Art
A haven for art lovers, Madrid possesses many historic and modern art galleries. Its three most famous galleries are collectively known as the “Golden Triangle of Art”.
Madrid is the sophisticated capital city of Spain. Appropriately situated in the middle of the country, it is very much the centre of excitement and activity. Known as an art capital in Europe, Madrid boasts an extensive selection of art galleries. It is also renowned for its beautiful Gothic architecture, some dating back to the early 16th century.
Cheap flights to Madrid are now available for a limited period of time, so prepare to be charmed by this beautiful city! Madrid is home to Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), which is located 25 minutes from Madrid by car. Madrid-Barajas serves a multitude of airlines, including Iberia Airlines, Qatar, Emirates as well as British Airways. Non-stop international flights to Madrid depart from Johannesburg via Iberia Airlines. Direct flights from Johannesburg to Madrid are approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes.
| Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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A haven for art lovers, Madrid possesses many historic and modern art galleries. Its three most famous galleries are collectively known as the “Golden Triangle of Art”.
With one restaurant for every 192 residents, Madrid spoils visitors with an endless selection of traditional cuisine. Indulge in Spanish tapas and sample some of the finest Spanish wine.
Despite being a modern city, Madrid has managed to preserve much of its pre-20th century architecture. Numerous landmarks of the city possess neo-Gothic architecture, some over 500 years old!
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Country | Spain |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro |
| Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 0.07 EUR |
| Language | Spanish |
| Hub Airport | Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) |
| Airline | Iberia Airlines |
| Time Zone | GMT+1 |
| Travel Adaptor | Type F |
Madrid generally has a very dry climate all year round, and is thus a great destination choice any time of the year! Summer time in Madrid falls between June to August. This is peak tourist season, and the city overflows with visitors. Despite this being a popular time to go, the summer heat in Madrid can be unpleasant and rates are at their highest. A more pleasant time to visit would be either spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the city is quieter and lends a more moderate temperature. Winter time (December to February) is when Madrid is at its quietest. Rates are at their lowest, and it is a great opportunity to see the city for less (just be sure to pack warm clothes!)v
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 2°C | 3°C | 5°C | 7°C | 11°C | 16°C | 18°C | 18°C | 15°C | 10°C | 5°C | 3°C |
| High °C | 11°C | 13°C | 17°C | 18°C | 23°C | 29°C | 33°C | 32°C | 27°C | 20°C | 14°C | 11°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 42 | 30 | 45 | 38 | 25 | 10 | 11 | 24 | 37 | 58 | 46 |
With its grand heritage of art, architecture and history, Madrid is a must-see for culture devotees. Its most famous art museum, the Prado Museum, features some of the best collections of European art, ranging from the 12th century to the early 20th century. Visitors wanting to avoid the lines and queues of museums also have plenty to see outside. City landmarks, such as the Royal Palace of Madrid and Plaza Mayor, are compelling motivation to walk the streets and take in the sights. Be sure to take a leisurely stroll in Buen Retiro Park, an expansive public park filled with manicured lawns, stone statues and fountains.
Football fans are in for a treat too. As the home of famous football teams, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, soccer fans can purchase tickets to watch their favourite teams play in their home city.
Compare several airlines, and book your cheap flights to Madrid online at Travelstart.
As Spain is part of the European Union (EU) it falls under Schengen territory as per the Schengen Agreement. Visitors from other Schengen-listed countries do not need a visa to enter Spain or another Schengen-listed country. To visit Madrid you will need to apply for a Tourist Schengen Visa if you are not from a Schengen-listed country.
For your Schengen visa, you will need to apply ahead of time. Passports may not be older than 10 years, must have 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your date of departure from the Schengen state.
Madrid is a relatively safe city with a low crime rate however, due to the ever-increasing influx of tourists, petty crime has increased. Visitors are advised to be vigilant when walking with expensive equipment or accessories, and are encouraged not to leave their possessions unattended in shops and restaurants. While walking the streets during the day is encouraged, visitors are advised not to walk the streets late at night, in order to avoid getting lost or pickpocketed. Do not leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants.
Should you feel lost or unsafe, Spain’s national emergency number is 112. The emergency number for medical services is 061.
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Madrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | R 100.00 | R 100.00 | R 145.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | R 25.00 | R 25.00 | R 44.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | R 22.00 | R 22.00 | R 25.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | R 10.00 | R 10.00 | R 23.00 |
| Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) | R 37.00 | R 37.00 | R 72.00 |
Madrid has accommodation options to suit the tastes and budgets of every kind of visitor. For those wanting to be within walking distance of historical sights and landmarks, Sol and Gran Via are the answer.
Those seeking a more hip, eclectic side of the city should look no further than Malasaña, Madrid’s most lively neighbourhood. Dive bars, coffee shops and artisanal clothing stores line the streets.
La Latina neighbourhood is perfect for visitors seeking “old” Madrid. Visitors staying in this historic neighbourhood can experience life in the heart of the old city.
Madrid’s public transport is excellent and there are a variety of transport options to choose from. The easiest and most expensive options for getting around would be by bus and the Madrid Metro, both of which have routes across the city. Getting around by taxi is another option however, rates are generally higher than that of other transport methods. Car hire is also an option in Madrid should you wish to take a drive at your own pace through the city’s bustling streets!
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