Why Go to Madrid? by Melissa Rossi
Featured Hotel in Madrid
Vincci Soho
See all hotels in Madrid >
To say that Madrid is the heart of Spain is an understatement. In the 16th century, King Philip II transformed the former Moorish fort into the capital precisely because it is geographically the midpoint of Spain. But the lively city of fountains, dazzling Bourbon architecture, boulevards and bullfights is likewise the power, economic and cultural epicenter of the country that's the one Europeans most love to visit. Enlightening during the day, Madrid goes wild at night...
Variation on...
Madrid’s central location makes for easy day trips to hillside Toledo, Segovia, home to Spain’s most photographed castle - the heavily-turreted Alcazar, and medieval Avila. Take a jaunt to imposing and art-rich El Escorial - home/hunting lodge to Franco and four centuries of monarchs before that; nearby you can check out the looming 400 foot-high cross of Valle de los Caidos, under which lies Franco’s corpse. You can also hop on a luxe AVE train - it glides to Seville in a mere 2.5 hours.
Come for...
- The Golden Triangle of Museums: El Prado, with the masterpieces of Velazquez, El Greco, and Goya; Reina Sofia - the star is Picasso’s Guernica - and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.
- A nightlife that doesn’t stop till dawn.
- Flamenco.
- Jamon - ham - so popular there are so-called "museums" with a mindboggling selection to try.
For the Most Concentrated Experience
- Risk "Stendhal Syndrome" and take in all three corners of "The Golden Triangle" of museums in a day or two
- Visit some of the nearly 3000 rooms of Palacio Real, including one made entirely of clocks.
- Start - or end the day with a coffee in cinnamon-colored Plaza Mayor, taking in the pastel mural of Spanish literati, as well as the music of passing guitarists.
- Make a night of tapa-ing in the barrio La Latina or the streets that wind around Plaza Santa Ana.
- Catch a flamenco show; or take classes at El Horno.
- Sip an after-dinner drink at a luxury hotel - in summer check out the terrace at the Ritz, and anytime check out the stained glass dome of the Palace, once a haven for spies.
- Poke through the antiques and leather goods at Sunday’s flea market El Rastro.
- Amble through Retiro Park; rent a rowboat and glide across its lake.
- Bop to a jazz band in the intimate Café Central, Plaza de Angel.
- End the night like a true Spaniard at a chocolateria, dunking donuts in pudding-rich cocoa.
Watch out for...
- Purse snatchers - especially around El Prado, Plaza Mayor and El Rastro flea market.
- The sweltering heat of summer. In August when nearly all Madrilenos are gone, you can melt into the streets. Winters get frisky, so bring a coat.
- Noisy hotels around Plaza Santa Ana.
- High prices on the English menu.
- A temporary case of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome when you leave. It’s hard to party like a Spaniard.
Recommended Places to Stay in Madrid
Madrid has an incredible array of accommodation options ranging from ultra-modern design hotels to polished and reassuringly old-fashioned grand dames. Finding the right place to stay in the Spanish capital is crucial, and to that end we've put together a list of our top picks:
- Best value: Room Mate Mario
- Best for young families: Hotel Abalu
- Best fashion-forward: De las Letras Hotel & Restaurant
- Best for aristocrats: AC Santo Mauro
- Best for romantic sojourns: Casa de Madrid
Alternatively, simply browse all our luxury hotels in Madrid. Still not enough choice? Check out our entire collection of luxury hotels in Spain.