MADRID’S BARRIOS
Before talking about the highlights, we need to start with one of the things that makes Madrid so amazing: it’s different ‘barrios’ (district or neighbourhood). All barrios of Madrid have a totally unique style and attract different crowds. So here a quick introduction on some barrios you have to check out, just to walk around and feel their vibe.
Huertas: vibrant, lively, many tapas bars and nightlife. Down side: bit touristic.
La Latina: pretty, slightly posh area. It is the place to be on Sundays for live music in the bars of the Calle de la Cava Baja and for the Rastro flea market.
Lavapiés: multi-culti neighbourhood, nice and cheap coffee places, great underground bars.
Chueca: gay area, famous for its wild nightlife and trendy bars and original shops.
Malasaña: lively, slightly underground area with a fantastic nightlife.
PARQUE DEL BUENO RETIRO (RETIRO PARK)
Once you are in the beautiful Retiro park, you immediately forget that you are in the centre of a busy city. In this bubble of nature and relaxed vibes, the Madrileños love to spend their spare time walking, hanging out, doing sports and catching up with friends. On summer nights you can be surprised by an amazig spontaneous percussion concert near the lake, which forms the centre of the park. The park is beautifully designed and has some great buildings, which at times have art exhibitions. Be sure to check out the Crystal Palace, Casa de Vacas and the Bosque de los Ausentes (monument for the 191 deadly victims of the terrorist attack on Madrid’s Atocha station on the 11th of March 2004).
RASTRO (FLEA MARKET)
This is not just another flea market. No, this is a ‘barrio’ (neighboorhoud) totally taken over by a flea market. Not less important, it also reflects the Madrileño Sunday life style; drinking beers on the street, having a delicious ‘boccadillo de calamar’ (sandwich with squid) and meeting friends in small and crowdy tapas bars. On the flea market in the narrow streets and squares you can literally everything what you it is you are looking for; from clothes, jewelry to antiques, pots, pans and other household equipment. Most things at bargain prices. To go there, take the metro to La Latina or Tirso de Molina.
PALACIO REAL (ROYAL PALACE)
This palace was built by king Felipe V to impress other European kings, which worked out pretty well. This huge white palace does not only impress kings, but all of its visitors. It counts roughly 2800 rooms, some of which can be visited. You will not encounter the king during your visit, as he is rarely present in the palace, but you can have a glimpse at the beautiful and excessively expensive interior. After you visited the palace, have a drink on the Plaza de Oriente and check out the Teatro Real (Royal Theater).
MUSEO DEL PRADO
A visit to the Prado museum is for some people one of the main reasons to come to Madrid. It should be admitted; the museum is impressive. It hosts countless paintings of immensly famous Spanish artists such as El Greco and Velázquez. Still, if you are not fascinated by their style, I would almost say: pick another museum, because Madrid has many great ones. Prado is a precious, but huge and rather dark museum. If you are not overwhelmed by the old classical art pieces, better visit the Reina Sofia or Thyssen-Bornemisza museum.
CENTRO DE ARTE REINA SOFIA (REINA SOFIA MUSEUM)
This amazing museum is located in an 18th century hospital, which is turned into a light, spacious museum with a cute garden. If you like modern art, this is absolutely the place to be. You can spot the best of modern Spanish art and the temporary exhibitions are often interesting as well. Don’t forget to check out the world famous ‘Guernica’, one of Picasso’s master pieces.
PLAZA DE LA PUERTA DEL SOL
This is the beating heart of the city. It is the place where friends meet before going to bars, restaurants or clubs. However, people never stay long at this Plaza. It is a good starting point from which you can go shopping (to the North), clubbing (North and West), or checking out the tapas bars towards Plaza Santa Ana (Huertas). On the North side of the Puerta, you will find a statue of Madrid’s city symbol; a bear nuzzling a ‘madroño’ (strawberry tree).
PLAZA SANTA ANA
Beware! Once you decide to sit back, relax and have a drink on one of the many terraces at the Plaza Santa Ana, you might forget all your other plans and stay there for the rest of the day. It is one of those places where you can spend hours enjoying the sun, having a drink, some good tapas and watching the people walking by. Although Plaza Santa Ana and Huertas (the area around it) are a bit touristic, it is absolutely worthed to stroll through the narrow, lively streets and try out a few of the great (tapas) bars.
PLAZA MAYOR
This is the traditional centre of the city and it is a must you check out its pretty buildings and statue of king Felipe III in the middle of the square. However, don’t stay too long and defitinely don’t go to any of the bars at the Plaza Mayor, since you’ll have to spend your whole holiday budget on one cup of coffee.
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