What to do in Madrid
During Race Week
The Madrid Grand Prix is not only tarmac and speed. It is the perfect excuse to discover one of the liveliest capitals in Europe. Here is your itinerary.
Your 4-day itinerary
Day 1 (Thursday - Arrival)
Today is about landing, checking into the hotel and getting a first taste of old Madrid.
- Afternoon: A walk through the Barrio de los Austrias. See the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and the Palacio Real.
- Dinner: Proper tapas in La Latina, working your way along the bars of Cava Baja.
- Evening: Finish with a cocktail on a rooftop bar with panoramic views, such as the Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes.
Day 2 (Friday - Circuit + culture)
The engines start up. Half adrenaline, half culture.
- Morning: Head to the IFEMA Circuit for free practice. Get your bearings around the Fan Zones and your grandstand.
- Afternoon: Back to the centre for the Paseo del Arte. Pick between the Prado (classical) or the Reina Sofía (contemporary).
- Evening: Dinner and a more alternative crowd in Malasaña.
Day 3 (Saturday - Circuit + city)
The day the grid is decided. Maximum tension on track.
- Morning and afternoon: All the action at the circuit. Enjoy qualifying and feel the pressure build in the stands.
- Late afternoon: A slow walk through the Retiro park followed by some shopping along the Gran Vía.
- Dinner: Grazing your way around the historic Mercado de San Miguel.
Day 4 (Sunday - Race day)
The big one.
- All day: At the circuit. Arrive early for the Drivers' Parade, the support races and finally the Madrid Grand Prix itself.
- After the race: Join the impromptu celebrations in central Madrid. Sol and Callao are usually where the atmosphere ends up.
Recommended tours and experiences
Save time by booking skip-the-line tickets and guided visits in advance. We work with established providers so your days in the city are as good as your days at the track.
*Note: prices and availability are updated in real time by Tiqets.
Getting from the centre to IFEMA
🚇 Madrid Metro
The fastest and the one we recommend. Take Line 8 (pink) to Feria de Madrid station. It drops you at the circuit’s main entrance in barely 15–20 minutes from Nuevos Ministerios.
🚕 Taxis, ride-hailing and VIP
Uber, Cabify and official taxis will have designated drop-off zones near IFEMA. Bear in mind that on qualifying and race day the traffic around Valdebebas will be heavy. If you want comfort straight from the airport, book a premium transfer:
Still no place to stay?
Madrid hotels sell out fast during Race Week. Lock in somewhere near the centre or IFEMA before the prices climb.
See hotels in central Madrid