Madrid is a city of outstanding art galleries, captivating back streets, beautiful parks, atmospheric cafes and lively nightlife. Begin your explorations in the old part of the city - the area between Paseo del Prado and Palacio Real. Stroll through the Puerta del Sol - the old city gate - to the impressive Plaza Mayor, the real heart of Madrid. The surrounding streets play host to a lively mix of restaurants, cafes and bars. Don’t miss the Museo del Prado - one of the world’s greatest art galleries. It features some of the best Spanish, Flemish and Italian art of the 15th to 19th centuries with Goya, Velazquez and El Greco well represented. Check out the Museo de la Escultura Abstracta for a good collection of abstracts by Miro and Chillida and the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia for an excellent collection of 20th century art which includes Picasso’s Guernica.
Take a break in the stylish
Parque del Buen Retiro or the beautiful Real Jardin Botanico. Enjoy the
passion and intensity of a bullfight in Plaza de Toros Monumental de las
Ventas, the world’s largest bullring. Brave the enormous El Rastro fleamarket
on a Sunday morning. While away hours in the traditional cafes or chocolaterias.
Immerse yourself in Madrid’s vibrant nightlife. After a late dinner head
for the bars and nightclubs of Plaza de Santa Ana, Huertas and the Gran
Via. It is hard to resist the exuberance, warmth and charm of Madrid.