Within Spain, Madrid often falls under the shadow of its modernist neighbor, Barcelona. The reason? Who knows… With its delicious food, bubbling art scene, rich nightlife, affordable living, great shopping and unique fusion of history and modern, Madrid deserves to be in the spotlight. Spain’s capital is a city of sun-drenched rooftop bars, intriguing museum exhibitions, pulsating nightclubs, and vast green parks. Before you pack your suitcases, check out all the wonderful things to do in Madrid.
Sneak your way inside a royal fairy tales visiting Madrid’s lavish Palacio Real. Of all the things to see in Madrid, the Royal Palace is the most extravagant. Imagine a jewel box the size of a, well, palace. After the former Moorish fortress burned down in 1734, the Spanish king Felipe V decided to build a palace in its place. A palace that would make its European counterparts look like dwarfs. However, Felipe died before the palace was finished, so it only boasts 2800 rooms; A mere quarter of the original plan! The architecture, as well as the royal art collection, are absolutely sublime. If you have a chance to visit, don’t miss it!
Prado is one of Madrid’s essentials, it being one of the best art galleries in the world. Its collection contains incredible 7000 pieces of art by renaissance and baroque masters of which 1500 are on display. Representing Spain there are works by Velázquez and Goya; Italian talents show through paintings by Titian, Caravaggio and Botticelli and the likes of Rembrandt and Rubens represent the low countries. Out of all the places to see in Madrid, Museo del Prado holds a special place as an abstract window into the Spanish soul. Beware, Prado is truly grand. Remember to give yourself enough time to enjoy it! Let's go
A stone’s throw away from Plaza Mayor sits a culinary cloud nine, Mercado de San Miguel. This lovely art nouveau market has been around since 1916 and will continue satisfying taste buds of locals and travelers alike for many years to come. Despite a number of grocery stalls, it’s less of a produce market and more of a gastronomic/foodie destination. Here, you can nibble of tapas or order more substantial plates. Everything here is tempting. Other places to visit in Madrid can wait for a while. Get yourself a glass of beer (caña), wine or vermouth and set out on a tour across the tastes and smells of Spain. Let's go