This is quite an old airport, originally built in 1928, but it has undergone huge modifications with the building of Terminal 4, which is now one of the largest terminals in the world.

It was designed by Antonio Lamela and Richard Rogers, and opened in February 2006 to international acclaim. Incorporating careful illumination and large glass panes and domes, it is certainly one of the best-designed airport terminals around, and if you get the chance to travel through it you should take a moment to admire the architecture. That is if you are not hot, stressed and tired after your flight.

Transport Links

The airport is situated about nine miles away from the city of Madrid. To reach it, you should take the Madrid Line on the Metro to the Nuevos Ministerios station in the city, a journey which only takes about12 minutes and leaves you in the financial district. Alternatively, you could also take the Barajas Line to central Madrid from both Terminal 2 and Terminal 4.

If you would prefer to take a bus, EMT runs regular services to the city, taking you to the Avenida de América station. From Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, take the 200 from outside the baggage reclaim area, or from Terminal 4 take the 204 from the Arrivals area. If you decide to take a taxi from the Arrivals area of any of the terminals, then it should take about 30 minutes to arrive in the city.

Airport Facilities

There are two banks in the airport, including a 24-hour bank in Terminal 1. Added to this there are plenty of restaurants and cafés, and over 100 shops. Pharmacies, nurseries, first aid and a chapel are also on offer, making it pretty much cater for all requirements.

Transfers

There is a free shuttle bus available to transfer passengers between terminals. Also, you may have to take the train to reach your boarding gate, but this is very clearly signed and will not take more than a few minutes. In fact, the whole airport is very efficiently designed, with large coloured signs dotted around clearly directing passengers to their gate areas, and stating how long the journey will take from any particular point.

Top 5 Madrid Airport Hotels:

• Hotel Melia Barajas – 4-Star Hotel – Double from €98
• Suites Kris Aeropuerto – Services Apartemnts – From €55
• Compostela Suites – Services Apartemnts – From €52
• Hotel Tryp Alameda Aeropuerto – 4-Star Hotel – Double from €95
• Hotel High Tech Madrid Aeropuerto – 4-Star Hotel – Double from €72

Photo of Madrid Airport’s Terminal 4 by marcp dmoz

It is located on the river Manzanares, which winds its way through the center of the country. If you are considering Spain and Madrid in particular, as a holiday destination, here are a few interesting facts that will make it a whole lot easier to make up your mind.

1. Magerit

Madrid gets its name from the Arabic “magerit” which means ‘place of many streams.’

2. Madrid’s official symbol

Madrid’s official symbol is a bear rearing up on its hind legs and feasting on berries from the madroño tree. The symbol is a metaphor for Madrid’s growth and represents the possession and importance of wood which is essential to build a country.

3. Madrid Aquasur

For the water babies out there, Madrid has an amazing open-air pool, the Aquasur, with five giant slides and summertime will find youngsters thronging here!

Hotel near Aquasur: Hotel Egidio Las Provincias, Fuenlabrada.

4. Madrid’s Bullfighting Museum

If non-aquatic sports are more your thing, the Bullfighting Museum (Museo Taurino) is a great place to get an insight into the sport – its history and changing trends in dressing style. Something that very few people know is that, among its many exhibits, it also has on display the costume worn by Manolete who was gored to death at a young age in Linares’ bullring.

5. Real Madrid

Ever wondered which is the world’s most successful football club of the 20th century? Well, according to FIFA it is Real Madrid FC. Their stadium is called Bernabéu, and it is in Chamartín, in the North of Madrid. No worries about finding a place to sit, this stadium can hold 85,000 spectators.

Hotel near Santiago Barnabeu stadium: Hotel Rafael Orense, Madrid.

6. Warner Brothers Movie World

If you have a sudden longing to visit Disney Land while in Spain, the Warner Brothers Movie World at Madrid comes pretty close. It is open for six months in summer and has five themed parts – Old West Territory, Hollywood, DC Super Heroes, Cartoon Village, and Warner Bros. Studios.

Hotel near Warner Bros Movie World: Hotel Sercotel Pincesa de Eboli, Pinto.

7.  Madrid Tapas

For the foodies among us, Madrid’s tapas are a must-try. There is some interesting history attached to them, dating back to the 13th century. Stagecoach drivers would stop off at a tavern to take a break with a glass of wine after completing another long and often dangerous leg of their journey. After many such stops, they would get so drunk and eventually become such a menace to other travelers, that the government actually passed a law forcing them to eat something along with their drink. This snack would usually be a piece of bread and ham placed on top of their glass. These tapas (tops or lids) have now evolved into a delicious edible tradition that can be enjoyed even now.

Of the extraordinary variety available, two of the most popular tapas are boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies) and empanada (pastry filled with tuna and tomato), which is definitely a winner. If you cannot stomach that much food you can split raciones (larger versions of tapas) which usually consist of chorizo (sausage), jamón serrano (cured ham), tortilla de patata (potato omelette), and champiñones con ajos y jamón (mushrooms with garlic and ham), among a group of your friends.

8. Madrid Restaurants

A relaxed approach to life and work then, is just an extension of such refined culinary traditions. Spaniards and especially the good citizens of Madrid are quite happy not being limited by the rigid timetables followed so religiously in other cultures. So don’t be too surprised if you walk into a restaurant at 3 in the afternoon, expecting to find it empty, and find a cheery local family settling down to a three-course lunch complete with wine and coffee!

9. Madrid Taxis

Getting around Madrid by taxi is quite an interesting experience. Downtown Madrid has them aplenty, as long as the sun is shining. But if you are trying to get a taxi in a downpour, you may not succeed easily. Madrid’s taxicab drivers apparently have no great faith in their vehicles ability to protect from the rain and therefore will promptly vanish from the streets!

So many reasons to head off to Madrid, come summer. I’m quite sure you will not be happy with just one visit!

Photo of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, by Kozumel

Watch the CNBC video of  Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Expedia Inc, talking about summer travel trends.

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Travel blogger Amanda Kendle lists the places to visit on a Michael Jackson tribute trip around the world, from Madame Tussauds in London to the pop singer’s Neverland Ranch in California.

Madrid Confessions

If you are a fan of Madrid and interested in the city’s daily life and culture,  watch the video presentation of  ‘The Madrid Confessions‘, an audio book by Ben Curtis, author of Lonely Planet Travel Blog Award winner ‘Notes From Spain’.

Museum Photography

If you like taking pictures while traveling and visiting art cities and museums, check out Tripso.com and find 10 tips for compelling museum photography.

Children Audio Books

Looking for books and activities to keep the children occupied on your next family road trip? Travel Savvy Mom recommends 10 great audiobooks for kids.

Where international travel destinations are concerned, Madrid is oftentimes referred to as the “new kid on the block” and that is quite a misconception in itself. Though the city is a relative newcomer to the tourist industry, don’t let that fool you. In our opinion, this is one city in Spain that you won’t want to miss. The attractions, the countryside, and the cuisine make Madrid a very desirous destination for many international travelers. However, if it’s a shopping vacation that holds the most allure for your travel agenda, the city will absolutely amaze you with the abundance of bargains that you will find.

Consider the flea market concept, found in abundance all over Western Europe, as being your format for a trip to Madrid. Why? It’s simple - Madrid’s flea markets are one of the best kept secrets in the international travel industry. The city’s busy markets will amaze you not only with their character but because they are so full of life. You can spend the entire day just browsing or find tons of quality merchandise at exceptional bargains.

Best of all, you will have a ball just enjoying the atmosphere in general with all the colorful banter occurring when the locals are negotiating the best deals. Here are three excellent flea and cheap markets that you won’t want to miss while visiting Madrid:

1. El Rastro (The Trace)

El Rastro is situated at the Plaza de Cascorro, the Calle Ribera, and on the adjoining side streets. They have turned the streets here into some of the biggest flea markets that you will find anywhere in the world. Antiques, clothing, and just lots of useless tidbits are what you find in abundance at El Rastro. The character of this market area alone makes this a must-explore destination.

2. Mercado Puerta de Toledo (Toledo Gate Market)

Formerly a busy fish market, Mercado Puerta de Toledo has been transformed into shopping metropolis filled with galleries and stores. Antique shops, art galleries, fashion retailers, cafés, pubs, and restaurants abound here, so plan on spending the day adventuring. However, you will quickly discover that one day may not be enough time to experience all there is to take in once you see the uniqueness that each establishment holds for the traveler.

3. Cuesta de Moyano

Located at Calle de Claudio Moyano, Cuesta de Moyano is one of the busier street market centers in Madrid, well-known for the abundance of values that you can find there. There are roughly 30 outdoor stalls filled with merchants buying and selling merchandise – specifically assorted literature and books from ages gone by. Serious book collectors from all over the world shop here, so be prepared to hear some of the finest negotiating you will hear anywhere in Madrid.

Photo of El Rastro Market, Madrid, Spain by Sylvain Bourdos

2 de Mayo

This festival celebrates the 2nd May 1808, when the uprising against the French occupiers began in Puerta del Sol and led to the War of Independence. It consists of parades, marching bands and dancers in Plaza de 2 de Mayo in Malasaña, which is where the best events take place, as well as bull fights, sporting events and concerts. Head to San Bernardo or Tribunal on the Metro to get there. There is also a fireworks display on 1st May at Jardines de las Vistillas, reached on the Metro at Opera.

San Isidro

This is a month-long celebration beginning on May 15th, and honours the patron saint of the city. Bullfights take place throughout the following month at Las Ventas, and is the biggest event of its kind in the world. Over a week of celebrations are held elsewhere to celebrate the festival, with many locals dressing up in costumes. It also consists of the Romería, a pilgrimage to the meadow of the saint to drink from the fountain of the hermitage. Sol is one of the best areas to watch the locals dressed up in local garb, and can be reached on the Metro.

La Paloma

This takes place on August 15th when most of the residents of Madrid have headed to the coast for their holidays. This is the biggest summer religious festival in the city, when a portrait of the Virgen de la Paloma is carried around the centre of the town by the firemen of the city. Madrid´s Latina centre turns into one big party during the festival. Thousands of people also race through the streets, and cold water is thrown from the apartments to cool the people outside on the streets.

Almudena

The Virgen of Almudena is the female patron saint of Madrid, and her celebration takes place on November 9th. The festival takes place at Plaza de la Almudena, and starts with a Mass at the Plaza Mayor, followed by processions throughout the city. The traditional food on offer during the festival is the Roscón de la Almudena, a sweet bread roll that sometimes contains a small gift.

Semana Santa

This means Holy Week and takes place around Easter. It is comprised of numerous processions where the Virgin Mary and Jesus are carried, and these occur throughout the week. As it is more a period of reflection, many of the processions can appear quite sombre and as a result this is not a time for the usual celebrations held in the city.

Feria Taurina

This is the famous bullfighting fair which takes place in the Plaza Monumental Las Ventas bullring in May each year, lasting until the middle of June. There are also numerous concerts and dances throughout the month to accompany the bullfighting.

Photo of San Isidro festival, Madrid, by Andrew Dinh

As far as the nightlife goes, Madrid has an abundance of it. Be aware of the fact that the night club scene in Madrid doesn’t get going until around midnight and doesn’t stop until 6 or 7 in the morning. In fact, most locals don’t go out until about 10pm and usually eat some dinner first. So when in Madrid, blend in with the locals and have fun while you’re at it. Here is a list of the top 5 night clubs in the city.

1. Moma

People make an effort to dress elegantly for a night at this “smart” night club. The “pijo” or “posh” crowd is attracted to this club so don’t let that surprise you. Along with the very stylish décor, the music is a mixture of house sounds and pop.

2. Macumba

One of the bigger clubs in the city, it features all the latest night club lighting technology and is one of the most popular night spots in Madrid.

3. Maxime

Lamps, old-fashioned pillars, and urns are just some of the design features of this club. Visit the club on Thursdays to Sundays for the best house and techno music.

4. Arena

A management group that conducts numerous dance nights throughout the week in the city. Friday and Saturday afternoons will see a younger crowd (20’s) that attend the event.

5. Cool

Appropriately named, the night club is the epitome of the word “cool” with loud colors, mirrors, and prints as the décor. House music is what is primarily played, and certain nights of the week, they target the gay and lesbian audiences.

Photo of disco ball originally posted by theo pz

1 Buying a ticket

Queues for tickets on the door at the Prado can be long. There are three ticket offices, but the Puerto de Goya is the best one to head to as the others often don’t give a full range of discounts for concessions.

If you want to skip the queues and don’t mind paying a few extra euros, you can book your ticket online in advance of your visit. The extra charge gets you free into some temporary exhibitions, so is often very good value. Be sure not to fold your printed e-ticket as they can get grumpy at the entrances with folded sheets of paper. And keep your ticket with you throughout your visit as the staff have a habit of asking to see it again once you’re inside.

Groups of more than six people must pre-book their tickets. Adult entrance is €9,50 (concessions available) and can be bought at http://www.museodelprado.es/en/ingles/

2 Get a good deal

If you are a bit of an art buff, or even if you’re not, and intend on visiting all three of the art museums on the Paseo del Prado (the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia National Museum Art Centre) during your visit you’d do well to buy the Paseo del Arte ticket. They don’t advertise it very well – because it’s such great value – but ask for it at any of the ticket offices. All three museums for €14,40.

You can escape the complicated ticket system completely by visiting on one of the free entry days: October 12 (Columbus Day), 19 November (Anniversary of the Museo Nacional del Prado), December 6 (Spanish National Holiday), May 2 (Official Holiday for the Region of Madrid) or May 18 (International Museum Day). Be warned, the Museum is very busy on these days.

Also, if you’re seeking good value, don’t forget that a regular ticket to the Prado also gets you free into the Cason del Buen Retiro, nearby. It’s where much of the Spanish art from the 1800s is displayed.

3 Choose your entrance

Getting into the Prado can be bit of a nightmare and the queues are often very long. There are three entrances:

Pueroto de Velasquez – the main entrance to the Museum

Puerta de los Jerónimos – enter here if you have tickets for temporary exhibitions.

Puerto de Murillo – officially for pre-booked groups only, but if you have individual tickets and smile nicely they’ll often let you in here as well. It’s worth it as it has much shorter queues. This entrance points you in the direction of the classical sculpture galleries and the Italian renaissance.

If you intend to bring a disabled vehicle to the Museum, they prefer it if you call in advance and let them know (+34) 91 330 2800

4 Get your bearings

This Museum is enormous. It’s well worth picking up a free paper map when you arrive. They are available at all the main entrances. All the rooms are numbered from 1 to 102. The rooms are all numbered in Roman numerals. You’d do well to swot up on your I, V, X, L and C.

5 A quick tour

There are many guidebooks to the Museum, available for sale in the two shops (upper and lower floors). The Prado have created a leaflet called the Quick Visit Guide – a selection of art objects to visit if you want to do the highlights of the Museum in a hurry. Alternatively, take an audio tour of the collection for €3,50.

If you don’t want to pay for the leaflet, there is a tour of the top 15 masterpieces in the Museum available on their website, which you can look at in advance: http://www.museodelprado.es/en/en/welcome/15-masterpieces/

6 Expert knowledge

If you want more information about the major artists represented in the Museum and their works, you can buy inexpensive booklets in the main rooms dedicated to Valazquez, Goya, Titian, El Greco and Bosch.

7 Avoid the rush

In the summer, especially, the Museum can become awash with tour groups who get in the way of the art and block the passageways. Remember though that these groups are often on a tight schedule. If an organised group is blocking your view of an art work, just hang back a few moments and they’ll soon be out of the way.

In general, the Museum is busiest between 10h00 and 12h00 daily. Remember, everything happens much later in Spain, including museum opening times. The building is open until 20h00, so my advice would be to leave the queues to die down and head there in the late afternoon/early evening.

8 Watch art in action in the galleries

The Prado Museum is proud of the fact that it allows access to its collection to art students and professional painters, giving them the chance to copy the art on display. You’ll see people in the galleries painting their own copies of the masterpieces and perfecting their own techniques. This activity is carefully monitored by the Museum though, so don’t bring your easel and paint along unless you have permission. Some of their work is amazing and it’s quite fun to watch them, deep in concentration.

9 A bite to eat

The cafeteria is located on the lower ground floor and is open until 19h30. It gets really busy at lunchtimes, but at other times can be a great way to sit and relax if you’ve taken in too much art.

10 Check out the bling

It’s almost a crime to make a trip to the Prado and not visit the underground vault containing the collection of jewels that belonged to the Grand Dauphin Louis, son of Louis XIV and father of Felipe V (the first Bourbon king of Spain). The collection comprises all manner of bejewelled extravaganzas finely decorated in rubies, diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones. It’s a feast for the eyes.

The Museum del Prado is open 09h00-20h00 Tuesday-Sunday and public holidays. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing and the galleries are cleared 10 minutes before closing time.

Picture of Goya’s “Las Majas”, Prado Museum, Madrid originally posted by Lanpernas 2.0 

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Published September 29th – If you’re planning a holiday in Bavaria, Germany check out our Top 5 things to do in Munich including the world famous Munich Oktoberfest, the Deutsches Museum,  the family-friendly Mike’s Bike Tours,  the traditional Hofbrauhaus, and the Olympic Park.

2. Best Cafés in Madrid

Published October 20th – If you’re a coffee addict traveling to Spain, check out our Top 5 cafés in Madrid. Café Central,  Café del Círculo de Bellas Artes, Café Gijón, Café del Foro, Café Moderno are five great spots to enjoy a coffee and spend a lazy afternoon in Madrid.

3. Fun facts about Switerland

Published October 12th – Read this fun article and discover five little known facts about Switzerland. Learn the real name of Lake Geneva and the real Coupe Chalet and Swiss Fondue recipes, then find out where to meet Aliens in the Alps and where Freddie Mercury used to live.

4.  San Francisco Ghost Tour

Published October 1st – If you’re planning a  weekend break in San Francisco, CA, do not miss one of the city’s most popular ghost tours. Starting from the haunted Queen Anne Hotel, the San Francisco Ghost Hunt Tour takes you to a supernatural adventure through the street of Pacific Heights.

5. Venice in Winter

Published October 14th – Dreaming of a winter holiday in Venice to avoid the tourist crowds and find great hotel deals? Read Travel Agony Aunt’s post and get useful information on Venice in winter time:  weather, things to do, what to pack,  best Venice hotels,…

1. Parque del Retiro

Parque del Retiro is the biggest, and arguably the best, of all the parks in Madrid. With 130 hectares of woodland, you will find plenty of shade here to escape from the hot midday sun. Its centerpiece is a large lake, around which numerous street theater performances take place, and if you feel like taking a rowing boat out on the lake then this is also a good option. Alternately, head to the Rosadela (Rose Garden) to admire the stunning display of colorful flowers, and there are even a number of chess tables in the park if you feel like challenging one of the local experts. To reach the Parque del Retiro, take the Metro to either Ibiza, Menéndez Pelayo or Retiro.

2. Casa de Campo

At over 1,700 hectares, the Casa de Campo (literally Country House) is another of the biggest parks in Madrid. The park is packed full of things to see and do, including the Parque Zoológico and the Parque de Atracciones. There is also a large lake to row on, numerous tennis courts, and a school for bullfighters where you can watch the fighters get their training. Located on the bank of the Manzanares River in the west of the city, it can be reached on the Metro at Lago or Batán.

3. Jardín Botánico

El Real Jardín Botánical de Madrid is found next to the Prado Museum, and makes for an attractive space to explore. Known for housing over 30,000 species of plants and trees from five different continents, the most stunning of these are the wild roses. There are also a number of state-of-the-art greenhouses being used for research which house some interesting plants. Located on the Metro at Atocha, it stays open up until either 6pm or 9pm depending on the season.

4. Parque del Oeste

This British style park can be reached on the Metro at Moncloa, and is packed full of open grassy spaces. Full of large trees to seek out shade and adorned with interesting statues, the most important feature of the park is the Rosadela, which holds the annual international rose competition. You can also take the Teleférico to Casa de Campo from here.

5. Parque Quinta de la Fuente

This park is packed full of picturesque fountains, attractive pathways and stunning flower beds. At only 7.4 hectares it is not the largest of the city’s parks, but it makes up for this through its pleasant vibes. It can be reached by taking the Metro to Ventas.

Photo of Parco del Retiro, Madrid originally posted by sabr.ii.n.ee

But with so many cafés on offer, it can be impossible to choose where to spend your lazy afternoons. This list provides a short guide to the best cafés in Madrid, each with their own unique charms.

1. Café Central

If you like your jazz, you will find no better place to spend an afternoon or evening than in Café Central. Come in during the day to enjoy a coffee in the ornate surroundings, or stay until after 10pm when the place really gets going with a whole host of live performances by local artists and sometimes some bigger names. The café is located at Plaza del Angel 10, which is near to the Antón Martín Metro stop.

2. Café del Círculo de Bellas Artes

Although the elaborately titled Café del Círculo de Bellas Artes used to be a members-only club, it is now open to the public where you can enjoy a combination of Spanish and Portuguese Cuisine in the atmospheric 1920s surroundings, adorned with artistic statues throughout. It is common to find the capital’s politicians relaxing here during the day, but by night be prepared for a more bohemian crowd. The café is located on Calle Alcalá 42.

3. Café Gijón

This old and historic café first opened in 1888, and quickly became a popular haunt for politicians, artists, writers and poets seeking out intelligent conversation and inspiration within its walls. Famous names to have been regular visitors to the café include Santiago Ramón, Camilio José Cela and Rubén Darío to name but a few. Although you won’t find such esteemed names in their now, you will find some quality food and a fantastic setting, as well as a great outside terrace to enjoy in the summer. Café Gijón is located at Pº de Recoletos 21, which can be found at the Colón stop on the Metro.

4. Café del Foro

Cadé del Foro is now considered one of the trendiest hangouts in Madrid, where it usually offers up live music of some description beginning just before midnight. Whether bolero, salsa or cabaret, there is something for everyone, but it is primarily an evening café, open between 7pm and 3am every day. It is located at San Andres 38.

5. Café Moderno

Café Moderno provides the perfect relaxed hangout from the hectic streets of Madrid. Friendly staff, tasty food and relaxed settings, including a fantastic outdoor terrace, make this a place you can visit any time of the day or evening and feel completely at ease. With its live music and literary recitals, the café also offers a fine selection of coffees to choose from, and cannot be recommended highly enough. It is located at Plaza de las Comendadoras 1.

Photo of Café Central, Madrid originally posted by Daquella maniera

1. Casa Patas

Located on Calle Cañizares 10, Casa Patas serves a wide variety of traditional dishes, and is known for its extensive and delicious collection of hams and cheeses. The restaurant has performances from Monday to Thursday at 10.30pm, two performances a day on Fridays and Saturdays, and it is closed on Sundays.

2. Tablao Las Carboneras

Serving up a mouth-watering array of meats, tapas and traditional cuisine, the Tablao Las Carboneras also has a large collection of photographs on its walls depicting the history of flamenco. Shows start at 11pm every day apart from Sundays when it is closed, and it is located on Plaza del Conde de Miranda 1.

3. Corral de la Pacheca

Corral de la Pacheca opened in 1971, and since then has built up a reputation as one of the best flamenco restaurants in Madrid. Located on Calle Juan Ramón Jiménez 26, it is well known for the high quality performers that it attracts. It is open every day from 10.30pm, and check out the great soup dishes on offer.

4. El Corral de la Morería

After opening in May 1957, El Corral de la Morería is now one of the best tablaos in the city. Situated next to the Royal Palace on Calle Morería right in the heart of the city, it can seat up to 150 people. Decked out in 18th and 19th century furnishings, it is a wonderful setting to sit back and enjoy a good show.

5. Café de Chinitas

Located on Calle Torija 7, the Café de Chinitas offers the option of going there for dinner or perhaps just for a drink or a snack. The performances put on here are on a par with the top shows in Madrid, and are definitely worth a look. It is open from 9pm to 2pm on Mondays to Thursdays, and for one hour extra on Fridays and Saturdays.Photo of Flamenco dancers performing at El Corral de la Pacheca, Madrid, Spain originally posted by Giu Vincente

The medieval walking tour of Madrid will make you realise that your feet really are the best mode of transport between the attractions.

Although Madrid provides a number of walking tours for tourists, the medieval tour provides you with all of the best sights on offer as well as a truly enlightening experience of Madrid’s historic past.

The tour leaves at 10am every Tuesday, and at just over 3 euros it represents great value for money. It can be arranged through the Plaza Mayor tourist office, but you should try to book the day before to avoid disappointment!

The tour takes you to some of the oldest and most interesting buildings and features that the city has to offer. You will see the picturesque Plaza de la Villa with its numerous historical buildings, the impressive Puerta de Alacala archway, the Calle Mayor and the Moorish quarter of the city with its tiny, exquisite streets. But these are just a few of the attractions, with a wealth of fascinating historical features cropping up every step of the way.

Not only will you get to see marvellous buildings of real interest, but your English or Spanish speaking guide will provide you with a detailed history lesson as you go, making the whole trip an educational experience that the whole family can enjoy.

To get to Plaza Mayor, take the Metro to the Opera station and follow the signs. The tour takes about one-and-a-half hours in all, and will provide you with a great morning’s entertainment.

Photo of Plaza de la Villa, Madrid originally posted by Ruth L

1. The first thing to know is that the standard minimum fee varies depending on where you pick the taxi up from. For example, if going from Barajas Madrid airport the starting fare will be €5. If you go from a bus station, a train station or any taxi rank with ‘supplemento autorizado’ written on it, the price is a bit less but will still start off at €2.5 euros.

2. There are two types of taxi fare in Madrid and they are named, appropriately enough, Fare 1 and Fare 2. Fare 1 is for off-peak times, which basically means weekdays from 6am to 10pm. Fare 2 is therefore for all other times, ie. from 10pm to 6am and on weekends. This may seem a bit confusing, but taxis will generally state which fare they are charging on a sign on the top of the car.

3. The charging works by the kilometer, but again this will be different depending on what zone of the city you are traveling in. For example, if traveling in Zone A during the day you will pay less than if you are traveling in Zone B at night.

4. The standard taxi in Madrid is white with a diagonal red stripe across the front door, although there are other private companies which you can phone to pick you up. If no taxis are stopping for you, look out for a green light which is always shown if a taxi is free.

I5. f you’re not happy with the service, ask for a receipt and make sure to get the driver’s ID number and taxi number. You should then take these with the details of your journey to a tourist information office where they will help you to file a complaint.

“Taxi Ride” photo originally posted by fotologic

1. Arab Wall

This ancient wall is over 1300 years old, and is a real treat for any amateur historian. Originally built to guard the city against invaders, it is found in the historic Atocha area of the city, one of the oldest and most culturally rich in the city. To reach it, get off at the Puerta de Toledo Metro station.

2. Casa de Museo Lope de Vega

History buffs may well know the name of Félix Lope de Vega Carpio, the 17th century Spanish playwright. If so, you will not want to miss taking a look around the house where he spent his last 25 years, and in which he created some of his greatest works. To reach it, stop at the Antón Martín Metro station.

3. El Palacio Real de Aranjuez

This location is a treasure-trove of goodies for historians. It was first build for Charles I to serve as his hunting lodge, but in the 1560s it was turned into a palace by Philip II. Tourists can go on a tour of the palace, during which you will see amazing tapestries and mosaics defining the era in which they were made. It is situated in Chamberi, and to reach it, take the ‘Tren de Fresa’ from Atocha.

4. Plaza de la Villa

Found in Centro, this is the square where some of the best architecture in Madrid can be found. Check out the Madrid Town Hall, and take a walking tour around the square to find out how the architecture of Madrid has changed over the centuries.

5. Casa de América, Palacio de Linares

A cultural delight to provide tourists with a great afternoon’s worth of fun. The Casa de América is found in the Palacio de Linares, and is a showcase of Latin American art. Go in the summer and you will also be able to catch films and theatre performances exploring the cultural history of Spain.

Photo of Linares Palace, Madrid originally posted by hermenpaca

The Starwood Collection luxury Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Elciego, a lovely town in the Basque Country of Northern Spain is a cutting-edge landmark hotel. It first opened in 2006 by Pritzker Prize winning architect Frank Gehry, whose world famous buildings include the Guggenheim Museum of Bilboa.
43 Guest rooms offer splendid views of views the vineyards, the Gehry Wing, and the town of Elciego.

2. Hotel Silken Puerta América

The masterpiece of architecture and 5-star Hotel Silken Puerta America is located in the heart of Madrid. The 75 million dollar project involved world class architects such as Zaha Hadid – the first woman to win the prestigious Pritzker Prize – Oscar Neimeyer, Arata Isozaki and Victorio & Lucchino. Every floor has a different concept and design, from the car park to the 12th floor.
The hotel boasts 342 guest rooms, including 12 suites on the top floor. All rooms and suites all offer state-of-the-art technology, such as high-speed wireless internet.

3. Miróhotel

The 4-star Miróhotel in Bilbao was transformed from a music school by architect Carmen Abad Ibáñez de Mata. The interrior design is by Antonio Miró, one of Spain’s top fashion designers. The hotel has its own photography gallery where it showcases works from contemporary local and international artists.
The hotel’s 50 Miró style guest rooms offer great amenities for your stay in Bilbao.

4. Hotel Omm

The 5 star luxury Hotel Omm is truly the cat’s meow when it comes to architecture and design. Located in Barcelona ’s trendy Passeig de Gràcia district, it is a collaboration between architect Juli Capella and interior designers Sandra Tarruella and Isabel Lopez.
The hotel’s Restaurant Moo has 2 Michelin stars.

5. Casa Fuster

The five star luxury Casa Fuster is located in Barcelona, designed by famous Catalan architect D. Lluís Domenéch Montaner (1850-1923). The beautiful Spanish-Arabic inspired architecture of the building makes this hotel a listed landmark in Barcelona. The hotels lovely roof terrace offers a spectacular view of the city below.
A range of amenities are at your disposal in the 96 luxury guest rooms.

1. The zoo at Casa de Campo – considered one of the largest zoos in Europe, has a children’s attraction within the facility. There is a petting zoo where the children can feed the animals, as well as a parrot show and a shark exhibit.

2. The aquarium at Maestro Victoria – features numerous aquatic animals including a wide variety of fish and even some crocodiles.

3. The Moncloa Lighthouse on Avenida de la Victoria – a 302 foot tall tower built in 1992. There is a children’s attraction there also.

4. Minigolf Park at Montesa – strictly children’s attraction, but fun for the whole family.

5. Ferrocarril National Museum at Paseo de las Delicias – a museum dedicated to trains and the evolution thereof that features many locomotives from past eras.

6. Colon Wax Museum at Paseo de Recoletos – there is a children’s area within the museum. The museum features over 450 different celebrities, contemporary, historical, and international.

7. The Planetarium at Parque Tierno Galván – displays a spectacular showing of the universe and our solar system.

8. Attractions Park at Casa de Campo (near the zoo) – there is a fairgrounds, merry-go-round, and a roller coaster. During the summer there are numerous children’s shows.

9. Acconia Interactive Science Museum at Pintor Murillo – many hands-on displays to keep children occupied but very interested. One drawback however is that a lot of the exhibits are in Spanish.

10. Aquapolis at Villanueva de la Cañada – this is one of the larger water parks in all of Europe, and the most spectacular one in Madrid. Some of the attractions include the adventure lake and a giant water slide.

11. Lagosur at Carretera de Toledo – an interestingly designed amusement park for all seasons of the year. There is an indoor section as well as the normal outdoor amenities. The facility features several circus acts, a variety of roller coaster rides, and a small water park.

12. Safari Madrid at Reserva el Rincón – the park provides two forms of amusement in that you can take a walking tour to observe that many animals that roam freely in the park or you can take a seat and watch the animals performing.

Hopefully, this will give you plenty of ideas for a family outing once you are in Madrid. And by all means, enjoy your vacation and have a safe trip.

Photo of Retiro Park, Madrid originally posted by Zaqarbal

1. La Finca de Susana

c/Arlaban, 4
+34 913 693 557

A Madrid classic. La Finca de Susana has got good, basic food (the duck I had was particularly tasty), with an emphasis on lighter healthier cuisine (rare in deep-fried-obsessed Spain where nary a vegetable is to be seen in many restaurants). Main dishes go for €6-12. It’s clean and quiet (relatively so, remember, this is still Spain), but almost always packed. The drawback is that they do not do reservations, so if you don’t want to wait in a huge line, get there right when it opens at 8pm for dinner.

2. La Musa

c/ Manuela Malasaña, 18
Costanilla de San Andres, 19
+34 914 487 558

With a bright and trendy atmosphere, La Musa serves up not-your-average-tapas for less-than-average prices. For €4 to €7 per tapa you can enjoy meat-filled potato dumplings with 3 sauces (called a “bomba”), fried green tomatoes with goat cheese, and a boar dish that comes with the most luscious sauce known to mankind (if they ever stop serving it I will have to find a new reason to live). For a couple more euros they also serve sushi, great salads, and grilled meats, including a juicy skewer of venison with tomatoes. (These could cost up to €10 or €12 for plates to share). It is usually crowded but you can at least leave your name on a list and come back later, no standing in lines.

3. Bazaar

c/Libertad, 21
+34 915 233 905

From the same owners as La Finca De Susana, Bazaar is located in the very trendy Chueca neighborhood, full of great bars to have drinks at after you enjoy your dinner. Its sparkling white dining room manages to avoid the sterile, cold feeling white can often induce, and it’s upper floor is set above street level with huge windows to provide lots of light in the daytime and people-watching at night. Main courses run from €5 to €12 , again with an emphasis on the fresh and light side of cuisine. Although the chocolatísimo desert is on the heavy (and heavenly) side.

4. La Farfalla (Il Piccolino della Farfalla)

c/Huertas 6
+34 913 694 391

This little restaurant is located at the end of Huertas, a quiet and cute pedestrian street in the heart of Madrid near the tourist center and full of (often overpriced) bars and restaurants. The specialty is pizza, but done well, and at €7 a pop, they’re a deal. Delicious grilled meats are about €10, also cheap for Madrid, and the €17 parillada (selection from the grill) is a lot of meat for your money. For a light (and mercifully vegetarian) starter – gobble up some onion tart. The decor of La Farfalla isn’t as glossy as the above places, but its quiet, clean, cozy and bright, kind of like a grandmother’s dining room.

5. Al-Jaima Cocina del Desierto

C/ Barbieri 1
+34 915 231 142

Tucked away between Gran Via and Chueca, this little restaurant specializing in North African cuisine is full of dark, romantic corners, and if you’re into lounging, you can sit at low tables on piles of cushions in a slightly elevated dining area by the entrance. It’s not the sparkling, posh ambiance of some of the above places, but it’s a sight better than your average tapas bar. Most main dishes, again go for €5 to €7, and the falafel and humus are particularly worth a try. Then move on to one of the delicious tajines or couscous dishes.

Picture of Spanish tapas originally posted by blogefl

Looking for a geek vacation spot? The Times online recommends a scrabble weekend at Rothay Garden Hotel in Ambleside, Cumbria, UK.

Want to discover the coolest nightspot in Prague? Check out the New York Times and get ready to hop on Tramix, a trendy tram-based nightclub.

Want to experience the Madrid nightlife and music scene? Read the Herald Tribune to get information and ideas for the city’s best live music venues.

I know, you feel guilty about it. You’re in a foreign country, you’re supposed to immerse yourself in the culture. But what you really want is a day to curl up with a bad (or even a good) novel and effortlessly enjoy the sight of your mother tongue. It’s ok, we won’t judge you. Besides, if you’re just passing through, chances are you haven’t mastered the language. And sometimes, after days of struggling with the three phrases you remember from 9th grade Spanish and endless pantomiming, you just want to lay your eyes on some English.

Luckily, Madrid being the cosmopolitan place it is, and thanks to it’s growing British and Irish population, you’ve got many places to go to get something to read. Avoid new books if you’re on a budget, English lit in Spain is expensive (the average paperback running from €10-20), second-hand stores are your best budget option (usually between 4 and 8 €).

THE BIGGIES

I will be frank, these will probably not be your best options, but if you want a quick novel and money is no object, they’ll do in a pinch. And if you’re in Madrid long-term they will usually order you a title if they don’t have it in stock.

• FNAC

Located in Plaza Callao, this mega-store is Europe’s answer to Borders or Barnes & Noble. Look for “Idiomas” on the 2nd floor, amble past the grammar books and travel guides and you’ll find a decent but pricey selection of classics and some new titles, mostly fiction. And after you’re done you can load up on DVDs and music as well. They’ve also got a silent reading nook so you can browse as long as you like before you buy.

• Casa Del Libro

Another biggie, but all dedicated to books. The largest central store is only a stone’s throw from FNAC at Calle Gran Via, 29. Similar selection of classics, and some new titles, hidden in the back on the ground floor.

THE INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS

Not one of the mega-stores, but it is entirely dedicated to foreign language books, a big favorite of English teachers in Madrid (well, those with steady income, cuz as the books are new, they’re still pricey). But for the budget traveler, worry not! There are more and more used book stores popping up all the time! These two specialize in English books and combine reading with drinking, with a bar/café upstairs and the bookstore below!

• J&J’s Books and Coffee

This little store was opened in 2003 by Jamie, an American expat, and her Spanish husband Javi (hence the two J’s). The bar’s just been remodeled to fit a few more café-sipping expats into it’s cozy interior, the bar-staff are always bilingual and book-savvy. In addition to a good selection of fiction (and the classics, which are priced super cheap!) there are activities, like language exchange nights and a Trivia Quiz on Fridays. And free WIFI!

J&J’s Books and Coffee shop
C/ Espiritu Santo 47
Metro Noviciado

• Bacchus

Bacchus is Madrid’s newest hangout for bookish expat types. There’s slightly more room to spread out in Bachhus’ upstairs café and always good company and friendly helpful bar staff. They too have a quiz night (on Wednesdays), language exchanges, and free WIFI. It’s easy to spend quite a while sipping one of their many teas, and browsing their collection, again, mainly strong on fiction.

Bacchus bookstore
C/Melendez Valdez, 52
Metros Moncloa or Arguelles

There are also book stores that have a variety of foreign language books, some with a good English selection.

• Pasajes International Bookshop

Don’t let this store’s relatively modest facade mislead you. Venture inside, walk past the heavy-looking Spanish philosophy books, go downstairs, past the French lit and you will be pleasantly surprised by the fantastic selection of (new) English books. There’s the regular selection of classic literature, but a much better selection of contemporary fiction and non-fiction than you’ll find at FNAC or Casa del Libro. Any bookstore carrying a book about all things Big Lebowski prominently displayed next to an alternative history of Britain is at the top of my list!

Pasajes International Bookshop
C/ Génova Nº 3.
Metro Alonso Martinez

• La Libreria de Lavapiés

This little shop in the quirky multicultural neighborhood of Lavapiés has a small selection of English language fiction tucked into it’s back room along with a couple of other languages. If you just need something for that next train ride, it’ll certainly do. Also good for book-lover presents like journals.

La Libreria de Lavapiés book shop
C/Argumosa, 39
Metro Lavapiés

• Petra’s: The International Bookshop

This is one of the more well-established second-hand bookshops, dealing with various languages. It’s selection isn’t as good as some of the afore-mentioned places, and a lot of their stuff is hardback, which most other stores don’t bother buying. But again, it’s worth a browse for airplane ride literature and if you need a pick-me-up, they offer free coffee and tea while you peruse.

Petr’as book store
C/ Campoamanes Nº 13.
Metro Opera

PRESS

If you’ve been traveling for a while and really just want to catch up on current events, you can also easily find English language newspapers and magazines.

• VIPS

This massive chain of restaurants and food & gift shops have a selection of press as well. In the larger shops (such as on Gran Via or C/ Fuencarral) there will be English Language newspapers, usually British, such as the Guardian, as well as magazines like Time, Newsweek, the Economist, People, or Wired.

• Your Local Kiosk

Most of the street corner news agents won’t have international press, but there are exceptions at major central locations, such as on Plaza Puerta del Sol, or one near Metro Bilbao (outside the Cafe Comercial), another near Plaza Callao, etc… The selection varies, and you may not have many choices. They are often disappointingly full of British tabloids like the Sun, but you can usually get the International Herald Tribune.

• Local Press

And of course if you want to pick up something to read in English about Madrid, there are a couple of English language mags. In Madrid, and The Broadsheet, are both monthly publications. In Madrid is available for free in expat hangouts, like most Irish Bars and some of the bookstores listed above, and caters more to the study abroad, young expat demographic. The Broadsheet’s a glossy mag, costs a couple euros and caters more to the older somewhat British crowd.

Photo of old books in Almoneda, Madrid originally posted by zsita

Here are some key points to consider:

Schedule

Pace Yourself! These are the words of wisdom may a Brit and Yank have ignored…to their peril!

You must understand: these folks do not share your sense of time. Take any meal time, opening time or closing time that you’re used to and move it back at least 2 or 3 hours – voila! – you are now in Spain time. In this mystical, temporally warped space, you cannot eat in proper restaurant between 4 and 8 (kitchens are just closed) and a midnight snack is really just “the last course”, as you finish dinner and head out to begin the night.

Also, take any normal activity (especially involving food and drink) and multiply the amount of time needed to complete that task by at least 1.5. The Spanish take their time (quite often while waiting on you as well, so chill out and be patient, it’s not like you need to tip them, so who cares, right?).

Special rules hold true for certain areas as well, like La Latina theater district (the area around the La Latina metro) on Sundays, where leisurely eating and drinking begins early (think 1pm) and carries on throughout the day. It’s not as late as on weekends though, cuz hey, it is Sunday, and apparently some people out there have jobs to go to.

Drinking

I repeat the above sentiment – Slow the f*** down! No really, this is Spain. If you think you’re gonna start putting them away at 8pm at the rate you do at home, where the local closes at 11, you will probably not make it through the 8 to 10 hours of Madrid nightlife waiting to dazzle you. You will pass out, and you will miss out. From what I have personally experienced working in bars here, it is quite possible for a group of Spaniards to sit with one round of drinks for an hour or more. I know, for many of us crippled by the Anglo-American drinking culture such a thing may seem physically impossible, but its ok, they fill the time, often with tapas and even some good conversation.

Food

Resist the temptation to eat right when the kitchens open around 8pm. Have a snack and hold out for a proper meal at 10 or 11, remember, that fuel has to last you for several more hours. If you want to try a particularly Spanish dish that is an effective and economical stomach-liner before a night of partying, make sure you gobble down some tortilla – it’s cheap, it’s tasty, and it’s a big brick of potato held together with egg, a coat of armor for your tummy (also a hangover classic, incidentally).

If you’re going in for the long haul (out until 4-7am) you might want to refuel at some point. At various places in the bar districts -like Sol and Malasaña- you will often find enterprising Chinese merchants on the streets hawking sodas, beers, bocadillos (sandwiches) and if you’re really lucky fried rice or chow mein from less-than-legal stands made out of cardboard boxes. They appear after about 4am, and that fried rice has been the salvation of many a late-nighter (and surely a curse for an unlucky few – its not exactly inspected by health regulators)

Also good for the end of the night, beginning of the morning top-ups: many cafes around Sol (like Caffe Roma, or Cafe&Te) open at around six. So you can enjoy the odd mix of bartenders having their after-work breakfast, and partiers slurringly ordering that last vodka tonic right next to a little old lady having her morning coffee and croissant. It’s a special time of day, but if you don’t play your cards right, you won’t last to see it. And that would be a shame.

Photo of Madrid disco originally posted by fluzo