Things to see in Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain, and it offers visitors a wealth of things to see and do. Home to some of the world´s most famous museums, including the Prado Museum, and offering some of the liveliest nightlife in Europe, Madrid is a passionate and vibrant city that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Whether you are hoping to see Real Madrid play at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, watch flamenco, go to the Rastro, catch a bullfight, enjoy a festival or eat in some of the city´s famous tapas bars, you will find plenty to see anad do in Madrid.

Madrid Museums

Along with the Prado Museum, where you can see some of the world´s most famous works of art, other museums in Madrid that are well worth visiting include the Thyssen Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, the Naval Museum of Madrid, the American Museum and the Panteón Goya Museum. Ask about a Madrid card at any of the tourist information offices, and you can get free or cut price admission to most of the Madrid museums and other city centre attractions, plus an open-top tour of the city by bus.

Madrid car hire

If you are planning to visit Madrid, pre-book a rental car at Madrid Barajas Airport, to speed things up when you arrive. Airport car rentals at Madrid Barajas Airport and car hire is easy to book and easy to pick up. All the main car hire companies are represented at Madrid Airport, and include Hertz and Avis, along with a host of local car hire companies which guarantee a fast, cheap and reliable service. By booking through this site, you will find the cheapest car hire deals available online, as we have special deals with most of the car hire companies at Madrid Barajas Airport and throughout Spain.

Madrid attractions

It would be impossible to list all of Madrid´s fabulous attractions in one article, but some of the most popular places to visit in the city include: The Royal Palace, which is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Madrid is also the largest palace in western Europe, and is well worth a visit. The Puerta del Sol is Madrid´s most central square and is surrounded by some of the city´s best bars, shops and restaurants. The Plaza Mayor is the most famous square in Madrid, and is a perfect place to relax with a coffee and watch the people passing by. Templo de Debod is an authentic 2nd Century BC Egyptian temple in the centre of Madrid which is well worth a visit, as is Madrid Cathedral. Plaza de la Villa is an historic square that is home to the 15th Century Torre de Lujanes and the 16th Century Casa de Cisneros. Puerta de Alcalá is the old city gate of Madrid and Gran Via is the most central street which boasts a wealth of shops and attractions. The Plaza de Cibeles is a central square where most celebrations are held and the Plaza de Orient is situated right in front of the Royal Palace.i have ordered more books

Madrid Flights

Flights to Madrid are available from every major UK and European Airport, and you can book flights on budget airlines to Madrid from just €20 each way. If you combine a budget airlines flight to Madrid with cheap airport car hire when you arrive, you can enjoy a long weekend in the city without breaking the bank. Whether you want to fly to Madrid from the UK or from another Spanish airport, you can find plenty of great flight details and offers online to cut the cost of your holiday to the Spanish capital. Flight time from London to Madrid is approximately two hours.

Madrid festivals and events

Most important festivals and events in Madrid take place between April and October, when Madrileños flock to the streets to enjoy the warm weather and the festivities. The 1st May is a national holiday, and the 2nd sees the Dos de Mayo celebration. On this day in 1808 in Madrid, a popular revolt began in the Puerta del So in the city and led to the War of Independence against the French. Also in May is the San Isidro Feria, which is a feast day celebrated on the 15th May with typical popular gatherings and romerias, which are colourful pilgrimages, fairs and bullfights. Madrid´s most famous bullfights take place during the Feria de San Isidro, and the best fighters and breeders always take part. The Virgin of La Paloma Fiesta follows right after the San Cayetano and San Lorenzo ferias, in August and the whole centre of Madrid is turned into a colourful, lively and vibrant street party with music and dancing until the early hours. On the 15th August, a statue of the Virgin is paraded through the streets.The Three Kings Festival on the 5th January, where a livelly procession winds its way around the streets bringing gifts and sweets to the children is also worth seeing, as are the special Christmas events, including an annual market and fair.

Madrid weather

If you have experienced a cold Madrid winter, you could be forgiven for thinking that this city is cold all year round. Wrong. During July and August, temperaures often rise above 35ºC, and almost a third of the residents take holidays in the coastal areas of Spain where it is slightly cooler. The best time to visit Madrid is probably in the Spring or Autumn, when temperatures are around 18-22ºC, which is perfect if you want to explore the city on foot. Winter temperatures can drop to 5ºC and below during December and January, so make sure you take winter clothes if you visit during the colder months.

Madrid hotels and accommodation

Small hotels in Madrid, boutique hotels and luxury hotels are situated around the centre of the city, and also in the suburbs, and you will be spoilt for choice if you are looking for somewhere special to stay. Whether you are looking for a romantic hotel in Madrid or a family-friendly budget hotel, you will find something to suit your budget and tastes. Luxury Madrid hotels and apartments enjoy some of the best locations in the city, and you can enjoy bed and breakfast accommodation, or five-star luxury within easy reach of all the Madrid attractions and events. If you combine a cheap flight to Madrid with a budget airline, cheap car hire and small hotel accommodation, you will be surprised how much you can save by creating your own package.

Madrid map

If you are planning to tour around Madrid, pick up a Madrid map from any tourist information office, hotel reception or from the car hire office when you arrive at Madrid Barajas Airport. Not only will a Madrid map give you the best driving directions in and around the city, but it will also highlight the many places of interest in the city, plus the wide range of Madrid Attractions and special places to go.

Madrid nightlife

Madrid is famous for its nightlife, and Madrileños are known as gatos (cats) because they venture out late at night. It is not unusual for Madrileños to eat out as late as 11pm in summer time, and the clubs don´t come alive until around 2am and stay open until at least dawn the next day. During weekends or public holidays in Madrid, you are likely to see more people on the streets at 6am than you will during the daytime. However you want to spend your evenings in Madrid, you will find something to do, as the city has something for every age, taste and budget. Children are freely admitted to most of the city´s bars, restaurants and cafeterias, although the late night venues are out of bounds to the under-18´s. Stag parties and hen parties are also popular in Madrid, and scores of young people take to the streets to enjoy the wide choice of clubs, pubs and late night bars. As a student city, Madrid also caters for the increasing ex-pat population and there are a wide choice of irish pubs in the city, where locals and visitors can enjoy a pint or two of guinness.

Madrid Restaurants

As in most European capital cities, Madrid boasts a wide choice of restaurants, serving specialist cuisine including: Argentinian, Basque, Cuban, International, Italian, Kosher, Mediterranean, Indian, Chinese, Seafood, Mexican, Thai, Spanish and Vegetarian.Classic Spanish restaurants sit alongside flamenco restaurants and modern venues offering international cuisine of the highest standard. Madrid is also one of the best places to try traditional paella, and some of the best Mediterranean seafood and fresh fish, which arrives daily from the coastal regions of Spain. It used to be virtually impossible to find a vegetarian restaurant in Spain, but times have changed, and Madrid now offers veggies some of the finest restaurants, where they can indulge their passion in all things vegetarian.

Wherever you plan to travel in Madrid, make sure you take advantage of cheap car hire at the airport, and book a budget flight to keep costs down. There is so much to see and do in Madrid that you may want to stay a day or two. Check out the deals and offers in the small hotels in Madrid, and make the most of your city break.