This colourful, cosmopolitan city is one of the world's great capitals. Stately and historical, yet exuberantly modern, this city comes to life at night - if you have trouble staying up, the secret is a siesta!

Insider Tip

When visiting over a weekend many of Madrid's famous museums and art galleries offer free admission on Sunday mornings or Saturday afternoons. Each location tends to have one day of the week when they are closed which is often a Monday.

Plaza Major Much of the history of Madrid is tied to this 17th century plaza. Frequently the home to Spanish fiestas and open-air theatre, this historical square is the perfect place to people-watch from one of the many pavement cafes.

Palacio Real This extravagantly designed royal palace from the 18th century is a landmark and a remarkable piece of architecture.

Wander the streets surrounding the Puerta del Sol and soak up the old-fashioned Spanish culture. Admire the large statue of King Carlos III and the famous symbol of Madrid El Oso y El Madrono, a twenty-tonne statue of a bear eating fruits from a tree.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a taberna, a traditional Spanish-style bar that is often richly kitted out in ceramic tiles and doubles as a restaurant.

Food & Drink

When eating out in Madrid you can experience a variety of Spanish fare. The cuisine of Pais Vasco (the Basque country) and Catalunya are the greatest admired. Purrusalda, a leek and potato soup frequently including bacalao (cod) is an example of the Basque cookery whilst Ilagosta a la Catalan, Catalan lobster in a pepper, tomato, brand and wine sauce, sometimes with almonds and chocolate, is a must if it is on the menu. A speciality dish of Madrid is bartolillos, triangles filled with custard and deep fried.

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Probably the best place to go for a traditional Spanish tapas is Plaza Santa Ana. Tortilla de patatas (potato omelette), al bondigas (meat balls in tomato sauce) and ailoli (garlic mayonnaise) served with rustic bread are some of the most popular.

 

 

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Shopping

You can find just about everything in Madrid. Some of the best souvenir shops are scattered in and around the arcades of Plaza Major, which is also known for its numerous specialist shops.

Followers of fashion should head to Calle Almirante and the Salamanca district for the small designer boutiques and outlets. Take a stroll down the cosmopolitan and dynamic Grand Via one of the city's most popular shopping streets.

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Discover the stall-filled streets of the El Rastro district on a Sunday morning and join the locals exploring the flea market looking for rare and unique items.

 

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Excursions

Madrid Card

Free entrance to more than 50 Madrid museums and attractions including the Discover Madrid walking tours, the Bernabeu Stadium tour and priority access to a variety of museums and art galleries. In addition a detailed guide includes exclusive discounts for a variety of restaurants and retail outlets.

Passes available for 1,2 or 3 consecutive days.
Adults from £55.

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Panoramic Madrid
An excellent way to get acquainted with Spain's premier city, highlighting the key points of interest of cultural and diverse Madrid together with the insider knowledge of an expert guide.

Departs: twice daily. Duration: 2.5 hours.
Adults from £21.

Panoramic Madrid & Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
An excellent way to get acquainted with Spain's premier city, highlighting the key points of interest of cultural and diverse Madrid combined with a behind the scenes tour of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and the Real Madrid museum.

Departs: twice daily. Duration: 3 hours
Adults from £41.

Flamenco & Tapas
Experience an evening of Flamenco dance and music at the historical Florida Park venue dating back to the 19th century and nestling within one of Madrid's loveliest parks the Buen Reitro. The performance is complemented by a traditional tapas meal including red wine or Sangria. (Transport to the venue is not included).

Departs: Thurs-Dat (01 Nov-31 Mar 2012 & 01 Nov-30 Dec 2012). Wed to Sat (01 Apr-31 Oct 2012). Duration: 3 hours, show commencing at 21.30
Adults from £61.