Your guide to the best places to stay in Madrid for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring (IFEMA Convention Center) on September 11-13
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The 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid is scheduled from September 11-13
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Where you decide to stay for the inaugural race in Madrid next year depends on what you want to get out of your Formula 1 weekend in Spain. If your main focus is on the racing, then it makes sense to stay close to the Madring circuit (IFEMA convention center) in northeast Madrid or at the nearby Madrid Airport. This will keep travel times down and allow you to get the most out of your experience at the new Madring circuit. If you are also interested in enjoying the best of the Spanish capital’s dining, nightlife and touristic sights, it’s better to stay in one of Madrid’s downtown areas. Either way, Madrid has a very well developed transport network, so you will never be too far from the Madring Circuit. Keep reading to learn more about the best parts of Madrid to stay for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix.
Stay in Northeast Madrid
The new Madring circuit is located in and around the IFEMA convention center in northeast Madrid, which is also very close to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. Most hotels listed below are less than 10 minutes’ drive from the new Madring circuit at IFEMA. Public transport options are also available. In addition to the hotels listed below, the well-rated Camping Osuna is only 20 minutes’ walk from IFEM. The downside of staying close to the circuit is that hotel prices are likely to be very high. If you want more affordable accommodation, we suggest staying further from the circuit in central areas of the city.
Recommended hotels close to the airport and IFEMA: Pullman Madrid Airport & Feria, Meliá Barajas, Elba Madrid Alcalá, AC Hotel Madrid Feria by Marriott, ibis Styles Madrid Airport Valdebebas, NH Barajas Airport, Hilton Madrid Airport and Crowne Plaza Madrid Airport.
Stay in Centro (Sol, La Latina, Barrio de las Letras)
The historic centre of Madrid is packed with iconic landmarks, bustling plazas, world-class museums, and an endless choice of tapas bars, cafés, and rooftop terraces—perfect for soaking up Madrid’s vibrant atmosphere before and after the action at the track. Centro is the place to stay if you want to soak up the best of Madrid after dark, as well as during downtime before or after race weekend. Beware though, central areas can be overcrowded and loud. Check hotel reviews carefully if a quiet night’s sleep is important to you.
Central areas of Madrid are well connected to IFEMA via metro, with travel times of around 45 minutes (with one change) from downtown stations such as Sol, Gran Vía and Ópera. Taxis and ride share can be faster, though traffic congestion will be an issue at peak times. View all hotels in downtown Madrid.
As well as being the beating heart of the city, downtown Madrid offers accommodation to suit every F1 fan’s budget. For luxury, hotels around Gran Vía and Plaza Mayor provide stylish rooms, rooftop terraces, and easy access to the city’s best restaurants and bars.
Recommended luxury hotels in central Madrid include JW Marriott Hotel Madrid, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid, Hotel Montera Madrid and Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá. Mid-range options in neighborhoods like Barrio de las Letras (the literary quarter) combine boutique charm with vibrant nightlife, such as Rox Madrid, B&B HOTEL Madrid Centro Puerta del Sol, Artistic B&B and JC Rooms Santa Ana. Budget travelers can find hostels and small guesthouses just a short walk from the main attractions in areas such as Sol and La Latina. Well-rated hostels and guesthouses in Centro include Onefam Sungate Hostal Madrid, Casa du Soleil Hostal Boutique and Generator Madrid.
Staying on Line 8 of the Madrid Metro
Line 8 of the Madrid Metro (which is denoted by the color pink on metro maps) connects inner northern districts of the city with both IFEMA (via the Feria de Madrid station) and the airport. For easy access to the circuit without changing trains, it’s worth considering staying near one of the stations on this metro line, such as Nuevos Ministerios or Colombia. (Download the Madrid Metro map here.) Recommended hotels within walking distance of Nuevos Ministerios metro station include NYX Madrid, Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana and Espahotel Plaza Basílica. The immediate area is also home to several well-rated hostels, including Hostal Siesta & Go. Hotels worth considering near the Colombia metro station in the city’s financial district include NH Paseo de La Habana, NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding and Roisa Hostal Boutique.
Stay in Salamanca
If you’re seeking an upscale and convenient base for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, the Salamanca district of Madrid is hard to beat. Known for its elegant boulevards, designer boutiques, refined dining scene and high-end accommodation, Salamanca offers a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere away from the city’s more tourist-heavy areas. After a day at the track, unwind at one of the area’s stylish rooftop bars, explore the art galleries and museums nearby, or simply stroll through the picturesque streets lined with 19th-century architecture.
Recommended luxury hotels to stay in Salamanca include Rosewood Villa Magna, Relais & Châteaux Heritage Madrid Hotel, BLESS Hotel Madrid, Hotel Único Madrid and Hospes Puerta de Alcalá. Several metro stations in the Salamanca district offer indirect access to the Madring Circuit at IFEMA, including Manuel Becerra, Diego de León, Velázquez, Serrano and Goya. Travel time should be under 40 minutes. Alternatively, a rideshare should take the same amount of time or less, depending on traffic. View all accommodation in Barrio de Salamanca.
Stay in Atocha or Retiro
The Atocha and Retiro districts, quieter and less crowded than downtown Madrid, are recommended for families. As well as being within walking distance of Madrid’s most beautiful green space, El Retiro Park, both districts are well-connected to public transport, notably Madrid’s main train station, Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes. Metro and commuter (cercanías) train services are available from Achota station to the Madring circuit, with travel times of around 40-50 minutes. You can also travel to IFEMA from other metro stations in the area, including Pacifico, Conde de Casal, Estrella and Méndez Álvaro. View all accommodation in Retiro.
The districts of Atocha and Retiro are dotted with quality hotels, cafés and tapas bars, while world-class museums like the Prado and Reina Sofía are also nearby. Recommended places to stay include the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza, Hotel Palacio del Retiro, Far Home Atocha and Only YOU Hotel Atocha.
Stay in Malasaña
If you’re looking for a vibrant and authentically local base for race weekend, Malasaña is one of Madrid’s most exciting neighborhoods. It also has a better supply of more budget friendly accommodation than other central areas of the city. Known for its bohemian spirit, buzzing nightlife and eclectic mix of independent cafés, tapas bars and vintage shops, Malasaña is perfect for fans who want to soak up the city’s creative energy after a day at the track. You’ll be within easy walking distance of the city’s central attractions and well-connected to transport links for getting to the Madring circuit. On the downside, some areas of Malasaña can be loud at night. Be sure to check accommodation reviews carefully if you value a quiet night’s sleep.
The Malasaña district is within walking distance of several metro stations (Plaza d’Espana, Noviciado, Tribunal, San Bernardo, Bilbao) with indirect access to IFEMA involving at least one change. Travel time should be around 40 minutes. Recommended places to stay in Malasaña include 7 Islas Hotel for design lovers and Only YOU Boutique Hotel for something more upscale with a creative twist. View all places to stay in Malasaña.
