Hotels in Madrid

Considered the political and financial center of Spain, the Community of Madrid is a popular tourist destination in Europe. Walk around to see both historic and modern infrastructure with the likes of The Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Theatre and the United Nations World Tourism Organization to name a few.

Since it is not nestled in any nearby major river as compared to its fellow European cities, Madrid is more for those who want to see the elegance of preserved historic landmarks coupled with the marvel of modern architecture while sipping their favorite coffee with Madrid’s dining scene.

How to Get There

From the Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), you can grab a taxi and pay a flat rate of 30 euros up to anywhere in Central Madrid.

Getting Around

Across all of Central Madrid exists the Madrid Metro which is a great public transport that gives you a quick view of the city landscape. With just 13 euros or so you can purchase a 10 ride pass that will allow you to not just transfer from one platform to another but also provides you with a great option to view the city.

Top Things to Do

The Madrid City Tour is your easy one-stop solution to your roaming needs in Madrid. It is Madrid’s hop-on hop-off, double-decker sight-seeing bus where there are travel commentaries located in 14 languages. While the bus starts at Calle Felipe IV and goes through all in tourist locations in the itinerary, it also shows tourists how well diverse and how picturesque the city is. The tour does cost higher however it lets anyone deal away with the normal problems faced in other public transportation.

Meanwhile, for all art lovers out there, the Prado Museum curates no less than 5000 paintings, mostly from the 19th century. A few names whose creations are housed here include Rembrandt, Caravaggio and Bosch housed. Want to avoid the long line? Pay a little extra and join the Prado Museum Tour in Madrid. On this 90-minute tour, all the famous artworks including their backstories are laid out as tantalizing as the artworks are.

Visitors should also see the Royal Palace and Gardens. This Neoclassical grandiose palace is made entirely of granite and white colmenar stone. The structure overlooks a lush garden on the outside and an even majestic structure from the inside. Tour inside and see various collections of artworks by Goya, Caravaggio and a wide display of watches, tapestries, and silverware.

Madrid does not only showcase well-preserved landmarks but also that of the modern era. Visit Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and go inside for a tour. From here, see the panoramic view from the top to the pitch itself. The tour also brings you to the Presidential box and locker room where lots of soccer history was made.

Plaza Mayor, on the other hand, is an elegant 17th-century plaza where ceremonial events used to happen like the crowning of a new king, the canonization of saints, etc. Explore from any of its nine entrances and take a sip of coffee in any surrounding cafes. The coffee here is a bit pricey, but you wouldn’t want to miss basking in the ambience of Plaza Mayor while looking around the surroundings.

What to Eat

What’s good about Madrid is it’s an international melting pot of cuisines from Italian to Japanese up to food from the Basque Country to Catalonia to Andalusia. Your cravings will be filled as you walk around the city.

Since Spain’s weather may get cold during night time, a traditional Spanish stew called Cocido Madrileno should warm you up. Made of chickpeas, pork, chorizo sausage, and vegetable broth, this dish is a sure way to remember Madrid. Try it out at Taberna La Bola and see how their family-style dish caters to this traditional Spanish cuisine.

Another delicious food you should try is Jamon Iberico (Iberian Acorn-Fed Ham). Head over to Casa Gonzales where they serve meat cured for two years to perfection. It can be enjoyed with any variety of wine.

Fresh and crispy calamari on a freshly made bun, that’s exactly how you’ll describe Bocadillo de Calamares. The best place to try it is in La Campana. Don’t forget to try Madrid’s specialty tapa called Boquerones en Vinagre (pickled anchovies). Go to Taberna Bodegas Ricla and have a taste of this tasty dish together with their meatballs and wine.

Nightlife

Since Madrid is far away from the sea as compared to its neighbouring areas, Madrid’s nightlife is one of the things you need to experience while you’re here. Needless to say, going to Teatro Kapital is a must for all late out parties. Seven floors playing all music genres to hit the scene, this club marks itself as an iconic nighttime go-to in Madrid. Bars on every floor (including the rooftop), karaoke and a cozy area with a movie screen, Teatro Kapital makes your Madrid nightlife worth it.

Ever heard of a club open 365 days a year? Then, head over to Joy Eslava to see it for yourself. The structure itself boasts of its historic origin as a theater. This four-storey structure has not stopped partying for Madrilenos and tourists alike since it’s renovated in the 1980s. Meanwhile, Cafe Central, as the name implies, lets you enjoy a more relaxed venue for jazz music lovers.

Where to Stay

Madrid has something for everyone in terms of accommodations. Sol is one of the highly suggested spots for tourists. Aside from the scenic view upon stepping out, it also gives access to everything you may need from dining to shopping. Mostly filled by tourists, expect it to be pricier but worth the cost.

Chueca is the LGBT center of Madrid and gives overall access to great boutique shopping, tapas bars, and trendy restaurants. By night, this area lits up with bars and clubs. On the other hand, Lavapies district is home to its thriving immigrant community. It is a great destination to try out a diverse array of multicultural restaurants.

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