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Madrid
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If you’re looking for a city that’s positively bursting at the seams with raw vibrancy, look no further than Madrid. Not only is this Spain’s capital, it’s Spain’s centre of style. Live music, excellent food, effervescent nightlife, super-cool art galleries - Madrid has them all. Let this city whip you into a joyous frenzy and show you how to live the good life.
1) Palacio Real (Royal Palace): Constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries, this is the official residence of Spain’s Royal Family and also one of Spain’s most popular tourist attractions. Get an insight into the royal way of life by touring the banqueting and throne rooms, residential areas and Royal Armoury. The palace’s impressive art exhibitions are also worth a look.
2) El Rastro Market: This massive outdoor market offers everything from clothes and accessories to kitchen equipment. The main reason to go however is for the atmosphere, the lazy flow of people moving through the market and the colourful stalls make this a lovely way to spend a morning.
3) Reina Sofia Museum: Formerly an 18th-century hospital, the building was converted into a museum in 1992, with a striking facade complete with panoramic glass lifts. The real draw however has to be Picasso's "Guernica", arguably the most famous painting of the 20th century. It was Picasso’s wish that the painting, which was commissioned by the Spanish Government as a Civil War protest, would not be hung in Spain until democracy was established. As such this is a particularly important work of art for all Spanish people.
TOP TIP: For the easiest way to get around the city, pick up a Madrid Card. You’ll receive free entry to more than 50 museums and cultural attractions, and unlimited use of hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses. Plus, you’ll be able to jump the queues at the Madrid Royal Palace, Prado Museum and many more.
The exciting thing about Madrid is that there’s always something going on. In March it’s Night of the Theatres - a city-wide celebration of performing arts, while in April you’ll find Electrónica - the electronic musical festival. Titirilandia: Madrid Puppet Festival takes place over July and August each year. In November you’ll be treated to both the Jazz Festival and the Autumn Festival. Come December you’ll be looking at the Caja Madrid Gospel Festival and of course the Christmas Markets. Whatever time of year you choose to visit the city don’t forget to do a bit of research about any events, activities and festivals that might be happening while you’re there.
Passion for fashion
A number of the finest fashion designers hail from Spain, so it’s no wonder the streets of Salamanca is lined with high-end boutiques. If you fancy adding to your shoe collection Calle Princesa is home to several popular shoe shops and since it’s lined with an array of different shops it’s also a great spot for window-shopping. The pedestrianised streets of Calle Montera and Calle Preciados are both lovely places to wander and conveniently both are close to the Sol metro stop.
Something different
Chueca is a great place to check out Madrid’s alternative design scene. Alternatively absorb some local flavours at the Mercado de San Miguel, which happens to be the former home of the city’s old fish market. These days it’s a bustling smorgasbord of shops from homewares to fresh fruit and vegetables, though you’d do well to remember that a number of the stalls only open in the morning (especially in the summer months when the siesta still reigns supreme).
Madrid is all about outdoor living and most locals prefer to spend a lazy afternoon sipping a coffee or cerveza sat outside a side-street café or bar, over staying at home.
Park life
Whilst Madrid certainly isn’t renowned as being the greenest of cities, Madrileños tend to head to Parque del Buen Retiro or the Campo del Moro if they fancy unwinding surrounded by a bit of greenery. The latter is particularly handy for the nearby museums.
Time for tapas
If it’s tapas bars you’re after you’ll be spoilt for choice at the high end area of La Latina. For a slightly more gourmet tapas experience try the rather exclusive places in Salamanca.
For the ideal introduction to Spain’s gastronomy, culture, and history, take an Evening Tapas and Cultural Tour with Greenbee. As well as sampling the finest food and drink, our expert guide will give you an insider’s insight into the cultural and culinary traditions of this fantastic city.
Tempted by traditional tucker?
Head to the older parts of the city to sample some hearty traditional Madrid cuisine. Classic dishes include stew made of meat and chickpeas. If that sounds a bit much don’t worry, there’s plenty of international food all over the city, or alternatively try out the cool contemporary restaurants around Chueca.
While the ‘Big Three' art museums, the Prado, Reina Sofia and the Thyssen cover all the major epochs between them, hidden gems are to be found in monasteries, churches and an old art school attended by the great Spanish artists. La Movida (The Movement), which rejuvenated Spanish culture post-Franco, lives on in Madrid – particularly in Malasaña and Chueca. And Zarzuela, a more traditional form of Madrid expression in which plays break out into musicals, still thrives in the Teatro de la Zarzuela.
The Madrid Culture Card provides free entry to over 40 of the city's most celebrated museums and cultural attractions, as well as fast-track entry to the Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and Madrid Royal Palace. You’ll also receive discounts at over 100 shops and restaurants.
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