Apps for visting Madrid

Who wants to lug around a massive map and guide book around the city, or spend ages finding an internet café to find out the bus times, when the info can be accessed from the palm of the hand? We've done some digging around to find some useful apps for visitors to Madrid to make their trip a bit easier. Note that the apps mentioned here are not endorsed by us, nor are we connected with the developers.

Metro Plans. There are a number of free unofficial ones as well as the official Metro de Madrid (Presslite) paid app. We use one called Metro Madrid (PhoneSoftware), which usually works well, although it does have annoying adverts. It's also not hard to figure out how to use even though it's in Spanish. The app allows you to calculate metro journeys, find out opening times and find out where the nearest metro station is. On the other hand, the official app does pretty much the same thing, but comes in several languages and allows you to use it offline. It costs 0.79€ to download.

The EMT Madrid (EMT Madrid) has a similar app which allows you to calculate your bus journey and find the nearest bus stop as well as providing other travel information. The cost is free, but requires a network. In Spanish.

Lonely Planet Madrid City Guide (Lonely Planet). Don't want to lug a heavy guidebook around? This app contains everything you need for a stay in Madrid including, offline maps, recommended places, practical info, city history and guides to the different districts. The app costs 4.99€ and can be used offline.

Navigaia Madrid (Navigaia) is another city guide, which comes in both free and full paying versions. The guide contains points of interest, photos and maps, whist the paying version includes more detailed maps, descriptions, hotels, shopping, restaurants, cafés and bars as well as video. Available in English and French.

Madrid Barajas Airport Stats (Traland.com). Want to check the status of your flight? This app contains realtime information for all flights departing and arriving at Madrid Barajas airport. It costs 1.59€ to download.

 Madrid Offline Street Map (Networking 2.0) No need for a network connection as you find your way around the city or plan your routes. It also contains transport maps and a short travel guide, 3.99€

Prado Museum Audioguide (AMFINOMI). This app allows you to discover the secrets behind fifty of the most famous pieces of art in the Prado Museum in the form of an audioguide. You can also learn more about the artists, see plans of the museum and zoom in on the paintings.  In total there is three hours worth of audio content. It costs 3.99€, although there is a limited light version for free. Works offline.

Wi-Fi Finder (JiWire). Instead of traipsing around Madrid trying to find a wi-fi spot, this app allows you to search for wi-fi and you can download the locations to access offline. If you switch on GPS, it will pinpoint the closest hotspot to you. Both free and paying locations are listed in search results. Free to download.  

Although Madrid is User Friendly does not have an app as yet, remember both our blog and website can be accessed on smartphones and tablets.