There is no doubting Spain is a popular country for holiday makers. The Costa Brava and Costa Del Sol have helped the countries tourist industry boom. However, there is one place which is starting to fight back, and fast! Madrid is the heart of Spain. Based in the centre of the country, the Spanish capital is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Hotels in Madrid are thriving without the tourists suffering from over-priced rooms. You really will not want to go home after a trip to Madrid.
Madrid offers a good climate for most of the year with the winter months sometimes bringing snow. Summer is very warm so, for people looking to avoid the heat, the best time to visit would be spring or autumn.
Public transport is the general way of life and Madrid offers a fantastic metro system which is cheap and very efficient. Buses run all over the city daily and taxi’s can easily be found should you wish.
Madrid is a city which oozes culture. The world famous Museo Del Prado can be found in the Golden Museum Triangle. It is a huge gallery hosting some of the most important works of art in Spanish history. Picasso, Renoir and Van Gogh are all represented in this city which has become a popular choice for art lovers. The Prado often offers free entry after a certain time so be sure to keep an eye out for any offers. Who said sightseeing was expensive?
The symbol of Madrid is a bear climbing up a Madrono tree. This has become the iconic image of the Puerta Del Sol over many years, a square in the centre of the city which attracts hundreds of tourists and locals everyday. In the surrounding streets you can find a number of top shops including Spain’s number one department store, El Cortes Ingles. Just down the road you will find the Palacio Real. The Royal Palace is one of the most famous buildings in the whole city and certainly a spot to get the camera out.
A walk around the city in the evening will show you why Madrid has gained a reputation among fashion fanatics and ravers. If America has Los Angeles then Spain has Madrid. The city attracts top acts from the World of music and the saying ‘dress to impress’ has never been taken so literally. Madrid really does cater for every taste and you can find a bar or club to suit every person. Kapital is a multi-storey club that attracts a huge crowd while Pacha will have you feeling like you are in Ibiza all night long. Both clubs pack out on weekends and public holidays so be sure to get there early to avoid disappointment.
Aside from the pubs and clubs Madrid offers a number of different things to do. The traditionalists can make a track to the Corral de la Moreria, one of the most famous tablaos in the World, where you can enjoy a Spanish meal whilst watching some of the World’s most talented dancers perform Flamenco. The strong stomached can catch a glimpse of Spanish bullfighting in Las Ventas Bullring. Shows run from March until December and tickets, although pricey, are usually available from various shops in the city. Be aware that tickets won’t be as readily available for shows on public holidays as they tend to sell out fairly fast.
Football is a way of life in Spain and no mention of Madrid could be complete without mentioning the World’s most successful team of the last century. Real Madrid, based at the Santiago Bernabaeu are commonly known as the Galacticos for their star studded team. Stadium tours are available every day and match tickets can be found up until the day of the game. The visit of arch-rivals Barcelona will always sell out so don’t be surprised to miss out on that weekend. Madrid does of course have two other teams. Atletico are seen as the team of the people and can generate a fantastic atmosphere at the Vicente Calderon Stadium. The third team are Getafe and, although it may take a bit longer to get to, the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez stadium is still a popular destination among visiting sports fans.
Fine dining is the nature of Madrid. Despite being miles away from any coast line, Madrid offers some of the finest seafood restaurants in the whole country. La Casa del Abuelo is an affordable tapas restaurant which has become a landmark in Madrid after 100 years in operation and attracts a big crowd all year round. The main ingredient is shrimp and you won’t be needing a travel guide to realise you’ve hit a hot spot. The Penthouse is located on the roof of the ME Madrid hotel. It is a terrace-style restaurant serving tapas and traditional cuisine, merging into a bar/club as the night goes on. One taste of their mojitos will have you dancing till you drop!
Madrid’s Safari Park has a huge range of over 500 animals along with the aviary and reptile house to keep the kids interested all day long. Don’t miss out on the lion taming show which takes place on a daily basis and will even have your eyes fixed. The city also boasts a wonderful open-air pool, the Aquasur, with five giant slides and is hugely popular in the summer months. If your visit is during the summer months then be sure to visit the Warner Brothers Movie World. The Disneyland-esque park has five themed parts and is sure to be a winner among the young ones.
Flights to Madrid are frequent from all European countries and a metro shuttle is available to and from the city centre for a price cheaper than the average meal. Combine that with the numerous affordable hotels in Madrid and you have a reasonably priced city break destination, so what are you waiting for?
Just a few days in Madrid will show you why this city is on its way to becoming one of the trendiest, cultural cities in the whole World!
