What to bring by month

The essentials

Take comfortable closed shoes: the streets of the centre are cobbled and you walk a lot. To enter churches, plan for covered shoulders and knees. Tap water is safe to drink, so a bottle is enough: see tap water in Madrid. Madrileños dine late and dress simply in the evening. To choose your season, read the best time to visit Madrid.

Plug, papers and connection

Adapter: European type C and F plugs fit. Documents: passport or ID card depending on your nationality; keep a copy. For mobile data without roaming fees, a Spain eSIM installs before you leave: see SIM card and eSIM in Madrid. For payments and cash, see money and tipping in Madrid.