|
Madrid is a cosmopolitan place oozing with things to do for visitors who come to the ‘city that never sleeps’. Once a provincial town, it was designated the capital of Spain in 1561 due to its strategic location and is now the economic and political centre of Spain. A fusion of new and old, it is a place of real cultural interest and tourists flock here year round to visit the world famous art galleries and sights.
The majority of Madrid’s attractions are concentrated in a small area, therefore the city can easily be explored by foot, however metro and bus links are good. The Golden Triangle composes of the 3 most well known galleries in Madrid, The Prado, (famous for its collection including works by Goya, El Greco and Velázquez), The Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen. If art isn’t your thing, don’t think that that is all Madrid has to offer.
Stretch out in the peaceful Retiro Park, oddly located in the city centre, or hire out a rowing boat on its lake. Soak up the incredible architecture including the Palacio Real and the Plaza Mayor, or visit the home of Real Madrid, the Bernabéu Stadium. With its reputable buzzing nightlife, it isn’t unlikely to see traffic jams at 4am, as the Madrileños are known for partying.
There are clubs and bars to suit anyone’s taste, spreading out across many areas of the city. Plaza Santa Ana has a vast spread of tapas bars and Chueca is an up and coming area for bars spilling onto the streets, especially during the summer months.
|