The location of Madrid is at the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula at the crossroads between Europe, America and Africa. The city boosts of superb air routes leading to the major cities of the world.
Aquopolis - If you and your children enjoy having some water related fun, then Madrid's two water theme parks are the place to go. Here you will find all the different rides that make water parks so much fun. One of the parks is located in San Fernando de Henares, 15 km (10 miles) from Madrid. The other is in Villanueva de la Canada, a 35 km drive (20 miles) from Madrid.
A hot favorite among the art aficionados, this art gallery showcases the works of predominantly European art. With works of big painters and artists including Monet, Sisley, Renoir, Constable and Van Gogh on display, the gallery offers an interesting peak into the many colors of modern and traditional art.
Another iconic gallery with a variety of artistic work on display. Ideal for art fans in particular and general visitors alike. It provides a glimpse into today's most modern and contemporary art pieces from the local and international market.
This colourful Sunday flea market is a must visit for its variety of items including souvenirs and bargain priced treasures. The ambiance is full of vibrant, local charm and has a lot to offer visitors in terms of eating and shopping. The real flavor of Madrid unfolds here.
It came under transformation in 1819 from a historical museum to an art gallery that carries acclaimed work of over 7000 varieties. The most interesting collections are the 17th and 18th century Spanish paintings featuring the likes of Velazquez, Goya and Ribera. It unfolds an artistic vision for visitors and is termed as a must-see place.
Another historical feast for the visitors that unfolds pieces from the royal collection belonging to prehistoric times, Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and Mudejar Spain. As of the year 2008, the building is under reconstruction hence only highlights from the collection are being shown.
This outdoor retreat is ideal for the young and old who would like to experience and marvel at the beauty of outdoor gardens. With marbled monuments, beautiful landscaped gardens and elegantly designed buildings with plenty of greenery; it has its unique flavor that is unleashed on weekends.
This museum unfolds the very best in historical art and modern contemporary work. The works on display usually range from the 20th century up to the 1980s. The most famous is Picasso's Guernica, with plenty more on display.
This forms the traditional sphere of the city with plenty of attractions awaiting the visitors. It features churches, historical landmarks, museums and many more. Madrid's majestic spirit is most evident at Plaza Mayor, the town square designed in 1619 by Juan Gomez de Mora. A must visit for travelers; it is a vast expanse with iconic structures and plenty of entertainment at hand. Located in the east of the Plaza Mayor, the semicircular way is famous for its variety of shops and cafes. Known to be one of the busiest places in the city, it often experiences throngs of visitors who come here for a feel of history. The Sol features the Capital building of the community of Madrid. The giant neon Tio Pepe post over the plaza is a famous icon of this site. New Year celebrations usually herald from this point. Gran Via forms the city's main street offering an array of cinemas, department stores, banks and corporations. It winds up at the Plaza de Espana, where bronze figures of Don Quixote and his faithful squire, Sancho Panza, are displayed.
Caters to the rich and famous of Madrid; consequently, there is a great emphasis laid on the cutlery and glassware. The food offered is traditional but cooked to extremely high standards.
This restaurant has catered to the elite not only of Spain but some of the most important visitors to the Spanish capital for over 40 years. The menu exhibits qualities of both French and Spanish influences. And although you might find the food to be conventional, the extremely efficient service will make you feel pampered.
This restaurant is for the Japanese food aficionado who is willing to pay the price as well. The interior does its utmost to transport you to Japan, having been done in true Japanese minimalist style. And although it is usually full of large tour groups, it exudes calmness peculiar to the Japanese. Portions are also meagre but the luxurious ambiance is something to experience.
This restaurant has over the years become a specialist in serving central European dishes to the upper middle class. When there don't forget to try the Roast Pheasant and a variety of Austrian desserts.
The most exclusive and luxurious Chinese restaurant in Madrid, it is located in Hotel Villamagna. You will definitely want to try the lacquered duck which is the house specialty. Also ask the waiter to help you out with what to order, as there are items on the menu which are not generally offered by most Chinese restaurants.
The oldest Flamenco restaurant, it was inaugurated in 1957. Visitors have a choice of choosing a variety of menus in prices ranging from 43 Euros to 99 Euros, the show included.
Located near one of the oldest churches in the city in the colonnade of a bland building you will find this restaurant offering the best in Spanish cuisine. Actually it specializes in Asturian and Galician dishes, so look out for a variety of soups, stews, meats and salads.
Rated as one of the best Asian restaurants in Madrid, this is the place to go if you are one for authentic Thai food. You will be able to select from an array of no less than 20 authentic curries. Everything here is authentic Thai, and the restaurant lays no aspirations to Europeanize itself. The location in the centre of Madrid is also ideal.
What is a trip to Spain without tasting authentic Basque food. And this is the place to go where you can savor traditional Basque food such as the whole bread ice cream which consists of brown bread and brown sugar accompanied by coffee cream. And when there don't forget to try authentic Basque grilled meats, stews, and delectable fish.
For those who want to have a taste of home while in Madrid, this elegantly decorated Indian restaurant is the place to be. For love birds it offers the best possibility of a night out. You will be able to savor a variety of tandoori dishes accompanied with rice. Also it is one of the few Indian restaurants in Spain.
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A five star hotel, it offers 215 guest rooms featuring 19th century English style decor. Established in 1953, it received a face lift in 2002 with major renovations. The hotel is located in close vicinity to Plaza de Colon, the Centro Cultural de la Villa, the National Library and the National Archaeological Museum and is 13km from the Barajas airport and 300 metres from the Recoletos railway station. Opulence and elegance coupled with comfort is the main forte of this hotel. Some of the features include electronic minibar, internet access, three phones, TV and CD player etc. Based on flamboyant architecture, the hotel depicts class and elite ambiance. Elegant bar, buffet and terrace are some of the attracting features. Top class service is provided in the shape of guest relations team, butler and executive services. Some of the grand premium rooms offer Jacuzzi.
Located in close proximity to boulevard Paseo de la Castellana, other landmarks within easy reach include Barajas Airport, the IFEMA Trade Exibition Center and the Congress Hall. With 915 rooms, the main feature of the hotel is elegance par excellence coupled with excellent service. Features that make the stay enjoyable and comfortable include interactive TV, direct dial telephone with data port and Internet ADSL, mini-bar, safe and electronic door lock. Leisure amenities comprise of outdoor swimming pool, piano bar, rent a car service, restaurants and access for handicapped visitors.
Built almost 9 decades back in 1910, it touches shoulders with Prado and Thyssen museums. This hotel is an embodiment of opulence and majesty. Both luxury and comfort go together and have catered to a wide range of celebrities. The interior of the hotel is adorned with trendy and antique furniture and rugs and carpets come from the Royal Carpet Factory.
Established in 1976, the hotel was earlier named as Hotel Princesa Plaza and was later named as Hotel Husa Princesa as an outcome of acquisition of the hotel by the Husa group in 1991. Today the hotel stands majestically showcasing an overhauled look of contemporary setting. Termed as the 'hotel with art', it provides an interesting blend of culture and art to the visitors.
Recently renovated, the hotel is located ideally at the core of Madrid amidst 'the Austrias', the principal buildings and monuments from the 16th to the 19th century depicting the ambiance of the romantic Madrid. In close proximity one may find Royal Place, the Opera Theatre, Puerta del Sol, the picturesque Rastro and Gran Via featuring traditional shops, fashion centres and large stores. The Opera Hotel offers 79 rooms with spectacular views and ultra modern amenities with world-class service. Some of the facilities available to the visitors include air conditioning and heating, smoke detector, radio and satellite TV, free wireless Internet access, min bar, cafe, restaurant, meeting rooms and fax facilities. Singing waiters are showcased in the restaurant of this hotel,making it a feature that attracts guests.
The history of the hotel dates back to 1921 and even today portrays the 17th and 18th century traditional impact. Located in Gran Via, Madrid, Hotel Best Western Atlantico offers ideal accommodation for business and leisure travelers. With close proximity to some of Madrid's main attractions including bars, shops, clubs, theatres, galleries, museums, parks and restaurants, Hotel Best Western Atlantico is the preferred choice of many.
Famous as a boutique hotel ideally located on the first floor of a centenary building in Gran Via Street, Madrid, the hotel offers major attractions just minutes away. With bars, shops, clubs, theatres, galleries, museums, parks and restaurants at a walking distance, Hotel Abalu is ideal for weary travelers and businessmen alike.
The hotel, whose history goes back to 1610, stands majestically depicting the 400 year old era. The hotel went through a complete renovation in 2005 and now offers opulence and comfort coupled with high-tech facilities. Located close to Plaza Mayor, it is just 50 meters away from the Puerta del Sol with most of the attractions just minutes away. Within close distance are the city's most significant museums, the Prado, Thyssen Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia Modern Art Museums.
Hotel Plaza Mayor Madrid guarantees an incredible location and good value for money. Located in the heart of Madrid, the hotel is at a distance of 30 minutes drive from the airport. The environs of the hotel offer beautiful pathways, ample cafes and historical landmarks. The main attractions are just 5 minutes away.
Tucked in the heart of Madrid, this hotel provides comfort and coziness to weary travelers. Though located within the most happening places in Madrid, the hotel offers a serene and quiet ambiance. Most of the city's famous attractions are just minutes away from this hotel. Depicting a traditional design with wooden floors and wooden beamed ceiling, the hotel exudes warmth and comfort.
Visa Information Madrid
When to go Madrid
Location:: Madrid region, central Spain.; Dialing code:: +34(country-Spain) 91 (area code); Emergency numbers: Rapid emergency number: 112. Ambulance: 061 Fire: 080 National Police: 091
{mosimageThe currency used in Spain is Euro:
January 1:: New Year's Day; January 6:: Three King's Day; March/April:: Easter - Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
January: High: 11°C (51°F) Low: 0°C (32°F) February; High:: 12°C (54°F) Low: 2°C (35°F); March: High: 16°C (60°F) Low: 3°C (38°F)
City Residents Madrid
City Today Madrid
City back then Madrid
One of the most upmarket malls in Madrid, housed within the old ABC newspaper premises. A shopping spree to this market unfolds branded fashion ware, gifts, house ware, cosmetics, art items and other accessories. You will find here no less than 85 boutiques spread across acres of stylish landscaped land.
The Salamanca district located in the northeast center of Madrid features exclusive shops of high scale quality and the items on sale vary from fur, jewelry and designer clothes to furniture. The key streets include Calle de Serrano and Calle de Velazquez that are lined with upscale stores including Carrefour and El Tormes Shopping centre.
A market for everyone and everything. Moderately priced, it offers a variety of items to suit many pockets. Known as the second largest market in Madrid, it offers something for everyone and the prices are such that no one goes home empty handed.
With its vast collection of 14 shops, one finds here a plethora of collectable items, one of the finest in quality brass and ceramic works.
Considered the main chain of departmental stores, one may find a large assortment of Spanish handicrafts and souvenirs for about the third of the price of other European cities.
It is housed in a mid 19th century building shopping area and stocks plenty of souvenir and antique items ranging from paintings and carpets to ceramics, etc.
Though the shops open everyday, the Sunday Bazaar is an experience not to be missed. From market stalls, street vendors and plenty of shops, the choice is endless. The crowd is huge so be vary of pick pocketing. The variety of stuff available here ranges from arts and crafts items, clothing, antiques, second hand goods, books, computing and electrical goods. Bargaining at the stall is another feature of the market, so best prices can be obtained through haggling.
Evening processions brighten the city with celebration. Kids are showered with sweets and later given gifts known to have come from Santa through the three wise men. A religious event by nature, it relates to the advent of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem who worshiped the Christ child.
All over Madrid, parades, feasts and festivities mark this religious anniversary of the day when Jesus was taken to the Temple in Jerusalem by Mary and Joseph. The celebration comes in the form of farmers carrying wooden bulls and bullfighters adorned in colorful garbs entertaining the city by amusing mock bull fights. At the end a wooden bull is killed at town plaza and sangria (a red wine based Spanish drink) is served to all.
A week long religious celebration with processions taken out each night by men dressed in long hooded velvet and silk gowns. Weighty, abundantly adorned sculptures of Virgin Mother are carried with bugles and drum playing with religious songs being sung. Onlookers may take respite by stopping at stalls put up throughout the procession route.
The Easter celebrations in Madrid depict religious passion with many processions enlivening the streets. Statues of Jesus and Mary are taken out from Churches and paraded on the streets.
April is a month of dance and music in Madrid. Featuring assorted events including the International Dance Festival and the Flamenco Festival, the city livens up with performances par excellence. Participants hail from all over the world and the events showcase fully booked venues.
If you ask anyone about a tour at your hotel, you will probably be referred to this company which is the largest tour operator in Spain. All tours depart from the company's address. The company offers a number of bus tours.
This shopping tour takes you to all the hotspots of Madrid, in terms of shopping.
If you believe that the best way to get to know a place is by tasting its food and drink, then you wouldn't want to miss the ' Walks of Spain' tour which is considered one of the best tours in Madrid. This unique experience will bring you into close contact with Madrid's wide array of food and drink as well as the entertainment scene in the city. You will also get to experience the oldest parts of the city.
This company offers a number of bus tours, termed as Madrid Vision Bus tours for different durations. The tours are hop on hop off type with the amount you paying for the tour depending on how many times you get on and off the bus. There are a total of four tours daily (two in the morning and two in the afternoon). The great thing about these tours is that you get to set the pace and the itinerary of the tour. The buses can be boarded at the Madrid tourist office.
Islamic Cultural Center known as M-30 mosque.
Al Islam Mosque and Muslim Center
Central Mosque
Calle de Veleta, 8, Fuenlabrada, Spain 916 00 01 06
Calle del Aconcagua, 12, Fuenlabrada, Spain
Calle de las Alpujarras, 8, Leganés, Spain 916 80 71 43
Madrid's metro is based on two main train stations, Chamartin and Atocha that connect the main north-south artery, Paseo de la Castellana. Atocha is the biggest and most commonly used system, located in near vicinity to the city center. Known as RENFE, the train system in Madrid is ideal for entering and exiting the city. Subway is economical and offers varied transportation routes. Fare is the same as bus i.e. € 1. When traveling through subway, be vary of pickpockets, or purse-snatchers. Elevators at subway are rare but the stairs option is present at every station. Tickets may be bought online or via the ticket service of RENRE at:
Like any other place in the world, taxis here can be hailed from anywhere and abound the city. The fare is reasonable with a set minimum starting price. Available at busy roads day and night, the official taxis are white colored with a red slanting stripe across the front doors. To avoid paying extra, don't place luggage on the back seat of the taxi.
Car For Hire Madrid
From the airport Madrid
The traffic mesh of Madrid is a composite of intricate routes and may pose a challenge to new drivers; hence using a public transport system is advisable. The network of roads in Madrid has varied hurdles including congestions, prolonged maintenance work and parking hassles.
The bus network of Madrid is known to be one of the biggest in Spain with coverage expanding to many remote suburbs as well. Operating day and night, the bus service is also economical at €1 for all fleet lines. Tickets are available on the bus and at the stations as well. Both state-owned and private buses operate within the city. The Madrid Municipal Transport Company (EMT), owned by Madrid Town Council offers group transport facility. Complete list of fares and itineraries are available through EMT Customer services at: 902 507 850 or www.emtmadrid.es.
Health and Safty Madrid
