Madrid Travel Guide

Museums & Monuments

Madrid, Spain’s already beautiful, feisty capital is being further invigorated, the aim being a cosmopolitan centre to rival the world’s best. And with the dynamic energy of the Madrileños behind it, why not? The development is not all bricks and mortar – Madrid is now officially one of the “greenest” cities in Europe, with flowers, fountains and trees springing up everywhere.

What is unchangeable however, is Madrid’s cultural heritage: the Prado Museum houses one of the world’s greatest art collections, including masterpieces by Velasquez and Goya. The medieval Plaza Mayor is the place to be seen in the evening, order sangria and watch the passing parade.

Browse in El Rastro, a flea market bursting with intriguing bric-a-brac. Save up energy for the evening though, because this is when Madrid comes alive – indulge in a tapas bar cruise, nibbling on marinated anchovies, deep-fried shrimp or tiny tortilla. Keep your energy levels high, because the Spanish nightlife doesn’t warm up until late.

Madrid Highlights
Prado Museum - For art lovers. Home to some of Spain’s most famous artists like Goya, Dali and Gaudi as well as some of the world’s best like Picasso.
The Royal Palace - The Royal Family spend very little time there so it’s almost always open.
Retiro Park - Used to be the Royal Gardens and definitely worth wandering through or stopping for a picnic.
Plaze Mayor - It’s a wonderful big square which looks its best at night. It is full of cafes; sit and watch the world pass you by.
Pasep de Recoletos & Atocha  - Take a stroll down the Paseo de Recoletos to the Atocha train station and see some wonderful fountains, cafes and sculptors.
Flamenci - For a truly memorable experience book the dinner and show at Las Carboneras.
Plaza Santa Ana - A great place to start the night out in Madrid. The bars and clubs in and around the Plaza are popular with tourists and locals alike and really starts to warm up around 11pm on Friday’s and Saturday’s.