Why Visit Madrid?
Because… why not? Madrid, the capital of Spain is where the monarchy has its seat and palaces run amongst. It is where antique and contemporary converge, offering locals and visitor the very best of the modern cosmopolitan ways, while still passionately preserving ancient traditions. You can spend your days visiting iconic sites and museums, experiencing an adrenaline rush at a soccer match or even deciding whether you want to enjoy a fantastic meal at a high-end restaurant. Or go pub-crawling and try out the best tapas and cañas.
It is not really about “if you should visit Madrid”, but more about why you should definitely do it.
How to get around Madrid?
Similar to many big cities in Europe, there are many ways you can get to Madrid. From low-cost carriers from nearby cities to transoceanic flights from all over the world. You can arrive by train or high-speed train through the AVE. Rent a car at or simply ride the bus. Therefore it is very easy to visit Madrid! Once you get there the subway, Madrid Metro, will be your best friend to move around the city, with convenient stops nearby main tourist attractions and covering over 140 miles around the city. Another alternatives for transportation include buses, taxis and the rail.
What You Should Not Miss
Even if you only have a few days in Madrid, there is always some sightseeing to be done in the third largest city of the European Union. We’re sure history buffs, art lovers and culinary adventurers will surely find something to fill their days with.
The most popular attractions in Madrid are conveniently located in the central area, so be sure to wear your walking shoes in order to get the most of the day. You can start your day at Puerta del Sol, one of the most noteworthy spots in the city center located in Kilometro Cero. Nearby you can find the Tourist Information Center and continue your way east, to Plaza Mayor and finally Palacio Real, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family.
A few steps away lies the Catedral de la Almudena and right next door are the gardens Campo del Moro and Sabatini. If you head north, you can visit the Palacio de la Lira and Templo del Debod. Finally begin your stroll around Gran Via, whose belle époque facades go from Plaza España to Calle de Alcala, passing Cibeles Fountain and reaching Puerta de Alcala and its triumphal arc. South of here lies the Neptune Fountain, Museo del Prado and Parque del Buen Retiro, which hosts a number of attractions, such as the Palacio de Cristal and La Rosaleda.
Sports enthusiasts will definitely want to visit the Santiago Bernabeu, home of the Real Madrid Futbol Club. Whereas others may wish to head to the Wanda Metropolitano home of the Club Atletico de Madrid.
In addition to Museo del Prado, travelers with a eye for arts can include the following museums in their itinerary: Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida and finally the Museo Sorolla.
For The Foodies
Did you know that back in 2016, Madrid featured a bar or restaurant per each 211 inhabitants? As a result we can safely guarantee that you will not go hungry when visiting the Spanish capital. Whether it is fancy dining, eating out at one of the many beautiful squares or exploring the century-old taverns. You will surely fall in love with the culinary scene.
Want to eat like a local? Then we highly recommend a visit to Mercado de San Miguel, right next to Plaza Mayor and one of the oldest markets –102 years to be exact! Featuring several stalls that offer great variety of fresh dishes. Learn the art of the tapas and their distant cousin –the pintxo. Sip a glass of vermouth and have a cult dish –the bocadillos! Of course cheese and cured ham are not forgotten as you will eventually end–up with a refreshing caña (draft beer). Croquetas, elvers, gambas, calamari, caviar will soon become part of your diet.
Local dishes to try-out are the Cocido Madrileño (chick pea and meat stew); Callos a la Madrileña (snout and veal casings stew); Bocadillo de Calamares (squid sandwich); Torrijas (deep-fried bread soaked in milk, eggs and sugar); Huevos Estrellados (fried eggs served on top of fried potatoes with cured ham, chorizo or chistorra).
As for the recommended restaurants it becomes difficult to choose amongst over 8,000. Popular bastions include Restaurante Sobrino de Botin –the world’s oldest operating restaurant and Casa Revuelta, known as the ideal spot to experience tapas.
Where to Find Online Information
The official tourism website, https://www.esmadrid.com/en, offers relevant information so you can discover Madrid at your own pace. You can download a very comprehensive tourist map and stay up-to-date with everything. From ongoing exhibitions at any of the world renowned museums. Check cultural and entertainment events or even check the calendar for upcoming soccer matches.
Click here to download this guide in PDF.
For more information on the Privilege Club visit our official page.
