Madrid
Overview
Madrid is a confident cosmopolitan metropolis and a city that knows as well as anywhere how to have fun. Spain’s royal capital is also a fine contrast of a rich history blending with a forward-thinking outlook where the labyrinth of medieval lanes merge effortlessly with grand leafy avenues and 17thC churches rub shoulders with sparkling shopping centres. Madrid’s appeal is obvious, boasting fine museums, grand historical plazas, a wealth of exceptional tapas bars, a live music scene to rival that of Barcelona and nightlife that, no matter how hard you try, is simple inescapable.
Many visitors find their feet in the streets snuggled between Parque del Retiro and Palacio Real, home to the largest concentration of tourist attractions. Yet, it is the changing faces of Madrid’s many districts that tend to captivate the most. From the old, picturesque neighbourhoods of La Latina and Lavapies to the tourist haven of Plaza de Santa Ana to chic Malasana and gay-friendly Chueca, north of Gran Via, to the flamenco bars of Huertas, there is something new to discover at the turn of every corner. This is a city to enjoy walking but when the searing summer heat takes its toll do as Madrilenos do and head to the parks of Parque del Retiro and Parque del Oeste for some relaxation or a little further for some fun an frolics at Casa do Campo.
Forever in fierce competition with Barcelona, the one thing that Madrid may lack, owing to its inland setting, is the beach. Nevertheless, only a little over 3-hours from Valencia and slightly further to Alicante on the Costa del Sol the inviting waters of the Mediterranean are within reaching distance when the time comes to escape the heat.
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Madrid
Destination Reviews
Things to do in
Madrid
Madrid Museums & Galleries
Museo de Ferrocarril - A must for train spotters, this museum showcases carriages and wagons that once trundled around the city.
Museo del Prado - If you visit only one museum make it this one, home to the finest collection of Bosch, Goya and Velazquez.
Museu Sorolla - Former house and studio of Joaquin Sorolla housing some of his best works.
Museo Taurino - Interesting insight into the history and traditions of bullfighting in Madrid.
Madrid Historical Sights
Plaza Mayor - The icon of Madrid is grand square encompassed by arcaded structures blessed with elegant balconies. Once the setting for theatre performances and festivals and playing and important role in the Inquisition, today the plaza is a tourist hub awash with café, restaurants and street performers.
Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales - Take a tour of this fascinating convent and its cloisters, founded in 1557 by Juana de Austria and once home to the famous Barefoot Royals.
Nuestra Senora de la Almudena - Madrid’s impressive cathedral dominates Plaza de la Armeria with its colossal Neoclassical façade complimenting by an eerie Gothic interior.
Palacio Real - The centre piece of the grand Plaza de Oriente is Madrid’s RoyalPalace, an architectural masterpiece and goldmine of artwork and artefacts to rival any European palace. Check out the changing of the guard ceremony held on the first Wednesday of every month.
Templo de Debod - This Egyptian temple dating back to 4BC was gifted to Madrid in recognition of work carried out by the Spanish at Aswan Dam. Standing proud in Parque de la Montana is houses an entertaining multimedia exhibition on Egyptian history.
Madrid Markets
El Rastro - Taking place every Sunday is Madrid’s iconic, vibrant and sprawling flea market where local vendors come on their hoards to sell everything one could imagine from broken household appliances to fake designer gear. This is a great place for bargain hunting or to simply soak up the effervescent atmosphere.
Madrid Parks
Jardin Botanico - Next to Museo del Prado is Madrid’s pleasant botanical gardens, dating back over 250-years and home to 30,000 types of plant.
Parque de Atracciones - Popular amusement park at the out of town park Casa do Campo jam packed with rollercoasters for all ages, river rapids and haunted house etc.
Parque del Oeste - Beautiful landscapes urban park running parallel to the river from Plaza de Espana to Av. De Seneca. Take a stroll around the nature trail or ride the teleferico high across the river to Casa do Campo.
Parque del Retiro - Formerly a royal retreat this delightful city centre park boasts pristine lawns, picturesque fountains and a boating lake. Being the host of concerts, fairs and theatre shows there is rarely a dull moment.
Madrid Sports
Real Madrid - Fiercely competing with FC Barcelona for the crown of Spain’s number one football club, Real Madrid are widely regarded as the world’s richest football club and ply their trade at the majestic Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Come match day all the talk is about football as fans make their way to the 80,000 capacity arena. Outside of match days, tours are available of the stadium dressing rooms and trophy cabinets.
Bullfights - The Plaza de Toros Monumental de las Ventas is the venue that all Spanish matadors want ti gain entry to in order to classed amongst the country’s top bullfighters. Following the Fiestas de San Isidro fights take place every Sunday and public holiday until October.
Madrid Festivals
Festival Flamenco - Flamenco shows and competitions attracting competitors from across the world. Events are held throughout May at Teatro Albeniz and accompanied by classical guitar performances.
Fiesta del 2 de Mayo - Music and arts performances held in celebration of Madrid’s uprising against the French.
Madrid Nightlife
Regardless of what day of the week it is or work commitments every night is a party night in Madrid with locals, foreign students and tourists filling up the bars of Chueca, Calle Huertas and Malasana and the nightclubs along Calle Arenal.
Madrid Bars
Museo Chicote - Madrid’s finest cocktail bar in an atmospheric spot frequented by a sophisticated crowd.
Viva Madrid - Forever busy bar popular with tourist for its story telling interior décor and free flowing wines and sherry.
Madrid Clubs
Marmara - An icon amongst Madrid’s clubs hosting popular 80s and 90s theme nights.
Pacha Madrid - Legendary temple to dance where the international DJs spin the latest in house and electro and the dance floor is filled with beautiful Madrilenos.
Sala Heineken - Friendly 2-storey club blending dance floor action with live concerts.
Space of Sound - With any energy left head to the Space of Sound kicks off at 9am on Sunday and runs until late afternoon.
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Madrid
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Madrid
Budget Hotels Madrid
Cat’s Hostel - Lively hostel and bar a short walk from the Huertas district. Tel (34) 913 692 807.
La Posada de Huertas - Modern hostel 5-minutes from Puerta del Sol and the metro. Tel (34) 914 295 526.
Way Hostel - Extremely friendly hostel a short walk from the famous El Rastro market. Tel (34) 914 200 583.
Midrange Hotels Madrid
Hostal Alaska - Well located personal guesthouse offering 7 bright and breezy rooms. Tel (34) 915 211 845.
Hostal Tijcal - Pleasant ensuite rooms, some with balcony, just off Plaza Mayor. Tel (34) 913 655 910.
Petit Palace Arenal - Well-priced boutique hotel close to Palacio Real and Plaza Mayor. Tel (34) 915 644 355.
Luxury Hotels Madrid
Hotel Palacio de San Martin - Large luxury rooms in the old US Embassy building and wonderful rooftop restaurant. Tel (34) 917 015 000.
Hotel Urban - Swanky 5-star hotel complete with rooftop pool and cocktail bar. Tel (34) 917 877 770.
ME Madrid - Stylish rooms full of flash contemporary décor at the heart of Plaza de Santa Ana. Tel (34) 917 016 000.
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Madrid
Hotel Reviews
Madrid
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Madrid
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