A trip to Madrid will engage you in one of the architectural capitals of Europe. As the capital of Spain, Madrid is also home to some of Europe’s finest museums, restaurants, and night-life.
Museums
The “Museo Nacional del Prado” more simply known as the Prado hold’s Madrid’s finest collection of art. Notable works include numerous pieces by Goya, El Greco, and Velazquez. Currently, the Prado is hosting an exhibit from Russia’s Hermitage Museum which will be on display until March 2012.
Tapas
The typical Madrid evening starts with tapas and drinks at one of the numerous bodegas throughout the downtown core. Partaking in this pre-dinner ritual is a great way to get a taste of the culture. Tostas, various meats and/or cheeses on toasted bread, are a popular choice to accompany a cerveza or vino tinto (red wine). ‘Vinoteca’ and ‘Lateral’ are two great restaurants in Plaza St. Ana that offer a wide variety of delicious tapas and cocktails. Also, the side streets near Puerta del Sol are jammed with great places to sample.
Night-life
Madrid is known for its nightlife. It’s common to dine at 10 or 11 at night while after-dinner drinks will take you into the early hours of the morning.
Must See Attractions:
Palacio Real
No visit to Madrid is complete without witnessing the expansive beauty of the Royal Palace. For 10 Euros you can tour the grounds that overlook the countryside as well as the interior of the palace.
Puerta del Sol
This plaza is said to be the center of Spain. Although this is not geographically accurate, Puerta del Sol is KM 0 for the Spanish roadway system. While here, you are in the heart of Madrid amongst a bustling mesh of tourists, vendors, mimes, musicians, and other street performers.
Plaza Mayor
Another one of Madrid’s landmarks, Plaza Mayor is a great place to enjoy lunch on one of the patios that outline this expansive rectangular shaped plaza.
Mercado San Miguel
This market, located just a few steps away from Plaza Mayor, has a variety of eateries and shops. Try the ‘tortilla de patata’ (Spanish omelet) for a unique twist on the omelets of North America.
Bullfighting
Despite its strong counterculture in many parts of the world, bullfighting still lives strongly in Madrid. The season runs from March until the end of October. Be sure to check out one of the bullfighter restaurants that pay homage to these unlikely heroes.
Travel Tips:
Double Decker Bus
For 20 Euros you can take the Madrid Tour on the Double Decker bus. The bus has 2 separate routes that take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes each. Between these routes, you will see the majority of the city’s main attractions. You can hop on and off the bus as many times as you want throughout the day. It is a great way to get around if you plan on visiting all the main tourist destinations. For the best value, buy the two day pass for 24 Euros and use the bus instead of a taxi to get around the city.
Airport Transportation
Madrid is a Metro friendly city. You can take the Pink Metro line from Terminal 2 at the Barajas Airport directly downtown to the Nuevos Ministerios station. Metro tickets cost 1.50 per ride with an additional 1 Euro added for any trips to and from the airport.
Taxis will take you downtown for 35-40 Euros.
Beer for 1 Euro
If you are worried about your budget, try the Museo del Jamon or Cervezeria Montadidos for 1 Euro sandwiches and beer. Although you will not want to make this your dinner destination, you may want to pop in on your walk between tapas eateries or early morning snack.