooler weather, winter can be a great time to visit, particularly during the holiday season.
Puerta del Sol
The metro is your best friend when visiting Madrid for the first time.
Calle Gran Vía
The best areas to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors are:
1. Centro – Top sightseeing area in Madrid
Centro is the old city center where you can find Plaza Mayor, Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena and Palacio Real de Madrid.
These are among the city highlights so as a first-time visitor to Madrid, you have good access to these must-see attractions.
But it’s not only these highlights that make Centro so highly recommended.
This area itself is known for its century-old architecture, historical buildings and cultural attractions.
Walking through this area alone is something you as a tourist will do, for sure.
There are many good restaurants, such as Sobrino de Botin, Mesón del Champiñón and Taberna La Concha.
Or a visit to the legendary Mercado de San Fernando is easily possible when staying in this area.
Centro is simply the heart of the city and luckily a centre with great access to the metro lines.
At Ópera, you have access to the red and green lines while at Sol, you have access to yellow, purple, light blue and dark blue lines.
Because of that, we can fairly say that Centro is the best area to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors, however, as you can imagine, hotel prices are among the highest in the city.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Chueca – Vibrant, nightlife area in Madrid
Chueca is the area north of Centro and is a trendy and hip neighbourhood.
Although you’re not within walking distance of the city’s highlights, Chueca still is located centrally.
This vibrant area is known for its gay-friendly nightlife. The streets are colourful with iconic architecture and the (tapas) bars are inviting.
There are several museums to be found along with art theatres and expositions.
But Chueca is mainly known for its vibrant nightlife scene.
You have access to the green metro line and within one or two stops, you’re at the intersection of several other lines, making it easy to move around in the city.
Especially for the younger traveller who wants to combine sightseeing with nightlife, Chueca is among the best areas to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Lavapiés – Budget area in Madrid
Lavapiés is the southeast part of the old city centre and is already a but deserves a special mention.
Why? It’s because it’s one of the most affordable areas in Madrid for first-time visitors.
You’re still located centrally, although not within walking distance from the main attractions (with two exceptions), yet you don’t pay the premium price.
In and around Calle Argumosa, which is a popular street in this area, you can find many great tapas bars, pubs and cafes.
If you stay near Embajadores station, you have good access to the public transport system and you can easily visit every corner of the city.
To summarise: Lavapiés is the budget option for the first-time visitor and of course, there are some compromises you make compared to other neighbourhoods, but you’re located centrally and have access to various metro lines.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Malasaña – Nightlife area in Madrid
Malasaña is the area right next to Chueca and is similar to Chueca, also known for its nightlife.
The difference between these two areas is that Malasaña is a bit more focused on students and live music venues, whereas Chueca is vibrant and known for its gay-friendly bars.
Also, Malasaña is not per se the most beautiful neighbourhood compared to Centro and Chueca.
There are a few iconic buildings nearby, but Chueca is more charming.
The main area for nightlife in Malasaña is Plaza de 2 de Mayo, so when you want to explore Madrid’s nightlife, make sure to stay somewhere close by.
There are several metro lines running through this area and the city centre is just around the corner.
Overall an interesting area to stay in, especially when you’re into nightlife.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Retiro – Family-friendly, the cultural area in Madrid
Retiro is a large area east of Centro and home to some of the main attractions of the city, such as the Botanic Gardens, Parque de El Retiro, Alcala Gate and Palacio de Cibeles.
The large park is completely full of greenery which allows the citizens of Madrid to run and exercise in the shade.
In Retiro, you can also find the prestigious Prado Museum which has paintings of Goya, Velazques and Bosch.
Right under the park, there is Madrid’s main train station, which allows you to move around the city and even outside the city without any hassle.
You’re not located close to the main attractions that Centro has to offer, but with public transport, it should not be that difficult to see all the city highlights during your first trip.
If you’re on a cultural trip and don’t need to see anything of Madrid’s bustling nightlife, Retiro is one of your best options.
Families and older couples would definitely appreciate everything that Retiro has to offer.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Salamanca – Luxury (shopping) area in Madrid
Every European city has exclusive neighbourhoods and for Madrid, that’s Salamanca.
Those who’re looking for Michelin-grade meals, and five-star hotels and to indulge themselves in complete luxury should pick Salamanca as the area to stay in Madrid.
This neighbourhood is located north of Retiro, so you’re a bit far from the highlights of Centro, but still close to the highlights of Retiro.
Just when you head towards Centro, you will enter Calle Gran Vía, the shopping and dining Walhalla of Madrid.
Those with a larger budget should stay in Salamanca with everything they wish for during a holiday at your doorstep.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
7. Atocha – A transportation hub
Atocha is the area southeast of Centro and is home to Estación Madrid, the train station.
This area is mainly a residential area and you won’t find many attractions here.
But as mentioned in the previously recommended area, Madrid’s main train station allows you to move around the city without any hassle.
There are definitely some benefits for first-time visitors in Madrid staying around the main train station, especially when you’re only visiting the city shortly and entering or leaving the city by train.
Similar to other cities, the hotels around the train station are cheaper compared to more popular areas.
But there is also a downside when staying near the main train station.
Especially during the night, it can get sketchy and you should be aware of pickpocketing.
Using common sense, such as avoiding walking alone in the streets or in the parks, should be a no-brainer for every city you visit.
When time is your biggest concern and you need to move around quickly, Atocha is one of the best options you have.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
8. Barrio La Latina – Budget-friendly foodie area in Madrid
Barrio La Latina, also known as La Latina district, is the southeast part of Centro right next to the previously recommended Atocha and should not be confused with Latina, which is a larger district further from the city centre.
This charming area is located near some of the most important attractions Madrid has to offer, although you still have to walk around fifteen minutes to get there.
But what makes Barrio La Latina so attractive is that it offers reasonably priced hotels and a good variety of local eateries which are mainly concentrated at Calle de Cava Baja.
Barrio La Latina gives you an authentic vibe while you’re still located centrally. The weekly flea market called Rastro market is also a big plus, which attracts many people every Sunday.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
9. Chamberí – Quieter area in Madrid
Chamberí is the area between the tourist epicentre and Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, the football stadium of Real Madrid and can be divided into six different neighbourhoods.
Chamberí is actually a residential area but you can find a relatively good variety of alternative accommodations that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
There are several parks to discover and staying here is a bit quieter than the other recommended areas.
There are plenty of shopping facilities in this part of Madrid and you won’t find mass tourism here, while still remaining located centrally.
If you’re looking for a relatively quiet area to stay in while still having good access to the metro lines, Chamberí is definitely the area you’re looking for.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Map of the best areas in Madrid for first-time visitors
The next image is a map of the best places to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors including the city highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
A map will follow soon.
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There you have it, the recommendations when it comes to the best area to stay in Madrid for first-time visitors.
We hope you enjoyed it and hopefully, you can make a good decision and have the time of your life in this amazing city!
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