Madrid Travel Guide
Ruben Andreu
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Madrid Travel Guide Overview
Madrid is the largest city in Spain and its capital, but it’s also a great introduction to Spain if you are combining it into a larger tour. It’s relatively friendly and not as overwhelming as some other cities of this size. Madrid is truly one of Europe’s nightlife capitals and the action starts very late. This is easier for the Spanish due to the fact that they still very much observe the siesta rules of shutting nearly everything down for a few hours in the afternoon for a meal and perhaps even a nap. If this is your first stop in Spain it will be a bit shocking, but you can adapt to it as long as you are aware of it in advance.
What To Do
The Prado Museum is one of the finest collections of art in the world. Many classics by Spanish artists are housed here, but there are notable works from masters from throughout Europe. The Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Centre is just across the street and it houses an excellent collection of modern art, including many of the more famous works of Picasso.
The Palacio Real (royal palace) is another sight not to be missed. This enormous structure houses many treasures from throughout Spain’s history and also a separate armory palace that has fascinating displays of medieval weapons and armor. And try your best to stay up late enough to sample the nightlife. The action begins after midnight and lasts until dawn, but things are going on all over town so it’s easy to join in even for first-time visitors.
Madrid, like much of Europe, is mad about football, and about its famous local side Real Madrid. In May 2010, the city will host the Champions League final, so there's no better time for a football fan to make the trip.
Getting There
Madrid is in the center of the country so it’s a major transportation hub, particularly for the trains. But cities in Spain are spread out and the new competition among discount carriers often means that you can fly from places like Barcelona for less than the train fare. You can book a flight into Madrid’s Barajas International Airport from cities nearby and of course also from abroad. The airport is on the subway line so it’s cheap, fast, and easy to get into town from there.
Where To Stay
There are many hostels in Madrid and of course quite a variety of hotels in Madrid in all price ranges. It’s possible to save a bit of money by booking a place out of the center, but especially if you’ll be out late it may be worth it to pay a bit extra for a central location.