Experience the pulse of Spain in its vibrant capital, Madrid. As the largest city in the country, it’s teeming with cultural and culinary treasures that’ll ignite a new passion for all things Spanish.
Make the most of your time in the dynamic destination when you rent a car from Madrid Airport.
Madrid's marvelous museums
Art lovers flock to this city from all around the world to get a taste of its celebrated galleries and museums. See what all the fuss is about for yourself with a visit to Museo del Prado, one of the finest galleries on the planet.
More than 1,500 paintings are hung in the museum’s 70-plus rooms spanning more than seven centuries, from masters such as Bosch, Titian, Velázquez and Goya.
From here, head to Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, which focuses on contemporary works of art. Picasso’s Guernica is the star of the show, with pieces from Salvador Dalí and Francis Bacon competing for your attention.
After a day of sightseeing, make your way to Parque de El Retiro to soak up the last rays of sunshine. Stroll through the lush park in the direction of the lake where you can rent a rowing boat. Cruise across the shore and get a close-up view of the glorious monument to Alfonso XII.
Get the royal treatment
Make your way to the Palacio Real, a jaw-dropping 18th century royal palace that’s the largest in Europe. Pause in the sun-kissed square outside to drink in its baroque beauty before heading inside to take the tour. Gaze at the enormous art collection in the Painting Gallery and marvel at the elaborate tapestries and marble furnishings decorating the palace rooms.
During the evening embrace the opportunity to dine like a local and enjoy a late-night dinner snacking on tapas in a side street bar.
La Latina is the best area in the city for the bite-size dishes. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the vibrant neighborhood is full of bars and restaurants serving Spanish tortilla, Galician octopus and oxtail stew.
Day trips from Madrid
There are no shortage of fascinating destinations on Madrid’s doorstep. Segovia is one of the finest, a UNESCO-protected town packed with historical treasures, around 80 minutes' drive away. Tour around its sights and get a feel for the long and rich history of this Castilian gem.
Begin your trip back in time at the magnificent Roman aqueduct. The spectacular landmark dates all the way back to the 1st century and is an inspiring blend of arches, spanning more than 800 meters. From here, meander through the old town towards the Gothic cathedral. The epic fortress-like church dominates the skyline of the city and the views from the top of its tower are staggering.
Last but certainly not least, is the magical Alcázar. Thought to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle, this fairytale structure is an enchanting swansong for your trip to Segovia. Get your camera at the ready and take snaps of the mesmerizing 16th century façade’s dramatic turrets, set high atop a hillside. Finish off by scaling more than 150 steps to the top of the San Juan II Tower for incredible sweeping views.
When you rent a car from Madrid Airport, you'll have fast and easy access to the city’s biggest cultural attractions. With its excellent road network providing easy access to the Castilian countryside, there's no better way to get around Spain’s capital and beyond.
