Forget Paris, forget Rome, even forget London. If there is a must see capital city in Europe then it is Madrid. A combination of culture, class and beaming sunshine has made this Spanish city a must-visit for travellers of all ages. Whether you want to marvel at art, relax in the sun, party the night away or sample top cuisine, this is the place. Hotels in Madrid are affordable, flights are easy to come by so the only question I hear you asking is, how can I find out more? Check out great deals at Venere.com.
The Abba Atocha Hotel is ideally located in the centre of Madrid and offers nice bedrooms with a perfect location. For free spirited travellers the Hostal Mairu is the place if you are looking for budget accommodation in Madrid that is simple, clean and central. Everything a traveller could ask for!
The weather in Madrid is generally very good. The winter months are renowned to be cold and wet with a strong possibility of snow; however the summer is very warm so visitors tend to prefer the spring and autumn months.
Culture is the heartbeat of Madrid which, despite moving with the times, is a city which has seemingly never forgotten its roots. The Golden Museum Triangle is a hot spot for art lovers with the world famous Museo Del Prado attracting thousands of visitors each week. Arguably Spain’s most popular art gallery, it houses some of the most important works of art in Spanish history. The work of Picasso, Renoir and Van Gogh can all be found in here and the museum often offers free entry after a certain time so be sure to keep an eye out for any deals. This is sightseeing, the Spanish way!
The Puerta Del Sol has attracted tourists for decades; this square in the centre of the city is best known for its statue of a bear climbing a Madrono tree. An iconic symbol of Madrid, a trip would not be complete without a photo beside it. The streets beside the square will lead you to a number of high street shops including Spain’s number one department store, El Cortes Ingles where you can find anything from stationary to clothes. A 10 minute walk will set you in front of the most iconic building in Madrid. The Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, is one of the most famous buildings in Spain and has become a landmark for Spanish civilisation.
The people of Madrid are commonly known as ‘Gatos’ which literally translates as Cats. It is easy to see why as the sun sets and the city begins to wake up, Madrid transforms into a fashionistas dream. There is an abundance of entertainment on offer for those wishing to dance the night way. Kapital is a multi-storey club that attracts a huge crowd while Pacha will have you feeling like you are in Ibiza until the sun comes up. Joy Eslava, set in a 19th Century theatre is an experience in itself and you may even catch a glimpse of the odd celebrity. Make sure you dress to impress and don’t be put off by the wait to get in, remember, it will make for a better atmosphere inside!
Those wishing to avoid the club scene can find themselves in 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 most talented Flamenco dancers on offer. Those looking for an adrenaline rush 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.
If there is one thing Madrid does not lack it is good restaurants. The city has some of the finest seafood around despite being located miles from any coast line. La Trainera has been serving top seafood for decades and, despite being somewhat pricey, is well worth the experience. For something a little bit different you can visit Al Jaima. This dark, cave-like Moroccan restaurant with Moroccan-style tables offers a calm, mellow atmosphere with affordable prices and has some of the best North African food in the city.
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. Real are not the only team in Madrid. City rivals Atletico claim to be the team of the people and the Vicente Calderon Stadium arguably has the best atmosphere in town. The third team are Getafe and, although a little bit outside the centre, the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez stadium is still a popular destination among visiting sports fans.
Like I said, there is something for everyone in Madrid. Adults and children can spend the day at Madrid's Safari Park which offers a huge range of over 500 animals 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 you on the edge of your seat. In the summer months there is only one place to be. The Aquasur, an open-air swimming pool with five giant slides and is hugely popular and very affordable.
Madrid offers a fantastic public transport system making it very easy, and affordable, to get around. The metro system is one of the largest in Europe and can get you to the city centre within minutes. Taxis are readily available and buses run on all days apart from some public holidays.
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. With a variety of affordable hotels in Madrid you really are spoilt for choice.
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!
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