top of page
100_1620.JPG
100_1611.JPG
IMG_6878.JPG
IMG_6567.JPG
IMG_6545.JPG
DSCF0235.JPG
100_1633.JPG

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' (creamy, pudding-

like, rich hot chocolate and crispy-fried, light and airy doughnut twists) just 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, by European standards,  developed  with the express purpose of housing the Spanish

Royal Court, Madrid is not  typified  by any  specific  type of architecture. Its streets  reflect a diverse mix of

styles ranging from Moorish to Art Deco to Classical and Contemporary, producing an eclectic but strangely

beautiful cityscape. It has grown considerably in recent years and the population of the city has increased from approximately 2.26 million in 1960 to more than 3.3 million in Madrid today and 6.5 million including the entire Metropolitan area, all embracing a wide  range of uniquely remarkable cultures that add to the majesty of Madrid.

​

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 with temperatures falling below zero, offering skiing options just 45 mins from the city centre.

​

Non-Gastronomic Must-See Adventures of Madrid

 

The Prado: This is the museum to visit when in Madrid. It houses a phenomenally impressive collection of both Spanish artists, such as Velazquez, Goya and El Greco and other international masters, including Rubens and Rafael.

Opening Hours:

Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm

Sun and Bank Holidays: 10am-7pm

Modified Hours: Dec 24th, 31st and Jan 6th 10am-2pm

Closed: Jan 1st, May 1, Dec 25th

Cost: Entry to General Collection and Temporary Collections €15 with €7.50 concessions and free for under 18 and over 65 with ID

FREE WEEKDAYS 6pm-8pm and SUN and BANK HOLIDAYS 5pm-7pm

Location: Paseo del Prado, near Neptuno

 

The Reina Sofia: Madrid's amazing modern and contemporary art museum houses work by Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and, of course, Picasso's 'Guernica, reason enough alone to visit this magnificent museum. 

 

Opening Hours:

Mon,Wed-Sat 10am- 9pm

Sun 10am-2:30pm

Closed: Every Tuesday, Jan 1st, 6th, May 1st, 15th, Nov 9th, Dec 24th, 25th, 31st

Cost: Entry to General Collection and Temporary Collections €12.00 (2 visits €18.00)

Discount concessions include free for under 18 and over 65 with ID

FREE Mon, Wed-Sat 7pm-9pm, Sun 1230pm-230pm, as well as April 18, May 18, Oct 12

Location: Santa Isabel, 52 in the square opposite Atocha Train Station.

 

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, resides at The Thyssen.

 

Opening Hours:

Tues-Sun 10am-7pm

Modified Hours: Dec 24th and 31st 10am-3pm

Closed: Every Monday, Jan 1st, May 1st Dec 25th

Cost: Entry to museum €13

Free entry: Mon 12pm -4pm

Discount concessions include €9 concessions for Students/OAPs and free for under 18 (Temporary exhibitions are extra)

Location: Paseo del Prado, 8

 

Please note that if you are intending to visit only the permanent collections in all three museums, you can purchase a joint pass called "Abono Paseo del Arte" for €32 which is valid for one year and available at any of these museums.

 

For any of our Danish friends out there who are looking for inspiration check out Momondo's guide to Madrid
 

Get more ideas on what to do on the Kayak MadridTravel Guide.

 

 

Visually Stunning Picture Perfect Madrid

Catedrál de la Almudena: 

Madrid's modern Cathedral and location

of the Spanish Royal wedding

Parque de El Retiro: 

Madrid's former Royal Palace grounds now an enclosed serene, lush public park 

Puerta del Sol: 

Madrid's central hub and home of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree

Palacio Real: 

The Royal Palace, grand and majestic, just as one would assume

 

Templo de Debod: 

Madrid's Egyptian Temple and park area providing spectacular views of the city

Plaza Mayor: 

Madrid's Main Square for many a century and the central location for most festival activities          

For all wine information or to find your local wine resources in Madrid, La Rioja or Ribera del Duero, see WineTourismSpain.

bottom of page