Madrid Spain

Madrid has become a popular short break destination attracting many vistors who are keen to discover the wonders of the city’s art scene and the splendid architecture of the Habsburg’s Madrid centred on Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Madrid’s notorious nightlife together with Real Madrid football club are other major reasons why thousands of visitors head for Madrid every weekend.

Discover the Art and Culture of Madrid

Culturally, the art scene is right up there with the Prado remaining the city’s major cultural attraction and Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ in the Reina-Sofia being the number one exhibit. The capital is also a great place to see the traditional Spanish arts of bullfighting and flamenco dancing. Bullfighting in Madrid takes place at Las Ventas which is Spain’s largest bullring. During San Isidro which is the biggest of the annual festivals in Madrid the bullfights are sold out every evening for a month. There are some great venues to watch flamenco in Madrid which puts the city on a par with the more traditional flamenco cities of the south.

What to do in Madrid

Whilst you’ll have no problem spending a few days seeing the sights of Madrid and soaking up the city’s unique atmosphere you might also find time to take one of the outstanding day excursions to the likes of Toledo, Segovia or El Escorial.

Below we have listed our top 10 things to in Madrid. This is just a suggestion to help you plan your trip and what you decide to do will probably depend on how long you are there for.

1. Visit the Prado Museum
2. Watch Real Madrid at the Bernabeu Stadium
3. Visit the Royal Palace
4. Have a cold bottle of Mahou beer in Plaza Mayor
5. See Picasso’s Guernica in the Reina Sofía Museum
6. Take a Day Excursion to El Escorial and Valle de los Caidos
7. Take a Day Excursion to Toledo
8. Take a Day Excursion to Segovia
9. Tour the tapas bars around Plaza Santa Ana and Huertas
10. Stay up all night in the disco bars and watch the sunrise as you leave a club

More Useful Madrid Links

Madrid Tourism

Once you’re in Madrid it’s a good idea to head to the main tourist information office in Plaza Mayor (in the corner behind the artists at number 3). Here you can pick up a free map and other useful tourist brochures including the English language “In-Madrid” publication.

More Pages You Might Like:

Madrid City Tours Madrid Private City Tours Madrid Walking Tours Madrid Excursions