- Home
-
Guide
Madrid, Spain πͺπΈ
#403
,
Nomad Score:
74%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 6.7 million in the metropolitan area. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 1.07 USD; Accepts various international credit cards. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/F sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange with prepaid options available. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Banks such as BBVA, Santander, and online options like Revolut are widely accepted. |
π Accommodation | Platforms like Airbnb, Spotahome, and local agencies offer various housing options. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, with contactless payments popular. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Spotahome are highly recommended for short-term stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Ok Hostels and The Hat offer affordable options. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Areas like Sol, MalasaΓ±a, and Gran VΓa are popular among tourists. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Chueca, MalasaΓ±a, and ChamberΓ are ideal neighborhoods fostering a digital nomad community. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Spaces like Impact Hub, WeWork, and La Maquinista are great for remote work. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© de Oriente and Toma CafΓ© are known for their work-friendly spaces. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetups and networking events regularly occur via platforms like Meetup.com. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | International groups on Facebook like 'Expats in Madrid' offer social gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Cabify are popular and reliable ride-hailing options. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental services like BiciMAD for bikes and Lime for scooters are available. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | La Playa de Valencia is approximately 3 hours away by train. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Iberia is the main regional carrier operating domestic flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Iberia and Air Europa serve numerous international destinations. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access to major highways like A-1 and A-3 connecting to other regions. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Madrid Atocha is the main railway station connecting to local and international routes. |
π Public Transport Passes | 10-trip metro/bus pass costs around β¬12.20, monthly pass about β¬54.60. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains (Renfe) connect well to nearby cities like Toledo and Segovia. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital Universitario La Paz is one of the top healthcare facilities. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centers like Yoga & Co and The Yoga Studio are popular among residents. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and Virgin Active offer comprehensive fitness options. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundromats like LavanderΓa 24 horas are convenient for quick services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Just Eat are the most popular food delivery services. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Cocido MadrileΓ±o,' a traditional Madrid stew. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like B13 and La Huerta de Al lado offer great plant-based options. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | ChocolaterΓa San GinΓ©s is famous for churros and chocolate. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Mercado de San Miguel and El Rastro flea market offer budget-friendly selections. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Platforms like Amazon and El Corte InglΓ©s provide extensive online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Services like Carrefour and Mercadona offer grocery delivery options. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | MalasaΓ±a and La Latina are vibrant nightlife districts. |
π» Local Brewery | Cerveza La Virgen is a popular local brewery with a great atmosphere. |
π· Wine Bars | Vinotecas like Lavinia and La Tercera offer extensive wine selections. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street food can be found at Mercado de San AntΓ³n and various food trucks. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like StreetXO and EAT are known for international flavors. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Must-visit spots include the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and Retiro Park. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Prado Museum and Reina SofΓa Museum are top cultural attractions. |
π° Historical Sites | Sites like the Puerta del Sol and Almudena Cathedral are rich in history. |
π Religious Sites | Templo de Debod and the Basilica of San Francisco are notable churches. |
π Annual Events | Events like San Isidro Festival celebrate local culture in May. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | MalasaΓ±a and La Latina are known for their cultural vibrancy. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro EspaΓ±ol and Teatro de la AbadΓa host regular performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de Anton Martin are lively markets. |
πΌ Music Scene | Venues like CafΓ© Berlin and La Sala are great for live music. |
π¨ Street Art | MalasaΓ±a is famous for its vibrant street art and murals. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at Taller de Cocina promote Spanish culinary skills. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Galleries such as Espacio MΓnimo and Juana de Arco showcase local art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor are stunning architectural landmarks. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Madrid's local heritage is reflected in its historic neighborhoods and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Sierra de Guadarrama National Park offers beautiful hiking opportunities. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | The closest national park is a short drive to the northwest (Sierra de Guadarrama). |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Madrid RΓo park features paths for walking and cycling along the river. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The rooftop bars such as Circulo de Bellas Artes offer stunning city views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Madrid RΓo and Parque de El Retiro are great spots for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks, like Casa de Campo, allow designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Correos are reliable options for parcel delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Repara tu MΓ³vil provide quality tech repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Parks such as Parque de la CuΓ±a Verde have free ping-pong tables. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Instituto Cervantes offers Spanish language courses for all levels. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Spain is a quiet spot for reading and studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centro cultural La Tabacalera hosts community events and workshops. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Too Many Games offers gaming and social gathering experiences. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Gran Madrid offers various gaming experiences. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬144,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬112,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬204,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬162,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬256,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬200,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 19% effective tax rate on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 47% maximum personal income tax rate. |
π§Ύ VAT | 21% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Spain has strict CFC rules for the taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on cadastral value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 7% on property purchases. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Spain offers non-resident status with 24% flat income tax for foreign income. |