Madrid is the capital of Spain and is situated in the center of the country. It is a much-loved tourist destination and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is the weather great and the scenery beautiful. Madrid is also rich with culture, superb culinary delights, and many great attractions. Tourists are never bored in Madrid and are, in fact, spoilt for choice. We have whittled down the list to bring you the six best things to do in Madrid.
The Prado
A trip to Madrid would not be complete without a trip to the most popular art museum in the world. The collection of renaissance and baroque masterpieces is breathtaking. The museum also holds the Spanish cultural reference point, a collection of the 14 Black Paintings by Francisco Goya, a Spanish Romantic painter. The museum also holds works from other incredible artists like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Velázquez.
6 great things to do in MadridRetiro Park
Get outside and soak up some of that gorgeous Spanish weather. One of the perfect spots to do that is Retiro Park. Just a few steps away from The Prado, the park is full of beautifully manicured gardens and pathways for long slow walks in the shade. A great place for kids to run around and paddle around in the Grand Pond. The gardens were previously royal property until they were opened to the public at the end of the 19th century. The park is also home to the oldest tree in the city, 386 years old to be exact.
Royal Palace
Built for King Philip V in the mid-1700s, it is the largest royal palace in Western Europe. While it is pretty impressive from the outside, inside is truly where the experience of neoclassical and baroque lavishness can be seen. The palace is home to a few incredible historical artifacts, like the personal weapons used by Charles V in the 16th Century, and the only string quartet of Stradivarius instruments in the world.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Real Madrid fans have come to the right place. Europe’s most successful football team calls this stadium home. Don’t worry about struggling to get a last-minute ticket for the game. The stadium can seat a whopping 85000 people. Want to get a closer look? Book in for a guided tour and see the stadium as only the players can. Take a trip through the locker rooms, trophy room, team dugouts, and even the presidential box.
6 great things to do in MadridMercado San Miguel
Satiate those tastebuds with the culinary explosion that is Mercado San Miguel. The nouveau marketplace dates back to 1916. While there are some grocery stalls, it is mostly occupied by some of Spain’s top foodie experts. Be sure to come here hungry.
Gran Vía
Get to know the city by walking along the Gran Via. Entertainment, shopping, and cultural spots are found here. By day or by night, Gran Via is buzzing and vibrant with activity. Day trips will include shopping and sightseeing while the night has a more romantic mood with a beautiful cinema available and an array of nightclubs for the younger generation to enjoy.
A trip to Madrid is a rich cultural experience that will not soon be forgotten. It is a place for those of all ages to enjoy the wonders that Spain has to offer.
