Capital City of Mexico City. World-class museums, historic architecture and beautiful churches. Also famous as a foodie destination with three-Michelin star avant-garde tasting menus, artisanal cheese shops and haute Mexican cuisine.
Buen Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro) offers an engaging sculptural scenography, with fountains, monuments, corners and activities to discover. Plus don’t miss churros and hot chocolate as treats!
History
Madrid once served as the capital of an influential empire in Europe, under monarchs from both Houses Habsburg and Bourbon. Now home to many internationally acclaimed museums showcasing works by some of today’s greatest artists as well as numerous large parks, squares and landmark buildings, Madrid still retains much of its old-world charm and appeal.
Early Middle Ages Algeciras was under Moorish occupation for a lengthy period; following King Ferdinand IV’s reconquest of Spain during the 16th century, however, it again became an important political center.
Madrid continued to grow rapidly during the 17th and 18th centuries, as its population increased substantially. Many old houses and other structures were torn down and replaced with more modern versions; new streets were also constructed during this period. By 1900 there had been an uprising against monarchy followed by civil war which heavily bombarded Madrid.
After General Franco died and democracy was restored, Madrid experienced rapid development. Modern buildings began sprouting up quickly in Madrid’s southern areas; many old structures were renovated; while numerous modern skyscrapers remain standing, such as Telefonica building which once held the title for being Europe’s tallest skyscraper.
Madrid is an incredible city to visit, boasting a long and storied history, which can be seen through its architecture. There are various styles of buildings spanning ancient Roman, Moorish and classical. Some of its more notable buildings include Prado Museum, Queen Sofia Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum as well as numerous art galleries, theaters and concert halls – not forgetting some very nice restaurants/cafes/stores/etc that range from the ultra modern to more classic establishments! Madrid also features plenty of very modern stores while others boast more traditional ones that make for interesting experiences while others stay longer!
Art
Madrid is an exciting hub of new art and culture. Its historic attractions combine beautifully with cutting-edge galleries that specialize in contemporary exhibitions.
One of the city’s premier cultural attractions, Reina Sofia houses one of Picasso’s greatest paintings: Guernica. This legendary work, depicting aerial bombing of civilian populations by Nazi-backed Spanish Civil War air forces in 1937, has come to represent democracy and human rights struggles worldwide.
An unforgettable museum visit begins with a stroll across its expansive grounds. Housed within an 18th-century building, this vast repository of decorative arts provides an overview of craftmanship from across time and cultures – everything from ceramics to furniture shows the skill, vision, and cultural background of its creator.
Thyssen-Bornemisza’s inaugural monographic exhibition of Spanish artist Isabel Quintanilla attests to her intimate, close, everyday style of painting. These works focus on domestic scenes, personal objects and landscapes from her everyday life that attempt to find beauty even in its smallest details.
At Madrid-based Contemporary Art Fair ART Madrid, visitors will see cutting-edge artists in all disciplines (painting, sculpture, graphic work, photography and video art). It defines itself as “an offer close to reality”, placing its audience and wider world at the core of what it does.
Escaping to Madrid’s art district for a stroll is the perfect way to uncover its many secrets and hidden gems. Exploration the many independent galleries that have recently opened their doors is best done using your instinct. Look out for Galeria Elvira Gonzalez which specializes in 20th century Spanish and international abstraction art. Visit NF/ Nieves Fernandez Gallery, known for displaying cutting-edge, conceptual contemporary art by both Spanish and international artists. Additionally, explore Madrid’s street art scene; many artists have taken advantage of graffiti pioneers’ legacy and leveraged their skills to bring their creative ideas directly into public spaces in an accessible yet exciting manner.
Nightlife
No matter your nightlife preference – from singing karaoke-style with a pianist to sipping cocktails at glittering new horseshoe-shaped bars or dancing until your feet give out – Madrid offers nightlife for every taste. Even two years of pandemic haven’t shut down Madrid’s 15,000 bars; many remain open when no noise can be heard elsewhere in nearby cities.
Malasana, in particular, stands out for its vibrant nightlife scene and laidback atmosphere. Malasana is at the core of Malasana is where hipster culture thrives – with intimate venues boasting boho flair that make an impression at parties or concerts; jazz clubs and theater cafes can also be found here.
For an upscale experience, visit Salamanca – it offers elegant and exclusive bars as well as trendy dance clubs. Here, you can find everything from cocktail bars offering high-end liquors to chic dance clubs with trendy dance floors.
If you enjoy vermouth, make sure to visit Arima bar. Offering 30 varieties of this classic Spanish beverage and offering Basque tapas as well, Arima bar has become a local landmark. Other notable establishments nearby include Cocktail Room which specializes in gin cocktails as well as Brutal Bar which boasts unique decor with dishes like bao served from within panda belly containers or duck fried rice presented inside an actual duck’s belly!
Attractions worth visiting include the Fabrik Club. Although slightly out of town center, it offers one of the country’s premier spots for partygoers with DJs, bottle service, dance shows, 80s-inspired decor and three dance floors creating an electric atmosphere which draws both locals and tourists.
If you enjoy dancing to commercial music, The Bassement offers some of the latest in electronic music every month – ranging from house, techno and reggaeton – along with full-time students as well as exchange students. Furthermore, The Bassement hosts its annual Universiparty student EDM event each March!
Shopping
Madrid boasts an unparalleled shopping experience for locals and visitors alike. You’ll find everything from high-street shops and luxury department stores, boutiques, independent shops and street markets – with everything from well-known name brands to unusual finds!
Gran Via, Madrid’s iconic avenue and open-air shopping mall, offers one of the best places for shopping in Madrid. Here you’ll find international brand name stores such as Zara, H&M, Primark (including one of its largest European locations) and Cortefiel – among many others!
Here you’ll also find several high-end department stores, such as El Corte Ingles and Salamanca Forum – an upscale retail complex featuring fashion boutiques as well as restaurants and bars.
Calle de Goya is an ideal shopping spot in downtown Madrid. This lively street features high-street brands like Levi’s, Brandy Melville and Mac, as well as more exclusive boutiques by local designers as well as high-end names such as Paco Rabanne, Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen.
Chueca and Malasana are also notable locations for shopping in Madrid. You’ll find avant-garde shops offering unique gifts, jewelry and accessories in Chueca; Calle Hortaleza features some of the city’s most distinctive boutiques for the LGTBIQA+ community, offering bookstores, erotica stores and even quirky Drag Queen wig stores!
El Rastro is another essential shopping area in Madrid’s city center, featuring local and international retailers selling everything from books and food to souvenirs and more than 300 years-old market stalls selling anything imaginable – from books to food, souvenirs and much more. A favorite pastime among both locals and tourists, CentroCentro stocks T-shirts featuring designs by notable Madrid notables and designers as well as household goods and novelty items like mini wind-up toreadors; alternatively Las Rozas Village also offers great discounts on high-end brands such as Burberry and Ralph Lauren for incredible shopping opportunities at fantastically discounted rates!