Madrid

Fast Facts

Location: On the river Manzanares, in the heart of the peninsula and in the middle of the Castilian plain, in Spain.
Attraction Type: City.
Significance: Capital and the largest city of Spain.
Best time to Visit: Spring, especially April and May.
Visiting Hours: During the daytime and evening.
How to Reach: Flights are available from most of the major destinations of Europe and others. One can also reach Madrid through train from all the major destinations within country and outside. Estación Sur de Autobuses is the bus station where the buses from many international destinations come.
Nearest Airport: Barajas International Airport (MAD).

No matter you are a foodie or not, don't forget to taste bocadillo de calamares near Plaza Mayor when you are in Madrid, arguably the most vibrant and colorful Spanish city. Great culture and artistic heritage – these are the two that the city of Madrid is known for. And if you are one who is fond of culture and heritage, Madrid is surely going to be the place for you. The capital as well as the largest city of Spain, Madrid is not only a cultural destination; the city is also known for its bustling nightlife. In fact, one of the greatest charms of the city of Madrid is that it is the place where the past and present culture join hands. And it is a sheer joy to explore such a wonderful city.

Located on the river Manzanares, in the heart of the peninsula and in the middle of the Castilian plain, in Spain, Madrid, besides being a city of culture and heritage, is also a business center and headquarters for the Public Administration, Spanish Parliament, Government and the home of the Spanish Royal Family. In fact, much of its culture is dominated by the Spanish Royal Family.

Things to do

There are plenty of places to visit in Madrid. But before you start visiting the city, the first thing that you need to collect is the Madrid Pass.

Madrid Pass: Madrid Pass allows you to enter over 40 museums in Madrid and its surrounding areas. It also allows you to enter into various monuments and palaces considered as National Heritage Properties.

Museums: Madrid is the city of museums. So, there are plenty awaiting for your visit. Visit Museo del Prado (superb collection of classical art in Madrid), Reina Sofia National Museum and Art Center (wonderful collection of modern art), Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art (big collection of works by Goya, Monet, Degas, Renoir, Picasso, Van Gogh etc.), National Archeology Museum (incredible collection of archaeological finds from across the peninsula), Museo de Lazaro Galdiano (fabulous collection of José Lázaro Galdiano), Real Academia de Bella Artes de San Fernando (collections of paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints), Museo de América (thousands of artifacts from America) and many more.>

Other attractions: The other attractions of the city of Madrid include Palacio Real, Plaza mayor, Puerta del Sol, Atocha RENFE, El Retiro, Catedral de la Alumudena, Gran Via, Plaza de Cibeles, Plaza de España, Templo de Debod, and La Casa de Campo etc.

Nightlife: Madrid is known for its vibrating nightlife. Be aware of the dining hours in the restaurants in Madrid, as many may not be open before 8 or 9 o'clock in the evening and remain open till the early morning hours. You will find a number of bars, pubs, restaurants and ice cream parlors in Plaza de Santa Bárbara, Glorieta de Bilbao and Alonso Martínez. Malasaña is the place where you will find plenty of cafés. Arguelles and Moncloa districts are known for its bars visited by the young and university students. Paseo de la Castellana, Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo del Prado have some of the best restaurants and cafés in Spain.

Suggested 'Must-do': Your visit to the city of Madrid can't get completed unless you do a few 'must do things'. It is an amazing experience to get lost in the Museo del Prado. A shopping experience in Calle Duencarral or Salamanca district is surely a shopper's delight. Those who love music, must step in to Gran Via. Enjoying the sunset at the Templo de Debod is just an unforgettable experience for anyone. And last but not the least, drink and dance in Malasaña district until dawn.

Accommodation

There are plenty of options for accommodation in Madrid. Some of the hotels in Madrid are as below:

Hotel El Coloso
Leganitos, 13
28013 Madrid Spain
Tel: +34-91-548-7640
Fax: +34-91-547-4968

Hotel Regina
Alcalá 19
28014 – Madrid Spain
Tel: +34-91-521-4725
Fax: +34-91-522-4088

Related Links :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68RvttEOUfI&feature=related: This is a very beautiful promotional video on the city of Madrid and tourism to the city. You'll love it, and of course find enough reasons to visit it.