Madrid Area Guide

Madrid is the capital of Spain and a very cosmopolitan city which is a centre for economics, finance and administration with an important cultural and artistic heritage. It is situated in the centre of the Iberian peninsula 646 metres above sea level and is a very fascinating and exciting place to spend some time.

Near to the Plaza Mayor is the "aristocratic centre" of Madrid, which is home to the stunning seventeenth century Royal Palace which combines Baroque and Classical styles. Next to the palace you is the Plaza de Oriente, Opera House and modern Almudena Cathedral which was consecrated in 1993 by Pope John Paul II.

These monuments are completed by the Puerta del Sol which is a square surrounded by exclusive shops and designer boutiques and the "Paseo del Arte", so called for its unique museums, palaces and gardens.

Madrid's city centre is very compact with many of its main attractions concentrated in a small area. it is a city which offers a diverse range of Madrid activities and attractions being the world's capital for bullfighting, and offering so many museums and art galleries that they alone can keep you fully occupied for much of your stay here. If you are interested in art then several days can be spent visiting the Prado Museum which houses one of the world’s foremost art collections.

The majority people in search of a game of holiday golf head down to the Mediterranean coast or Portugal to play. Madrid golf courses are just as good, coupled with the benefits of a major city. They are the undiscovered gems of Spanish golf and we have put together details on the most popular ones in and around Madrid.

Madrid offers the most varied cuisine and widest choice of dining in Spain. At the expensive tourist restaurants prices can be comparable to those in New York, London, or Paris, but there are many low-cost taverns and family restaurants which serve fresh local cuisine at reasonable prices. We have provided details on some of the recommended restaurants in Madrid.

Shopping in Madrid can still be done specialist stores and busy food markets. If you prefer small shops and the boutiques to department stores and supermarkets, then you should visit the different zones making sure you have enough time to explore the huge array of shops on offer.

Every Sunday morning the streets of Barrio La Latina are transformed into El Rastro which Europe's biggest outdoor flea market. Small businesses, market traders and anyone with a table or suitcase come here to sell just about anything. To find out about all the markets held in the city centre visit our Market Guide to Madrid.

There are two large Madrid amusement parks with the relatively new Parque Warner Bros and Parque de Attracions. Both have some great attractions to keep all members of the family occupied. To help you choose which one to go to (or you might decide to visit both) we have provided some details and contact information.

 

If you are planning to explore the area outside of the city centre and play some golf or go to some of the more out of the way beaches then you might consider hiring a car. There are a number of car hire firms based at Madrid Airport who will be pleased to have a vehicle awaiting your arrival. This also cuts down on transfer costs for you and your family.

We also provide information on other sporting and leisure amenities in Madrid including a Madrid Area Guide which contains information on Madrid local attractions, golf courses in Madrid, the best places for shops in Madrid and which are the Madrid market days. We have also included a list of recommended restaurants in Madrid as well as amusement and theme parks for great family days out in Madrid.