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Madrid Information and Madrid Tourism
(Madrid, Spain)



Madrid, Spain's capital city is situated almost at the geographical epicentre of the country on a high central plain (meseta) and is at the heart of the Spanish economical, political and communications systems. A thoroughly modern city, Madrid could not be described as handsome and does not hold the historical pull of other European cities, such as Paris or Rome.

However, visitors to this dynamic metropolis cannot help but be drawn to the vibrant spirit of the city that can be found in its streets and people. There are several tourism and tourist information offices situated in the city centre of Madrid and these provide up-to-date information about Madrid tourist attractions, museums, events, Madrid festivals, Madrid travel, Madrid sightseeing and general Madrid tourism and tourist information.




Elevated in 1561 to a capital city from its lowly status as a provincial town, by Felipe II, there is minimal historical reference to Madrid until approximately the 10th century. At this time Madrid was the Muslim seat of Magerit, which was to be relinquished in 1083 to Alfonso VI. Ever since the influence of Felipe II, Madrid has continued to expand. The city has always had its connections to the government, however new industries are being lured to the capital's 21 districts (barrios). Numerous enhancements to infrastructure and the launch of new venues and facilities have increased appreciation of and access to culture.

Luxury Madrid hotels are some of the most expensive in the world, although many have reduced weekend discount rates. However, a wide array of Madrid hotels and lodging is available to choose from, which covers the price scale, including some good Madrid budget hotels. At the bottom end of the city's accommodation are the hygienic but rudimentary rooms of the Madrid boarding houses (pensiones), guest houses (casas de huspuedes), hostels (hostales), and inns (fondas). Significant quantities of budget places to stay are in the rundown areas of the city and it is advisable to steer clear of these. Madrid has an impressive selection of accommodation, so it is rare to have difficulty acquiring a room, perhaps barring the most fashionable districts. Booking as much in advance as feasible and telephone confirmations are recommended.

Surprisingly Madrid's city centre is compact with many of its foremost attractions being concentrated in a few regions. This means sightseers may cover much of the capital by foot. Alternatively, visitors may wish to avail themselves of the first-rate public transport schemes, including the metro (underground) system. Countless metro stations and roads are assigned names of historical individuals who have never been heard of beyond Spain. Tourists should not be troubled if they find themselves temporarily disoriented as every metro station street entrance has an enormous city map and roads are well marked.

Madrid is a city with ever evolving things to see and do and it offers a diverse range of activities and attractions. After all this is the world's capital for bullfighting. The profuse number of museos (museums) would keep any tourist occupied for the duration of their visit. The term museo in Spanish does not allude to museums alone but also refers to non-commercial art galleries, thus explaining the Museo del Prado (Prado Museum) one of the world's leading collections of fine art. For art aficionados, and indeed for people with other interests, the Prado, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reine Sofía, one of Europe's top centres of contemporary art, are well worth a visit. In some cases the buildings in which the art collections are held are of as much interest as their exhibits. More information on Madrid Tourist Attractions...

There are many instances of architectural and artistic styles spanning the range of medieval to modern throughout the city. Attractions that demonstrate a baroque style include Fuente de la Fama (Fountain of Fame), Convento de San Antón (St. Anton's Convent) and San Isidro. San Jerónimo el Real is essentially Gothic in appearance. Neoclassical architecture may be seen in the Puerta de Alcalá (Alcalá Gate) and Palacio de Bibliotecas y Museos (National Library and Museum) whilst the Botero Statues and Faro de Moncloa are distinctly modern.

As Europe's lushest capital Madrid has an abundance of pleasant parks and open spaces, such as the Real Jardín Botánico (Royal Botanical Garden), Casa de Campo (Home Field) and Parque del Oeste (Park of the West), which offer a diversion from the hubbub of the city. These areas are also arenas for a multitude of leisure activities, for example visitors to the Parque del Retiro (Retreat Park) may wish to unwind by rowing out on the lake.

Madrid is the ideal base for explorations into the countryside surrounding the capital. Ávila, Segovia and Toledo are cities steeped in history and El Escorial; a luxurious summer palace in a formal setting, are all within a day visit of Madrid. To appreciate Madrid to the fullest visitors should modify their routes to those of the Madrileño, the city's inhabitants. Spaniards dine and retire for the night late and operate on less sleep than almost every other country's population. Madrid is an amiable focus for cafés, restaurants, nightclubs and theatres. It is not unusual for bars to be busy at 01:00 during the week and to return home at 03:00 is considered to be having an early night. Madrileños are even known to start the weekends clubbing late on a Thursday night and continue straight through to 09:00 on a Monday morning. Which nightclubs to go to depend upon where's in vogue during a visitor's stay, however, the usually fashionable discotecas (clubs) are Pachá (Calle de Barceló, 11), El Sol (Calle de los Jardines, 3), Joy Esclava (Calle Arenal, 11) and Palacio Gaviria (Calle Arenal, 9).

When eating out in Madrid visitors can experience a variety of regional Spanish fare. The cuisines of País Vasco (the Basque country) and Catalunya (Catalonia) are the greatest admired. Purrusalda, a leek and potato soup frequently including bacalao (cod), is an example of Basque cookery whilst llagosta a la catalana, Catalan lobster in a pepper, tomato, brandy and wine sauce sometimes with almonds and chocolate, is a must if it is on the menu. A speciality dish of Madrid is bartolillos, triangles filled with custard that are then deep-fried. Probably the best selections of tapas bars in the city are located around Plaza Santa Ana (St. Anna's Square).

With among the finest shops in Europe and an almost inexhaustible supply of sights and cultural activities including concerts, opera, Zarzuela (unique Spanish form of operetta), films and theatre, Madrid is one place visitors can return to again and again and still not see everything.

Madrid Airports Guide - useful Madrid Airport (MAD) information.

More Madrid Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Spain / España
• Status: capital city
• Area: 606 square kilometres / 376 square miles
• Population: 3.2 million in the city, 41 million in Spain
• Language: Castilian Spanish
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
• Country dialling code: +34
• Telephone area code: 91
• Religion: Roman Catholic
• Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz - round two-pin plugs are used
• Average daily January temperature: 9ºC / 48ºF
• Average daily July temperature: 31ºC / 88ºF
• City height above sea level: 655 metres / 2,148 feet

 
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