Destination Madrid: An F1 fan’s guide

The Spanish Grand Prix heads back to Madrid, with a new event that promises a stellar race weekend with overtaking opportunities, dramatic banking and elevation changes, and that signature buzz around the capital city.

Beyond the circuit, Madrid delivers in every respect. From royal palaces and world-famous museums to late-night tapas and lively neighbourhoods that barely seem to sleep, the city balances elegance with edge.

Introduction to Madrid

Population: 3.4 million (approx.)

Time Zone: UTC +2

Language: Spanish

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Power socket: Type C and F

Weather: Late summer warmth

In mid-September, the weather in Spain is usually pleasantly warm and sunny. Average daytime highs reach up to 26C and nights cool to a comfortable 15C.

Attractions

Step into Spanish history at the Royal Palace of Madrid

Step into Spain’s regal history at the Royal Palace of Madrid. This grand building boasts 3,418 rooms – so step inside for gilded ceilings and echoing halls, then wander the surrounding Plaza de Oriente and into the tight streets of old Madrid, where balconies lean overhead and cafes sit on every corner of the cobbled squares.

Marvel at masterpieces in the Golden Triangle of Art

Madrid is a dream for any art lovers, as its “Golden Triangle” of museums sits within easy walking distance. The Museo del Prado houses Spanish masters like Velázquez and Goya, while the Reina Sofia Museum is home to Picasso’s powerful Guernica. Add the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and you’ve got centuries of art covered in a single afternoon.

Relax at El Retiro Park

If you’re in need of a breather, head to El Retiro Park. On any given afternoon, you’ll find locals jogging, families rowing across the lake and people relaxing beneath the trees, while the glass Palacio de Cristal adds a touch of architectural drama to the otherwise relaxing haven.

Get a feel for neighbourhood energy

If you want to immerse yourself in the pulse of the city, skip the main avenues and venture into the neighbourhoods. La Latina is lively with packed tapas bars, while Malasana leans into more of an indie vibe with vintage shops, graffiti walls and bars that don’t get busy until late.

Food and drink

Enjoy tapas, the Madrid way

Eating in Madrid is rarely a one-stop affair. Instead, locals tend to drift between traditional tabernas, stopping for jamon, croquetas and patatas bravas. Even if you’re just wanting to order a drink at the bar, something small often follows it. It’s an informal and social way to dine – and ideal for stretching out conversation that you want to just keep going.

Immerse in market culture at Mercado de San Miguel

Just off Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel perfectly captures Madrid’s love of grazing and gathering. Inside, stalls serve everything from oysters and jamon iberico to tortillas, olives and glasses of wine. It’s lively and the kind of place where you can sample a little of everything.

Churros after midnight

Madrid goes to bed late, so of course its kitchens do as well. Just as restaurants close their doors, churrerias are still busy, serving churros with rich hot chocolate for dipping. Whether it’s a post-race day treat or stopping off before heading back to your hotel, it’s a simple and delicious ritual that is easy to get behind.

Vermouth, wine and late nights

Madrid’s social life often starts with vermouth on ice before lunch and often ends on a rooftop terrace long after the sun has set. Spanish wines flow easily, whether it’s Rioja with dinner or cava to toast a good race result. And because this is Madrid, there’s never any rush to call it a night.

Getting around Madrid

Madrid is big, but it doesn’t feel at all overwhelming, as its public transport systems are top-notch. The Metro is fast and well signposted, making it the easiest way to move between neighbourhoods. Once you’re more central, walking is often the best option, as many of the main sights sit within 20 to 30 minutes of each other.

Over Grand Prix weekend, public transport is the way to go, especially with the circuit just a short hop away from its nearest Metro station. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available, but give yourself a little extra time for the journey and you’ll be fine.