The city of Madrid, located in the center of Spain, is known for its many cultural attractions. Explore the city’s museums, tour the Royal Palace and spend an afternoon in one of the many parks.
How to get there?
In order to be able to enjoy your city break in Madrid, you first need to get there. Book a low cost flight in advance in order to get the most competitive price. The city’s Adolfo Suaŕez Barajas airport is connected to the rest of the city by a network of roads, buses, the subway and the train.
Where to stay?
Madrid is a city where there are many apartments, hostels and hotels available for those who want to visit the city. Check out the hostels located in the city center, around the Plaza de España and Huertas districts. Many of the large apartments have been transformed into hostels, and the location is ideal for visitors who want to spend their days exploring the city by foot during the day, shopping during the evenings and partying until dawn.
There is a variety of boutique hotels for those who want to spend a night in one of the city’s famous hotels. Some of the most famous choices, including the Ritz, are located near the Paseo del Prado and the Prado Museum, steps away from the Retiro Park. Mid-range hotels can be found near La Castellana and the Tribunal area, and there are cheaper choices farther away from the city center.
Where to eat?
Madrid is synonymous with food. Check out the variety of tapas, local appetizers, which are served in most of the city’s bars. Some of the most popular tapas bars are located in the La Latina district, south of the city center. Try tortilla de patata potato omelet, pimientos de padrón spicy peppers and patatas bravas potatoes served with spicy sauce. Lavapiés is known for its variety of ethnic food, ranging from Indian to Peruvian.
Where to drink?
In the La Latina district you will find a variety of bars serving local beer and wine. The Cava Baja street is the neighbourhood’s most famous street, lined with traditional bars serving authentic Spanish tapas accompanied by a variety of drinks. In the Huertas district there are plenty of bars, clubs, discos and pubs, ideal for those who want to see what the city’s famed nightlife is about. There are karaoke bars, bars for students and clubs for people who want to dance the night away.
The Malasaña district is ideal for those that prefer chic lounges and hip, hole-in-the-wall bars. The district is located north of the main Gran Vía street, close to the city center. The Corredera Alta de San Pablo street is lined with bars and clubs. The city’s gay neighbourhood is located in the area, and some of Madrid’s most famous bars can be found there.
What to see?
Madrid is a city known for its museums. The three main art museums are the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen Bornemisza. They form the Golden Triange of Musuems, located near the Atocha train station. After exploring the museums, head to the nearby Retiro Park. This park has many gardens and a pond with rowing boats.
The city’s Royal Palace, with more then two thousand rooms, and the nearby Almudena Cathedral, located in the historical city center, are worth a visit. Nearby is the Plaza de España square, where the statue of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza is located. A short walk away from the square is the Templo de Debod, an Ancient Egyptian temple that was brought from the Nubia region. After enjoying the views from the nearby observation deck, take the cable car to the Casa de Campo park.
