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Guide to Madrid
Madrid is high above sea level on a plateau in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula. It bustles with a rich cultural heritage mixed with a young vibrant population surrounded with remnants of a dramatic history. Madrid has become a favourite destination for people wanting something more from their holiday. Life is fast paced here with entertainment to match- people stay up long into the early hours enjoying the fun before dropping into one of the cafes in the city. Replete with excellent museums, galleries, monuments to the various occupiers over the years and buildings of diverse architectural styles, visitors are spoiled for choice.
One museum that has become a major institution over the centuries is The Prado Museum, part of the city's Golden Triangle, a major museum area of the city. The Prado was one of the first museums open to the public in 1819; housing more thn 9,000 paintings from such masters as Botticelli, Brughel, Goya, El Greco, Raphael and Rembrandt the museum is one of the most important in the world. The two other museums within the triangle are The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and The Reina Sofia National Art Centre. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum houses pieces dating more than 700 years old to more modern art. For a virtual tour, see the excellent museum website before visiting. The Reina Sofia National Art Centre is an exhibition space for poetry readings, displays, courses and other art related events. This is the home for most modern art exhibitions and now the, controversial, home of Picasso's Guernica. For any lover of art the museums within the golden triangle will provide days of distraction. There are other interesting museums, including the Museum of Money where visitors can trace the history of modern currencies, the Museum of Decorative Arts is home to a colourful exhibition of traditional textiles and glasswork and the National Archaeological Museum which houses artefacts from prehistory to modern day.
The local eateries are filled with excellent dishes from a variety of regions- Madrid is literally a melting pot of the best of local dishes- diners are spoiled for choice. Seafood will be a feature on most menus along with the local speciality of cocido, a dish of two parts (depending on tradition)-soup and a side of delicious meats, vegetables and spicy things! Experiment is the name of the game with some of the more delicious surprises coming from a random choice.
La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is a world famous bullring just outside the city limits. It attracts thousands of visitors from around the world and is considered one of the more difficult bullrings for matadors to succeed (good for the bull!). The San Isidro Festival is held here each year during May/June. For the less bloodthirsty visitor, an evening in the local pena, the venue for flamenco, is a must. Originally from the Andalucian gypsy culture, traditional dancers and musicians give a dynamic performance and an atmosphere that sweeps through the whole audience. Madrid may not be as beautiful as other cities in Spain, but it makes up for that with a fun party atmosphere that infuses everyone with an enthusiasm for trying something different.
Please contact the local tourist office for further information and advice:
Madrid Tourist Information Office,
Plaza Mayor, 3
+34 (91) 588 1636
One museum that has become a major institution over the centuries is The Prado Museum, part of the city's Golden Triangle, a major museum area of the city. The Prado was one of the first museums open to the public in 1819; housing more thn 9,000 paintings from such masters as Botticelli, Brughel, Goya, El Greco, Raphael and Rembrandt the museum is one of the most important in the world. The two other museums within the triangle are The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and The Reina Sofia National Art Centre. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum houses pieces dating more than 700 years old to more modern art. For a virtual tour, see the excellent museum website before visiting. The Reina Sofia National Art Centre is an exhibition space for poetry readings, displays, courses and other art related events. This is the home for most modern art exhibitions and now the, controversial, home of Picasso's Guernica. For any lover of art the museums within the golden triangle will provide days of distraction. There are other interesting museums, including the Museum of Money where visitors can trace the history of modern currencies, the Museum of Decorative Arts is home to a colourful exhibition of traditional textiles and glasswork and the National Archaeological Museum which houses artefacts from prehistory to modern day.
The local eateries are filled with excellent dishes from a variety of regions- Madrid is literally a melting pot of the best of local dishes- diners are spoiled for choice. Seafood will be a feature on most menus along with the local speciality of cocido, a dish of two parts (depending on tradition)-soup and a side of delicious meats, vegetables and spicy things! Experiment is the name of the game with some of the more delicious surprises coming from a random choice.
La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is a world famous bullring just outside the city limits. It attracts thousands of visitors from around the world and is considered one of the more difficult bullrings for matadors to succeed (good for the bull!). The San Isidro Festival is held here each year during May/June. For the less bloodthirsty visitor, an evening in the local pena, the venue for flamenco, is a must. Originally from the Andalucian gypsy culture, traditional dancers and musicians give a dynamic performance and an atmosphere that sweeps through the whole audience. Madrid may not be as beautiful as other cities in Spain, but it makes up for that with a fun party atmosphere that infuses everyone with an enthusiasm for trying something different.
Please contact the local tourist office for further information and advice:
Madrid Tourist Information Office,
Plaza Mayor, 3
+34 (91) 588 1636
MADRID - AIRPORT DETAILS
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