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Madrid, Spain
Madrid's sights
Plaza Major and the Old Quarter
Spain's road network radiates from a marker stone in the pavement in Puerta del Sol. The Gate (Puerta) has long gone and there is a famous square at the location. Puerta del Sol is a popular meeting place for people on their way to the city's shopping areas. On New Years Eve revellers congregate in Puerta del Sol, to see in the new Year, traditionally swallowing a grape on each stick of the clock. This is reputed to bring good luck.
Plaza Major is one of the major sights in the Old Quarter and is the most famous square in Madrid. Its arcades, balconies and dormer windows overlook a fine rectangular square. Pride of place in the centre of the square is an equrestrian statue of Felipe II. Outdoor cafes abound affording the traveller a seat to people watch while having a refreshing drink. Plaza Major dates from 1617 and in its life has been used to stage pageants, executions (during the Spanish Inquisition - bet you didn't expect that one!) and bullfighting. Take a walk from the Plaza Major to Palacio Real and you can fully appreciate the historic buildings of the Old Quarter.
Prado and East Madrid
The area to the East of Madrid was once home to market gardens hence the name 'Prado' which translates as meadow. A palace used to stand in the areas of park and gardens which now form Parque del Retiro. Three world class Art Museums are located in this part of Madrid.
The Museo del Prado is undoubtably the most famous of the three. The Prado houses works by artists such as Velazquez, Goya, Rubens and Bosch. On the southern side of the square is Casa de Correos, a red brick building which was once a Post Office, the Ministry of the Interior, but is now home to Regional Government. The second famous museum in Madrid is the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. This was once a private collection covering six centuries of paintings from all over the world. Finally the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia is housed in an old hospital close to Atocha railway station. This houses mainly 20th Century art. Pride of place is held by Picasso's Guernica. Other artists works on display are Dali, Miró and Gris.
Parque del Retiro
The high ground on the Eastern side of this area is known as the Parque del Retiro. It is deservedly popular with Madrid's young and old alike. The gardens are tended with loving care and host many delights for the visitor. Pride of place is the boating lake under the monument to Alfonso XII. Other sights include the Crystal Palace and the Velázques Palace
.Palacio Real
Dominant at the Western end of the Old Town, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is the Royal Palace. It was formerly home to spain's Royal Family. You can take a tour of the palace and gardens. Close by is Teatro Real Royal Theatre - Opera House.
The three main means of getting to Madrid are by air, road or rail. The airport at Barajas is served by Iberia, Air Europe and Spanair. The only UK direct flights are provided by British Airways an EasyJet. Virgin connects via Brussels. US carriers flying in to Barajas are Continental, Delta Airlines and American Airlines. Barajas is 20 minutes from the centre Madrid by Taxi or bus. Madrid's Metro system also connects with the airport. As it is at the centre of the Spanish motorway system getting to Madrid is relatively straightforward. The ports of Santander and Bilboa are only a few hours away. Eurolines the European coach operator also connects the city to the rest of Europe.
RENFE
is the Spanish National Railway operator. The two main long distance
railway stations being Madrid-Atocha and Chamartin(North West). Atocha
is the terminus for the AVE high speed train from Seville and Cordoba
as well as trains from Portugal. Chamartin receives trains from France
and North West Spain. Getting around Madrid
The Madrid Metro system
is quick and very cheap. It is open from 06h00 to 01h30 and operates 11 colour coded lines. A Metrobus ticket valid for 10 trips on the metro can be purchased at stations. Buses are a good way of seeing the city, while sightseeing buses offer taped audio commentaries while allowing passengers to hop on and off as often as they wish. Look out for the red Madrid Vision buses. Hiring a car is another option all of the major car hire firms including Artesa, Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz are represented at Barajas Airport.
Shopping
The main shopping areas can be found between Puerta del Sol and Gran Via. The large department store El Corte Inglés is the most popular. For fashion, Jardin de Serrano and ABC Serrano can be found in the Salamanca neighbourhood. Travelling by car enables some tremendous bargains to be found at the Hypermarkets such as Al Campo and Pryca on the outskirts of the city mainly off the M30 road.
Eating Out
Madrid has attracted settlers from all over Spain. Their dishes have been adopted by the Madridnoise. Foods include Tapas, which are served as appetisers in bars but can be a meal in themselves. Madrid's dishes include cold gazpacho soup, cocido madrilêno ( a full meal, meats and vegetables cooked in a pot). Paella, fish and seafood are also very popular.
Useful Links
Spanish Tourist Board
Madrid tourist office
Consejería de Economía y Empleo Príncipe de Vergara, 132, 28002 Madrid
Tel: 91 580 23 11
E-mail: turismo@comadrid.es
Centro de Arte Reina Sofía Reina Sofía Museum
Teatro Nacional National Theatre
Teatro de Madrid Madrid Theatre
Auditorio Nacional de Música Classical Music House
Real Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid Royal Conservatory of Music
Real Madrid (soccer)
Atlético de Madrid (soccer)
Rayo Vallecano (soccer)
Bullfighting / Las Ventas (Madrid bullring)
Where to stay
Here is a selection of Madrid Hotels provided by Opodo.
InterContinental Hotels Group - Madrid Hotels - Click here
Inter-Continental - Castellana-Madrid - Click here
Crowne Plaza Hotels - Madrid City Centre - Click here
Holiday Inn Express Hotels - Madrid-Rivas - Click here
Holiday Inn Hotels - Madrid - Click here
Holiday Inn Express Hotels - Madrid-S.Sebastian D/L Reyes - Click here
Holiday Inn Express Hotels - Madrid-Tres Cantos - Click here
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© Copyright Eurapart 1997 - 2006 Evolution 3 (27 January 2006)