Book a trip from Tokyo to Madrid with Cathay Pacific , fares from JPY111,570

Madrid's Barajas Airport offers several transportation options for travellers. The easiest way to reach the city centre is by taxi, which typically takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the metro, with stations located in Terminal 2 and Terminal 4, where trains depart every few minutes. If you choose the metro, take Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios station, which takes around 15 minutes. From there, you can transfer to the C3 and C4 lines to continue into the city centre.

Start your holiday at The Royal Palace of Madrid, known locally as Palacio Real, which is an architectural gem and a must-see attraction in the city. As the official residence of the Spanish royal family, now primarily used for state ceremonies, the palace welcomes nearly two million visitors annually to explore its opulent interiors and rich history. Visitors can admire over 3,000 rooms, including the stunning Throne Room with red velvet walls and frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tieplo, and the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, reminiscent of Versailles, featuring pink marble and crystal chandeliers. A highlight is the grand Main Staircase, designed by Francesco Sabatini, with its Spanish marble steps and frescoed ceiling by Corrado Giaquinto. The Royal Chapel impresses with religious art and intricate altarpieces, while the Gasparini Room showcases exquisite Rococo decoration.

For art lovers, the Museo del Prado houses masterpieces from renowned artists such as Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, Titian, and Caravaggio. Visitors can explore over 2,000 works spanning the 12th to 19th centuries across three floors, including iconic paintings like Velázquez’s Las Meninas, Goya’s The Third of May 1808, and Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights. Temporary exhibitions enrich the experience, such as the current Rubens’s Workshop and the rare Ecce Homo by Caravaggio, on display until early 2025. The museum also emphasises family-friendly activities with interactive programs that engage children through movement, music, and art. To make the most of your visit, consider booking guided tours or renting an audio guide available in multiple languages, which provides insightful context to the artworks. The Prado offers free entry during specific evening hours and on certain holidays, making it accessible to all.

Stretching over 1.3 kilometres through the city centre, the Gran Vía is famed for its stunning early 20th-century architecture, including the Metropolis Building and Edificio Grassy, showcasing styles from Art Deco to Beaux-Arts. Walking along the Gran Vía, visitors can admire historic theatres like Teatro Lope de Vega and Teatro Coliseum, where popular musicals such as Aladdin are performed. For shopping enthusiasts, Gran Vía offers a mix of international brands like Zara, H&M, and El Corte Inglés, alongside local boutiques and souvenir shops. Food lovers can indulge in traditional Spanish cuisine at nearby taverns or enjoy tapas and cocktails at lively bars and rooftop terraces with panoramic city views. The street’s nightlife is vibrant, with many clubs and live music venues keeping the energy alive until dawn.

Cathay Holidays brings the convenience of finding the perfect hotels for your stay. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, Only YOU Hotel Atocha combines classic architectural charm with a contemporary, eclectic interior design that creates a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Its 204 rooms are arranged around a stunning central courtyard, offering city or garden views and modern amenities like soundproofing, smart TVs, and minibars. The hotel’s prime location puts guests within walking distance of Madrid’s top attractions, including the Prado Museum, Reina Sofía Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and the expansive El Retiro Park. For those wishing to explore further, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor are about 20 minutes away on foot, while Gran Vía’s shopping and entertainment district is a 25-minute walk. On the other hand, if you’re looking for accommodation near the airport, AP Hotel Madrid Airport caters especially well to travellers with early flights or late arrivals, providing a restful base near the airport. Nearby, visitors can explore several interesting attractions. Just a short drive away is Parque del Capricho, a beautifully landscaped 18th-century park with romantic gardens and a charming labyrinth, perfect for a peaceful stroll. For those with more time, central Madrid’s highlights like the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, El Retiro Park, and the bustling Plaza Mayor are accessible within 20-30 minutes by taxi or public transport. The vibrant Gran Vía shopping street and the gourmet Mercado de San Miguel are also nearby for dining and entertainment. Book your stay today and discover a wondrous world of rewards, including special accommodation, room upgrades, and access to lounge facilities. You will also be able to earn miles when you book a holiday package or a hotel.

For food enthusiasts, Madrid is a haven of flavours, boasting a diverse dining scene that harmoniously blends global cuisines into a tapestry of culinary delights. If you’re interested in a leisurely meal outside the city, Montia emphasises seasonal, slow-cooked dishes made with ingredients sourced from local farmers and foragers. The rustic yet contemporary setting, featuring natural wood and an open kitchen, complements the philosophy of working closely with the land. Popular dishes include the Oyster in elderflower escabeche, chantarelles with butter and saffron, and Cream of requesón cheese with wild herbs and smoked trout roe. The menu also features standout items like Pil pil of wild vegetables with sea urchin, Ravioli with sautéed offal and pine oil, and the tender Suckling goat from Fresnedillas. For dessert, try the Russian cake with acorn ice cream or strawberries with aged wine and bitter almond meringue. If you prefer Eastern flavours, Ugo Chan finely blends together Japanese tradition, seasonal creativity, and local influences. Popular dishes to try include the Oyster from Oleron Island with ponzu and chilli oil, delivering a fresh and zesty start. For a luxurious treat, the Lobster in three styles—sake-steamed sashimi, tartar, and Tokyo-Ampurda suquet—is highly recommended (advance order required). Other highlights are the Homage to Robuchon: tuna tartar with smoked eel gelée, cauliflower vichyssoise, and Iranian caviar, and the Madrid-style callos gyozas, a creative nod to local cuisine. Sushi lovers will enjoy varieties like Fatty tuna nigiri, Torched fatty tuna nigiri, and the inventive Fried nigiri with tuna tartar, basil, ginger, and aged Parmesan.

There’s plenty to remember when flying to a new destination. Here is some information that you should know before your flight to Madrid.

• Currency: Euro (€, EUR). Find out the current conversion rate.
• Plug: 230V Types C and F
• Time zone: GMT+1. Daylight saving pushes this forward 1 hour from April to November
• Languages: Spanish and Catalan