Madrid Things To Do

Sightseeing
Madrid cannot compete with Barcelona in terms of monuments or even prettiness but outdoes it on atmosphere and character. The best of the city is found in its day-to-day life and rituals: a coffee in the gorgeous Plaza Mayor, a stroll along the Paseo del Prado, a walk in the Retiro park, sampling tapas in the old central neighbourhood around Plaza Santa Ana or relaxing in bohemian cafes and trendy wine bars in Madrid de los Austrias, the oldest part of the city. Take a look at the Royal Palace, the botanical gardens and the fine facades of the Gran Via.

Galleries
Art is the major cultural attraction of Madrid. The Prado Museum, the Thyssen Museum and the Reina Sofia Arts Centre are home to some of the most astonishing art collections in Europe. The vast Prado has many of the most famous paintings by Velasquez, El Greco and Goya, and incredible works by Hieronymus Bosch. The Thyssen is much broader in scope, offering a very enjoyable mix, while the Reina Sofia hosts cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions. The three galleries are within easy walking distance of each other.

Food & Drink
An astonishing amount of Madrid cafes, bars and restaurants are packed into the central area. All the key areas are short walks from each other. Simply stroll around and find your own personal favourite. A wonderful mix of characterful places in neighbourhoods like La Latina and Lavapies to the south of Sol and Chueca and Malasaña to the north. Try Plaza Santa Ana, Opera and Cava Baja. For the best atmosphere in Madrid restaurants eat out late. Madrileños are still sitting down to dine well after three in the afternoon and ten at night. Lunchtime menus del dia are tremendous value.

Shopping
Madrid shopping remains a pleasure, with plenty of small, family-owned businesses and covered markets right in the centre of the city. Lots of curious small shops between the Plaza Mayor and Sol. Calle Fuencarral is packed with trendy clothes shops. Smarter shops are found in Barrio Salamanca nearer the Retiro park. The pedestrian streets north of Sol offer the most familiar names. The vast Sunday morning Rastro street market is a must: an enjoyable way to get to know the atmospheric La Latina neighbourhood packed with lively daytime bars.

Nightlife
Madrid nightlife is terrific fun for all ages. All the central streets are packed with an incredible mix of bars and clubs. It is best to wander and go with the flow rather than choose any one objective. Only late night-clubs charge for entrance. It is perfectly feasible to visit a dozen places in one night in the space of a few hundred yards. Small, idiosyncratic music bars and plenty of live music. Return to your hotel before midnight and you have missed out on what Madrid is all about.

Madrid City Breaks  Getting Around Madrid

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