Madrid: travel guides

The city of Madrid has a special charm, a original mixture of old and new that is harder to find in the rest of Spain. The beating heart of the nation, from a geographical and touristic point of view, the capital of Spain is an essential stop for travellers looking for a holiday of art and culture, as well as entertainment and food and wine. Camping in Madrid is possible and can be a pleasant surprise, thanks to the many facilities located just outside the city, which are well connected to the historic centre by public transport and by special shuttle bus services.

What to see in Madrid

Fans of the great European capitals and cities of art will find Madrid extremely rich in monuments, historic buildings, museums and gardens. For this reason, to visit the Spanish capital and see all of its old and modern splendour, at least a week's stay is usually recommended, although a must-see list of places can be extremely useful. Among such places are the famous square of Puerta del Sol, and, just a few metres away, its twin Plaza Mayor, as well as the nearby renowned Plaza de la Villa and street of Calle Mayor.

As for Madrid’s monuments, the most famous include the ‘Citadel Gate’ of Puerta de Alcalá in Plaza de la Independencia, which is not far from the Fuente de Cibeles fountain in Plaza de Cibeles, where the Spanish national football team are known to celebrate their victories. Speaking of football, fans can visit the legendary Santiago Bernabéu, the stadium of Real Madrid, one of the most titled clubs in the world. From the kings of football to the real royals, Madrid is the seat of the Spanish monarchy and so a visit to the Royal Palace is a must. The Gran Via, on the other hand, is the street that never sleeps, with plenty of shops, cinemas and theatres. For the scenery and natural beauty, the El Retiro park offers unforgettable sensations. Finally, a special mention must be made of Madrid’s movida and the bars, restaurants and nightclubs that animate the nightlife of one of the most popular European capitals in terms of fun.