Madrid

The Prado Museum, officially known as Museo Nacional del Prado, is an internationally renowned museum that boasts an impressive collection of over 7,000 paintings, although only approximately 1,500 are currently on display. Established two hundred years ago, the museum's collections have expanded to include artworks by Spanish masters such as Velázquez and Goya, as well as pieces by renowned Flemish artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Pieter Bruegel, and Anton Van Dyck.

Located in the Golden Triangle of Art alongside the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofía National Art Centre is housed in a massive former hospital dating from the mid-18th century. Its collection consists mainly of Spanish works from the 20th century. Among the works on display are pieces by renowned artists such as Dalí, Miró, and Juan Gris, as well as the gallery's prized possession, Picasso's 'Guernica'.

The Palacio Real de Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish royal family in the city, is Europe's largest royal palace, boasting a whopping surface area of 135,000 square metres and a staggering 3,418 rooms. This architectural marvel is not only visually stunning, but also features spectacular outdoor gardens and exquisite frescoes, furnishings, and paintings within its walls. Originally constructed in 1764 as a replacement for the Alcázar castle, which had been destroyed by fire three decades earlier, this magnificent edifice is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Madrid. Nearly the entire palace is open to the public, including the Armoury and Pharmacy.

Plaza Mayor, the main square of Madrid, boasts a fascinating history that dates back to the late 16th century when it was named Plaza del Arrabal, hosting the city’s most popular market. Today, it is a top tourist attraction with a lot to offer. One of the highlights of the plaza is the equestrian statue of King Philip III, located in the centre. Sculpted by Giambologna and finished by Pietro Tacca in 1616, it originally stood at the entrance to Casa de Campo Park before Queen Isabella II had it moved to the Plaza Mayor in 1848. The plaza's most striking building is the Casa de la Panadería, the first to be established in 1590, which was initially the most important bakery in Madrid. Today, it houses the Plaza Mayor Tourist Information Centre and the Tienda Casa de la Panadería, a shop selling souvenirs of Madrid made by local artisans. Another popular spot is El Arco de Cuchilleros, the most famous of the nine entrances to Plaza Mayor. Plaza Mayor is also an excellent place to enjoy a coffee or grab a bite, people-watch, and soak up the city’s rich history. Throughout the year, there are various events, including the drum parade at Easter, outdoor concerts, and the Christmas market in December, so be sure to check the calendar when you're visiting.

El Retiro, an iconic park in Madrid, was once reserved exclusively for Spanish royalty, but it became accessible to the public in the late 19th century. Covering 350 acres, it is one of the largest parks in the city and is often referred to as 'the lungs of Madrid' due to its vast green spaces. It's a popular spot for leisure, sports, and outdoor activities, with wide avenues and flat terrain perfect for running, cycling, and skating. You can also rent rowboats to paddle around the pond or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride. The park is home to several architectural and historical features, including the Velázquez Palace and the Crystal Palace, as well as remarkable sculptures and fountains, such as the statue of the Fallen Angel, the only sculpture in the world to represent the devil, Lucifer. The park also boasts a Puppet Theatre, which offers a unique program every weekend and is one of a kind in Europe.

Madrid attracts a great number of visitors who come to the city for one reason alone, football. Real Madrid CF, Europe’s most successful club, has supporters across the globe, and for many, visiting the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a dream come true. Football fans have the unique chance to step onto the legendary pitch, explore the trophy room, and relive the club’s remarkable history. There’s also an on-site restaurant and café, along with a gift shop with Real Madrid memorabilia. While the entry fee is on the higher side, the experience is well worth it for anyone passionate about the sport. And if you happen to be in Madrid on a match day, make sure to secure your tickets in advance, watching Real Madrid play live, whether in La Liga or the Champions League, is an unforgettable experience.

Real Madrid may be the biggest and most successful club in the city, but it certainly doesn’t stand unchallenged. Just across town lies an uncomfortable neighbour that constantly pushes back against its dominance. When these two sides meet, Madrid comes alive, divided in passion, pride, and colour. It’s one of Spain’s most electrifying derbies. If your heart leans more towards David than Goliath, you’ll probably find yourself cheering for Atlético de Madrid. Known affectionately as 'El Atleti', the club offers an impressive museum and stadium tour located within the Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano, their proud home ground. You will be guided, in both English and Spanish, through the club’s trophy hall, the stadium itself, and a range of interactive exhibits that bring Atleti’s story to life. Before you leave, stop by the official shop to pick up a jersey or souvenir.

Embark on a delectable tapas tour and discover Madrid's vibrant culinary scene. Indulge in a variety of traditional delicacies such as Iberian ham, salted cod, and rich chickpea stew while sipping on excellent Spanish wines. With an expert guide at your side, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the local ingredients and the history behind each dish. This gastronomic adventure is the perfect way to experience the city's unique culture and traditions, as well as to tantalise your taste buds with some of the most delicious food you'll ever try.

El Corte Inglés, the retail giant of Spain, is both loved and hated, but successfully performs the main task of a department store, which is to provide a wide variety of products for most people. With several locations in Madrid, you can find designer clothing, their own affordable and mid-range clothing lines, large perfumery and makeup sections, accessories, toys, children's and baby's clothing, art supplies, souvenirs, food and gourmet products, home furniture and decor, electronics, books, and various services all under one roof.

Located only 30 minutes away from Madrid's city centre, Las Rozas Village has become a must-visit destination for those seeking a premium shopping experience. Boasting over 100 boutiques of renowned international luxury brands, you can enjoy year-round sales of up to 60% off the recommended retail price. The shopping complex is nestled in a picturesque and leafy setting, providing a quaint and relaxing vibe. Additionally, there are various restaurants and cafés available for shoppers to take a break and refuel.

Lavapiés is a charming and historic neighbourhood in Madrid that will draw you in with its plethora of multicultural and traditional shops. At Lavapiés Square, there are food stores representing various cuisines from around the world. Book lovers will find plenty of options as well, with several independent bookshops in the area. Some of these shops even offer to buy books based on their weight. And, of course, the famous El Rastro Flea Market can also be found in this lively district.

Finish off your shopping trip at ABC Serrano in Salamanca, an eight-floor shopping centre with four floors devoted just to fashion. Here, hot new designers such as Amaya Arzuaga rub shoulders with reliable brands like Zara. In addition, ABC Serrano is home to several cafés and restaurants.

Established in 1882, Mercado de La Paz is a popular indoor market that features a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, meat, and gourmet delicacies. The best-selling stalls are the ones with Serrano ham and amazing local cheese varieties.

El Rastro is said to be the largest flea market in Europe with some 3,500 stalls covering the winding streets of the oldest residential part of Madrid. Remember that the real finds are mostly located on one of the side streets, and always keep a close eye on your belongings, as it is a popular area for pickpockets.

The history of this Spanish brand has its roots way back in the 1950s. Today, the brand has a global presence with stores across Spain and beyond. Adolfo Domínguez's clothing, bags, and shoes are known for their stylish and elegant design, with extensive collections available for men, women, and children. The brand's flagship store even includes a coffee lounge, providing shoppers with a comfortable space to relax and unwind.

Getafe is located 16km outside Madrid and can be a bit tricky to get to. The best way to reach the outlet is by car, but there are also buses available. Once here, you'll find more than 60 national and international fashion brands with minimum discounts of 30%. There's a car park and a food court with a variety of restaurants.