Think Spain and it is almost synonymous with sunny coasts, lively beaches and happening beach towns. But if you are looking to enjoy some great art, architecture, green spaces and delicious food during your sojourn in Spain, the capital city of Madrid must be on your list. Perched on the river Manzanares in the central part of the country, Madrid is a city brimming with historical buildings, tree-lined boulevards and picturesque lung spaces. Whether you are an art lover, design enthusiast, sports buff or a foodie, the city offers something for everybody. With a kaleidoscope of sights, Madrid, which is the largest city in the country and the third largest in the European union, forms for an engaging visit. Read on to find out more.
Royal Vibes
One of the most visited places in Madrid is the 18th century Royal Palace which is incidentally the largest palace in Europe attracting over 2 million visitors each year. The palace is used for official events by the royal family even today and is known for its grandiose architecture. With over 3000 rooms, the palace is replete with exquisite Italian paintings, stunning frescoes and scintillating chandeliers. Spread over a whopping 135000 sq meters, the palace also boasts of a wonderful collection of clocks, porcelain, silverware, musical instruments and furniture. While here, do not miss the awe-inspiring porcelain cabinet which is a room that is decorated with porcelain from floor to ceiling.
Apart from the main palace, Madrid is home to several historical monuments that exude stately vibes. The La Puerta de Alcalá which is often touted as Europe’s first Arc de Triomphe is hard to miss. This magnificent monument as it stands today was designed by Italian architect Francisco Sabatini in 1778 and was one of the gates that allowed access into the city. Another monument of interest is the Cibeles fountain which is a famous landmark in the city center. The fountain which once supplied water to the local population is characterized by the statue of Cybele, the Roman goddess of fertility sitting on a chariot drawn by two lions. This one is indeed an iconic landmark of the city as the famous football club, Real Madrid celebrates here each time they win.
Arguably the most happening square in the city is Puerta del Sol which is home to the famous Post office building as well as the city emblem. The latter is the statue locally called El Oso y el Madrono and depicts a bear leaning towards a strawberry tree trying to reach for some fruit. Do not miss taking a picture at the Kilometer Zero plaque which signifies the center of the country.The Plaza de Oriente is again one of the most vibrant areas of the city and houses significant buildings like The Royal Theater, the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral.
Eclectic Sights
The city is also home to several insightful museums with the Museo del Prado, officially known as Museo Nacional del Prado being the most popular one. This one is a must visit if you are a lover of fine arts as it houses one of the largest collection of paintings in Europe. Apart from a comprehensive set of Spanish paintings including ones by Spanish artist Francisco Goya, the museum is also a treasure trove of Italian and Flemish art. The museum also has an extensive library, archive and documentation center making it the 16th most visited museum in the world. The Museo Reina Sofía is yet another famous museum in the city dedicated to Spanish art.
No visit to the city is complete without taking a stroll along the bustling Gran Via which is Madrid’s bustling shopping district. It houses some of the city’s most beautiful buildings as well as oldest cinemas. The Plaza Mayor too is a vibrant square and is popular with locals and tourists alike. This town square is in the city center and dates back to the 15th century. With a majestic bronze statue of King Philip III in the center, the square has multiple entrances and is a great place to just relax, catch a drink or even shop. It is filled with cafes, boutiques and stores selling everything right from souvenirs, art, trinkets and artefacts.
Local Experiences
When in Madrid, make sure you visit the famous Santiago Bernabeu stadium named after Real Madrid’s famous president. The newly renovated stadium offers visitors an immersive experience with their exclusive inhouse tours. A must visit if you are a Real Madrid fan. El Retiro Park is one of Madrid’s most famous lung spaces which was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread over 125 hectares, the park has multiple fountains, sculptures, statues as well as a large artificial lake and makes for a compelling visit.
Culture Vultures can visit a bull ring or catch a Flamenco show. The latter is a signature dance form from Spain. Known for its high energy, Flamenco shows are replete with singing, dancing, foot tapping and clapping. It is key to note that Madrid is home to Casa Botín which dates back to 1725 and holds the Guiness record for being the oldest restaurant in the world. Further, if you love exploring the city like a local do visit the city’s famous market Mercado de San Miguel close to Plaza Mayor where you can buy anything from fresh fruits, vegetable and olives to fish, empanadas, tacos and cheese. And before you bid adios to Madrid make sure you grab a portion of churros with delectable hot chocolate from the legendary San Gines which has been in existence since 1894!
