The capital of Spain, Madrid, is the largest city in the country. It’s known for being one of Europe’s major international business and commerce centres, and is home to the headquarters of the World Tourism Organisation. With its high standard of living, steady GDP and financial importance, Madrid has earned its place as one of Europe’s leading cities along with London, Paris and Amsterdam. If you are planning a business trip or relocating to Madrid browse our range of serviced apartments in Madrid here.
What to see in Madrid?
Madrid is situated in central Spain close to the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. The city is rich in history and culture with impressive architecture and period buildings adorning the streets. It is worth taking some to time to explore the area during your business trip to Madrid. Take in the quaint streets and historic buildings or enjoy delicious fresh tapas from one of the charming family run restaurants. Madrid is also an art capital and home to some of Europe’s best museums and galleries. Head to the Paseo del Prado ‘Golden Triangle’ where you’ll find the acclaimed Museo del Prado, the Museo Thyssen-Borenmisza and Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. Some other key sights not to miss whilst in Madrid are:
- Madrid’s Royal Palace is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Certain areas of the Palace are open to visitors all year round (other than during official ceremonies and receptions) including the Palace Gardens, the China Room and the Throne Room. Entrance to the Palace is free with the Madrid Card.
- La Puerta del Sol is Madrid’s most central square and home to some of the city’s most iconic symbols. These include the clock tower of ‘Real Casa de Correos’, which welcomes the city in to the New Year and the ‘El Oso y El Madroño’ statue, which is the official symbol of the city. Many bars, restaurants and shops can also be found in this famous square.
- Casa de Campo is one of Spain’s largest green spaces. The park is home to many attractions including a large lake for hiring a boat or kayak, the Madrid Arena, an amusement park and an aquarium. There’s also a selection of restaurants located throughout the park.
For more ideas on what to see in Madrid take a look at ‘Business trip to Madrid? 11 things to see and do in the Spanish capital’.
Getting around Madrid
Navigating the city of Madrid is easy with its extensive public transport network. The city’s metro service is the most efficient way to travel through Madrid with services operating from 06:00 right through to 01:30. Tickets range from €1.50 to €3.00, depending on how far across the city you’re travelling.
The city’s buses provide a service to most areas of Madrid and operate between 06:00 and 23:30. A single trip costs just €1.50 whereas a Metrobús ticket, allowing you up to 10 trips, is available for €12.00. A night bus is also provided, which runs between 00:00 and 06:00.
Taxis can be hailed throughout the city providing a door to door service. Taxis in Madrid are white with a diagonal red band on the front door and a green light on the roof lit up when they are available.
Madrid Airport
Adolfo Suárez Madrid - Barajas Airport is the main airport serving the city of Madrid and has an average of 61,000,000 passengers passing through the airport each year. It’s located just 8.1 miles from the city’s main financial district. With nearly 100 airlines, the airport serves domestic locations throughout Spain as well as international destinations including London, New York and Dubai.
Airport lounges
- Amnios (Terminal 4S): Open 24 hours for passengers with business class tickets or club cards. Facilities include catering, computers, wireless Internet, showers and a relaxation area.
- La Revoltosa (Terminal 4): Open to business class ticket or club card holders between 05:00 and 00:00. Facilities include catering, computers, wireless Internet (30 minutes free), showers and a relaxation area.
- Cibeles (Terminal 1): Open 07.00am to 23.00pm to business class ticket and club card holders. Facilities include catering, TVs, Internet access and disabled access.
- Puerta de Alcalá (Terminal 2): Reserved for domestic flights and gives business class ticket/ club card holders access between 05:00 and 00:00. Facilities include catering, TVs, computers, Internet access and disabled access.
- Puerta del Sol (Terminal 3): Access between 05:00 and 00:00 for business class ticket holders and club cards. Facilities include catering, TV’s, internet access, computers and disabled access.
- Premium lounge (Terminal 4): Open between 07:00 and 23:00. Facilities include VIP fast track services such as private security checkpoint and baggage reclaim, catering, meeting rooms, showers, internet access, disabled access and a relaxation lounge. This lounge must be booked in advance
All airport lounges display air traffic information.
Transfer Details
Madrid city centre is only 8 miles from Adolfo Suárez Madrid - Barajas Airport so transport to and from the airport is efficient and cost effective. Business travellers to Madrid can travel to the city centre by a direct Metro service, bus routes, taxi or car hire.
- Metro Line 8 – provides services from all airport terminals to the centre of Madrid. Travel time is roughly 12-15 minutes.
- Buses – several buses provide services to Madrid and other Spanish cities. A ticket to Madrid costs around €5 and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
- Taxis – all terminals are home to a taxi rank in the arrivals area. Prices vary at certain times and it’s important to check the driver starts the taximeter at the beginning of your journey.
- Car hire – in the arrivals area of terminal T4 and T1 there are several car hire companies should you wish to drive during your stay in Madrid.
Taxis are usually readily available in Madrid or alternatively the Metro is an efficient option to travel across the city
Schools in Madrid
If you are considering relocating to Madrid with younger family, you may which to look into education in Spain. Madrid’s educational system is divided into 4 levels: nursery, primary, compulsory secondary and vocational/university education. Madrid is home to four Universities: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Politécnica de Madrid. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid is ranked within the World’s top 200 universities and specialises in educational, social, cultural and economic studies.
Currency
EUR = Euro (€)
Madrid Weather
Madrid has a variable climate with cool winters and hot summers. The city’s summer months are July and August with an average temperature of around 30°C and temperatures have been known to reach up to 40 °C. The coldest months in Madrid are December and January with an average temperature of around 2°C. It’s always a good idea to check the latest weather conditions in the city before you travel, even if the city does see sunshine for an average of more than 320 days of the year.
Apartments in Madrid
Serviced apartments in Madrid are a preferred choice for business travellers, offering more space, flexibility, and privacy for guests. We have a great range of serviced apartments available in Madrid and our friendly advisors can find the ideal solution for you. Contact us here.
Within our portfolio of Madrid serviced apartments, we recommend our Splendom Housing Monde Apartments. These apartments offer one, two and three bedroom options, all featuring a range of facilities including fully equipped kitchens, free wireless Internet, air conditioning and HD flat screen TVs.
Madrid offers a wide range of hot desks and coworking spaces. Some of our favourites can be found here: Where to work in Madrid? The best hot desks and coworking spaces.
