MADRID
Madrid is one of the most beautiful cities in the world due to the tremendous cultural and artistic heritage. The cultural heritage of the Spanish capital distinguishes it from many European capitals due to a large number of artistic, architectural and historical attractions. It so organically combines modern business centers and medieval architecture, the best night clubs in Europe, the largest outlets, beautiful parks and, of course, many museums.
Madrid's image reflects its history as a royal city, the center of the Spanish Empire. Its appearance was created by monarchs for whom pompous palaces were built. Huge cathedrals, and churches, as well as medieval buildings - all of this is full in Madrid. Although today the city is as cosmopolitan as Berlin or London, and just as full of energy. Madrid is a bustling, vibrant millionaire city where tourists from different countries feel good. However, some may be disappointed to see where Madrid is located: far from the sea and from the main Spanish resorts. But this did not stop the kings from navigating the history of the sea and does not stop tourists from wondering how different Spain can be.
What is worth only a “Golden Triangle”? Only your attention while being on a trip to Madrid. The “Golden Triangle” of Madrid gathers three museums located close to each other on the Prado alley: the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, the legendary Prado Museum, and the Reina Sofia Art Center. The collections of these museums are considered one of the best in the whole world! Discover the grandeur of the works collected in these museums.
When planning a family vacation in Madrid, many tourists try to visit only museums for the sake of a magnificent collection of artworks. But the Spanish capital has many other advantages. So, you can spend your pleasant holidays in Madrid visiting other interesting places in the city.
Conventionally, Madrid can be divided into two main tourist areas. The first area is the old traditional center where the heart of the city is located - the ancient Puerta del Sol and Gran Via. The second zone is occupied with Madrid's new quarters that went beyond the city walls of the 17th century - the cosmopolitan Castellana revenue with its business offices and upscale hotels, the Salamanca district, strictly planned and filled with mansions and designer boutiques, the northern Chamartin district with an enchanting atmosphere of bohemian and powerful people. The main attractions of this area are the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
The luxurious Retiro Park with an area of more than 100 hectares lies in the center of the Spanish capital. Take a walk along the beautiful alleys, take a boat ride on a picturesque lake, watch the game of water jets in fountains. One of them basically has a sculpture of the Fallen Angel and in this sense is one of a kind. The central composition of the park is an equestrian sculpture of King Alfonso XII. There are a Crystal Palace and a magnificent rose garden. In one of the corners, a strawberry tree grows - a symbol of the Spanish capital, decorating its coat of arms.
Madrid at night is worth a special mention. Of course, the nightlife is a determining factor in the local culture. Noisy clubs and Gothic disco, traditional taverns and stylish parties in the latest bars, dance shows of modern choreography are waiting for you in Madrid. The nightlife in Madrid is very diverse, and the revelry here does not end until the very morning. If you want the night to succeed, then do not rush, otherwise, you can not hold out until the end. The Spaniards do not go out for a walk before 23:00. For lovers of nightlife, Madrid is a paradise on any day of the week.
There are many places in Madrid where you can enjoy delicious drinks. For example, in the vicinity of Madrid's Gran Vía, cocktail making is treated like real art. The essence of New York, the homeland of cocktails, is reflected in the Spanish capital as nowhere else. Thanks to the great number of bright establishments that have been noted on the cocktail stage, Madrid has a special culture for creating unusual combined drinks and is famous for its masters.
With the arrival of heat, terraces bloom near each restaurant. After a hard day, sit down and relax in the company of friends, delicious food and drinks, forget about the rush and enjoy the music. There are many terraces in Madrid for every taste. If you have never rested on one of them, you simply do not know what pleasure is this summer in Madrid.
Madrid has long been on the heels of its eminent Italian neighbor Milan in terms of shopping. The Spaniards know a lot about beauty and delicious food, so Madrid has everything: quality clothes and shoes, fashion accessories, wine, flavored cheese, natural cosmetics, and beads. Shopping centers, shops, boutiques, grocery stores and other places where you can spend money in Madrid at every step. However, each district where retail outlets are concentrated has its own characteristics.
Most large shopping centers are open from Monday to Saturday from about 10:00 to 22:00 without a break. Small shops are open from 8:00 to 20:00 (Saturdays until 13: 00-15: 00), and from 14:00 to 17:00 they close for siesta. On Sundays, everything is closed, except for some convenience stores at gas stations.
The most fashionable shopping area is Salamanca. All the most expensive and exclusive brands are here, as well as jewelry stores and many antique shops. In the areas of Calle de Fuencarral and Chueca, it is worth looking into shops with avant-garde collections of a fanciful cut, as well as the famous market, where films and performances are often shown. Mass-market brands have opened their representative offices in the Arguelles quarter - these are Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti and others.
As in most European countries, Madrid has two big sales period per year. In winter, it starts from the beginning of January to the mid-end of March (exact dates may vary). In summer - from early July to early September. Discounts in these periods are 50-80%. Sales in Madrid are quite long, by the end the assortment of stores is noticeably waning and only the most inappropriate models and sizes remain. On the other hand, discounts reach their maximum - 90%.
Airlines: Most airlines operate regardless of destination. We will offer the most favorable prices of flights to Madrid.
Airport: Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport
Distance from airport: 20-30 min / 18 km from the center
Flight time: about 2 hours depending on the destination
Language: Spanish/Castellano
Timezone: Central European Standard Time
Population: around 6.5 million
Passport: Valid passport is mandatory.
Currency: Euro
Tipping: Not included. Customary to give 5 - 10% of the bill.
Climate:Link = to weather map.
Electricity: 230 volts AC, plug adapters are hardly necessary
Seat only: to book seats only – please find our link to great fares:www. Aventura.is………
Tourist tax: up to €4
Water: Tap water is drinkable
Please find your link to practical information about Barcelona athttps://www.aventura.is/.......
1. Go to local markets to study. The most famous gastronomic market in Madrid is San Miguel, which is next to the Plaza Mayor. The counters are littered with a wide variety of food. In addition, there are many cafes where you can taste the local cuisine. The gluttony festival begins in the early morning and continues until late in the evening. Go to any restaurant you like and order a glass of natural wine and a traditional Spanish tapas appetizer. About 15 minutes leisurely step towards the quarter of La Latina - and you are already in the huge market of El Rastro. There is everything that the soul desires: from unique antiques, ancient knightly armor, and swords to birdcages and second-hand clothes. You can easily find authentic castanets - an indispensable attribute of flamenco dancers. Even if you are not going to buy anything, El Rastro will captivate you with expression, friendly vanity, and generally positive pictures. But keep in mind that it only works on weekends.
2. Go to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium to support Real Madrid. You don’t have to be a football fan to shiver from the words Real Madrid. The home stadium of the team is Santiago Bernabeu. National and international matches are held there, including the Champions League. Tickets are usually booked in advance, and then redeemed at the box office. If attending a match is not part of your plans, take a tour of the stadium. The club’s museum exhibits awards won over its entire existence since 1902, and the best gaming moments are broadcast on screens. It is impossible to remain indifferent after learning about the rich history of one of the most titled football clubs. In addition to the museum, you will see the interior of the stadium, including the locker rooms of athletes, and enter the field, feeling like a team player.
3. Watch corrida with your own eyes. The fearless spirit of the Spaniards was embodied in a brutal but exciting bullfight. When visiting Madrid from May to October, do not miss the chance to watch the legendary spectacle, appreciate the fury of the bull and the beauty of the movements of the matador. The venue for the bullfighting is the huge Las Ventas Arena, which seats 25,000 spectators. It is an interesting attraction in itself. It is also worthwhile to come there to visit the bullfighting museum and see the artifacts that make blood colder.
Madrid's image reflects its history as a royal city, the center of the Spanish Empire. Its appearance was created by monarchs for whom pompous palaces were built. Huge cathedrals, and churches, as well as medieval buildings - all of this is full in Madrid. Although today the city is as cosmopolitan as Berlin or London, and just as full of energy. Madrid is a bustling, vibrant millionaire city where tourists from different countries feel good. However, some may be disappointed to see where Madrid is located: far from the sea and from the main Spanish resorts. But this did not stop the kings from navigating the history of the sea and does not stop tourists from wondering how different Spain can be.
What to visit
What is worth only a “Golden Triangle”? Only your attention while being on a trip to Madrid. The “Golden Triangle” of Madrid gathers three museums located close to each other on the Prado alley: the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, the legendary Prado Museum, and the Reina Sofia Art Center. The collections of these museums are considered one of the best in the whole world! Discover the grandeur of the works collected in these museums.
When planning a family vacation in Madrid, many tourists try to visit only museums for the sake of a magnificent collection of artworks. But the Spanish capital has many other advantages. So, you can spend your pleasant holidays in Madrid visiting other interesting places in the city.
Conventionally, Madrid can be divided into two main tourist areas. The first area is the old traditional center where the heart of the city is located - the ancient Puerta del Sol and Gran Via. The second zone is occupied with Madrid's new quarters that went beyond the city walls of the 17th century - the cosmopolitan Castellana revenue with its business offices and upscale hotels, the Salamanca district, strictly planned and filled with mansions and designer boutiques, the northern Chamartin district with an enchanting atmosphere of bohemian and powerful people. The main attractions of this area are the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
The luxurious Retiro Park with an area of more than 100 hectares lies in the center of the Spanish capital. Take a walk along the beautiful alleys, take a boat ride on a picturesque lake, watch the game of water jets in fountains. One of them basically has a sculpture of the Fallen Angel and in this sense is one of a kind. The central composition of the park is an equestrian sculpture of King Alfonso XII. There are a Crystal Palace and a magnificent rose garden. In one of the corners, a strawberry tree grows - a symbol of the Spanish capital, decorating its coat of arms.
Nightlife
Madrid at night is worth a special mention. Of course, the nightlife is a determining factor in the local culture. Noisy clubs and Gothic disco, traditional taverns and stylish parties in the latest bars, dance shows of modern choreography are waiting for you in Madrid. The nightlife in Madrid is very diverse, and the revelry here does not end until the very morning. If you want the night to succeed, then do not rush, otherwise, you can not hold out until the end. The Spaniards do not go out for a walk before 23:00. For lovers of nightlife, Madrid is a paradise on any day of the week.
There are many places in Madrid where you can enjoy delicious drinks. For example, in the vicinity of Madrid's Gran Vía, cocktail making is treated like real art. The essence of New York, the homeland of cocktails, is reflected in the Spanish capital as nowhere else. Thanks to the great number of bright establishments that have been noted on the cocktail stage, Madrid has a special culture for creating unusual combined drinks and is famous for its masters.
With the arrival of heat, terraces bloom near each restaurant. After a hard day, sit down and relax in the company of friends, delicious food and drinks, forget about the rush and enjoy the music. There are many terraces in Madrid for every taste. If you have never rested on one of them, you simply do not know what pleasure is this summer in Madrid.
Shopping
Madrid has long been on the heels of its eminent Italian neighbor Milan in terms of shopping. The Spaniards know a lot about beauty and delicious food, so Madrid has everything: quality clothes and shoes, fashion accessories, wine, flavored cheese, natural cosmetics, and beads. Shopping centers, shops, boutiques, grocery stores and other places where you can spend money in Madrid at every step. However, each district where retail outlets are concentrated has its own characteristics.
Most large shopping centers are open from Monday to Saturday from about 10:00 to 22:00 without a break. Small shops are open from 8:00 to 20:00 (Saturdays until 13: 00-15: 00), and from 14:00 to 17:00 they close for siesta. On Sundays, everything is closed, except for some convenience stores at gas stations.
The most fashionable shopping area is Salamanca. All the most expensive and exclusive brands are here, as well as jewelry stores and many antique shops. In the areas of Calle de Fuencarral and Chueca, it is worth looking into shops with avant-garde collections of a fanciful cut, as well as the famous market, where films and performances are often shown. Mass-market brands have opened their representative offices in the Arguelles quarter - these are Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti and others.
As in most European countries, Madrid has two big sales period per year. In winter, it starts from the beginning of January to the mid-end of March (exact dates may vary). In summer - from early July to early September. Discounts in these periods are 50-80%. Sales in Madrid are quite long, by the end the assortment of stores is noticeably waning and only the most inappropriate models and sizes remain. On the other hand, discounts reach their maximum - 90%.
Good to know
Airlines: Most airlines operate regardless of destination. We will offer the most favorable prices of flights to Madrid.
Airport: Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport
Distance from airport: 20-30 min / 18 km from the center
Flight time: about 2 hours depending on the destination
Language: Spanish/Castellano
Timezone: Central European Standard Time
Population: around 6.5 million
Passport: Valid passport is mandatory.
Currency: Euro
Tipping: Not included. Customary to give 5 - 10% of the bill.
Climate:
Electricity: 230 volts AC, plug adapters are hardly necessary
Seat only: to book seats only – please find our link to great fares:
Tourist tax: up to €4
Water: Tap water is drinkable
Practical information
Please find your link to practical information about Barcelona at
Things to do
1. Go to local markets to study. The most famous gastronomic market in Madrid is San Miguel, which is next to the Plaza Mayor. The counters are littered with a wide variety of food. In addition, there are many cafes where you can taste the local cuisine. The gluttony festival begins in the early morning and continues until late in the evening. Go to any restaurant you like and order a glass of natural wine and a traditional Spanish tapas appetizer. About 15 minutes leisurely step towards the quarter of La Latina - and you are already in the huge market of El Rastro. There is everything that the soul desires: from unique antiques, ancient knightly armor, and swords to birdcages and second-hand clothes. You can easily find authentic castanets - an indispensable attribute of flamenco dancers. Even if you are not going to buy anything, El Rastro will captivate you with expression, friendly vanity, and generally positive pictures. But keep in mind that it only works on weekends.
2. Go to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium to support Real Madrid. You don’t have to be a football fan to shiver from the words Real Madrid. The home stadium of the team is Santiago Bernabeu. National and international matches are held there, including the Champions League. Tickets are usually booked in advance, and then redeemed at the box office. If attending a match is not part of your plans, take a tour of the stadium. The club’s museum exhibits awards won over its entire existence since 1902, and the best gaming moments are broadcast on screens. It is impossible to remain indifferent after learning about the rich history of one of the most titled football clubs. In addition to the museum, you will see the interior of the stadium, including the locker rooms of athletes, and enter the field, feeling like a team player.
3. Watch corrida with your own eyes. The fearless spirit of the Spaniards was embodied in a brutal but exciting bullfight. When visiting Madrid from May to October, do not miss the chance to watch the legendary spectacle, appreciate the fury of the bull and the beauty of the movements of the matador. The venue for the bullfighting is the huge Las Ventas Arena, which seats 25,000 spectators. It is an interesting attraction in itself. It is also worthwhile to come there to visit the bullfighting museum and see the artifacts that make blood colder.
