The beating heart of Spain, Madrid is one of the most exciting capitals in Europe. It’s a place of riotous celebration, wonderful food and fierce local pride. It’s a city with art to show off and breathtaking galleries to show it off in, and it’s also a place that truly comes alive at night, when the Madrileños take to the streets.
Madrid’s own magic
Madrid is a beautiful city filled with incredible architecture on every corner. Marvel at the Puerta de Alcala, known as the ‘gateway to Madrid’, an impressive archway dating back to 1778, or be blown away by the ornate Palacio Real, official residence of the Spanish royal family.
Spain’s capital also boasts some of the world’s most amazing works of art from renowned artists such as Hieronymus Bosch and Salvador Dali, whose work can be found hanging in the Museo Nacional del Prado. Picasso‘s famous ‘La Guernica’ graces the walls of Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, and is just one of many striking pieces of modern art that live in the city.
Eat all day, party all night
Food is not to be rushed in Madrid, the simple flavours and relaxed way of life make dining a true pleasure. For breakfast, visit Chocolateria San Ginés, home to some of the finest churros with chocolate in the city. At the weekend, explore the street food of Rastro flea market, or savour a Bocata de calamares (calamari sandwich) and café con leche in Plaza Mayor.
At night Madrid bursts with life down on the Gran Via, known as Madrid’s Broadway, where you can take in a show or enjoy tapas and cocktails as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere. As you’re in a city that never sleeps, you can dance the night away in Kapital nightclub or enjoy something a little more alternative in the laid-back Ocho y Medio.
Escape to the country
The stunning walled city of Toledo is just an hour away from Madrid, on a route that takes you through the golden landscapes of the Spanish countryside. Toledo is truly a sight to behold, sitting proudly on a hill above Castilla-La Mancha. Striking Segovia, famous for the Alcázar de Segovia rumoured to be the inspiration behind Disney’s iconic palace logo, is also easily reached by car. Here in the heart of the country you can head whichever way you want, assured of discovering Iberian splendor.
Madrid isn’t just all sun, sights and shopping, however. If you love to ski then travel roughly two hours by car from the capital in winter and you can hit the slopes of Valdesquí, one of the most popular ski areas in the region. Car rental in Madrid is about more than just unearthing the wonders of the city itself, it’s about the rest of Spain too – from bold Barcelona to marvellous Malaga.
