Madrid Hotels and City Guide

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Madrid is a wonderful city that has held on to the belief that enjoying life shouldn’t be rushing around but taking time to relax and enjoy the sites that surround you. There are fascinating buildings at every corner as well as great places to enjoy a delicious meal. And although the pace here is relaxed, you’ll also find an intense nightlife and a city that buzzes with creativity.

Madrid is passionate about their sports. At the top of the list is the national sport futbol, known to North Americans as soccer. The other sport is the corrida – bullfighting. If you happen to be traveling in Madrid during this season, you’ll definitely want to go. It’s quite a spectacular show as you watch the dance between the bullfighter and bull.

The locals are also passionate about shopping and eating. The Paseo de la Castellana is filled with charming boutiques and high-end stores. If you’re searching for antiques, make your way to Rastro Market. The Puerta del Sol has a great selection of more affordable items and you’ll be window-shopping at some stores that have been in business since the 1800s. There are lots of great cafes, restaurants and bars at your fingertips hen you need to refuel. Just don’t expect to grab a bite and run. Eating is a social gathering where you savor each dish and enjoy a dining experience. Whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’ll love the way the Spanish people make eating a social experience. It’s not uncommon to have stores open and close at their own hours. Everything here is at a relaxed pace. You’ll get up late, eat longer and stay awake until the early hours of the morning… and then repeat the cycle again. There is plenty of time to see everything Madrid has to offer and you’ll be able to enjoy the fantastic clubs, pubs and restaurants all the more when you know that its not closing anytime soon. Coming to Madrid not only takes some time to get over the jet lag, but it also takes time to embrace their rhythm of life. But once you do, relaxation takes on a whole new meaning.

Madrid has many fascinating buildings that are worth exploring. The Royal Palace, located at the Plaza de Oriente, is an impressive Renaissance building that showcases the design of the baroque movement. You’ll tour through 50 rooms, filled with a remarkable collection of art. The Museo del Prado is located at Paseo del Prado. This National Museum was built in 1785 and is one of the best art museums throughout the world. You’ll see collected works from Van Dyck, Dürer, El Greco, Velázquez, and many more remarkable artists.

One of Madrid’s most historically important places is the Plaza Mayor. At its center stands a statue of the king, with beautiful renaissance buildings surrounding it. In the past, it was used for coronation ceremonies, festivals and demonstrations. Today you’ll be able to enjoy theater and musical performances. Madrid is filled with beautiful streets, perfect for a leisurely stroll. There are also many parks throughout the city. The Parque del Retiro is one of the best and was founded in 1631. You’ll be able to wander over 330 acres of paths that are surrounded by lush gardens, statues and fountains. Its lake is the perfect place to rent a rowboat and coast along the beautiful shores. One of the most noticeable buildings here was built in 1887. The Palacio de Cristal, the Crystal Palace, is a fantastic display of metal and glass created to shelter exotic plants from the winter weather. Most visitors return here many times while staying in Madrid as it also offers great street performances that change regularly throughout the week.

If you need a change in pace and want to relax on your holidays, make your way to Madrid. The stunning architectural designs, world-class museums and great meals are only a few ideas for you to enjoy while here. And although your internal clock will be very confused when you get back home, you’ll be glad you learned to relax with the rhythm that is Madrid.