For our out-of-town guests, we’ve put together some travel and accommodation details to make your trip as easy as possible.

Nearest airport: Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas (Airport Code: MAD)

To reach your accommodation from the Airport we have compiled a list of available options for your convenience.

Tip: You can travel free of charge between terminals 1,2,3 and 4 with a the terminal shuttle bus which runs 24/7 (this bus it’s called “autobus lanzadera” in Spanish).

Alternatively, there are 9 car rental companies located at Madrid-Barajas airport. Their offices are spread across the arrivals areas of terminals T4 and T1, however, we strongly recommend to skip this option and navigate the city with public transport (metro). Not only parking in the city is limited and for a fee, but you should also be aware that there are many restrictions for non-electric vehicles in the city center that may lead to fines.

If you will be coming to the city by train, we recommend you to check whether the main station (Atocha) or the secondary station (Chamartín) is closer to your accommodation, both stations are in the city and well connected with public transportation. You can find more information in: Renfe

Madrid has many charming neighbourhoods to stay in during your stay for the wedding. We recommend you to stay in the city center (within the first city ring, called M-30) at an Airbnb or Hotel with a metro station within walking distance. For your convenience, you can check accommodation options at Booking.

We do not recommend you stay nearby the wedding celebration venue, as it is very far away from the center and difficult to reach with public transport. We will anyway be arranging a shuttle bus for your convenience.

Our shuttle bus will depart to the venue from Plaza de Cibeles (metro line 2, station: Banco de España) and from Plaza de Castilla, which is connected with metro lines 1, 9 and 10, several buses and taxi. On the way back from the venue, the shuttle bus will drop you off at one of the two places mentioned above. Most night buses depart regularly from Plaza de Cibeles from midnight onwards. If you use this service, please leave us your e-mail address in the RSVP form and we will keep you informed. Limited seats available.

The metro is the main transport to move around Madrid, with it you can reach most places in the city. Make sure your accommodation is as close as possible to a station.

Here is a selection of recommended areas, taking into account their proximity to the main tourist sites, the atmosphere, noise level, safety at night and access to bus pick-up points for the wedding.

1. Sol – Gran Vía

What’s special about it: It is the heart of Madrid. From here you can walk to almost all the emblematic sites: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the main museums. It is also full of shops, theatres, bars and life at all hours.
Be aware that the sound level in this neighborhood is high, especially in the main streets and at night; it is an area with a lot of tourist and commercial activity.
Security in this neighbourhood is generally good, although be on the lookout for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas or around metro stations.

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2. La Latina

What’s special about it: With medieval streets, charming squares and plenty of local atmosphere, La Latina is ideal for tapas and leisurely strolls. It is very close to the historic centre, the Rastro (Sunday market) and green areas such as Madrid Rio.
The noise level is moderate to loud, especially in areas with bars and terraces, such as Cava Baja or Plaza de la Paja.
Safety in this neighbourhood is generally safe, although on less busy streets caution should be exercised. The nightlife is lively but quiet.

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3. Barrio de las Letras

What’s special about it: It is the neighbourhood where the great writers of the Spanish Golden Age lived. Today it is a bohemian area, quiet but central, with galleries, bookshops, charming cafes and very close to the Art Triangle (Prado Museum, Reina Sofia and Thyssen).
The sound level is moderate; there is life in the street, but it is quieter than Sol or La Latina, especially at night.
Security in this neighbourhood is very good. It is a well-kept and well-lit area, frequented by tourists and residents.

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4. Chueca

What’s special about it: It’s one of Madrid’s most vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods, known for being the epicentre of LGBTQ+ life in the city. Here you will find an inclusive, welcoming and very cosmopolitan atmosphere, with numerous bars, terraces, trendy shops and an active nightlife.
The sound level is high, especially on weekends. If you are looking to stay in Chueca but still get a good night’s rest, it is best to choose accommodation in a side street or one with good soundproofing.
Security in this neighbourhood is very good. It is a safe and busy area with a constant presence of people at almost any time. Ideal for those who value diversity and a festive atmosphere.

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5. Chamberí

What’s special about it: More residential and elegant, it offers a more local experience without being far from the centre. Its quiet streets, squares and traditional taverns make it a very pleasant place to rest after a day of sightseeing.
Sound level: Low to moderate; it is a quieter area, ideal if you prioritise rest.
Safety at night: Very good. It is a residential neighbourhood, well-lit and quiet even at night.

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6. Salamanca (Recoletos/Goya) o Retiro

What’s special about it: It is the most exclusive neighbourhood in Madrid, ideal if you are looking for a sophisticated stay. As well as luxury shops and good restaurants, you are close to the Retiro Park and museums such as the Archaeological Museum and the Prado.
Sound level: Low in the residential areas, although some commercial streets (such as Serrano or Goya) can be busier during the day.
Excellent security level. It is one of the safest areas in Madrid, both day and night.

We have compiled a list of places we recommend you to visit and some restaurants where to eat, check it out here (Google Maps).

We recommend you take a free walking tour of the city center (Madrid de los Austrias/Casco Antiguo) usually covering the following places: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Cathedral, Royal Palace and the Theater.

 Tip 1: You can visit the Royal Palace for free if you are a European Union citizen, or resident/holder of a work permit in the EU or if you’re a Latin American citizen (bring proof with an ID!). Visit time: Monday to Thursday from 17:00 to 19:00.

Tip 2: When around Plaza Mayor, try the food at the “Cuevas”. Each Cueva/Restaurant is specialized in a few dishes, we recommend you to try the specialty and move onto the next one. Try as many as you can!

Tip 3: When nearby the Theater (metro station: Opera), you should make sure to stop by “San Ginés” for Churros with Chocolate, a true Spanish experience! 

 Take a stroll through the Retiro Park and rent a rowboat at the pond. This is a iconic activity when visiting Madrid and a great place to take pictures. Reservation is necessary, you can make it through the Madrid Movil App or calling +34 915744024.

The price is 6€ from Monday to Friday and 8€ on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, with a duration of 45 minutes per boat (max. 4 people).

Tip 4: If you are a non-resident traveler visiting the European Union (EU) and plan to shop during your trip, take advantage of the “tax-free” option. When purchasing items at participating stores, bring your passport and request the VAT (Value Added Tax) refund form at the time of purchase. Keep both the forms and the receipts. Before leaving the EU, present them along with the unused products at the customs office in the airport for validation. This will allow you to claim the refund, which is usually processed via bank transfer, credit card, or specialized refund services.

Recommended museums 

Museo del Prado: Free visit during the last two hours before closing, Monday through Saturday from 18:00 to 20:00 and Sundays and holidays from 17:00 to 19:00. In addition, on the first Saturday of each month, the museum opens its doors free of charge from 20:30 to 23:30 under the program “El Prado by night”.

Museo Cerralbo: check here when you can enter for free

Museo Thyssen Bornemisza: check here when you can enter for free

Museo Reina Sofía: free if you visit from Monday to Saturday (except Tuesday, when the museum is closed) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. or Sunday from 12.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.

Other recommendations

If you have already been to Madrid before, we recommend that you do a day trip to Segovia or to Toledo, also other cities such as Barcelona or Sevilla are very conveniently connected to Madrid with the high speed train called AVE (duration between 2-3h).

Segovia is a city steeped in rich history and natural beauty. Renowned for its iconic landmarks, it features the ancient Roman Aqueduct, and the Alcázar of Segovia, a medieval castle that inspired Walt Disney’s fairy-tale castles. The city is also celebrated for its culinary delight, cochinillo asado (must try!), a succulent roast suckling pig. Segovia’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, includes the impressive Segovia Cathedral, showcasing Gothic architecture. You can reach Segovia in ~1h from Madrid by car or by train (travel time between 30 min and 1,5h)

Toledo, is a city often referred to as the “City of Three Cultures” for its unique blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage. Perched on a hilltop and surrounded by the Tagus River, Toledo boasts a breathtaking medieval skyline. Its most famous landmarks include the grand Toledo Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture, and the Alcázar of Toledo, a fortress that now houses a military museum. The city is also known for its traditional craftsmanship, especially in sword-making and damascene metalwork. Its streets and historic center are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located just ~30 minutes from Madrid by high-speed train.

Finally, if you fancy a cultural getaway during your stay, an excellent option is to visit Aranjuez or El Escorial. Both places are less than an hour away by train from Madrid with Cercanías Renfe and offer a unique combination of history, architecture and landscapes. In Aranjuez you can enjoy the majestic gardens and the Royal Palace by the river, while El Escorial impresses with its imposing monastery surrounded by mountains.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!