Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a cosmopolitan city that combines the most modern infrastructures and the status as an economic, financial, administrative and service centre, with a large cultural and artistic heritage, a legacy of centuries of exciting history. Art and culture are central to Madrid life. The city has 73 museums that cover all fields of human knowledge. Of these, the most important are the Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum with more than 800 paintings, sculptures and tapestries that go from the earliest Dutch masters to the most avant-garde trends, and the Reina Sofía National Art Centre, which is dedicated to Spanish contemporary art, with works by Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí and Juan Gris among others.
If there is one thing, however, that characterizes Madrid, it is the deep, contagious passion for life reflected in its friendly, welcoming people. Madrid boasts concerts, exhibitions, ballets, select theatre productions, and the latest cinematographic releases. You can sample a wide variety of the finest Spanish and international cuisine or be enchanted by its bars and taverns. These are just some of Madrid's leisure alternatives, alongside tempting shopping in the most traditional establishments and world-famous outlets stocking the finest international brands.
Must see in Madrid
 |
PUERTA DEL SOL
It’s more than likely that you'll be staying in the vicinity of Puerta del Sol when you stay in Madrid as it is not only the geographical centre of the capital but also the centre of Spain. Look out for the marker on the pavement in front of the Ayuntamiento (Council) building as all road distances in Spain are measured from this spot (Kilometre Zero).
"Puerta" means gate and it got this name historically because in the 15th century it was the city's main, easternmost gate when under the Habsburg Kings it was surrounded by churches and monasteries. It was rebuilt in its present form in 1854-62. Today it is the hub of the city's transport system and is Madrid’s most popular meeting point.
|
| |
|
 |
PLAZA MAYOR
More impressive on a monumental level is the great Plaza Mayor just a two minute walk from Puerta del Sol. Initially it served as a small market square when it was first built in the 15th century. It was completely rebuilt after Phillip II made Madrid the capital of Spain and became the city's focal point as bullfights, carnivals and all the great festivals and ceremonies of imperial Madrid were held there. Large sections were rebuilt after a fire in 1790.
Today you'll find a selection of pricey bars and restaurants on the outskirts of the square along with novelty shops selling hats and coins. There are artists working outside the tourist office and tourists from all over the globe hanging around this grand plaza.
|
| |
|
 |
ROYAL PALACE (PALACIO REAL)
The Spanish Royal Family don't reside at this 3,000-room palace so apart from on the date of an official state function it is open to visitors. A very interesting private tour of the Royal Palace and Prado Museum is available with licensed English speaking tour guide. Other Madrid city tours which include the Royal Palace are also available. |
| |
|
 |
PARQUE DEL RETIRO
The Retiro park is an important part of the life of the people of Madrid. Lying within walking distance of the main attractions of the city centre it is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. On Sunday mornings in particular you'll see Madrileños enjoying their leisure time with some wandering simply around before their 'aperitivo' (pre-lunchtime drink), others jogging, some reading the paper on benches or in a café and others rowing around the lake in rented boats. |
| |
|
 |
EL TELEFÉRICO DE MADRID
This is a cable car that runs from Rosales in the west of the city to a restaurant in the Casa de Campo park. The 10 minute ride gives great views of Madrid's skyline. |
| |
|
 |
PRADO MUSEUM (MUSEO DEL PRADO)
The Prado is one of the world’s greatest galleries and is Madrid's premier tourist attraction with a higher concentration of masterpieces than any other museum in the world. There are many works by Goya, El Greco and Velázquez, the great Spanish painters as well as celebrated works by Bosch, Botticelli and Rubens amongst others.
Such is the wealth of art here that it is only possible to display about 1,500 works of its 9,000-piece collection at any one time. Highly recommended is the private tour of the Prado Museum and the Royal Palaceaccompanied by a licensed, English speaking tour guide.
|
| |
|
 |
MUSEO THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA
This collection has been installed in chronological order to allow the visitor to take a historical walking tour of European Painting from the 13th Century to modern times.
The most outstanding works are from the Italian and German Renaissance, the 17th Century Dutch School, 19th Century North American Painting, Impressionism, Expressionism and Cubism.
|
| |
|
 |
MUSEO NACIONAL CENTRO DE ARTE REINA SOFÍA
The Reina Sofia acquired Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ in 1992 which is the most visited individual work of art in Madrid and indeed in Spain. The rest of the permanent collection contains works by virtually every noted Spanish artist of this century, together with many others by non-Spanish artists.
|
| |
|
 |
MUSEO SOROLLA
A much lesser known museum but a "must see" for the art enthusiast in Madrid is this elegant former home of the Valencian artist Joaquín Sorolla who lived and worked here. Today the mansion guards the works of Spain’s foremost Impressionist painter. |
| |
|
 |
Museo De América
This is the finest collection of pre-Columbian art and artefacts in Europe. It contains articles that were brought back at the time of the Spanish Conquest as well as others that have been donated by various Latin American countries. Highlights include Inca stone sculptures and funeral offerings from Peru, gold ornaments and finely modelled figurines from Colombia, Aztec masks and a Mayan illustrated manuscript from Mexico telling the story of the arrival of the Spaniards. |
MADRID EXCURSIONS
All excursions listed here are accessable by either public transport or hire car. Of course the latter is still the better option since you'll have full control of your trip. Not only that but car hire services in Madrid are on par with the top companies in the world.
Taking the train allows all the travellers to relax and enjoy the benefits of seeing the beautiful Spanish countryside. It certainly helps to ensure a true break from the big city hustle and bustle!
| |
|
EL ESCORIAL
El Escorial is located to the north of Madrid and this mountain village is home to one of the largest monestaries in Spain.Built from rock hewn out of the surrounding mountainside by monks in the middle ages the monestary is the focal point of the town. In its present form it continues to hold regular services and a number of monks still live there. The surrounding town has been built to the same style giving the whole town a medieval atmosphere.
Entrance fee: Adult 9€, Child 6€ (guided tour), 8€ & 4€ unguided.
|
 |
| |
|
TOLEDO
Spains first capital and today a medieval walled city visited frequently by those who live in Madrid. World famous since roman times for its Swords and from the 18th century onwards for its Toledo Steel it is also home to one of Spains oldest cathedrals which is still in use today! With the fortified city sitting imposingly above the plain Toledo has seen many changes over the years. Today its narrow, winding, cobbled streets and alleys give all the shade you need to walk between attractions. A fufilling full day Madrid excursion some may wish to take a nights accomodation to fully appreciate this city´s charms.
Getting there
Train: From Madrids Atocha station the High speed AVE will take you to Toledo in 30 minutes. Hourly services from 0650 until 2150
Coach: From the Madrid Sur station to Toledo the service is provided by Continental and takes 1hr 25 mins. Departures hourly from 0700-2200. |
 |
| |
|
SEGOVIA
Nesteled at the base of the Guadarrama mountains, Segovia guide explains how to enjoy the beauty of a UNESCO world heritage sitewithout breaking the bank!
A short trip from Madrid will see you transported back in time to a city steeped in medieval history topped by a castle natives say Walt Disney copied. At least in this case there can be no arguments about which came 1st!
Apart from the Roman Aqueduct, Spectacular mountain scenery, Medieval castle and the worlds oldest functioning mint you are assured of some of Spains finest cooking. The traditional roast suckling pig being the city´s speciality!
Train:
From Madrids Atocha , Recoletes, Nuevos Ministerios and Chamartin stations the Cercanias depart for Segovia every two hours at the following minutes: 00, 04, 08 and 15 respectively. The 1st train departs Atocha at 0600 and the last at 2200.
Coach:
Provided by La Sepulvedana and leaving from their own station in the "Paseo de la Florida 11" (Metro Príncipe Pío) they operate a half hourly service during the week and hourly at weekends. The last bus leaves Madrid at 2230 and the 75 minute journey will cost 11€ return.> |
 |
| |
|
CHINCHON
is a unique Spanish village no more than 45 minutes from Madrid in the community of Madrid and easily accesible by both bus and car from the capital.
Retaining traditional village life in Spain is difficult yet Chinchon maintains and even celebrates its unique plaza and dominating church that look like they could have come out of the 18th century. The village in fact can be traced back to neolithictimes!
For visitors the good news is that the village maintains its village pricing and home cooking so allowing an authentic taste of traditional Spanish gastronomy at bargain prices!
Travelling to Chinchon is done by either public bus or hire car from Madrid, there are no train services and the root is quite picturesque. Travelling by bus from Madrid is via the number 337 which departs half hourly from Madrids Conde Casal bus station. On Saturdays and Sundays services are hourly throughout the day.
|
 |
|
