Experience Madrid’s authentic joie de vivre through its bustling streetlife and year-round concerts, flea markets and parades.
Madrid’s luxurious shopping avenues such as Gran Via feature postcard-worthy cityscapes as well as high street and luxury stores. Additionally, shoppers flock to El Corte Ingles – Spain’s largest department store – for retail therapy.
History
Madrid’s history is one of human resilience, cultural exchange and reinvention. As Spain’s capital city it has seen many high points, low points and changes of fortune over its long existence.
Lower Paleolithic people lived in what is now central Madrid for some time during the lower Paleolithic, but mass settlement began during the Bronze Age. Archeological findings include Ciempozuelos’ Bell beaker culture vase as well as later Roman remains such as Temple of Debod. Madrid experienced rapid expansion during its so-called cultural Siglo de Oro (Golden Age). Cervantes and Lope de Vega attracted artists and writers such as themselves during this era of growth.
At this time, the Royal Palace became one of Europe’s finest examples of Baroque architecture. Later came industrialization which attracted workers from across Spain and lead to an exceptionally diverse population which today includes over 6.5 million residents making Seville one of Spain’s three biggest cities.
As Franco’s Nationalist forces entered the city following the Civil War, they found it heavily damaged. Reconstruction efforts began immediately and its architecture took on an even more modern appearance; Barcelona remains one of the few European cities where such an extensive range of skyscrapers can be found; these include landmark buildings like Telefonica Building which used to be Europe’s tallest structure.
The city’s business productive structure is dominated by service industries like trade, manufacturing and construction; insurance and banking services also flourish here, while leisure activities are well developed thanks to its multicultural population; an estimated 25% are foreign residents.
Madrid is an exhilarating nighttime city, from enjoying drinks in an attractive bar or sampling some tapas to simply going for a stroll along its lively streets. Madrid is famed for its lively nightlife scene which draws young people from all around the globe; particularly students; in fact it holds one of the highest numbers of Erasmus exchange students worldwide.
Culture
Madrid’s story is one of human resilience, cultural exchange and transformation. From its streets to its palaces, Madrid is full of history, music and art that showcase its grandeur.
Royals loved to impress by lavishly embellishing the city with elaborate palaces and churches, while most of its inhabitants resided in slum dwellings or were employed as servants in aristocratic homes.
At the start of the 19th century, Spain underwent profound social transformation, giving rise to Romanticism as an artistic movement that inspired both artists and writers across Spain. This captivating museum, located within an exquisite 1776 palace, exhibits paintings by Goya as well as recreated period rooms to provide you with an insight into Romantic lifestyle.
Madrid began to revive following the Spanish Civil War and soon gained new influences from across Europe. Theatres, cafes and publishing (many of these newspapers still print today).
Spain’s literati began to settle here, including writers like Cervantes (Don Quixote) and Lope de Vega (The plays). By the early 20th century, another generation of writers emerged who explored causes for civil war while exploring science and history topics through writing.
As such, Barcelona is home to some truly outstanding museums and galleries, in addition to providing ample opportunities for enjoying performing arts such as opera, ballet flamenco and tango.
Spaniards love tapas, and you’ll often find locals dining quite late compared to most places worldwide. Enjoy traditional Spanish fare at any number of restaurants or bars or head out of town to visit one of many specialist tapas houses!
Madrid remains alive with streetwise joie de vivre and passion for food and drink, which you can taste in its delicious cuisine or while sipping sangria on a warm summer evening on one of many terraces or cafes where locals converse in Spanish (and sometimes English!). Madrid offers something exciting, vibrant, and welcoming no matter your interests!
Nightlife
Madrid is an energetic city where night life plays an equal part to day time activities. There are numerous clubs and bars open until 3 am that feature live music performances as well as traditional Spanish drinks like red wine and beer as well as more modern cocktails that have quickly become increasingly popular options.
At nightfall, locals typically don’t go out for dinner until 10pm, when most will sip a few drinks and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Many revel in Flamenco dancing which features singing with guitar and castanet accompaniment; authentic flamenco shows can often be found at theatres across town while tablaos (flamenco bars) also provide this form of entertainment.
Madrid is home to many world-famous clubs. Kapital is one of those major clubs, making for an exciting night out in Madrid for both tourists and locals. Boasting multiple floors with music genres ranging from rock, 80s Americana and deep house to mainstream pop and mainstream dance music genres; Kapital offers something for everyone in an enjoyable nightlife environment.
Gabana 1800, known as Spain’s top club, should not be missed if you want to experience true Madrid nightlife. Boasting VIP areas, velvet ropes and an impressive roster of celebrity visitors – this club definitely makes for a worthwhile visit!
Chueca is a vibrant, entertaining neighborhood in the center of town offering hipster pubs, cocktail bars and alternative nightclubs that attract young people from across the city. Meanwhile, Salamanca boasts luxurious clubs that attract an exclusive clientele – perfect for partygoers looking to party among elite locals!
Shopping
Shopping in Barcelona is diverse, featuring everything from fast fashion to luxury brands. The iconic Gran Via avenue serves as a showcase for Spanish and international chain stores while the Salamanca district features high-end boutiques dedicated to the latest European trends.
Centro Canalejas, with its modern, sleek complex of designer boutiques and Four Seasons hotel, elegant arcades and food halls is a modern masterpiece. Galeria Canalejas provides high-end accessories from Hermes, Cartier and Saint Laurent for urban wear – setting an incredible atmosphere in Galeria Canalejas itself.
El Corte Ingles is one of Europe’s premier department store chains, boasting massive downtown locations offering apparel and electronics. Here you’ll also find their famous Madrid summer sales which start mid-July and last through September; winter sales follow soon after and last from early January to March.
Apart from its well-known shopping districts, the city also features many independent boutiques. Ekseption 2 stands out as a longstanding brand offering high-quality apparel such as stylish clothing, shoes, bags and accessories in the upper price range; also providing men with select items.
Nadal offers an exquisite collection of jewelry and other accessories; NAC boasts avant-garde fashion pieces and contemporary leather bags; both boutiques are in Chueca neighborhood where there is also an impressive variety of stores catering specifically to LGTBIQA+ shoppers, such as erotic stores or funky Drag Queen wig stores.
As in most cities in Europe, credit card purchases by foreigners require identification. Therefore, it may be wise to keep your passport or ID with you while visiting busy shopping areas like Gran Via.
Navigating the city’s shopping area is made simple thanks to a comprehensive public transport network, with buses and metro lines running continuously throughout the day. Many shopping areas are pedestrian-friendly, while major centers typically provide parking facilities nearby. Plus, in town’s heart lies an array of outlet malls offering discounted merchandise at various points throughout the year!