Fundación Destino Madrid

.::: General Information

Madrid is the European capital that brings together tradition and modernity. With a privileged geographic position, it is the bridge that unites America, Europe and Africa.

Madrid has also an intensive night life with plenty of activities and excitement on the streets all night long. That is why Madrid is considered the European city of the night.

Situated in the centre of Spain (40º,24´,30´´ longitude West) with 2824 hours of sun the whole year, a Mediterranean climate, 5º average temperature during the month of January and 24º during August.

.::: Average Temperature per month
From December to February:	2-11º C ( 36-52 F)
From March to April:	5-18 C ( 41-64 F)
May:	10 - 21 C ( 50-70 F)
From June to September:	14-27 C ( 57-81 F)
July to August:	17-31 C ( 63-88 F)
October to November:	5-19 C ( 41-66 F)

The official language is Spanish but you will soon find out that half of the people you will address will be able to speak English. Nevertheless, all your attempts to speak Spanish will be highly appreciated.

.::: CURRENCY

The official currency is the Euro (as in other EU countries).

Banknotes – Click for more details
front	front	front	front	front	front	front
reverse	reverse	reverse	reverse	reverse	reverse	reverse
It is possible to see the front and reverse of each banknote
Banknotes are crossed with the word “Specimen” according to the rules established by the EU for the reproduction of images.

Coins
EUR 2	EUR 1	50 cent	20 cent
10 cent	5 cent	2 cent	1 cent

.::: OPENING HOURS

Banks are open from 8:30AM to 2:00PM, from Monday to Saturday. The Exchange Offices at the airport, train and bus stations, etc. remain open 24 hours a day.

You can have your meals at any time of the day. You will find restaurants and snack bars open at any time, though the traditional opening hours for lunch are from noon till 4:00PM and dinner from 8:00PM until dawn.

Most museums are open from 9:00AM till 7:00PM and they are normally closed on Mondays.

Travel checks can be exchanged at hotels or exchange offices. Credit cards are accepted in every business house.

Almost every shop closes at noon or at least three hours, the opening hours are from 10:00AM till 1:30PM and from 5:00PM till 8:00PM. They close on Sundays, with the exception of the shopping centres which are open everyday from 10:00AM till 9:00PM. They sometimes close on a day off or a Sunday every year.

.::: MADRID OPEN CITY

Madrid is an open and multicultural city that welcomes every type of visitor. A melting pot of tradition and culture where you will not feel a stranger.

.::: HEALTH

If during your stay in Madrid you become ill, several health centres are at your disposal (normally one per district). In case of a serious health problem you have several prestigious hospitals where you will get the right attention.

Important information:

EMERGENCIES NUMBER MADRID: 112

POLICE: 091

LOST AND FOUND: 91 588 4346

TOURIST INFORMATION: 902 100 007

PASSEPORTS AND VISAS: 900 150 000

.::: HOW TO GET THERE

Madrid is the communication centre of Spain. From the capital you have the main lines of communication with the rest of the country, with Europe and the rest of the world.

The region has a modern plain, train and road transport infrastructure network being continually renovated and enlarged.

The airport is connected to the metro network which allows you to do the check-in downtown. Madrid is the only European city that together with Hong Kong offers this service and makes it possible to get to the airport in new well equipped metro carriages in 12 min.

Madrid is proud of having one of the biggest and most modern metro networks in the world. It is the quickest and safest way of getting round the city. It works form 6:00AM till 1:30AM.

Madrid has an excellent road network which allows a fast and free communication with the rest of the Spanish cities.

An extensive and modern suburban railway network unites, with a high frequency, the capital with the populations of its metropolitan area and with the main cities of this region.

Madrid is also the centre of the Spanish railway network, connected to important large distance and high speed international lines.

A modern bus network allows the connection with all the Spanish cities and with the main cities in Europe.