If you want to make the most out of your trip to Madrid, be sure to plan to visit in the spring or the fall.
Spain has a Mediterranean climate, meaning they have hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The city comes to life in the spring and the fall. In spring, the locals are shaking off the winter blues, and outdoor restaurants and open-air markets begin to reopen for the season. As the heat of the summer starts to rise, locals will close up shop, especially in August, to head for the coast. It's not until fall when they welcome the cooler temperatures and return to the city for another season of fun and festivities!
Madrid has been inhabited since the Stone Age, but its rise as an important city within Spain began in the 1500s, and it became the country’s capital in 1606. The population of the city grew rapidly over the centuries, but most notably in the early 1900s around the time of a civil war. Madrid underwent many changes since, going from a politically oppressed town to a booming and prosperous city.
The country of Spain, as we know it today, was formed in 1512. This nation's long and storied history is filled with tales of peace, prosperity, and turmoil. Overtime, monuments, and statues began popping up all over the country to commemorate significant people and historical events.
Madrid is home to some of the country's most well-known monuments, including the statue of Christopher Columbus pointing to America and the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry tree. Located in the heart of Madrid, the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree is an official symbol of the city, and it also appears on the coat of arms. However, its origin remains unclear still to this day!
Pablo Picasso is one of history’s most influential and famous artists of all time. Born in 1881 in the city of Malaga, Spain, Picasso’s talent was discovered at a very early age. He found success and recognition early in his career as well, with his first art exhibition at the age of 13. Known as the father of the art movement known as Cubism, Picasso was highly respected during his time. Today one of Pablo Picasso's most famous works, La Guernica, is on display at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid for all to see and admire.
Designate some time to get to know Madrid’s unique history on your next vacation. Click on the link below and we can start planning your vacation to Madrid.
Art is huge in Madrid, and it is considered to be an art capital with its many museums with famous pieces from around the world. Bars and nightclubs are very popular places, making the nightlife in Madrid an integral part of its culture. When greeting people, always begin by saying “Hola.” Not doing so is considered rude.
The fiery dance of flamenco is known for its fluidity, passion, and drama, as well as being one of Spain's great cultural hallmarks. Bringing together elements of rhythm, song, and dance, flamenco is enchanting to all who experience it. The origins of this dance date back to medieval times and are deeply intertwined in the Andalusian culture of the southernmost region of Spain. All across the country, you'll find live flamenco performances where you can witness the emotion, technique, and relationship between the music and the dance.
If you care to test your rhythm, sign up for a flamenco dancing lesson, and learn from the best! Not only will you learn the basic movements, but you'll also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this cornerstone of Spanish culture.
Before visiting Spain, or any country for that matter, it's important to know the difference between soccer and football. To the rest of the world, football = soccer, as American football doesn't exist outside the US. In Spain, football is often spelled as fútbol and is practically its own religion. The nation of Spain has seen some of the game's greatest players in history, and you better know which side you're on before you go. In Spain, the most popular clubs are FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, and they are arguably also two of the most successful clubs in the league.
Attending a professional fútbol match is Spin is unlike any other experience you are likely ever to have. Especially if it is Barcelona vs. Madrid, don't miss your chance to be a part of the excitement and atmosphere on game day!
Click on the link below to learn more about attending a game while on your next trip to Spain.
Architecture
Spanish architecture is one of the most alluring charms of traveling Spain.
The country’s ornate and enchanting architecture takes visitors back to another time. All across the country from Madrid to Seville and Barcelona, the classic architecture is celebrated and proudly preserved. From colonial influences to the whimsical works of Antonio Gaudí, the architecture in Spain is as historically significant as it is distinctive to the region. Wonder through the cobblestone streets of this southern European country and discover the unforgettable Sagrada Familia that makes Spain so unique!
The Plaza de Toros in Madrid is one of Spain’s most renowned landmarks and the third-largest bullfighting arena in the world. While bullfighting might seem like a foreign concept to most countries in the west, it is an honored and well-respected tradition in Spain. Completed in 1929, the current Plaza de Toros was constructed to replace the former bullring in Madrid, which was built in 1874. The gate to the ring is known as the “Gate of Glory” and is the pinnacle of any bullfighter’s career.
If you don’t want to stick around for the actual fight, you can take a tour of the bullring and learn about the history and importance of bullfighting in the Spanish culture.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Used mainly for ceremonial and public functions, the palace is the largest royal palace in Europe by floor area measuring over 1.4 million square feet.
Built in the 18th century for the Spanish Royal Family, the palace now serves as a museum of both the palace’s and country’s history, which is open to the public. The palace was built in the popular baroque style of architecture and took nearly seventeen years to complete. It is also home to priceless art, paintings, sculpture, frescoes, and other treasures. The building is also famous for containing the world’s only complete Stradivarius string quintet!
The Cathedral de Almudena is Madrid's grandest church. Situated next to Madrid's Royal Palace, plans for this ornate church took over 300 years to come to fruition from the time of its inception in the 16th century. The cathedral is the only Spanish cathedral that has been consecrated by a Pope; it was blessed by John Paul II during his visit to Madrid in 1993. Since it was considered as an integral part of the Royal Palace complex, the church's cross is oriented towards the North and South and not the West and East, which is uncommon for a Christian church.
Click on the link below to start planning your trip to Madrid and see some of these amazing sights yourself.
Helpful Information
Madrid varies in its climate throughout the year. It transitions from a Mediterranean climate of warm and dry summers to a semi-arid climate with cold winters. Temperatures are most comfortable in late spring or early fall.
Madrid has a very extensive and fast-growing metro network and it is the easiest way to get around the city. There is also a commuter rail system and a high-speed rail system that connects the city to the surrounding areas.
Madrid’s airport is one of the busiest in the world as it is the main point of travel to the Iberian peninsula from around the world. The commuter rail system connects outlying suburbs with the city, and the high-speed rail system connects Madrid to other major cities such as Barcelona and even into southern France.
Euro is the currency that is widely used in Spain. You will find the banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro. Coins are available in 1 and 2 Euro as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Spanish is the country’s official language, and though other languages are commonly spoken near border regions of Spain, Madrid is in the primarily Spanish-speaking area.
The most common religion is Catholicism, but active minorities are evangelical Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
The Experience
Madrid is one of the most visited cities in Europe, and as the capital of Spain, it is centrally located and easy to travel to and from. While there is plenty to do in the city itself, taking a trip 30 minutes outside of the city will help you to discover the beauty of Spain.
Toledo
The charming town of Toledo is a short trip from Madrid and is known as the City of Three Cultures. This is because it was known for the historical co-existence of Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures. Toledo was also the capital of unified Spain after the Reconquista, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Avila
The medieval walled city of Avila is another exciting day trip from Madrid. Featuring a fortified castle and over 80 towers, this town allows visitors to walk along the centuries-old wall, which is a wonderful experience, offering panoramic views of the town below!
- Attend a Flamenco show
- Visit Retiro Park
- People watch at Plaza de Mayor
- Visit the Prado Museum
- Eat Tapas
- Paddle boats at Retiro Park
- Zoo and aquarium at Casa de
- OcampoNatural Science Museum
- Parque De Atracciones
- Retiro park
- Temple of Debod
- Puerta del Sol
- Royal Palace
- Saffron
- Violet Candy
- Fans
- Flamenco dolls
- Ceramics
Food and Drink
Discovering a culture through its cuisine is one of the best ways to travel.
In Spain, food plays a significant role in the country's culture and history, so indulging in local favorites is encouraged!
Foods To Try
- Huevos Rotos ( fried potatoes topped with over-easy eggs)
- Bocadillo de Calamares ( deep-fried squid sandwich )
- Churros con Chocolate
- Pincho de Tortilla ( Spanish omelet )
Paella has been a staple in Spanish cuisine for centuries, with many adaptations throughout the years. This traditional rice dish was originally conjured up by servants who made meals out of scraps and leftovers and has since grown to be a staple menu item for both street vendors and five-star restaurants. There is no right or wrong recipe for paella, so be on the lookout for anything ranging from seafood to vegetarian!
One of the most well-known and beloved aspects of Spanish dining is the custom of sharing tapas. Today, this culinary tradition is replicated in bars and restaurants across the globe, ranging from traditional to fusion cuisine. Tapas generally refers to a small portion of food served as shared plates. In fact, the size of the dish is the primary defining factor in what is considered to be a tapa. Discover the signature dishes and flavors of Spain when you visit Madrid and share tapas with friends.
Almost completely surrounded by coastline and home to groups of islands such as the Canaries and the Balearics, it’s no wonder that Spain has plenty of excellent seafood dishes. It's very rare to find a menu in the country without some type of seafood dish listed. Be sure to try the famous paella de mariscos, or seafood paella, and the pulpo a la gallega, which is one of the best octopus dishes in the country. Each region has its traditional recipes however, some of the most delicious seafood is just simply grilled or fried with garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
The history of the origin of churros might still be up for discussion, but one thing is for sure, and that is the fact that they are a delicious dessert. Depending on who you ask, the churro was invented by either Portuguese sailors, Chinese travelers, or Spanish shepherds, but since its inception, Spain has claimed them as their own. If you've never had a churro, they are essentially deep-fried dough, coated in sugar, and served with a warm chocolate dipping sauce. What's not to love? No trip to Spain is complete without indulging in some delicious churros after dinner. You can easily find this decadent treat all across Spain, ranging from street vendors to fine dining restaurants.
Drinks To Try
- Sangria
- Agua de Valencia
- Cava
Sangria is synonymous with Spanish summers. No trip to Madrid is complete unless you've spent an afternoon under the sun sipping this sweet, refreshing, and boozy cocktail. Sangria is traditionally made with a mix of fresh fruit soaked in Spanish wine, but everywhere you go, you'll find different takes on the classic recipe. After an afternoon of exploring Madrid, sit outside and enjoy a glass of delicious sangria at a local restaurant as you soak up the Spanish sun.
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