madrid, the beautiful capital

Madrid is undeniably one of the great cultural destinations in Europe: the Spanish capital boasts of hosting some of the most prestigious museums in the world! But Madrid does not stop there and also saw many shows, concerts, theater, exhibitions ... beyond culture, Madrid is a city where people enjoy eating out, partying ... a capital where people like to live!





Because Madrid is turning heads not for its architectural heritage in general, but probably much more for its atmosphere, or atmospheres: the Madrid neighborhoods overlap with each other, without resembling the historical center, pedestrian, the narrow alleys with large squares and terraces, the Gran Via that lives only for shopping, calm Retiro, the saucy scenes Chueca altenatives of Malasana, chic Salamanca wheeler or ... go to AZCA assured that Madrid, it is impossible to get bored.

Madrid and its essential

Where to start? To bring some order into MAdrid, discover the city over its neighborhoods:

- The historical center: the heart of Madrid. With its narrow streets, small shops and quiet terraces, it was sometimes hard to believe in a capital city! Wait until you reach the center of the Plaza Mayor to convince you: attention is divided between the architectural majesty of the place and its constant animation. Two steps, be sure to go over to Mercado de San Miguel, full of charm and Spanish flavors.

The large squares are a bit the trademark of the center: the Puerta del Sol, full of people, wilt before department stores and embrunguez on Calle Mayor to reach the Plaza de Oriente and Palacio Real succession drum Cathedral of Almuneda, massive, baroque opera, symbols of past power in Madrid.



- Gran Via traveling up north, this large artery is primarily devoted to shopping, but its mix of architectural styles is bound to draw attention.

- Paseo del Prado: another great strip where you can spend SEVERAL days! First, one of the most prestigious museums in the world, the Prado, containing works by Goya, El Greco, Velázquez ... within walking distance, two other institutions Madrid, Reina Sofia (incredible collection of modern and contemporary art) and the Thyssen-Bornemisza (a wonderful collection).

To pause and soothe the soul towards Retiro Park for a nap in the shade near the big pond.

- Chueca and Malasana: the first is the gay district of Madrid, the second one of the most surprising and sympahiques. Two trendy and alternative neighborhoods, still popular and very lively at night.

City break in Madrid

If you want to spend a weekend exotic and mostly full of surprises, it seems that Madrid is the destination for you. Easily accessible as connected by many flights, including low cost, two or three days are enough to allow a return to the Spanish capital ... Although a period as short hardly let the opportunity to discover wealth of the city!

On site bus and subway service the city: by combining the two is easily moves through Madrid without losing too much time, because networks are effective. There is also the tourist subscriptions practical and adaptable depending on the length of your stay formulas obviously more economical than using a ticket each way. The center of Madrid is not that it extends and number of trips are just on foot. The best way to explore the capital in more detail!

Note the existence of a city pass for Madrid, the Madrid Card, which is available in several versions: an investment that can be interesting, but it depends on the program of your stay.

By booking in advance a minimum, it is not difficult to find a cheap room in the center of Madrid: the cheapest, hostels and pensions addresses are not uncommon, beyond the Gran Via in particular . Hotels offering more comfort are present in the historic center; some B & B charm really worth it. Otherwise, consider renting an apartment, always interesting when you share with others.

Useful Information

Hotels in Madrid: the corners to sleep

The Spanish capital has a large number of hotels to suit all tastes and budgets.

For smaller budgets, we look on the side of youth hostels, why do not hesitate to book to ensure a place, but also among the many cheap pensions present in the capital. Beyond the Gran Via or in the more peripheral areas, it is easy to find a cheap hotel accommodation while staying in downtown Madrid obviously more expensive!

The main attractions in Madrid are around the Huertas district, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor: an important hotel concentration characterizes the area.

kitchens Madrid 

Hams hanging everywhere, delicious tapas and inventive restaurants, wines and recipes from all corners of Spain: Madrid also delighting gourmets.

Good advice, avoid restaurants near tourist spots, especially around the Plaza Mayor, the value is generally poor. Prefer a neighborhood like La Latina. Remember that the Spanish eat late, the restaurants serve from 13:30 to 15:30 and from 20:00 until 23:00.

- Some Madrid specialties: Gallinejas and Entresijos, lamb fried in its own fat; spicy beef tripe; Cocido Madrileño, a chickpea stew with meat and vegetables ...

Where to go in Madrid? 

Madrileños are known to party all night until 07.05 am. It is quite common to see a crowd on the Gran Vía night weekend end.Pour out the center, but especially Chueca and Malasana are unavoidable.

Clubs do not usually open until midnight and do not close until 6:00. The bars are very numerous, anywhere you can get a beer or a bottle ("Botellin" (20cl) or "Tercio" (33cl)), pressure ("caña"). One can also drink "sangria" very nice when you eat tapas with friends.

Key events in Madrid

A very popular event in Madrid is the Transhumancia, an annual event where shepherds lead their flocks through Madrid, who on this occasion without cars. In June, we also mention the Madrid Gay Pride, with over 1.5 million people in the street.

More traditional, major local holidays are: May 2, Fiestas del 2 de Mayo in Malasaña, in memory of the tragic confrontation that pitted the people of Madrid to the troops of Napoleon. And May 15, the St. Isidore the Ploughman the patron saint of Madrid are celebrated.

Advice for travelers to Madrid 

Madrid is a safe city. The police are visible, and the streets are equipped with cameras. In addition, there are always lots of people in the streets, even at night, so you can walk through the city without fear.

However, a modicum of common sense is always necessary: keep an eye on your property because the pickpocket are many. The area around the Gran Via at night, with the shady activities of the night, do not inspire families.

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