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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Temple of Debod Summary
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| Public website: | www.madrid.es |
Spain – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payment is widely accepted in Spain, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations. Credit and debit cards are commonly used, and mobile payment options are available in many establishments.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Spain but appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is customary. Taxi drivers and hotel staff may also be tipped, though it is less common. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is restricted in some regions, particularly in tourist-heavy cities. Local laws may vary. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned indoors in public places but allowed in designated outdoor areas. |
| La Tomatina (August) |
A famous tomato-throwing festival, expect large crowds in Buñol. |
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| Semana Santa (March/April) |
Religious parades and events make this a busy time in major cities. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets and festive celebrations, with tourist areas becoming busier. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Cabify, Bolt, Uber |
| Other: | Spain is known for its diverse culture, stunning architecture, and vibrant festivals. Public transport is reliable and efficient, making it easy to explore. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
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Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Temple of Debod, Spain
Temple interior closed Mondays; grounds and park open daily, entry free
Sunset is the main draw; people gather an hour before, so arrive early
Don't miss
- 🌅 Watch the sunset illuminate the ancient temple walls
- 🏺 Explore the historic chambers adorned with Egyptian reliefs
- 📸 Capture panoramic views of Madrid from the temple grounds
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple dating back to the 2nd century BC, gifted to Spain by Egypt in 1968 as thanks for helping preserve the Abu Simbel temples. It was carefully dismantled and reconstructed in the beautiful Parque del Oeste, where it now stands surrounded by lush gardens and reflecting pools.
Visitors can explore the temple’s interior when open, admiring intricate carvings and hieroglyphics. The temple's location on a hilltop also offers stunning panoramic views of Madrid, especially enchanting at sunset when the temple is beautifully lit and reflected in the water.
The surrounding park is a peaceful urban retreat filled with greenery, rose gardens and walking paths. The area is popular with locals for picnics, yoga and relaxation, giving tourists a chance to experience local life in a tranquil setting.
While the temple itself is small compared to other historic sites, its uniqueness and the harmonious blend of Egyptian architecture in a European city give it a special charm. Visitors should check opening hours for interior access, as it is sometimes limited and be mindful of occasional crowding during peak times.
Knowledge before you go
- Visit at sunset for stunning city views and reflections.
- Book free timed tickets online in advance; only 10 allowed inside at once.
- Limit your visit to 30 minutes max; no groups permitted inside the temple.
- Explore ancient hieroglyphs on walls telling Egyptian myths; Madrid's oldest monument gifted from Egypt.
How to travel to Temple of Debod
Temple of Debod is centrally located in Madrid near Plaza de España. Visitors can easily reach it by metro lines 3, 10 and 6 to Plaza de España station. From Madrid-Barajas Airport, a taxi ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Bus and metro connections from across the city also provide convenient access.
Access summary
- From Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD): Metro/train to Plaza de España, 40–50 min.
- From central Madrid (Sol/Gran Vía): Metro or bus to Plaza de España, 10–20 min.
- From Príncipe Pío station: Short walk or bus up to Parque del Oeste, 10–15 min.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Temple of Debod
Madrid offers a wide range of accommodations near Plaza de España and Parque del Oeste, from luxury hotels to cozy boutique options, providing easy access to the Temple of Debod and other city highlights.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Temple of Debod
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Light jacket
🎒
Small rucksack
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 17% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Madrid’s Temple of Debod is generally safe, with well‑lit pathways and frequent tourist police patrols. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas; keep valuables secure, stay alert near the plaza and follow local advice for a worry‑free visit.
Accessibility
Madrid’s Temple of Debod offers mixed accessibility: wide, paved paths and ramps lead to the site, but stairs dominate the main terrace, limiting wheelchair access. Signage is clear, yet limited audio guides exist; visitors should plan for uneven ground and potential crowding.
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