Discovering Madrid's Magic
The capital of Spain since 1562, some may not find Madrid as architecturally beautiful as other Spanish cities, such as Valencia, but it certainly makes up for it with boundless energy, blue skies, art, culture and some of the most exhilarating and exhausting nightlife in Europe. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot - most of the sights of interest are found in the downtown area between the Royal Palace and Parque del Retiro. The city sits in the geographic centre of the Iberian Peninsula and has long been an important stop on any art tour through Europe.
Holidaying to cultural Madrid
This city is all about the culture, perfect for art lovers and those that enjoy the more refined side of a holiday. There is plenty to keep everyone busy, with a plethora of museums and galleries on offer. The famous Museo del Prado, on the city's 'Museum Mile', houses important works by Spanish and European masters from the Renaissance onwards. Whereas the Museo Thyssen-Bornemiza houses one of the most extensive private collections in the world. The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia is perhaps one of the most interesting for modern tourists, devoted to 20th century Spanish art, with works by Miro, Dali and Picasso.
Visitors wishing to take a break from all that art may want to see the Plaza de Toros, Spain's largest bullring, where regular bullfights are still held, for those that are brave enough. Sports fanatics who like something a little less bloodthirsty can watch the famous footballers at Real Madrid, or Atletico de Madrid, where Spain's most famous football teams kick off.
The city sits atop a plateau and is the highest capital in Europe, making its climate somewhat extreme with steaming hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Spring is the best time to visit and explore the squares and alleyways in the heart of this crowded city.
Getting to Madrid
Flying to Madrid couldn't be easier with a flights of just two hours and twenty minutes from the UK, Many airlines fly direct here at very good prices including British Airways. Public transport in Madrid is good so transfers to your hotel should not be a problem or take a long time.
