As Spain’s capital city, Madrid is brimming with history and culture and is the perfect mix of old and new. Picturesque parks, quaint streets and ornate buildings blend beautifully with modern buildings, luxury hotels, boutiques and restaurants. Madrid’s great year-round weather, fine food and culture mean it’s perfect for a city break, while its central location and excellent transport links mean it serves as a great base for travelling to other regions, too.
Puerta del Sol is at the heart of the city centre, bursting with shops and cafes, and home to some of the city’s most symbolic statues. By day the sun-drenched square is the ideal place for watching the world go by over a leisurely lunch, and by night it comes alive with party-goers and street entertainers. The majestic Palacio Real sits proudly among beautiful gardens and fountains, and art-lovers should visit the Prado museum.
Spanish food is renowned for its flavour and quality ingredients, and Madrid is a real haven for foodies. Try tempting tapas dishes such as tortilla, olives, hams and cheeses with a glass of wine at the many cafes and bars around the city. For a traditional taste of Madrid, tuck into cocido, the city’s staple dish of hearty meat stew and vegetables, or for a gourmet treat head to the city’s modern restaurants near Plaza Mayor.
2 hrs
(from London)
Euro
Spanish
GMT +1
€3
€20
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