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Overview
Madrid is the capital and
the largest city of Spain located in the central Spain. Madrid is a world famous
and Europe’s highest capital city as well as the most liveliest, friendliest,
generous and most culturally stimulating one. It is considered as the city that
never sleeps. Five and a half million people live in the Madrid and
approximately three million of them concentrated in the metropolitan area.
Situated at the geographical centre of Spain, Madrid is bordered by Castile &
León, westwards to nearby Portugal and Castile-La Mancha to the south and east.
Madrid, the city of kings, is worthy of its intense cultural and artistic activity and is the home
of the famous renowned Prado Museum. The city is beautiful and enriched
with beautiful parks and gardens. Madrid is a city of outdoor cafés in summer (terrazas)
and taverns and great food.
Barajas Airport is the international airport of Madrid that approximately
50 million tourists visits the city every year.
Attractions ~ Things to Do and See in Madrid
The
historical sights and buildings of Madrid are the main attraction of interest for the travelers.
The city walking tours are the best option
to discover the city and sights. The city
tours can be made from the Plaza Mayor
to La Almudena Cathedral, from the
Royal Palace to Puerta del Sol,
from St. Isidore’s Church to
Toledo Bridge, The Avenue of Art and
Carrera de San Jerónimo, from
Calle de Alcalá to Retiro Park
and from Gran Vía to the Conde
Duque Barracks.
The famous
Plaza Mayor (main square),
the 18th century
Royal Palace, one of
the world's most visited
Prado Museum,
wonderful
Retiro Park, beautiful La Almudena Cathedral, contemporary art
museum of
Reina Sofia, world famous
open air market of Rastro Market, the attractive
and intense squares of Puerta del Sol
and Plaza de Cibeles are best
attractions and
things to do in Madrid.
As for the side trips, Monastery of
San Lorenzo de El Escorial, La Herrería and
Valle de los Caídos, Royal Palace of
Aranjuez and Town Squares of Chinchón and
Colmenar de Oreja, the UNESCO World Heritage
City of
Alcalá de Henares, El Pardo Palace
and Montes de El Pardo, Lozoya Valley and El
Paular Monastery are the popular excursions
from Madrid.
In addition, the UNESCO World Heritage
Cities of
Avila and
Segovia in the Castile & León
Region, and
Toledo in the Castile-La Mancha
Region are the three world famous historical
and artistic cities about an hour away from
Madrid.
Read more about
Places to Visit & See in Madrid >>>
See
Things to Do in
Madrid >>>
See
Top 10 Attractions and Best Things to Do in
Madrid >>>
Culture & Art
Madrid has over 50 museums and art galleries. The
world famous three great
art galleries are the Prado Museum, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía National
Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Theatre Royal (Teatro Real) and
National Concert Hall are the
spots for the culture and music of the city that host some of the best opera and
orchestral performances in the world with numerous live-music venues, jazz,
folk, blues and flamenco.
Food & Drinks
Madrid has always been
famous for its cuisine. Madrid's nouveau cuisine is popular with the
menus combining typical Madrid dishes with domestic and international
recipes. Callos (tripe) and Cocido Madrileño (stew in Madird style)
are the two best-known dishes of Madrid that is a delicious stockpot of
chickpeas and vegetables enriched with meat and sausage.
Nightlife in Madrid
Madrid is considered
as the city that never sleeps. Typical night starts with a dinner late
at night around 09.00-10.00 pm. and then people flock to the outdoor cafes, bars
and nightclubs of the city. The nightclubs remain open till dawn.
Read more about
nightlife in Madrid >>>
Transportation
Transportation through the city can be made via public busses, taxis,
underground metro, funiculars, trams and vehicle/car hire and rentals. Public
transportation is very easy through the city. Metro is the fast and cheapest way
to travel around Madrid. And the Madrid Cercanías Trains which is a light
railway operates to Madrid's surroundings.
Weather in Madrid
Madrid has a temperate continental climate
with nice springs, hot summers, long and
mild autumns and winters that is not that
cold. The yearly average temperature is
20°C. The average temperature in July is
24°C and 5°C in January. |
