Guide to Madrid for Business Travellers

As Spain’s vibrant capital, Madrid is a thriving business hub that seamlessly blends rich history with modern commerce. Whether you’re attending a conference, meeting clients, or exploring new opportunities, the city offers a dynamic business environment alongside world-class hospitality. With excellent transport links, top-tier accommodation, and a wealth of cultural experiences, Madrid ensures that business travellers can work efficiently while enjoying everything the city has to offer. This guide will help you navigate Madrid’s business scene, from key transport options to the best places to stay, dine, and unwind after a busy day.

 

Getting around

Being just over two hours from London, Madrid is easy to navigate upon arrival. The Metro offers a fast and reliable way to travel between the airport and the city centre, with line 8 getting travellers to Nuevos Ministerios station in just 20 minutes. From there, numerous other lines can be accessed to help you reach your destination. Additionally, the metro produces five times fewer emissions than taxis, making it an environmentally friendly option. Once in the city, here is how you can get around:

  • Metro – One of Europe’s best metro networks, with 12 lines and over 300 stations, provides fast travel across the city. A single ticket costs around €1.50–€2, and multi-day passes are available for convenience.
  • Buses – Madrid’s EMT bus network covers areas not serviced by the metro, running from early morning until late at night. Airport Express and night buses (Búhos) are available for late arrivals.
  • Taxis & Rideshares – Madrid has a large fleet of official taxis (white with a red stripe) and services like Uber, which are often preferred for business travel.
  • Walking – The city centre is highly walkable, with key business and cultural areas within close proximity
  • Electric Scooters & Bikes – For a flexible and sustainable option, BiciMAD (Madrid’s bike-sharing system) and various e-scooter rental services offer convenient short-distance travel.

Things to do:

When business brings you to Madrid, it’s worth carving out some time to explore the city’s vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, and stunning architecture. Whether you have a free afternoon or just an hour between meetings, here are some of the best things to do in Madrid:

Museo Nacional del Prado

Housed in a grand neoclassical building, the Museo Nacional del Prado is one of the world’s most renowned art galleries. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for a cultural break, this museum offers an impressive collection of European masterpieces. Be sure to check out the rotating exhibitions—there’s always something new to see.

Museo de la Luz

For a more modern take on art, visit Museo de la Luz (The Light Art Museum), where 13 immersive spaces showcase cutting-edge visual art concepts. This sensory experience is a unique way to unwind after a day of business meetings.

Retiro Park
A short walk from Madrid’s business districts, Retiro Park is an oasis of calm in the city. Whether you take a moment to enjoy the tranquil lake, stroll through its tree-lined paths, or simply relax with a book, it’s the perfect way to reset before your next engagement.

Segway Tours
Pressed for time but still want to see the sights? A Segway tour is a fun and efficient way to discover Madrid’s landmarks, including the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, without exhausting yourself before your next business meeting.

IFEMA Madrid
As one of Europe’s leading trade fair institutions, IFEMA Madrid hosts major conferences, exhibitions, and international business events year-round. Conveniently located near the airport and well-connected to the city centre, it’s a key destination for business travellers looking to network, innovate, and stay ahead in their industries.

Mercado de San Miguel
For a quick yet authentic taste of Spain, head to Mercado de San Miguel. This iconic indoor market offers a curated selection of tapas, fresh seafood, and local delicacies. It’s the ideal spot for a bite between meetings or an informal networking opportunity over a glass of Spanish wine.

Rooftop Bars with a View
Madrid’s skyline is best enjoyed from one of its many stylish rooftop bars. Many hotels feature rooftop terraces with breath-taking views, making them perfect for a post-work wind-down or an evening networking session Look out for spots like the RIU Plaza España or Círculo de Bellas Artes for a drink with a view.

Accommodation


Madrid for business travellers offers a fantastic selection of work-friendly hotels that provide comfort, convenience, and seamless access to the city’s corporate hubs. Whether you need a well-equipped meeting space, high-speed Wi-Fi, or simply a quiet retreat after a busy day, our specialist Business Travel Team can help you find the perfect stay. Alternatively, our clients use our online booking tool LOGiC to browse a range of hotels and find one that meets their requirements.