Madrid’s Appeal
Saturday, December 27th, 2008The Spanish capital of Madrid is a delightful and exciting city of over three million inhabitants. Known for its arts and culture, Madrid also offers great restaurants and a thriving nightlife. The city is home to the Spanish royal family as well as Parliament. As a center of government, commerce, industry, and banking, this capital city offers an unparalleled view into Spanish life.
Visitors to the city will find numerous galleries and museums to occupy their days. Madrid is home to the Golden Triangle of Art which consists of the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Tyssen Bornemisza museums. Other museums of interest include the National Archaeological Museum of Spain, the Naval Museum, the Museum of the Americas, and the Museo de Antropologia Medica.
While in Madrid, be sure to sample traditional Spanish cuisine as well as its more modern variations. Restaurants, tapas bars, and cafes abound in this city which appreciates good food. The hotels in the city can be an attraction themselves. Check out some of Madrid’s five star hotels for true luxury or find a quaint bed and breakfast and relax. There are also plenty of opportunities for shopping in the city. From the various markets to boutiques offering the top fashion designers in the world, shoppers are sure to find some treasures to take home with them. And rumor has it that Madrid has more bars per capital than any other European city as well as nightclubs and discos to keep you busy all night.
Other Madrid attactions include the Teatro Real Opera House, the Royal Palace, the Cathedral de la Almudena, and the Alcalá Gate. The Puerta del Sol is the “heart” of Madrid. This plaza is one of the busiest places in Madrid. El Retiro is Madrid’s answer to Central Park. Here you’ll find a large boating lake and the Crystal Palace. For those who like their sports bloody, Madrid is home to Las Ventas, the largest bullring in Spain. Outside of bullfighting season, Las Ventas serves as an entertainment venue for major concerts and other events.
