From colorful food markets to galleries containing some of the world’s finest art, stunning museums and a nightlife scene to rival anywhere in the world, Madrid is a city that bubbles with effervescent life.
See the best of it, from the old squares to the finest tapas.
Ponder in del Prado
Originally built for scientists, later housing Napoleon’s troops during an invasion, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the Museo del Prado became an art gallery. Even at its most popular it’s still more accessible than Paris’s Louvre, and many of the finest Spanish painters are wonderfully represented here.
You’ll find numerous works by Goya, including his dark and dramatic Black Paintings. Las Meninas by Velazquez is viewed by many critics as the greatest painting in history – and seeing the playful masterpiece up close it’s to understand why. Elsewhere you’ll see El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt, Bruegel, Hieronymus Bosch, Raphael and Titian.
See more recent art at the world-class Reina Sofia, home to Francis Bacon, Dali, Damien Hirst and Picasso’s awesome Guernica.
The grandest of squares
The Spanish really know how to do public squares, and Madrid’s Plaza Mayor might be the finest of them all. You’ll have found your way here through busy, often narrow streets, and the way this grand square opens up will take your breath away.
It was built in 1619 and has been the hub of life for Madrilenos ever since. It has seen protests, executions, bullfights and more, although these days it’s a gentler affair, known for its cafes and, in winter, a Christmas market.
Nearby is another amazing square, the Puerta del Sol. Here you’ll find the El Oso y El Madrono statue of a bear eating from a tree, the 17th century Church of San Gines, as well as fountains and cafes serving a Spanish breakfast favorite: churros con chocolate.
Teatro and tapas
The Royal Theatre – Teatro Real – was opened in 1850 but endured a 50-year closure in the 20th century. It has been open again since 1997, refurbished and now the home of top tier opera performances. You can pick up tickets online, or arrange a guided tour of the chocolate box interior.
You’ll find top-notch spots to eat all around the city, but the Calle Cava Baja in the La Latina neighborhood is a great place to try food at different places as part of a ‘tapas crawl’. Dive into the wild mushroom croquettes at Taberna Casa Lucas, while the cured duck and orange on toast and Cabrales cheese with anchovies at La Concha are perfect.
With vast squares teeming with life, art galleries where you can spend hours, days, even weeks, and the Madrileno passion for sun, this is a city of unrivaled vibrancy. Car rental in Madrid gives you the freedom to see all that it has to offer, as well as giving you license to explore the rest of Espana too.