Travel & Stay
Travelling to Madrid from the other side of the ocean or from the old continent
Rooms in our hotel block and our recommendations for the best areas to stay in
Make the most of your visit to Madrid, visit landmarks and eat like a true local
Afraid of culture shock? Want to extend your stay in Spain and Europe? Joe has carefully crafted some recommendations!
01 Getting there
Antiguo Convento de Boadilla del Monte
C. las Monjas, s/n, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
Taking the shuttle bus for guests
We will charter at least one shuttle bus for guests. Please let us know when you RSVP whether you intend to take the bus or make it to the venue on your own, so that we can estimate numbers. The following are our estimates of what you can expect, we have not confirmed anything yet:
Outbound:
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6:30 PM: Departs from Plaza de Castilla.
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7:00 PM: Stop at Plaza de España (by the room-block hotel).
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7:30 PM: Arrives at the venue.
Return (two time options):
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2 AM / 5 AM: Departs from the venue.
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2:20 AM / 5:20 AM: Stop at Plaza de España.
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2:40 AM / 5:40 AM: Arrives at Plaza de Castilla.
Please arrive a few minutes early to your stop.
Arriving on your own
We don't recommend that you take public transport: the only station nearby is the Metro Ligero (light railway) stop of Boadilla Centro in the ML3 line, but it doesn't run at night.
Instead, we recommend that you drive. Set your Google Maps to the address above or follow the directions provided by the venue (Spanish only, sorry!). You may also take a taxi or an Uber if you wish to.
02 Travel to Madrid
From the USA
Madrid Barajas-Adolfo Suárez (MAD) airport is conveniently located just 8 miles outside of the city centre of Madrid. There are direct flights from almost every state where our American guests may be coming from:
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North Carolina: Charlotte (CLT)
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New York / New Jersey: Newark (EWR) and JFK
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Florida: Miami (MIA) and Orlando (MCO)
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Washington, D.C.: Dulles (IAD)
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Massachusetts: Boston (BOS)
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Pennsylvania: Philadelphia (PHL)
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California: San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX)
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Illinois: Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
There are direct flights from Atlanta and Dallas too.
You can check the airlines that fly these routes here.
From relevant European destinations
There are tons of options for you guys too with many different cities with direct flights to Madrid from the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, and Austria. Have a look here for the full list.
If we were you, we wouldn't try to take the train in an effort to be eco-friendly. Madrid is quite far from all major European cities, no journey will last less than 10 hours even with high-speed rail.
03 Where to stay
We would highly recommend you book hotels, not short-term home rentals. In Madrid and other touristic destinations across Spain, platforms like Airbnb are squeezing rental market for locals, pushing up rents and displacing neighbours. Plus hotels offer fair jobs and a much better, fully accountable guest experience.
Book in our room block at Catalonia Plaza España Hotel & Spa****
We have secured accommodations for our out-of-town guests at the Catalonia Plaza España Hotel & Spa, a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city. We've reserved a block of rooms for stays of any length between the 19th and 25th August at a rate of €185/€210 per night with breakfast included (single/double occupancy)
Book online using code BODAMARTINSPILLANE before the 21st June 2026 to get one of the blocked rooms.
We highly recommend staying at this hotel if possible. We'll provide shuttle bus service to and from a nearby location on the wedding day. Moreover, the hotel is within walking distance of the bar where we'll be hosting the Welcome Party on Friday 21st August, the day before the wedding.
The hotel boasts an excellent location for sightseeing, positioned on Madrid's famous Gran Vía right beside Plaza de España. Major attractions including the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Callao, and Plaza de Cibeles are all within a 15-minute walk. The hotel features a rooftop bar with spectacular city views, both indoor and outdoor pools, gym, and additional spa facilities. We truly feel this hotel offers exceptional value for money.
Catalonia Plaza España Hotel & Spa****
Gran Vía, 70, 28013, Madrid, Spain
+34 917911555 | plazaespana@cataloniahotels.com
https://www.cataloniahotels.com/en/hotel/catalonia-plaza-espana
Find your own hotel in the city
Feel free to find your own room in a different hotel. Here are the areas we would recommend you to stay in.
Plaza de España (€€€)
The area where our hotel block is located at and where the bus will leave from. Very central, easy metro links, walkable, close to tourist attractions, but not overcrowded. This would be our go-to if we were the guests. Avoid if you want intimate, narrow, old-world streets.
Chamberí (€€)
Chamberí blends typical Madrid architecture, green plazas, and true tapas bars. Very residential and popular among locals, and probably cheaper than the other options. It's approx. a 30-min walk from the city centre, so avoid if you want to be steps from major tourist sights.
Retiro (€€€€)
Retiro centers on Madrid's iconic park, offering serene paths and grand boulevards. It's one of the richest areas of the city, where you will be able to find silence and peace. If you're into art, this is next to the three most important museums: Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofía.
Barrio de las Letras (€€€)
The historic Literary Quarter, a maze of pedestrian lanes full of life. Great restaurants, lively plazas perfect for al fresco dining. Plenty of bars and some clubs if you're into the night life. Avoid it if you're noise sensitive or prefer modern hotels over traditional characterful stays.
04 Explore and dine in Madrid
See more of Madrid
Puerta del Sol
Madrid's heart with the famous clock tower atop the Autonomous Community government building, where locals gather for the New Year's Eve tradition of eating twelve grapes. This square is home to the bear and strawberry tree statue (El oso y el madroño), an iconic symbol of the city of Madrid, as well as the kilometre 0 of Spain where all roads start from. Take a picture with the bear and the km 0 floor plaque, and make sure to grab a napolitana de crema and some violetas (Joe's favourite Spanish candy) from La Mallorquina.
Gran Vía y Callao
Madrid's broadway: a grand avenue of theatres, shops, and stunning early 1900s architecture. Callao square features the iconic Schweppes neon sign. Try to go to the top of the Corte Inglés in Callao to enjoy the view from this picture in real life. If you go in the morning, you can drop by Chocolatería Valor to get some hot chocolate with churros: one of the most local breakfasts of the city. The night experience when the street glows with illuminated signs and bustling nightlife is also highly desirable.
Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel
Plaza Mayor is a majestic 17th-century square enclosed by residential buildings with famous balconies. Once hosted bullfights and coronations, now home to traditional shops and cafés with terraces. Next to it you can find the Mercado de San Miguel, an iron-and-glass gourmet market with plenty of high-end stands, bars, restaurants offering local products, from fresh seafood to fine wines and creative tapas.
Palacio Real de Madrid
Europe's largest royal palace with thousands of rooms and a number of priceless art collections. It's not the current residence of the King and Queen of Spain, which means that it's open for visits from the public!
Catedral de la Almudena
Even when Madrid was the capital of one of the most catholic countries in history, its main cathedral was only completed in 1993. Right next to the Royal Palace, it's a must visit if you're in the area.
Parque del Retiro
Madrid's green lung. It features the Crystal Palace and an artificial lake with rowboats that can be hired from the city government's website for quite a good price! Perfect for picnics, strolls, and going for a run.
Plaza de Cibeles
Madrid's most iconic square, featuring the goddess Cybele fountain where Real Madrid celebrates victories. Surrounded by four architectural jewels, including the stunning Palacio de Cibeles, now the City Hall.
Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
Historic home of Real Madrid football club. If you're into sports, make sure to book a tour to see the club's 15 Champions League trophies, the FIFA Club of the Century award and the rest of its legendary history.
Museo del Prado
Spain's premier art museum and one of the world's finest collections of art (12th-20th century). Houses masterpieces by Velázquez (Las Meninas), Goya (Los fusilamientos del 3 de mayo) or Bosch (El jardín de las delicias), among many others.
Museo Reina Sofía
Modern art museum in a former hospital, home to Picasso's monumental Guernica and works by Dalí and Miró. Focuses on 20th-century Spanish art, with extensive collections of surrealism and abstract art movements.
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
Completing Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, this former private collection bridges gaps between the Prado and Reina Sofía, featuring eight centuries of European painting from medieval to contemporary. Visit only if you have already been to the other two.
Eat in Madrid
Traditional local flavours
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Asador Casa Juan: Joe's favourite restaurant in Madrid. A steakhouse where expert grill masters prepare some of the finest cuts of meat, among many other dishes, offering an authentic Spanish asador experience.
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El Barril de las Letras: Seafood haven located in the charming Literary Quarter serving some of the freshest catches.
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Taberna La Búha: A small tavern beloved for its perfectly executed Spanish potato omelette (tortilla de patata).
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Lhardy: Elegant establishment dating back to 1839, where Madrid's high society has dined for generations. Famous for its classic Madrid stew (cocido madrileño) and sophisticated ambiance.
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La Casa del Abuelo: Fran's grandfather worked here as a young man. A legendary institution since 1906, famous for their garlic shrimp (gambas al ajillo) in a setting that takes you to old Madrid.
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Casa Mingo: A charming Asturian cider house serving Madrid's most famous roast chicken since 1888, offering a rustic experience.
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Chocolatería San Ginés: Landmark serving the city's best churros con chocolate since 1894. Perfect for late-night cravings or a delightful breakfast in a historic setting.
Modern tastes
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Inclán Brutal Bar: A trendy hotspot where creative cocktails meet innovative tapas. Some of the hottest of Madrid's contemporar food scene.
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Saona: A collection of bright, modern restaurants scattered throughout the city offering fresh Mediterranean cuisine in stylish settings. Perfect if you seek lighter bites.
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Rosi la Loca: A vibrant and playful restaurant where creative tapas meet Instagram-worthy décor. Ideal for those seeking a fun moment.
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Sólo de Croquetas: A unique concept restaurant dedicated entirely to Spain's beloved croquetas, offering both innovative flavours and the most traditional recipes.
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Ochenta Grados: A restaurant where traditional flavours meet their signature low-temperature cooking method, serving perfect-to-share tapas and delicious small plates.
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Mercado de San Miguel: A stunning historic market transformed into a gourmet paradise, where you can sample the best of Spanish cuisine under a beautiful glass-and-iron roof.
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New York Burger: A taste of Manhattan in Madrid, serving premium burgers that blend American classics with Spanish quality.
Fine dining
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DiverXO: Madrid's most prestigious restaurant, where three-Michelin-starred chef Dabiz Muñoz creates mind-bending culinary experiences that blend Spanish tradition with global innovation.
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StreetXO: The casual sister restaurant to DiverXO, offering street food-inspired dishes with a haute cuisine twist in an energetic, urban atmosphere.
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Leña Madrid: A sophisticated modern steakhouse where premium cuts meet the ancient art of wood-fire grilling, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Find all Michelin Guide restaurants here.