The Ultimate Guide To Madrid

Spain’s capital is a diverse hotbed of art, food and culture with a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Spring is the perfect time for a trip to Madrid, but with so much to fit into a mini-break in the city, where do you start? Well, let us help you out!

Art

For art lovers, Madrid is a veritable playground, particularly Paseo del Arte, or the Art Walk - a 1km stretch that is home to the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums. These world-class galleries boast masterpieces by homegrown Spanish talent Goya, Velázquez, Picasso, Dalí and Miró, side by side with great international artists such as Raphael, Bosh, Degas and Kandinsky. The buildings these masterpieces are housed in are just as spectacular, so you’ll be forgiven for spending as much time admiring the outside as you will the pieces inside.

Cuisine  

In Madrid, traditional Spanish cuisine meets gourmet creativity and innovation. A haven for foodies, expect long lunches and dinners, spectacular wines and plenty of signature dishes. As you’d expect, tapas in the city is delectable. Fill up on Iberian ham, manchego cheese, Cocido Madrileño (a traditional Spanish stew) and bocadillo de calamares - a fried squid sandwich and a staple of any trip to Madrid. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat in one of the city’s famous food markets, such as San Miguel or San Antón, or you’re sitting down in a centuries-old restaurant steeped in history, eating in Madrid is one of life’s great pleasures.

Landmarks

Inspired by sketches made by Bernini for the construction of the Louvre in Paris, the Royal Palace of Madrid looks like something out of a fairy tale. As the palace is no longer home to the royal family, visitors can buy tickets to tour the grand building and follow in the footsteps of centuries of royalty. Other iconic monuments to add to your itinerary include Puerta de Alcalá, a gate at the entrance to the city built by Sabatini in 1778, and Plaza Mayor, located in the heart of Hapsburg Madrid, the old part of the city. The portico lined square is perfect for sitting with a glass of cava or pint of local beer and watching the world go by.

For more outdoors experiences, head to Retiro Park, the main park in the city, where you can set sail on the boating lake or enjoy a relaxing morning in one of the cafés. For football fans, a trip to Madrid wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the world-famous Bernabéu stadium. Experience walking down the players’ tunnel and out on to the pitch, before checking out the dressing room.

Nightlife

As you might expect, Madrid’s nightlife is as lively as the city itself. Barrio de Las Letras, the Literary Quarter, is one of the most vibrant parts of the city, where night owls can find live music, bars and pubs to cater all tastes. Jazz fans should check out Café Central, one of Europe’s top jazz clubs, where they can experience live jazz every day of the week. Chueca is the city’s favourite gay hotspot, with some of the liveliest bars and clubs in Madrid. For more authentic Spanish activities, head to La Latina where you will find traditional restaurants, theatres and bars, and can even watch some flamenco dancing.

There’s just so much on offer in Madrid that you’re sure to be itching to go back in no time! If you’re heading to the Spanish capital book your Madrid Barajas Airport transfer with hoppa and arrive happy.