Madrid Travel Guide
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Your Guide to Madrid
The sun is always shining in the bustling city of Madrid. In addition to the comforting climate, Madrid is an eclectic city that blends European history with a modern, exciting nightlife boasting an innumerable amount of activities to partake in. This guide will help you navigate your way across this culturally iconic city.
By the way, this is not a one-stop-shop city. Upon your first visit to the heart of Spain, I suggest that you spend upwards of weeks here. Any less time and you are sure to miss out on some of the most renowned attractions. From the Palacio Real to the Casa de Campo, let’s begin by detailing some of the top attractions in Madrid.
Top Attractions In Madrid
Madrid is a gorgeous city most known for its urban sprawl and somewhat rebellious, carefree nature. Albeit it is this, Madrid is also the capital of Spain. The stark contrast is evident in everything from the scenery to the attractions, highlighting the diverse culture of the city. It’s without a doubt that there’s enough for everyone here.
The top three visited attractions in Madrid are:
- The Prado Museum
- The Crystal Palace
- The Royal Gardens
These three attractions receive the most attention because they blend the diversity of Madrid’s energy in one. Each of these touch on the culturally historic elegance of the city and also the robust excitement in one.
Read below for more details on the top attractions in Madrid.
The Prado Museum
The enormous Prado Museum can be quite an intimidating experience. Designed with a European influence, the Prado is host to over 100 rooms and three floors. The museum itself seems to be handcrafted to perfection, offering large columns and a building spanning 22,000 square meters. The interior is equally impressive, being lucidly clean and ornately refined.
Albeit it can be easy to get lost in the beauty of the museum, it’s the content that should most garner your attention. The Prado museum hosts the work of some of the most influential Spanish painters, ranging from the 12th century to the 19th century. The museum also includes famous works from German, French, Italian, and Flemish artists.
Examples of some famous artists and the work that is present in the Prado is listed below:
- Velazquez: Las Meninas
- Raphael Santi: The Portrait of a Cardinal
- Juan de Flandes: CrucifiXIon
- El Greco: The Adoration of the Shepherds
- Albrecht Durer: Self Portrait
- Francisco Goya: Portrait of Charles IV family
In addition to these famous works, the Prado Museum also offers a range of sculptures found throughout Rome that have dated back to the beginning of the 17th century and have been preserved here since its founding in the 1800s. This attraction is a staple for exemplifying the artistic, cultural legacy of Spain.
If you love artwork and happen to enjoy history, the Prado should definitely be at the top of your list. There’s even an option to partake in a guided tour, which lasts around an hour and a half and is led by an expert.
You’ll learn extensive information on some of the top pieces in the museum. This is a great attraction. Just don’t be shocked by some of the rules upon entry. You’ll have to leave your belongings at check-in.
The Crystal Palace
Madrid is an icon for beauty. The Crystal Palace (El Palacio de Cristal) is a site renowned for its scenery. A peaceful attraction, the Crystal Palace sits in the middle of Buen Retiro Park. The park spans over 120 hectares of land and is also a staple for peace amongst the bustling business of Madrid.
Translating to the Park of Pleasant Retreat, here you’ll find your tourists that find pleasure in silence. Some choose to gaze at any of the four fountains spread throughout the park, whilst others simply choose to stargaze at night.
For those that prefer to do a little more than the usual pastimes associated with relaxing in a park, the Crystal Palace offers other attractions to further treat your pleasures.
The Rose Garden
The rose garden is a dreamer’s paradise. In the Spring, the garden is home to an assortment of over 4,000 roses in full bloom. The site is a popular destination and is enough to take your breath away. At night, you can find people stargazing in any number of the benches around the garden that exist to comfort you in your peaceful aesthetic.
For those that want a little more spice to their experience, the Crystal Palace hosts an observatory that was built in the late 1800s. The observatory takes the experience of stargazing to a completely different level and utilizes a 25-foot long reflecting telescope for astronomy lovers.
The Royal Palace and Gardens
If there is one attraction that most encapsulates the cultural significance of Madrid, it’s the Royal Palace. It’s often compared to the Palace of Versailles and is truly a work of art. The Palace is inclusive of:
- Historic Statues of Spanish Kings – one that was intended for the Louvre in France, but instead remained here.
- A Royal Armory – the armory itself includes 3,000 classical exhibits each preserving the history of Spain in a uniquely historic way.
- King Charles III Apartments – each room is decorated innately with marbled flooring and antiques.
- Salon de Gasparini – a Rococo style hall, decorated with the silk wall tapestry.
Akin to the cultural significance present, the Palace is unique in its masterpiece features. Upon entrance, a grand hallway opens to reveal a giant staircase that climbs to the main floor. It is here where the apartments are most visible. Upon careful inspection of the apartments, you will find that each room looks to have been decorated with the most expensive fabrics.
The throne room too is a significant location where you will find artwork that looks like it belongs in the Prado. Artwork done by Velazquez and Goya is adorned on the walls in the throne room amidst ornate artifacts such as:
- Mirrors – fancifully decorated, albeit rusted.
- Weapons – sheathes remain, showcasing the importance of defense in the palace.
- Tapestry – silken tapestries hang throughout the palace itself, a symbol of wealth.
- Chandeliers – ornate and decorative.
The Gardens
Outside of the Palace are the Sabatini Gardens. These gardens are gorgeous and happen to follow a Neo-Classical design. The vegetation is sheared symmetrically, and many of the hedges take on a geometrical shape. Flora is in bloom along the sides of the gardens and a fountain sits in the middle of the gardens.
Amidst the gorgeous views, this attraction is a great one following the visit to the Royal Palace. The Gardens themselves are detoxifying, and simply walking through them grants a level of peace unlike any other. The Neo-Classical design also includes an array of statues and pools.
Of the previous attractions, the Royal Palace gets the most tourists out of the rest of them and is a must-see.
The Experience Flying Into Madrid Airports
If you’ve ever flown into a busy airport, you’ve learned that the experience can be quite uncomfortable. Well, in the case of Madrid Airports you’re in for a treat.
Madrid’s busiest airport is the Madrid Barajas Airport, abbreviated as (MAD). This airport alone happens to connect millions of international travelers annually.
You may think that flying into the Madrid Barajas Airport would be an uncomfortable experience, however, there are a few things that make this experience unlike any other because the terminals each provide a different type of comfort:
- Terminal One: Hosts the Mahoudrid Cafe, which hosts good food and comfortable seating. (There is enough seating that people sleep here regularly).
- Terminal Four: Here, there are numerous amounts of comfortable seating in between being on the go.
- Terminal Three: More food options, such as a McDonald’s that are regularly utilized.
- Terminal Four: Offers soft flooring for children and adults alike.
As you’ve read above, flying into Madrid Airports illuminates the idea that Madrid wants you to provide you with the best possible experience from your arrival. It’s not only the city that promises serene comfort and wonderful food. You get to experience this from the moment you arrive.
Top Three Tips to Fly Cheap To Madrid
As a tourist, you may be concerned about the cost-effectiveness of your flight. Well, here are a few tips to help you choose the best possible option.
1. Fly Iberia
Fly Iberia: Flying Iberia offers cheaper rates in general to the bustling city. Flights during peak periods can be $1,000 on average. Iberia offers rates at $450.00 during these peak periods at times.
2. Book In Advance
Book In Advance: It may seem like common sense, but booking as far as possible in advance will save you big time. Rates begin to skyrocket once demand begins to increase. If you can beat the peak period demand, (May, June, July) you will save a lot of money.
3. Wait to Spend Money Until You Arrive
Wait to Spend Money Until You Arrive: Madrid is an electric city that offers everything you need. Don’t break your bank buying tons of items in advance. Pack what you need to get started, and buy the remainder in Madrid. That way you can be cost-effective in your flight and in your spending in general.
Popular Areas of the City To Stay
When you’re planning your trip to Madrid, you may be wondering about the best places to stay. These options are in the heart of Madrid or are situated close to peak areas.
Salamanca
This area offers some of the best views and luxury comfort in Madrid. Hotels here are quite pricey, but for what you get in return – you can be sure you will be satisfied with your location. It is a bit far from areas such as the Royal Palace, however, so if you are looking for something a bit closer to the most popular locations – keep reading.
La Latina
This is an area known for its luxurious nightlife scene. The area opens up around 1 am for a night scene unlike any other.
Chueca
Chueca boasts affordable, safe options for tourists and is a normal distance from some main attractions.
Gran Via
This area also boasts affordable options and is better for larger groups. You can find large rooms at better prices here.
Staying in a city like Madrid can seem intimidating, but upon examining your needs – you should be able to find a hotel in one of these areas with relative ease. Continue reading below for a list of hotels in these areas:
Popular Hotels In These Areas
Within the areas below are a few hotels to help accommodate you during your stay. These hotels are sure to add to your experience.
- Salamanca – Hotel Grand Hotel Don Gregorio ( A Five Star Hotel known for its luxurious amenities. The hotel promises a wonderful experience).
- La Latina – Pestana Plaza Mayor ( A Four Star Hotel boasting affordable prices and a comfortable stay, whilst guaranteeing gorgeous sites).
- Chueca – Only YOU Boutique Hotel (A Top Rated Four Star Hotel that is incredibly popular with guests from the United States).
- Gran Via – Hotel Madrid Gran Via By Melia (Comfortable, highly rated Three Star Hotel with a traditional style).
Popular Airbnb Places In These Areas
If hotels don’t seem to fit your preference, let’s take a look at some AirBnB’s in these areas as well. Below are a few popular AirBnB’s to help accommodate your stay.
Salamanca
My Corner In Goya (Three-Bedroom Apartment with beautiful views and a refined style).
La Latina
Puerta De Sol (A shared room in Madrid, best for a single person).
Chueca
Habitación En Pleno Centro de Madrid con Balcón (A private room in an apartment boasting close proximity to shops and popular areas).
Gran Via
Great Room In the Center of Madrid (A room boasting a king-sized bed akin to gorgeous views, and a lively area).
Top 3 Things to Do In Madrid
We’ve discussed the top attractions in Madrid. Now let’s discuss the things you must do when visiting this wonderful city.
- Visit El Rastro – this is the largest flea market in Madrid and thousands of stalls can be open at a single time. Spend some time here to get a taste of different cultural foods, and to experience a different environment.
- Buy Churros at San Gines – The tasty treat that you might’ve had elsewhere is on a whole other level at San Gines. The location is in Puerta De Sol and boasts churros so tasty that you will be back.
- Visit the Royal Palace – This is a must. As detailed above, it is a staple icon. Not visiting the royal palace will have you feeling underwhelmed.
Coolest Airbnb Experiences In Madrid
Many of the AirBnB’s in Madrid are for individuals. Because of this, some AirBnB’s have unique features to help open you up with a wonderful, unique stay. It all depends on what you would like to experience.
- La Latina offers a 16th Century Palace AirBnB with tapas bars, giving an authentic taste of Spain. It is pricey however at over $140 a night – but for some, the experience is worth it.
- La Latina also offers a 19th-century style apartment with paintings of Van Gogh, which gives an authentically artistic vibe to the Airbnb.
- Chueca offers a stylish penthouse that happens to be completely white and is located in a neighborhood known for being in the middle of a party zone.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve become a bit more educated on one of the most eclectic cities in the world, what do you think? Is Madrid worth it for you? If so, I hope this guide will serve you well on your vacation to Madrid!
