Sight Seeing in Madrid
There are plenty of sights to take in when visiting Madrid starting with the countless museums and art galleries. The Museo del Prado is considered one of the most important galleries in the world and includes works by El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt and Titian. Also the Reina Sofia Museum contains a wide selection of some of the best pieces of contemporary art and boasts works by Picasso, Dalí and many more. The Museo Thyssen is also a popular art gallery obtained by the Spanish government and includes work by Van Gogh, Toulousse Lautrec and Matisse.
The Palacio de Comunicaciones is a cathedral-like building built between 1905 and 1917 as the headquarters of the Post Office and the Palacio Real was a former residence of the Spanish Royal family; both palaces are well worth a visit to admire their magnificent architecture and to take a tour around the rooms inside.
The Catedral de la Almudena is a modern Cathedral in Gothic style whose construction was only completed in 1993. However the construction began in the 16th century and is designed to compliment the Palacio Real which stands directly opposite. The uniquely modern interior features both contemporary and historic designs and also some décor in a pop art style.
El Rastro is Madrid’s most popular flea market of medieval origin held every Sunday. Here you can find anything from books, shoes and clothes to antiques, flowers and fruits. The market is a requisite visit whilst staying in Madrid and popular with both locals and tourists.
Further a field you can take a day’s excursion to the city of Toledo, 70 km south of Madrid. The city is certified as a World Heritage Site and features much evidence of its history as a place of coexistence of Christian, Jewish and Moorish people. It is a living museum of churches, synagogues and mosques and includes its Gothic Cathedral and imposing Alcazár fortress as some of its most popular places to visit.
Romantic Breaks in Madrid
Start off your romantic city break with a stay in one of the many luxurious hotels and venture out to explore the many sights and sounds that the city has to offer.
Head to El Retiro for a leisurely afternoon in the park, you can take a picnic with you or else have lunch in one of the many cafes as you are serenaded by Spanish street musicians. The lake in El Retiro is also a great place to spend time together by renting a boat and reciting poetry as you drift along.
If you and your partner fancy some relaxation and pampering, then head to one of the many spa resorts around Madrid such as Medina Mayrit Arabic Baths for traditional Turkish baths and spa treatments to leave you looking fresh and beautiful for a romantic evening out.
You can enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner with several restaurants to take your pick of including Divina La Cocina in Chueca and then move on to take in a show with many drama, opera and ballet performances to choose from.
Fun Seekers in Madrid
Madrid is a popular city for sports enthusiasts with a wide range of activities on offer, most noticeably football. The Bernabeu is the football stadium of Real Madrid one of the most successful football clubs in Europe. The stadium is a popular place for tourists to visit where you can either catch Real Madrid playing a home game or else take a tour of the world famous stadium.
Madrid Theme Park is just minutes from the centre of Madrid with exhilarating rides for the brave and not so brave. From rollercoasters that travel at 80 km/h to relaxing boat and ferris wheel rides this attraction is a sure hit with people of all ages.
There are a number of facilities all around Madrid to try your hand at a number of activities including golf, sailing, windsurfing, horse riding, balloon rides and hiking. However if you’re looking for something in the way of more traditional Spanish entertainment then visit Las Ventas. Las Ventas is the largest bullring in the world, has a 25,000 capacity and attracts only the best matadors as it is the most difficult bullring in which to succeed.
Madrid is a fantastic city for all of you shopaholics out there. Salamanca is the golden mile for shopping with boutiques catering for every need including fashion, bookshops, jewelers and galleries. It is here that you will find all of the popular designer stores such as Chanel, Versace, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Dolce & Gabbana as well as some more affordable high street stores. Chueca is also a great area for shopping and has a more bohemian atmosphere with smaller shops, restaurants and eclectic cafes to investigate.
Malasana and the area surrounding the Plaza Dos de Mayo are the main areas for going out; it is here that you will find a vast choice of places to go out drinking, clubbing and dancing. Alonso Martinez is also a lively place after dark and is popular with students and most people frequenting the pubs and clubs in this area are in their 20s.
Family Fun in Madrid
Madrid offers a wide range of activities to keep families entertained, the zoo and aquarium in Casa de Campo is always a hit with the kids, as is the Planetarium. The Planetarium features a 3D cinema screen and is popular with people of all ages who want to learn about space and astronomy. The Acciona is an interactive science museum where little and big kids alike can get some hands on experience learning and having fun at the same time.
If you and the kids fancy a bit of outside entertainment then you should head to one of the numerous water parks located in Villanueva de la Canada and San Fernando de Hanares such as Aquápolis or take a relaxing afternoon perhaps with a picnic and an ice cream in El Retiro: a park with extensive gardens and a boating lake.
For the thrill seekers in the family visit Parque Warner, the Warner Bros Theme Park in Madrid. It is a great place for the kids to see their favourite Warner Bros characters, watch some shows including shoot-outs, chases and explosions and have the ride of their life on the several themed rollercoasters.
The annual Juvenalia Children’s and Youth Fair takes place at the Juan Carlos I Trade Fair Complex and is a great day out for all the family.
Events in Madrid
For the latest events in Madrid, visit our Jet2.com Flights Site
Top Tips for Madrid
Visit the Tapas bars around Plaza Santa Ana and Huertas for traditional Spanish tapas.
Café de Chinitas is very close to the Palacio Real and is a great place to watch highly skilled and traditional Flamenco dancers while enjoying some fantastic food and drink.
KEY PHRASES
Please, thank you – Por favor, gracias
How much? – ¿Cuanto es?
Good morning/afternoon/night – Buenos dias/buenas tardes/buenas noches.
Excuse me – Perdon
How are you? – ¿Como esta?
I don’t understand – No entiendo
Do you speak English? – ¿Habla usted ingles?
I don’t speak Spanish – No hablo español.
I would like… - Quisiera…
Is there a bank/post office near here? – ¿Hay un banco/correos cerca de aqui?
Do you have…? – ¿Tiene…?
The time – la hora
A double room – una habitacion con cama matrimonial.
Where is…? – ¿Donde esta…?
The train station – la estacion de ferrocarril
The bus station – la estacion de autobuses
Cost of a pint of beer:
£1.40
Hotels & Apartments in Madrid
Here is a selection of our accommodation available in Madrid:
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Puerta De Toledo(3*)
Located just a short 15 minute walk to the Plaza Mayor, historic centre and major attractions and entertainment areas...
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