Formerly a small market town, selected as Spain’s capital by King Felipe II in 1561 for its position in the middle of the kingdom, Madrid is now the country’s biggest city, with inhabitants numbering over 5 million.
Whilst you’ll notice the unusual eighteenth-century square or medieval architecture, Madrid's a predominantly modern city, which sits on a rocky plateau 667m (or 2,188 ft) above sea level.
What to see
It was once the location of grotesque executions and bullfights, Madrid’s grand central square, Plaza Mayor, is the beautiful epicenter of contemporary life in Madrid. Designed in 1619 by Juan Gómez de Mora, it combines marvelous buildings and a colorful atmosphere, filled with cafes and street performers.
And to the west is Palacio Real, a 2800 room Italianate baroque colossus that had been the residence to the royal family. A guided tour takes you around the palace’s ornate rooms and halls such as the exquisite Salón de Gasparini, with its dazzling stucco ceiling and a wall embellished with embroidered silks.
The Museo Del Prado is known to be amongst the world’s finest art galleries. Its pieces of around 7000 paintings consist of works by Raphael, the royal paintings of Velázquez and Goya’s Black Paintings. The Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is the primary vacation spot for lovers of modern art, home to Picasso’s Guernica, Spain’s utmost well-known paintings, in addition to works of other influential Spanish artists, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. With regards to breadth collections, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is difficult to compete with, regarded to be one of the most notable private collections of European artwork in the known world.
Out to the east of the main center is Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas, the world’s notorious and well-known bullring and the Museo Taurino. Offering understanding into this very Spanish way of life, you don’t strictly have to be a fan to comprehend the style and shows featured here.
Shopaholics will love Madrid’s many boutiques and multinational shops, however, for something unique, a Sunday morning at El Rastro flea market is the place to go. Right here on this crowded maze of streets, you’ll discover junk blended with treasure, on stalls peddling all sorts from antique flamenco records to household electric items.
Flights from the USA to Madrid
Air Tickets provides flights from the USA to Madrid’s Barajas airport with a number of different operators, departing from all major American airports.