Madrid
“From Madrid to heaven, and in heaven a little window to see it”. Spanish proverb
Madrid was only made the capital of Spain in 1606. The result is a delightful mishmash of a city. Beyond an old town of maze-like streets are grand neoclassical boroughs, and beyond that a sprawling suburbia. At the centre of it all is the Plaza Mayor, a giant, bustling public square.
When Barcelona hosted the Olympics in 1992, it stole Madrid’s place at the front of foreigners’ minds. But this has been a blessing in disguise for the capital. Fewer visitors means that Madrid has kept more of its authenticity.
Now, the home of Los Blancos offers just about everything to the modern visitor. From palaces to museums, cafés to football, fiestas to parks, the city moulds itself to any itinerary. The Plaza Mayor is a must-see in itself, but don’t forget the Royal Palace, residence of the Spanish king. The Buen Retiro Park is giant, boasting fountains and boat trips beneath Spanish sunshine. The Prado Museum has one of the Europe’s finest collections of art. For those in search of “living” culture are the verbenas, public festivals held each quarter in honour of Madrid’s patron saint. But late evening and night are when the city becomes electric, as residents descend on cinemas, theatres, cafés and restaurants. It’s as if Madrid cleanses itself of mass tourism every sunset.
Dodge the bullet of the Costa del Sol, and come here instead.
Top Attractions in Madrid
Top Museums in Madrid
Exhibitions in Madrid
Places to Stay:
Activities
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CaixaForum, Museum, Madrid
One of the most popular art museums in Spain, this converted electricity factory is a melting pot of retrospective and contemporary exhibitions.
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Cerralbo Museum, Madrid
The Cerralbo Museum is located in what was once the mansion of the 17th Marquis of Cerralbo, near the Plaza de España.
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La Gran Vía, Madrid
The Gran Vía, together with the Paseo de la Castellana, is Madrid's most famous street.
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Lázaro Galdiano Museum, Madrid
The Lázaro Galdiano Museum is located on the famous Serrano Street, in the building formerly called the Palacio de Parque Florido, which was built under the supervision of José Lázaro Galdiano, art collector, bibliophile, and editor.
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Matadero, Contemporary Arts Centre, Madrid: All Year
Visit a wide range of cultural events, including everything from modern art exhibitions to cooking classes, at the hub of arts and culture in Madrid, the Matadero.
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Plaza Mayor, Square, Madrid
The Plaza Mayor is Madrid's main square, located right in the centre of the City, a few minutes walk from the other notorious square, Puerta del Sol.
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Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid
One of Madrid's foremost monuments, the Puerta de Alcalá is a must for any trip to the city!
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Puerta del Sol, Madrid
The Puerta del Sol is Madrid's most famous and central square, located just a short walk from the Plaza Mayor.
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Reina Sofía Museum, Madrid
The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reino Sofía, or the Sofía for short, is Spain's national gallery for twentieth-century art.
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Royal Palace, Madrid: All year
The Royal Palace is Madrid's largest building and one of the most beautiful, located next to Plaza de Oriente
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Sorolla Museum, Madrid
Opened in 1932, this museum was created at the urging Joaquín Sorolla's widow, and it occupies the former residence of the painter and his family.
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Teatro Real, Madrid
The imposing Teatro Real in Madrid celebrates a firm status as one of the world's most famous opera houses.
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The Debod Temple, Madrid
Many people are surprised to find an authentic Egyptian temple in the middle of Madrid.
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The Prado Museum, Madrid
The Prado Museum is Madrid's top cultural sight and one of the world's greatest art galleries.
