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Madrid

Madrid

Rex Features

Madrid has attracted artists, Flamenco dancers, curious travellers, bullfighters and literary luminaries for centuries. The Spanish capital is sun-drenched and teaming with intriguing influences on its culinary prowess and architectural footprints. Because Madrid is spread out and complicated to navigate, it is best to tackle the city one neighborhood at a time.

To experience boho Madrid start in Malasaña, a quaint neighbourhood where artists while away afternoons in cafés and leafy green squares. Dive into a cache of history and Habsburg-iinfluenced architecture in Madrid’s centre, and be sure to pay your respects to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor.

Feeling peckish and La Latina is the place to be, populated as it is with tasty tapas bars and high-end bistros. For museum haunting visit the verdant streets and squares of the Paseo del Arte, where the Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza can be found.

Bear in mind that Madrid is a walking city. In recent years the local government invested millions to revamp the city’s pavements and public spaces. And with its superb public transportation system and close proximity to other Spanish cities, Madrid is a good base for exploring the coastal and inland treasures of Spain.

Travel Tips

  1. The Roman Catholic church of San Francisco el Grande Basilica is a must-see, especially as its dome rivals that of St. Paul's in London. Centrally located between La Cornisa and Dalieda de San Francisco parks, the San Francisco el Grande Basilica is best viewed in the morning when the tourists are few and the temperature still bearable.
  2. Break away from all the Goyas and Picassos in Madrid and visit the alternative art space, Matadero Madrid. The 100-year-old municipal slaughterhouse complex was transformed by the Madrid City Council into a massive centre for the promotion, creation and teaching of contemporary art. Note that Matadero Madrid is open to the public from 4pm until 10pm and closed Mondays.
  3. You don’t visit Madrid every day - so splurge on a lunch or dinner of a lifetime at El Mollete. This cash-only establishment is difficult to access without a reservation; the old charcoal cellar where the restaurant is set only holds 26 people. Once you’re in sit back, sip house wines and enjoy the tapas.
     
  4. Be sure to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. The imposing, over-the-top Baroque palace is not only the King of Spain’s residence, but also a depot of world-class art, with works by Caravaggio, Velázquez and Francisco de Goya on public display. Private tours can be arranged, and are advised if you visit with children.
  5. The Sunday market, El Rastro, is a fun outing for solo travellers and families. The weekly market is jam-packed with people milling up and down the market stalls purchasing antiques, vintage clothing, cosmetics, food and electronics. Visit as early as possible to avoid the mid-day crush of consumers.

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