Madrid is a vibrant city brimming with culture. You’ll find something of interest here for everyone – be it cuisine, monuments or parks! There is something here for all visitors.
Under the Bourbons, Madrid experienced another period of rapid development as an industrial center and center of commerce.
The History of Madrid
After centuries of upheaval, Madrid has emerged as one of Europe’s most vibrant, progressive cities, boasting culture, creativity and streetwise joie de vivre. No matter if you visit Madrid for business or pleasure there’s always something new to discover in this vibrant Spanish metropolis!
Modern Madrid began when Habsburg King Philip II of Spain moved his court from Toledo (of unknown origins) to Madrid. From here he controlled and administered most of Spain from this centralized base – eventually leading to what has since become known as the Universidad Complutense de Madrid as an internationally acclaimed center of higher education.
In 1808, Madrid was taken over by Napoleon’s army and soon after an uprising against Napoleon’s rule failed. However, it sparked national uprisings which eventually resulted in Spain achieving independence from its former French allies – this period is commemorated with numerous patriotic monuments throughout Madrid; Plaza Dos de Mayo in particular is remembered by this historic event and depicts it on its statues today. Additionally it left its mark on young Goya who depicted this revolt in his work “The Third of May”, now held by Prado Museum.
Since the 1920s, Madrid has experienced rapid industrial and population growth and an influx of cultural influences from across Europe. Tram and Metro systems were introduced, theatres opened, newspapers were released for publication – giving Madrid an air of vitality which can still be felt today.
Still, events took an abrupt and dark turn following General Francisco Franco’s rise and the outbreak of Spanish Civil War in 1936, which would continue for 10 years and cause immense destruction across Spain and Madrid in particular. Many iconic structures were damaged or even completely destroyed during this conflict period; yet today many have been repaired or restored, making Madrid an exciting metropolitan centre with both old and new elements present – from medieval streets in its city centre to grand boulevards featuring stately Neoclassical buildings in its newer neighborhoods; all giving Madrid its distinctive personality.
The City Centre
Madrid’s centuries-old center is its hub, bustling with stately shopping streets, iconic squares, lavish museums, gardens and parks boasting paths from former royal grounds as well as vibrant nightlife stretching into weekends. Opera, musicals and flamenco shows can all be found here while restaurants blend traditional Spanish fare with innovative Latino and Asian fusion cuisine in this historic hub.
As well as housing major international institutions that regulate and promote Spanish, such as the Association of Spanish Language Academies Standing Committee and Cervantes Institute. According to Monocle’s 2014 index, Madrid ranks 17th most livable city.
Puerta del Sol stands as the city’s center, featuring an iconic clock tower that rings out at midnight every New Year’s Eve. Surrounding it are some of the country’s premier museums like Prado and Reina Sofia as well as Rastro flea market – an epicenter for lively social life in Madrid.
As you stroll around the center, the city’s architecture offers an exercise in contrasts: grand palacios (mansions) coexist alongside modest apartment blocks and wrought-iron balconies line streets alongside modern skyscrapers. Many buildings were designed as two-story homes that gave off an impression of having just one floor to accommodate guests and ambassadors.
Foodies should make time to visit La Bola Taverne since 1870 – its history dates back four generations! With classic and signature dishes featured as well as 6- or 9-course tasting menus available.
Madrid’s culinary scene is experiencing an unparalleled surge, garnering international acclaim for its creativity. Madrid boasts trendy, upscale restaurants that blend traditional Spanish dishes with Latin, Asian, and creative tapas plates; furthermore it is home to some of the greatest Spanish chefs worldwide – Toga restaurant can be found in Lavapies and is fast becoming a favorite spot thanks to its inventive cuisine and Latin-influenced decor.
The Outside
Madrid lies on an elevated plain of sand and clay known as the meseta, an elevated tabletop surrounded by mountains composed of limestone and granite. The Sierra de Guadarrama and Gredos ranges feature forests filled with pine needles and holm oak; their foothills boast large open dehesas dotted with dehesas that house many Spanish imperial eagles.
Madrid is divided into 179 municipalities that are administratively autonomous with their own local governments and municipal councils. Each of these 179 municipalities elects its mayor through proportional representation with closed party lists and 5% electoral threshold. This election process ensures a democratic election of each alcalde.
Contrary to many cities, Madrid does not possess a central government; rather it consists of an executive board (consejo de Gobierno) consisting of its President and twelve ministers. Furthermore, their President serves both as supreme representative and ordinary representative for Spain as they preside over politics while exercising executive and administrative functions of their community.
Madrid may be one of Europe’s largest and densest cities, yet it offers many green spaces despite being densely populated. Famous examples are the Royal Palace Gardens, Bosque del Buen Retiro park and Buen Retiro square; but there is much more to discover!
City is an outdoor activity hub. Its hills and slopes provide ideal environments for walking, cycling and hiking while rivers such as Manzanares and Manchego provide fishing and rowing opportunities. Furthermore, Madrid hosts several renowned museums like Prado Museums Reina Sofa Galleries as well as Thyssen Bornemisza Galleries that can all provide unforgettable experiences for outdoor lovers.
The historic centre of the city is compact and an ideal starting point for exploring. The streets are wide and quiet, providing plenty of places to stop for refreshments or snacks. Shops generally keep long hours, some staying open all night; restaurants tend to remain open up until around 2 am while tapas bars also abound in this part of town.
The Locals
One of the greatest draws of Madrid is that it has not yet fallen under its full tourist-driven grip, offering plenty of small shops, as well as younger artists and artisans who have come in to revitalize old neighborhoods with fresh take on Spanish food, art and culture that rival any museum exhibit.
If you want to blend in with locals, skip tourist attractions and head straight for Malasana (hipster), Chueca (gay), and Conde Duque (upscale hipster). These neighborhoods are lined with small cafes, restaurants, and leafy plazas where people congregate throughout the day.
Madrid residents love seafood, and daily deliveries from both Mediterranean and Atlantic sea delicacies arrive daily for their consumption. Particularly tasty is Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp sauteed in garlic and olive oil) served sizzling hot in terra-cotta dishes.
Another delectable treat in Barcelona are its freshly baked pastries. When combined with a glass of Spanish wine, buttery pastries stuffed with delectable fillings like chorizo and spinach or creamy cheese cannot go wrong!
On weekends, La Latina transforms into an open street market where locals come together to buy, sell, and trade everything under the sun – from jewelry to antiques, electronics devices to clothing! There’s always plenty to see at this vibrant marketplace!
Madrid has recently faced the challenging task of revitalizing run-down areas without alienating residents, and Tabacalera (Calle de Embajadores 53) stands as an exemplary case. Here, an old tobacco factory has been transformed into an art center dedicated to cultural diversity and public dialogue; with free exhibitions of cutting edge contemporary works offering urban art enthusiasts something to savor.
Sun glare in Madrid can be intense, so be sure to pack sunglasses into your bag – you’ll even see locals sporting shades on cloudy days! You’re bound to come across people wearing theirs!
Pickpockets can be found everywhere in large cities, so it is advisable to carry your money and valuables in a small cross-body handbag if possible – this way your hands will remain free to point out all the amazing art and architecture!