About Madrid
With the largest density of bars and restaurants per square metre in Europe, Madrid is famed for its vibrant nightlife. Even at 4 o'clock in the morning the streets are teeming with revellers, some only part way through their night out, others going to partake of the traditional 'chocolate y churros' (gloopy hot chocolate and deep-fried doughnut twists) before bed. Madrid is not a place to sit back and watch the world go by, but rather somewhere you should throw yourself into the mêlée.
A relatively new city, developed with the express purpose of housing the Spanish Royal Court, Madrid is not typified by any specific type of architecture but its streets reflect a diverse mix of styles ranging from Art Deco to Classical, producing an eclectic but strangely beautiful effect. It has grown considerably in recent years and the population of the city has increased from about 2.26 million in 1960 to more than 3 million today, embracing a variety of different peoples and cultures.
Located high on a central plateau (2,132 ft above sea level), right in the centre of Spain, Madrid is a city of extremes: baking in summer, with temperatures that can reach 40°C in August sending 'Madrileños' running for the beach, and freezing in winter when temperatures fall below zero offering the possibility of skiing 45 mins from the city centre.
With a rich history of authors, poets and cinema directors ranging from Miguel Cervantes, author of the famous 'Don Quijote', to Pedro Almodóvar, director of "Hable con Ella" (Speak to Her), Madrid has always had its fair share of celebrities and was a favourite of Ernest Hemingway. The city's most recent attraction is football star David Beckham who has deigned to don the vest of Real Madrid, the most star-studded team of all time, and finds his face blazoned over Madrid newspapers daily.
Musts of Madrid (non-gastronomic)!
Museums:
The Prado: THE museum to visit, housing really impressive collections by Spanish artists such as Velasquez, Goya and El Greco, and other international masters such as Rubens and Rafael.
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 9am- 7pm; N.B. SHUT MON
Cost: €6; (€3 concessions; Free for under 18s and over 65s with ID); FREE SUN
Location: Paseo de Prado near Neptuno
Website: http://museoprado.mcu.es
The Reina Sofia: Madrid's amazing modern and contemporary art museum, housing work by among others, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and of course Picasso's 'Guernica'. Really worth a visit if you like modern art.
Opening hours: Mon,Wed-Sat 10am- 9pm; Sun 10am-2:30pm; N.B. SHUT TUES
Cost: €6.00; (€3.00 concessions; Free for under 18s and over 65s with ID); Free Sat 2:30pm-9pm, Sun 10am-2:30pm
Location: Santa Isabel, 52 in the square opposite Atocha Train Station.
Website:http://www.museoreinasofia.es
The Thyssen (Museo Thyssen Bornemisza): One of the most important private collections in the world, chronicling art movements from the 14th Century to 20th Century pop art.
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 10am- 7pm; N.B. SHUT MON
Cost: €6; (€4 concessions; Students/OAPs) Free for under 12s (Temporary exhibitions are extra)
Location: Paseo del Prado, 8
Website: http://www.museothyssen.org
Please note that if you are intending to visit all 3 museums you can buy a joint pass, "Abono Paseo del Arte", for €14.40 (valid 1 year; tickets available in any of the galleries.)
Beauty Spots:
Plaza Mayor: Madrid's main square.
Puerta del Sol: The central hub of the city.
Palacio Real: The Royal Palace with its ornamental gardens.
Catedrál de la Almudena: Madrid's modern Cathedral, the scene of the Royal wedding in May.
Templo de Debod: For great views over Madrid, the Palace and Cathedral, Also a reconstructed Egyptian Temple.
Parque del Buen Retiro: Large park, complete with boating lake and ornamental statues. Perfect to escape the city bustle. The grounds of a former Royal Palace.
For a completely different experience, try going on a Segway tour of Madrid with Madsegs, a fun and light hearted way to see the city on 2 wheels!
http://www.madsegs.com
