Standing in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, the city of Madrid is the largest and most important artistic, cultural and financial settlement in Spain. It is also the capital city of the country, and caters to millions of tourists each year. Madrid city centre hotels are only a short distance from the downtown attractions and activities that make this destination a world favourite.
The best way for international travellers to reach Madrid is by air, although there are trains from most European cities, and other Spanish settlements also. The airport is quite large, and sits only 15kms from the very heart of the capital. Getting into the city from the facility can be done by car, train or bus services.When in Madrid, sightseeing is not the only activity tourists can experience!
Learning: while in Madrid, take some time to learn part of the local culture. There are cooking schools across the city, especially in some of the restaurants. Keep an eye out for those advertising cooking classes. It is a great way to spend a few hours of the holiday, and a great souvenir to take back home. The same goes for learning Spanish too. Language schools are found in the heart of Madrid, some available in local hotels. The chance to learn Spanish is at its highest while holidaying in the city of Madrid. Learn the language in the morning, then get out and use it later in the day.
Shopping: there are several famous shopping areas available in the city of Madrid. The Sol-Salamanca district is one of the more popular shopping areas, as it is home to a plethora of exciting world class brand names…and high prices. The El Corte Ingles Department Store is found in this district. Markets are available on different days across the city centre, so visit the local tourist office to find out more about when and where markets are operating.
Football: going to a football match is one of the most important parts of Madrid culture, and there are plenty of football options available. Of course, everyone knows Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. These two football giants play in the northern and southern districts of Madrid's downtown area. It is hard to get tickets to games, so purchase in advance.
Bull fighting: even though this sport is not liked by everyone, tourists in Madrid during the month of May have a chance to see this fascinating (but sometimes gruesome) event take place. The bull fighting is held at the Las Ventas Bullring.
Festivals: there are a number of events or festivals held during the year. The biggest is certainly the Gay Pride festival, which is basically a large parade that passes through the streets of downtown Madrid with many thousands of people viewing. Another is the shepherd's festival, called La Transhumancia. Live cattle is pushed through the streets during this event!
Clubbing: clubbing begins at about 22:00 or 23:00 in the night, and finishes early the next morning. There are plenty of bars and clubs found through the city centre. Tapas bars are certainly recommended for new comers. When the football is being played, especially games between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, or Real Madrid and Barcelona, the pubs usually have an unrivaled atmosphere.
Bike tours: the historical centre of Madrid is bursting with beautiful sites and attractions. However, getting around on foot takes a long time, and can be arduous. The metro is convenient, but prices add up when travelling all day. By taking a rental bike, tourists can explore the beauty of inner Madrid at a faster rate, and keep themselves healthy at the same time!
The best way for international travellers to reach Madrid is by air, although there are trains from most European cities, and other Spanish settlements also. The airport is quite large, and sits only 15kms from the very heart of the capital. Getting into the city from the facility can be done by car, train or bus services.When in Madrid, sightseeing is not the only activity tourists can experience!
Learning: while in Madrid, take some time to learn part of the local culture. There are cooking schools across the city, especially in some of the restaurants. Keep an eye out for those advertising cooking classes. It is a great way to spend a few hours of the holiday, and a great souvenir to take back home. The same goes for learning Spanish too. Language schools are found in the heart of Madrid, some available in local hotels. The chance to learn Spanish is at its highest while holidaying in the city of Madrid. Learn the language in the morning, then get out and use it later in the day.
Shopping: there are several famous shopping areas available in the city of Madrid. The Sol-Salamanca district is one of the more popular shopping areas, as it is home to a plethora of exciting world class brand names…and high prices. The El Corte Ingles Department Store is found in this district. Markets are available on different days across the city centre, so visit the local tourist office to find out more about when and where markets are operating.
Football: going to a football match is one of the most important parts of Madrid culture, and there are plenty of football options available. Of course, everyone knows Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. These two football giants play in the northern and southern districts of Madrid's downtown area. It is hard to get tickets to games, so purchase in advance.
Bull fighting: even though this sport is not liked by everyone, tourists in Madrid during the month of May have a chance to see this fascinating (but sometimes gruesome) event take place. The bull fighting is held at the Las Ventas Bullring.
Festivals: there are a number of events or festivals held during the year. The biggest is certainly the Gay Pride festival, which is basically a large parade that passes through the streets of downtown Madrid with many thousands of people viewing. Another is the shepherd's festival, called La Transhumancia. Live cattle is pushed through the streets during this event!
Clubbing: clubbing begins at about 22:00 or 23:00 in the night, and finishes early the next morning. There are plenty of bars and clubs found through the city centre. Tapas bars are certainly recommended for new comers. When the football is being played, especially games between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, or Real Madrid and Barcelona, the pubs usually have an unrivaled atmosphere.
Bike tours: the historical centre of Madrid is bursting with beautiful sites and attractions. However, getting around on foot takes a long time, and can be arduous. The metro is convenient, but prices add up when travelling all day. By taking a rental bike, tourists can explore the beauty of inner Madrid at a faster rate, and keep themselves healthy at the same time!