Madrid, a city located in the center of Spain, is known for its cultural landmarks, historical museums and its night-life. There are many places to visit in this city, and on any budget.
Madrid for fans of art and culture
Prado Museum | Photo: tospain.com
There are three world famous art museums in the city: the Prado Musuem, the Reina Sofia Museums and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum. These three museums form the Golden Triangle of Museums, located a short distance away from the Atocha train station and the Retiro Park.
Walk around the city center, known for its ancient churches, pastel-coloured buildings with iron-wrought balconies filled with potted flowers and stone streets. Try to plan and book your trip in advance, and do not miss the Puerta de Sol and Plaza Mayor squares, two popular meeting places. Head towards the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. Take a guided tour around forty of the palace’s more than two thousand rooms, which are filled with art and antiques. After that, take a walk around the Sabatini Gardens, from where you will be able to enjoy views towards the city’s rooftops.
Madrid for foodies
A visit to Madrid is synonymous with a trip around Spain’s gastronomy. Try the traditional tapas appetizers served in most bars. Savour the rice-based paella dish from the eastern city of Valencia, and try the authentic pintxos, appetizers served on a skewer, from the Basque country.
Madrid Tapas | Photo: Visionn Photo
If you want to enjoy a tapas tour, head to the La Latina district and come into any bar filled with locals. Enjoy a drink and a tapa in one bar, head to another one for another drink and another tapa, and then repeat in another bar. Some of the most typical tapas are patatas bravas potatoes, which are usually served with a mayonnaise-based sauce and a spicy, brava sauce. Croquetas croquettes filled with bechamel sauce and ham and the famous tortilla de patata potato omelet are other tapas you should try during your trip to Madrid.
Madrid for those who want to party
After a filling dinner consisting of raciones and tapas, head towards the Huertas, La Latina and Malasaña districts for some party. Most clubs offer a drink for a low fee before midnight. Huertas is filled with karaoke clubs, bars and pubs, and there are many discos ideal for those who want to party until dawn. La Latina is ideal for those who want a couple of cocktails before heading home. Malasaña is filled with hip lounges and trendy discos.
Madrid for those who want to relax
Retiro Park | Photo: Carlos Delgado
Check out one of the city’s many parks. In the famous Retiro park, located close to the city center, you will be able to rent a rowing boat. If rowing around a pond in the sunshine is not up your alley, enjoy a walk around the park, filled with gardens and waterfalls.
West of the city center you will find Casa de Campo, a larger park with a lake, many jogging paths and sports facilities, a theme park with roller coasters and a zoo. This park is connected to the centric Moncloa district by conventional methods of transportation and a cable car. Take the cable car to the park if you want to enjoy views towards the city center and the green park.