Overview:
Madrid may be lacking in architectural beauty
compared with other major Spanish cities, but
it makes up for this with its boundless energy, blue
skies, art, culture and some of the most exhilarating and
exhausting nightlife in Europe. The city is compact and easy to
navigate on foot - most of the sights of interest are found in the
downtown area between the Royal Palace and Parque del Retiro.
The capital of Spain since 1562, Madrid sits in the geographic
centre of the Iberian Peninsula and has long been an important stop
on any art tour through Europe. The famous Museo del Prado on the
city's 'Museum Mile' houses important works by
Spanish and European masters from the Renaissance onwards, while
the Museo Thyssen-Bornemiza houses one of the most extensive
private collections in the world. The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte
Reina Sofia is devoted to 20th century Spanish art, with works by
Miro, Dali and Picasso.
Visitors wishing to take a break from all that art may want to
see the Plaza de Toros, Spain's largest bullring, where
regular bullfights are still held. Sports fanatics who like
something a little less blood-thirsty can watch Real
Madrid, or Atletico de Madrid, Spain's most famous football
teams kick off.
The city sits atop a plateau and is the highest capital in
Europe, making its climate somewhat extreme with steaming hot
summers and bitterly cold winters. Spring is the best time to visit
and explore the squares and alleyways in the heart of this crowded
city.
Getting Around:
Madrid is easy to get around and is served by an extensive
network of buses, a modern and efficient metro, and trains. Taxis
are plentiful and cheap although a list of surcharges will increase
the fare. Visitors should check that the meter isn't already
running as foreigners are often the victims of overcharging. The
quickest way to get around is on the fast and very efficient metro
that reaches most places and operates from 6am to 1.30am, although
it is best to avoid rush hours; otherwise the comprehensive bus
network is there to fill in the gaps from 6am to midnight. Buses
have designated lanes so are able to avoid traffic congestion, and
night buses operate after midnight. The 10-trip ticket package
allows for cheaper travel and is valid on both the metro and buses.
Driving in Madrid is best avoided; cars can be left at parking
garages for the duration of stay.
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Mayorazyo
Confortel Pio Xii
Galicia