Madrid, the Spanish capital city. Big on nightlife, varied on art galleries and museums, Madrid has plenty to offer. Fine dining and tapas bars are a plenty in the city where the locals love to live a full and plentiful life. A trip to this sophisticated city might not present picture postcard landmarks but it makes up for it with its nightlife and zest for life.
Here are our favourite things to do in Madrid.
1. Tapas in the Plaza Mayor
In Madrid’s main square and the small streets leading to it there are a whole host of bars offering a dazzling spread of the typical Spanish bar snacks called tapas. The best way to experience them all is Spanish style, having a drink and tapa in each bar before heading to the next to repeat the pattern.
2. Royal Palace
Although the Spanish Royal Family no longer live in this vast palace, it is still used for ceremonial occasions and at other times is open to the public. Both audio guides and guided tours are available, and the views from the courtyard are stunning.
3. Prado
The Prado gallery is Spain’s most famous and is home to some of the country’s most prized artworks by the likes of Velazquez and Goya. It is impossible to see everything on one visit, but take an audio guide which will help to show you around the highlights.
4. Rastro
Every Sunday both locals and tourists descend on the Rastro flea market, where everything under the sun is sold. Get there early to avoid the crowds and take care to differentiate the collectibles from the junk.
5. Retiro Park
The Retiro Park provides a break from the hustle and bustle of the city streets, and as well as gardens is home to a boating lake. At weekends, the park gets busy with both locals and street performers.
6. Tapestry Factory
At the Royal Tapestry Factory, tapestries are being produced in the same way that they have been for centuries, and a visit here gives a unique insight into the craft. You can even commission them to make a tapestry based on any painting.
7. Queen Sofia Art Centre
The main draw of this museum which focuses on modern art is Guernica by Picasso. The picture is impressive merely by its size, and is protected by bullet proof glass.
Photo by austinevan
