What if we tell you that one of the best things to do in Madrid, is to stop trying to see everything? Now, it may sound weird but knowing what deserves your time comes with smart planning. You can go around exploring masterpieces in the morning, your afternoon can be filled with Royal courtyards, and wind up the day eating Spanish tapas.
No matter, whether you are visiting for a few days, or you are planning to stay for more than a week, you should have a list of all the things you want to try, with activities mentioned according to the priorities, and that is how you make the most of your Europe Tour Packages in Spain.
If you are a history buff, then you are in for a treat because Madrid brings together centuries of Spanish history, all of which can be seen in art collections, food culture and the lively neighbourhoods.
If you happen to be a little short on time, you can select one major museum, to soak in the city’s history, and you can also add a football stadium to your list of places to visit in Spain.
Attractions You Must Cover:
The popular Art Triangle consists of three major museums, the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen Bornemisza museum and even though all three deserve your attention, if you have limited time, it’s always smart to just visit one and explore other attractions as well.
The Prado Museum is one of the top and most visited cultural attractions, drawing visitors from all corners of the world, particularly for its European masterpieces. Here, you will find the work of renowned names including Velázquez and Francisco Goya, and many other influential artists.
Reina Sofía Museum
If you are more into modern art, then you should visit the Reina Sofía Museum. It features Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, which is one his popular works, inspired by the bombing of Basque town, during the time of the Spanish Civil War.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum features some of the paintings that feature artistic movements and different periods of the history of Madrid. It will be a smart choice if you are not looking for a specific style and would enjoy a blend of all sorts of masterpieces.
Some of the best experiences don’t require you to empty your wallets or even spend one penny. Some experiences help you slow down, sit back and just relax.
Retiro Park or El Retiro Park is amidst the best Madrid attractions. What was once associated with the Spanish anarchy, is now a favourite spot for tourists and locals alike.
One of the best things to do in Madrid is to enjoy the Temple of Debod sunset. You can take your perfect sunkissed picture at the Temple to flex on your Instagram. It is a must-visit for all first timers.
If you are looking to visit some of the best-known avenues, which are lined with impressive buildings, high end restaurants, theatres, etc. Even if you have no intentions of shopping, it's always worth exploring.
The best time to visit Spain is whenever you can explore all the major attractions, including the historical architecture. The walls of the Royal Palaces and Plazas whisper the historical tales of Madrid, so it’s definitely worth a visit. Not only do you get to soak in the history and culture but you also treat yourself to some really good local food.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the most impressive landmarks of the city, popular for its grand halls, elaborate interiors and obviously the royal collections. It is also the official residence of the royal family of Spain and the palace is primarily used for ceremonies today.
Plaza Mayor is a historic square lined up with buildings with walkable passages, cafes and restaurants, making it one of the convenient places in the city to relax and unwind. It is located at a walking distance from Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s best known public squares and is also a central meeting point.
Mercado de San Miguel is a historic market, which is quite popular for its gourmet food stalls. If you wish to try various Spanish dishes, then this is the place for it. The best part is that you don’t need to have a full blown meal, you can just try some and move on to the next.
We know, you wanna see it all but you should also know that you need time to explore the Spanish food culture, and that deserves a separate space in your itinerary. Make time to try tapas bars, traditional restaurants and local markets because you would wanna carry the taste of Spain with you.
The simplest way to experience Madrid’s food scene is a Tapas crawl. All you have to do is at least visit three to four bars, order a plate and then walk between the neighbourhood, instead of just sitting at one place and having a full blown meal. You can try various Spanish delicacies including:
Vegetarians have a variety of things that they can eat while they are in Madrid, including patatas bravas, pan con tomate, cheese bread tapas, and they can also opt for various tortilla espanola.
The recipes and cooking methods vary from one place to another, so if you follow a strict vegetarian diet, it’s always better to enquire before ordering your food.
If you hear Madrid, and don’t start picturing football stadiums then maybe you know nothing about Madrid. Football here is nothing less than worship, and that is why it is home to a popular stadium that has created legends.
If you are a football fan, we don’t even need to mention that visiting Santiago Bernabéu Stadium should be on your list of things to do in Madrid, because it already must be there. The stadium attracts thousands of visitors every year because of their love for football.
You can book your stadium tour tickets from the official website. It’s advisable to book in advance during busy travel periods and check the schedule before visiting.
Ticket Prices:
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Your right to Know!
Top things that you should definitely do in Madrid include visiting a major art museum, exploring the Retiro Park, watching the sunset at the Temple of Debod, touring the Royal Palace, and treating your taste buds with the delicious Tapas.
You can choose Prado if you are looking for classical European masterpieces, Reina Sofia if you are all about modern art or Thyssen-Bornemisza to check out the wide collection of different forms of arts.
8:30 p.m. is the common time for dinner in Madrid, however some restaurants may serve dinner earlier. If you are looking for early dinner, you can check individual kitchen hours before visiting the restaurants.
Yes, if you are a history buff, who not only enjoys historical tales but also admires the architecture and culture, then you are going to love the Royal Palace. Even if you are not that crazy about history, you should at least check it out, you won’t regret it.
Toledo offers medieval streets, cultural history, whereas Segovia offers castles, and Roman aqueducts. Now the choice depends on you and which place you wish to visit. Toledo day trips from Madrid are quite popular.
2 to 3 days are enough to explore the major attractions including historic centres, leisure parks, etc, but if you really wish to have a laid back experience, while also enjoying the Spanish food culture, you should at least plan for 5-6 days.
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