Madrid Travel Guide, Spain

Do you want to visit great destinations? Then Madrid should definitely be on your list!

It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and people consider beautiful different things. It must be so with destinations. If you have visited only certain types of destinations you will always compare the next one with what you have seen before and thus make up an idea of what a beautiful place is like that is until you see another one which will be more beautiful and you will change your previous opinion.

It’s better than to start with world recognized great destinations and you will have a great comparison term.

Of course every place is unique in its own and it is defined by the people that live in it so you can compare places in terms of architecture, infrastructure, attractions, entertainment possibilities, accommodation and other amenities.

Located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, of the country and in the heart of the Castillian plain, Madrid is the center of the country in all aspects starting with its location and continuing with the fact that the Spanish Royal Family live here and the Government, the Parliament and the Public Administration are hosted in this city. As capitals have always attracted people because of the working possibilities Madrid is no exception and it has over 3 million residents making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe.

There are many nationalities that live together peacefully whether they are Muslims or Christians and this diversity gives the city a unique feel enhanced by its long history. The city dates back from the 9th century when a fortress but the great arteries of the city were set in the 18th century.

During the years the city’s face has changed but what remained the same is the same blend of tradition and liveliness. A pinch of history can be tasted in traditional districts like Malasaña, and Lavapiés and in Madrid of Los Austrias, the Plaza Mayor, and the Palacio Real.

As in every major city the historic center in to be found in the middle while the industrial sectors are at the outskirts. The city’s industry is based on textile, metal and food.

Traveling around the city and in the surrounding areas is quite easy as there is a good network of roads and railway lines.

Madrid is huge and you should plan your visit according to the time you have at your disposal. If you have only one day that the historic center would do, if you have more you will be able to better experience what living here really means. It means that you can have a good time no matter when you find a couple of free hours, any time of day or night, there is plenty of action going on.

If you are looking for action at a big scale look for the times when the festivals are on. In May you can take part in the Fiestas de San Isidro, around New Year there is a huge party in the Puerta del Sol, a lively square many people consider the best starting point to visit the city.

Another great attraction is The Plaza Mayor, a favored meeting point adorned with great architecture. Casa de la Panaderia is the building that stands out in the Plaza Mayor and is a fine example of architecture. Plaza Mayor is a grand arcaded square in the center of Madrid has been for centuries the favored place for festivals, bull fights but also for more serious events like the royal coronations.

Attractions in Madrid abound and most of them are within walking distance so a nice stroll will have you cover most of them. Any time you want to stop and anywhere you will find some fine restaurant to suit your appetite thus making your visit as enjoyable as possible.

And what makes your stroll more enjoyable are the green spaces, the beautiful parks and gardens some boasting with birds and flowers, lakes and fountains. Madrid has indeed many beautiful oases where you can find peace and relax in the middle of nature. The city’s officials do their best to make Madrid a green city.

Outside the oasis the traffic jams and the continuous flow of people are the blood veins and arteries of the city that keep the “blood circulation going”. Life flow never stops and you will always find a bar, pub or something else opened even late at night or early in the morning.

Supplying 3 million people is not easy but the thousands of shops in Madrid can face it and the choice of products is amazing.

Nightlife in Madrid is vibrant and for all ages everybody parties in their own way whether you go in a club or pub with the young and restless or you go with the more conservative and culture oriented to a theater or opera.

Whether you come for the great architecture and cultural life, for the endless parties, for superb greenery or just to see on of the greatest metropolis in Europe, Madrid is a destination not to be missed.

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• Madrid attractions: the Prado Museum
  review by cipristb posted more then 30 days ago
  Prado Museum is included in the top 10 most beautiful museums in the world. It was inaugurated in 1819. The museum is located in a building from the time of Charles The third. This building houses the most interesting collections of European art. Even if it was founded as a museum of sculpture...
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  review by cipristb posted more then 30 days ago
  The Royal Palace is one of the main tourist attractions of the city of Madird and the largest palace in Western Europe. The palace is the official residence of the king of Spain and his family, but is used only at official ceremonies, while for the public is closed. The building was built by King...
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  review by cipristb posted more then 30 days ago
  The Escorial Palace is located in the Madrid region 50 km from it. It is a huge building-sized, with a imposing past made to commemorate the victory of the Battle of San Quintin Its construction started in 1563 under the command of King Philip the Second and completed in 1584. The building is...

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Read our members' travel tips about Madrid

• San Gines Chocolate Factory
  travel tip by Anonymous posted more then 30 days ago
  No visit to Madrid is complete without eating some mouth watering Churros. Chocolateria San Gines is the oldest venue that has been serving Churros for over 100 years since 1894. The practically dont have anything but chocolate and...
• Plaza del Cibeles
  travel tip by zsoldicsa posted more then 30 days ago
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• The Escorial
  travel tip by Wazling posted more then 30 days ago
  You should take a look at the Escorial, the seat of the spanish kings, if you are close.

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