What to do during a connection in Madrid

" Seven hours until my flight to Paris. My layover in Madrid could be really boring ." That will only happen if you want it to . Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, the busiest in Spain, is not just a place to stop over; it offers the opportunity to explore the main tourist attractions of the Spanish capital .

While it is true that this airport, with four terminals and a satellite building, addresses the needs of hundreds of thousands of daily passengers with more than 138,000 m² of commercial areas with diverse leisure, gastronomy, culture and even places of worship options , a short trip to the center of Madrid is good for anyone.

Making a stopover in Madrid can be a smart way to save on intercontinental flights, especially from Latin America . If the layover is a bit longer, it becomes a unique opportunity to explore two destinations for the price of one .

Are you experiencing a flight delay, need time to catch your connecting flight, or have you simply arrived with plenty of time to spare? Don't despair, it's not all about Wi-Fi or taking a nap to stretch your legs. There's plenty to explore during a layover in Madrid .

What to see in Madrid

Choose the train instead of a taxi or bus to get to the center of Madrid. The metro, the train, and the airport express bus will all drop you off in the heart of the city, close to landmarks like Gran Vía and major museums. Stroll along the Paseo del Prado until you reach the majestic Cibeles Fountain , where you can enjoy one of Madrid's most iconic views.

To get to Plaza de España from the airport, take metro line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios station and transfer to line 10 towards Puerta del Sur, getting off at the station that shares the plaza's name. There, you can take a picture next to the statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza , located in front of the iconic Edificio España.

Another must-see is the Royal Palace , the official residence of the King and Queen of Spain. While you might not have enough time to go inside the palace, you can enjoy a stroll through the Sabatini Gardens , located next to it.

Continuing along the same street, you will arrive at the majestic Almudena Cathedral , a masterpiece of neoclassical and neo-Gothic style that is well worth admiring.

Food, art and football

You absolutely must visit Plaza Mayor , Madrid's most iconic square, where you can enjoy a platter of Serrano ham and other sandwiches. And why not, a refreshing tinto de verano (red wine and lemonade)?

After recharging your batteries in Madrid, head to the lively Puerta del Sol , the nerve center of Madrid, where you will find the famous statue of the bear and the strawberry tree, symbol of the city.

For art lovers, a must-see during a layover in Madrid is the Prado Museum , which houses an impressive collection of masterpieces, including Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights, Goya's The Nude Maja, and Velázquez's Las Meninas.

If you're a football fan, take the opportunity to visit the Santiago Bernabéu stadium , which offers guided tours and is easily accessible by public transport from the airport. You can also opt to visit the new Civitas Metropolitano , although the journey is a bit more complicated and requires a few transfers.

Considerations for a connection in Madrid

• It's important to assess your options based on your connection time. If you only have a couple of hours or three before your flight, it's best to stay inside the airport and explore its facilities. If you have four or more hours available, you can visit many places, but not all, so choose your destinations wisely.
• To reach the heart of Madrid from Barajas Airport, the metro offers a fast option, with a journey time of just 20 minutes and affordable fares. Alternatively, the Cercanías commuter rail line C1 connects Terminal 4 of the airport to the city center in the same amount of time, although less frequently, running every 30 minutes.
• Almost certainly, the airline you are traveling with will transfer your luggage from one plane to another if you have a connecting flight.
• If your hand luggage is heavy and you want to explore the city without restrictions, Madrid Airport offers luggage storage facilities. Allow 10 to 20 minutes to drop off and retrieve your belongings.

Exploring Madrid during a layover not only breaks the monotony of waiting at the airport, but also gives you the opportunity to discover the rich culture and beauty of the Spanish capital. Make the most of your time in Madrid, beyond the gates of Barajas Airport!

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