If you are planning a trip to the Spanish capital, this is the post for you. Below is a list of tips and recommendations to make your time in the city as worthwhile as possible, and your holiday, unforgettable.
A city with a long history
About 25,000 years ago, during the Palaeolithic, what might have been Europe’s largest human settlement was to be found next to the Manzanares River. It was later inhabited by other peoples, such as the Celtiberians, the Romans and the Visigoths, among others. As a result of this cultural richness, Madrid today boasts monuments from many different historical periods.
A well-connected city
Madrid is a city with an excellent public transport system, which is a very important factor when you’re a tourist. Cross the city and discover its main monuments by metro and bus. You can also use the taxis, which aren’t badly priced. If you fly to Madrid, you can reach the centre by Cercanías train, taxi or with a special bus that drops you off at Cibeles or Atocha and that only costs 5 euros. But if you arrive by train, the best choice would be to take the metro or a taxi.
A wealth of bars and restaurants
The Spanish capital has more than 12,000 bars and restaurants. What’s more, you will find a wide range of gastronomic proposals from all over the world, from classic Spanish cuisine to more exotic foods. If you want to try Madrid’s best dishes, keep an eye out for cocido (“stew”), squid sandwiches and cayos (“tripe”).
Long opening hours
In Madrid, establishments tend to close later than in the rest of Europe. You can eat until 16:00 and have dinner until midnight. What’s more, shops tend to open from 10:00 to 21:00. Most of the larger establishments will also open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
No room for boredom
Madrid has endless leisure and entertainment options. Here you will find a wide range of cultural proposals including museums, cinemas, theatres and art galleries. In fact, the city is home to two of the most important art galleries in the world: El Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum. And if you’re looking for nightlife, make sure to check out the neighbourhoods of Malasaña, Chueca and La Latina.
We hope these five tips help make your stay in Madrid perfect. If you still haven’t found a place to stay, check out all these offers.
