Top Destination » Madrid
Lively Madrid
Spain's Sophisticated Urban Center
Madrid, Spain's cosmopolitan capital, is set in the geographical center of the country on a high plateau bordered by the mountain range called Sierra de Guadarrama. Must-sees include the Prado Museum – one of the world's greatest collections which includes works by Goya, Velasquez, and El Greco as well as countless other masterpieces. Other points of interest are Madrid's opulent Royal Palace, of whose 2,800 rooms, guests may access 50; Picasso's Guernica and other works can be seen at the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía; and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, housed in the renovated Villahermosa Palace; and Puerto del Sol, sometimes called Madrid's Times Square.
Plazas, Nightlife & Dining
Madrid, like Rome, is constructed as a series of plazas and often navigation in the city is finding one's way from one plaza to another. Many date from the 16th century which was the golden age of Spain's cultural and political domination.
Night owls will rejoice in the lively scene in Madrid going till the wee hours of the morning. Diners typically eat after 9:00 pm or later. Also popular is strolling along the avenues and stopping for small snacks called tapas. People-watching is a national pastime and visitors would be wise to partake in the afternoon siesta to facilitate their own late night adventures. In the summertime, thousands of cafes and restaurants move their operations outside.
Las Meninas, by Velasquez, is one of the greatest masterpieces of all time, not only for its visual artistry, but also for its many levels of meaning, both political, social and psychological. Note Velasquez himself at the far left.
Shopping
Madrid is known as a center of design and high-end goods of all kinds can be found, especially in the eastern Salamanca district. A second populare area with shoppers is near the Puerto del Sol which is the locale for many of the large department stores. The city's 500-year-old Rastro (flea market) is a magnet for shoppers in search of antiques, odd items and local handicrafts.
See the full list of Madrid luxury hotels.
