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Discover Madrid

Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Madrid.

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Madrid
Next prayerFajr 6:59 AM
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Must-see attractions in Madrid

From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 9 standout sights to build into your time in the city.

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.

Halal restaurants in Madrid

Madrid’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 21 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.

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El Corral de la Moreria

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.

Zalacain Restaurant Madridmadrid

Zalacain Restaurant

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.

Jockey Restaurant Madridmadrid

Jockey Restaurant

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.

Suntory Madridmadrid

Suntory

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.

Horcher Madridmadrid

Horcher

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.

Tse Yang Madridmadrid

Tse Yang

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.

Where to stay in Madrid

Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.

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Hotel Melia Castilla

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.

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Hotel Husa Princesa

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.

The Gran Meliá Fénix Hotel Madridmadrid

The Gran Melia Fenix Hotel

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.

Hotel Ritz Madridmadrid

Hotel Ritz

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.

Hotel Opera Madrid Madridmadrid

Hotel Opera Madrid

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.

Shopping in Madrid

Explore 7 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.

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El Corte Ingles

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.

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Galeri­a de Arte del Lubre

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.

El Rastro Madridmadrid

El Rastro

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.

ABC Serrano Madridmadrid

ABC Serrano

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.

Salamanca District Madridmadrid

Salamanca District

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.

Signature sights in Madrid

A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.

Festivals and events in Madrid

Plan around 15 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.

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La Candaleria (feast of the candles)

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.

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Madrid en Danza (Madrid Dance Festival)

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.

Romería de la Virgen de Gracia Madridmadrid

Romeri­a de la Virgen de Gracia.

Termed as a religious pilgrimage, it is about carrying the statue of Virgin Mary to a sanctuary place for final resting and mass. Later festivities include traditional dances and offerings.

Fiesta Nacional de España (National Day) Madridmadrid

Fiesta Nacional de España (National Day)

This festival celebrated on the 12th commemorates the birth of the Spanish unified nation. The main feature of this festival includes a parade by the military which is attended by the Spanish King. Various notable dignitaries attend the parade and aerobatics show.

Madrid tours and experiences

Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.

Pullman Tours Madridmadrid

Pullman Tours

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.

Madrid Shopping Tour Madridmadrid

Madrid Shopping Tour

This shopping tour takes you to all the hotspots of Madrid, in terms of shopping.

Madrid Restaurants Tour Madridmadrid

Madrid Restaurants Tour

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.

Trapsa Tours Madridmadrid

Trapsa Tours

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.

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Madrid travel guide sections

Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.