Guide to Madrid, Spain

Madrid is the vibrant capital of Spain, the home of the country’s government and commerce and is a lively city full of creativity energy.

Top reasons to visit Madrid

Bullfighting at Plaza de Toros Las Ventas

Madrid is renowned for a bustling, vibrant nightlife - so ensure you allow the next day to recover!

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Main areas of Madrid

Madrid’s centre is the Plaza de La Puerta del Sol, and is actually the start of the country’s road system.

South of the Puerta del Sol is the old city, with Plaza Mayor and Los Austrias to the southwest and the district (barrio) of Huertas to the southeast.

North of the Puerto del Sol is a modern shopping district, the thoroughfare Gran Via, the gay barrio Chueca, Malayan then Chamberi and Arguelles.

East of the Puerta del Sol is Paseos del Prado and los Recoletos, then El Retiro Park and chichi Salamanca. Paseo del Prado hosts the city’s three largest museums.

When to go to Madrid

Madrid has continental climate - mainly dry, occasionally extremely hot, minimal rain, perpetual sunshine and a hot and dry summer. Winter can be cold with frosts, whilst Spring and Autumn are generally viewed as the best time to visit such as April-June or September-October.

Top Attractions in Madrid

• Caiza Forum
• Palacio Real - official residence of King Carlos 1
• Plaza Mayor
• Churches - Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Almudena, Basilica de San Francisco El Grande, Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales
• Football at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Real) or Estadio Vicente Calderon (Atletico)
• Parque del Buen Retiro
• Templo de Debod

Shopping in Madrid

Madrid is famed for it’s shopping, but you need to know the districts such as Salamanca for upmarket fashion, boutiques or Malayan for offbeat, funky attire.

Madrid is famous for winter and summer sales (las rebates) which start in early January and July.

Eating in Madrid

No visit to Madrid is complete without trying the local delicacies, such as:-

• madrilene (stew with beans)
• seafood
• tapas
• cochinillo aside (roast suckling pig)

Recommended Restaurants - Sula Madrid, Nina, Bazaar, Ribeira Do Mino, La Buga del Lobo, or Lhardy.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Madrid

Madrid has the largest number of bars per capita of any European city, with revellers staying out as late as 5-7 am around the Gran Via area. Madrid is bustling with nightlife, whether it is flamenco in Huertas, La Latina with it’s laid back fun or Malasana with it’s funky crowd.

• Bars - La Viuda Negra, Gaia Cocktail Lounge, Taberna De Dolores, Areia or Mama Ines
• Clubs - Palacio Gaviria, Siroco or Kapital
• Live Music - Flamenco at Casa Patas, Las Tablas or Cardamomo. Jazz at Cafe Central or Populart, whilst Clamores, Kabokla, Honky Tonk or Cafe La Palma are best for Rock.
• Theatre - Teatro Albania, de La Zarzuela or Real
• Art - Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
• Museums - Museo Nacional Del Prado, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Museo Municipal

Book a hotel today in Madrid, Spain - find your hotel deals here, as we specialise in cheap hotels in Madrid, Spain.