TripSay Recommended
PLACES
on map
Book
HOTELS
on the cheap
Travel
GROUPS
by interest
JOIN
TRIPSAY
Madrid

Add to your phone

Visit www.grafetee.com for more info Click Grafetee button to add this place to your phone so you'll find it when you're out and about!

mariamreza loves Madrid because of its vibrant colours.

juha loves Madrid because it's really Spanish and there aren't too many tourists.

latenight loves Madrid because I used to study there

nicholas loves Madrid because Biggest party city in the world

jjlaine loves Madrid because it's alive 24/7.

Total loves hates

mariamreza
juha
latenight
nicholas
jjlaine

Madrid, hot or not?

You this place because

Don't tell That's why!
OK, Madrid wont be explicitly recommended to you
Thank you for your rating and brilliant reasoning!
Your rating for Madrid has now been erased.

What is Madrid

Madrid, Spain's capital, is a cosmopolitan city. Its position as a centre for economics, finance, administration and services combines the most modern infrastructure with an important cultural and artistic heritage, the legacy of centuries of fascinating history.

Madrid is strategically located at the geographical centre of the Iberian peninsula, 646 meters above sea level. Its old town is exemplary among major European cities, and blends harmoniously with the most modern and convenient of urban infrastructure. Madrid offers a broad range of accommodation and services along with the most advanced audiovisual and communication technology. All this, combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic and open, and at the same time warm and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world's great capitals.

The Madrid area has been settled since the Lower Paleolithic age, but it was not until 1561 that King Philip II made it the capital of his mighty empire. The historic old town, also known as "Madrid de los Austrias" (referring to the Hapsburg empire) is a living example of the city's 16th and 17th century heyday, as is its impressive Plaza Mayor (square), which was opened in 1620 and remains one of Spain's most popular and typical spots.

Near to the Plaza Mayor is the so-called "aristocratic centre" of Madrid, home to the stunning Royal Palace, a 17th century monument that combines Baroque and Classical styles. Next to the palace you can find the Plaza de Oriente (square), the Opera House and the modern Almudena Cathedral, consecrated in 1993 by Pope John Paul II. This ensemble of monuments is completed by the Puerta del Sol, a square flanked by select shops, and the "Paseo del Arte", so called for its unique museums, palaces and gardens, not forgetting the unmistakable Bank of Spain building, the Palacio de las Telecomunicaciones (currently home to the Spanish Post Office) and the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains.

Art and culture are central to Madrid life. The city has 73 museums that cover all fields of human knowledge. Of these, the most important are the Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum with more than 800 paintings, sculptures and tapestries that go from the earliest Dutch masters to the most avant-garde trends, and the Reina Sofía National Art Centre, which is dedicated to Spanish contemporary art, with works by Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí and Juan Gris among others.

Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the sun, go for walks, go rowing or feed the squirrels in Madrid's large, impeccable parks and gardens. The Retiro Park, once playground of Spanish Monarchs, the Casa de Campo and the Juan Carlos I Park among others make Madrid one of Europe's greenest capitals. Madrid is also one of Europe's most attractive business centres. Its international airport receives more than one thousand flights weekly from all over the world and it has two main conference centres, as well as the modern Campo de las Naciones exhibition centre and a capacity to hold more than 80,000 people in other varied conference and meeting facilities.

If there is one thing, however, that characterizes Madrid, it is the deep, contagious passion for life reflected in its friendly, welcoming people. Madrid boasts concerts, exhibitions, ballets, select theatre productions, and the latest cinematographic releases. You can sample a wide variety of the finest Spanish and international cuisine or be enchanted by its bars and taverns. These are just some of Madrid's leisure alternatives, alongside tempting shopping in the most traditional establishments and world-famous outlets stocking the finest international brands.

Madrid's happening nightlife is another major attraction. Its pubs, bars, discos and flamenco clubs have a tremendous atmosphere, while by day there are traditional verbenas (open-air dances), popular festivals or the San Isidro bullfighting festival - rated as the world's most important.

Highly rated nearby

Show: all | airports | hotels | shopping locations | landmarks & sights | restaurants & bars | cities & villages | waterbodies & beaches

About Madrid elsewhere

"Here is a list of Madrid Hotels based on reviews from across the web."
epictrip.com:  Madrid Hotels

justluxe.com:  Luxury Hotels in Madrid

"Located behind the Prado Museum (Calle Ruiz de Alarcon 23), Retiro Park is one of the nicest and most popular parks in Madrid."
world66.com

"Its landmarks include the huge Royal Palace of Madrid ; the Teatro Real (Royal theatre) with its restored 1850 Opera House; the Buen Retiro park ,founded in 1631; the imposing 19th-century National Library building (founded in 1712) containing some of Spain's historical archives; an archaeological museum of international reputation; and three superb art museums: Prado Museum ,which hosts one of the finest art collections in the world, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía ,a museum of modern art, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum ,housed in the renovated Villahermosa Palace."
en.wikipedia.org

"Madrid Walking Tour: Plaza Col�n to Retiro Park."
travel.nationalgeographic.com

"The Retiro Park is worth checking out with its rose gardens and Crystal Palace ,one of many in Madrid."
world66.com

"Parque del Buen Retiro (Retiro Park) This lush 118-hectare (292-acre) park in the heart of Madrid was originally the private garden of Philip IV. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the shady avenues and formal gardens, take a rowing boat out on the lake or picnic in the extensive wooded areas."
cityguide.travel-guides.com

About Madrid

juha
juhaloves Madrid because it's really Spanish and there aren't too many tourists.
juha

juha from Finland wrote about Madrid 5 years, 10 months ago

If you speak Spanish you will love Madrid. Otherwise you'll have some problems getting food and other services as many of the locals don't speak English. It is still a wonderful city, I've loved it every time. And I don't speak Spanish. :)

jjlaine
jjlaineloves Madrid because it's alive 24/7.
jussi

jussi from Finland wrote about Madrid 4 years, 9 months ago

One of my favorite cities. We had a chance to take part to partying at the university. There were a huge number of students everywhere at the campus and everyone had a pint-sized plastic cup filled with either beer or red wine mixed with coke or sprite. And the next day we headed to the downtown bars. It seems that there's always a party going on in Madrid..

ccbiscuit

ccbiscuit from USA wrote about Madrid 4 years, 2 months ago

I spent 4 full days in Madrid which I think was definitely enough to see a lot of the city. We even ended up spending a full half day at the Madrid Zoo.

tina2

tina2 replied 3 years, 10 months ago:

It's kind of crazy with the zoos. It's the same animal every where, but still you have to visit them! :D Happened to mee many times.

nicholas
nicholasloves Madrid because Biggest party city in the world
latenight
latenightloves Madrid because I used to study there
maggieseco
maggiesecohates Madrid because too big too disorganized
harryhindu

harryhindu from United Kingdom wrote about Madrid 2 years, 2 months ago

Madrid is great and the weather is perfect, although sometimes when I step out of a station the last thing I need is a tazxing walk to my accommodation. Thankfully I found this place AC Curzo (see link below) which was nearby Colombia station and fantastically comfortable, as well as being a health and fitneess suite. Perfect.

mariamreza
mariamrezaloves Madrid because of its vibrant colours.

About places near Madrid

ace

ace from Finland wrote about Mama Ines 4 years, 9 months ago

Mama Ines on Calle Hortaleza is a relaxed café in a gay-friendly neighbourhood. The cakes are delicious and the atmosphere is modern and friendly. I also loved the photographs on the walls.

alf

alf from Spain wrote about Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio 4 years, 3 months ago

Try all the different variations of the HUEVOS ROTOS (broken eggs), a combination of fried eggs - broken! - fries and serrano ham!

juhah

juhah from USA wrote about Parador de Chinchon 5 years, 2 months ago

This hotel is by far the most memorable. We arrived in the night. The hotel is a medival castle that sits on the edge of a gorge. We dined in the castles main hall on suckling pig.

These are experiences that cannot be valuated in monetary terms.

jussi

jussi from Finland wrote about Parque del Oeste 5 years ago

Great park with full of action at least on a sunny sunday. There were people playing drums and guitar, playing ball and practicing capoeira. And others just laying on the grass having some wine or sangria. Good place to chill after a night in bars.

jussi

jussi from Finland wrote about Hotel Praga 5 years ago

Hotel Praga is just too far away from the city centre. Otherwise a decent place with a lots of small shops for getting breakfast or drinks. Bus number 23 goes front of the hotel to centre and takes about 20 mins.

adamorgana

adamorgana replied 2 years, 3 months ago:

I´d recommend the Prado Apartments which are located a stones throw from the world famous museum and the Parque del Retiro which is great for outdoor concerts in the warmer weather. Just a few minutes walk from the Purta del Sol for all of your restaurant and shopping needs. A nice feature in the apartments is a balcony over looking the side streets, a great place to take your morning coffee, and the washing machines and dishwasher really make you feel as if this were your home away from home!

jussi

jussi from Finland wrote about Royal Palace of Madrid 5 years ago

The Palacio Real has a loads of things to see. Armoury is nice, like some of the fancily decorated rooms. Good value for the 8 euro.

hile*

hile* from Finland wrote about El Rastro 4 years, 5 months ago

Huge market and nice tapas on Sundays

HS

HS from Finland wrote about El Rastro 4 years, 5 months ago

This is a huge flee market in Madrid. It´s open on Sundays. Lots of stalls and people. You can find here bags, jewelleries, scarves, shoes, some clothes. Because there are lot of people, so you have better wacth out your wallet.

HS

HS from Finland wrote about Restaurante Ginos 4 years, 5 months ago

This Italian restaurant belongs to restaurant chain called Ginos. Food were great and atmosphere were warm and friendly. I ate pizza and for dessert a tiramisu. Pizza was crispy and the tiramisu was heavenly :) yam!

HS

HS from Finland wrote about Palacio Real de Madrid 4 years, 5 months ago

This palace belongs to king of Spain. He uses it in different ceremonies, but doesn´t live there. There have lived lots of kings in Spain´s history. The inner court of palace is huge. When you´re there you feel yourself so small. All the rooms have different names and they are decorated in different colours. There are seen lots of old items from different centuries and decades.

HS

HS from Finland wrote about Parque del Buen Retiro 4 years, 5 months ago

This is big and the most famous park in Madrid. It´s an ideal place to have a picnic on weekends with friends and family. Also Madrilenian families favour this park. It´s a popular park among joggers, but you can find there also street performers and musicians, sidewalk painters and other artists. You can hire a pedal boat and take around the small lake with that.

fbbcorreo-tripsay

fbbcorreo-tripsay from Spain wrote about La Galette II - El Gato Persa 4 years, 2 months ago

Restaurante La Galette II.El lugar prometía pero la cena me decepcionó, probé pimiento persa de entrada (pimiento a la plancha relleno de arroz, lenteja, alguna verdura, algo especiado y con pimienta y queso gratinado) y de segundo curry rojo con verduras que venía acompañado de un arroz basmati que estaba bastante pasado (en mi casa lo hago mejor, perdón por la modestia) y de postre un batido de yogur con melón. A lo mejor no acerté con los platos, pero creo que con lo que pagué debe exigirse que sea de calidad. Los ingredientes que componían mis raciones no creo que excedan de los 6 euros. El vaso de vino de la casa era de calidad.

La cena fue correcta, pero sin más, yo creo que por los 30 euros que pagué podía haber cenado mucho mejor en otros sitios, pero debo reconocer que el lugar tiene encanto, es muy cálido y acogedor, romántico diríamos, decorado con mil y un detalles y una iluminación indirecta que se crece al calor de la luz de las velas sobre las mesas.

No questions about Madrid exists. If you have any questions, dont hesitate to ask!