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Enoturismo Visiting Madrid
Madrid, capital of Spain for the last 400 years is a lively, cosmopolitan city, that could well be described following the song “city that never sleeps”.
Plaza Mayor (Click to view more images)
Madrid is located in the heart of the Iberian peninsula and is some 650 meters above sea level. It is the main business center in Spain and is home to the Spanish Parliament and the Spanish Royal Family.
Madrid is always a good start or end for a holiday in Spain. Madrid has lots to offer, and there are many things always going on. Going out in Madrid is full of options, as it is the case for eating out. Where to eat in Madrid? The list is so long that it would take a full website. We can however recommend some main spots, always thinking about wine lovers…
A very good area for tapas and wine is the old district of Madrid de los Austrias. This is a lively, old neighborhood, where you will find many small bars, taverns, restaurants and tapas bars in its narrow streets. The Palacio Real and the Plaza Mayor, 2 of Madrid’s main highlights and good examples of XVII and XVIII centuries neoclassical style, are in this area.
Puerta del Sol - Km. 0
Another option for wine and tapas in Madrid is Plaza Santa Ana and Huertas. This area is close to the House of Parliament and La Puerta del Sol: the 0 km reference point for the motorway system and the main square where the city of Madrid celebrates New Years’ Eve.
You will always find a bar or tavern open in these areas.
Madrid holds a rich cultural offer: along the Paseo del Prado the visitor will discover 3 world-class museums: the Prado (Goya and Velazquez are well represented), the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Picasso, Dalí and Miró) and the Thyssen Museum (a good impressionists collection). Each of them is a must by itself and they host regular temporary exhibitions.
"El Retiro" Park
In the center of the city you would find "El Retiro", a beatifull park to visit if you need to scape from the stress of every big city
Each May, the San Isidro festival kicks off two weeks of bullfighting in Spain. May is in general a good time to visit. Spring and Fall are the best times to visit as temperatures are mild to warm and the weather is usually sunny.
The Gran Via
Madrid traces back its origins to the Arab times and it was conquered by Alonso VI during the 11th century. During the 18th century, under the reign of Carlos III, the city witnessed an important transformation and many important constructions took place. The XIX century saw the expansion of the commercial street known as the Gran Vía. Once the busiest business center, its role was “stolen” by the Paseo de la Castellana after the 1950s (there you will also find the Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium).
Getting around in Madrid? It is easy and walking is the best option. Madrid’s 3 million population is very concentrated, and the best cultural, gastronomical and shopping districts are all close to each other. You may also want to use the modern underground system which will take you anywhere you wish inside and outside Madrid. The metropolitan bus system is also a good option. You can buy tickets in any metro station (7 Euro for a 10 ticket pass and 1 Euro for a single ticket, and are valid both in underground and bus)
Taxis can also be a good option if it is not rush hour. A green “Libre” sign indicates the taxi is available (by raising your hand). They are normally cheaper than taxis in other European cities.
If you want to go shopping we suggest you go to the Puerta Del Sol as your starting point. For more up-market gear, check out Serrano Street and its surroundings.
