Madrid holiday guide

Madrid boasts all the attractions and amenities that one would come to expect from a great European capital, as cosmopolitan as Paris, Berlin or London. However, the city is also the heart of the old Kingdom of Castile. The city of Madrid is a tourist destination that requires several days in its own right to do it justice, but it also sits almost in the physical centre of Iberia. That location makes it the natural transportation hub for the entire country, especially if you intend to see it by train, so it could be said that all railroads run through Madrid.

The elegant facade of the Museo del Prado, the famous gallery in the heart of Madrid, Spain

One of the attractions that burnish Madrid's international reputation is its Golden Triangle of Art. The triangle is a trio of art museums, the most prominent of which is Paseo del Prado, where works such as Velázquez's Las Meninas and Goya's La maja vestida and La maja desnuda. Next is Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Centre, home to a Picasso collection that includes many of the artist's most famous pieces, as well as works by Bacon, Dali and Kandinsky. Finally there is Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art, with work by Monet, Degas and Renoir. Collectively, the Golden Triangle of Art represents a collection that rivals anything found in Paris or New York.

Beyond the Golden Triangle are the other museums that represent the fixture of national pride in any country. As the former capital of an empire that once encompassed most of the Western Hemisphere, Madrid's National Archaeology Museum is a must-see. Often missed by many tourists, however, is the almost as impressive Museo de América. There is also the enormous Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, with its tours and its substantial museum of medieval arms and armor. The building itself is widely considered to be one of the most attractive in Madrid.

Madrid is also noted for its sports. For the curious about one of the most Spanish of bloodsports, it is home of Las Ventas, the largest bullfighting arena in Spain. However, football fans should jump at the chance to see Real Madrid play in their home stadium, Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

Beyond the art, museums and sports, Madrid is also a city renowned for its nightlife. The young people of Madrid are well-known for setting out for dinner at 10 p.m. or later, hitting the nightclubs and dancing until dawn, only to go home, wash up, and go off to work or to see family and friends the next day. A good place to go looking for a sampling of nightlife done Madrid-style is the Malasaña district.

The city of Madrid is dotted with old churches and other buildings, but it is not foremost among Spain's historic cities. When Ferdinand of Aragon married Isabella of Castile to create the Kingdom of Spain, their respective capitals were in Toledo and Barcelona. Madrid did not become the capital of Spain until 1561, when Philip II (the same Philip who was married to Queen Mary I of England) moved it there. Therefore, lovers of ancient ruins, castles and medieval churches should probably look elsewhere to places like Barcelona, Caceres and Granada.

Summer visitors to the city of Madrid should be aware of the climate, and its effect on Spanish culture. Summers are hot and almost oppressively sunny, with July and August temperatures routinely over 35 C. The result is the famous siesta, where Spaniards go home for lunch and an early afternoon nap. Visitors to Madrid and its environs in central Spain should expect many shops to close during this time, and may wish to consider adopting local habits and catch a mid-day catnap.

For details of accommodation in Madrid please look HERE
Tours of Madrid

Madrid by Night and Torres Bermejas Flamenco Show
Description: Tour of Madrid by night and a performance of the Flamenco dancing with dinner...more...


Historic Toledo and Madrid by Night with Torre Bermejas Flamenco Show
Description: Group tour from Madrid you will see Toledo´s most important monumental highlights in the morning then in the evening a panoramic Madrid Night Tour with Flamenco Show...more...


Historic Toledo and Panoramic Madrid City Coach Tour
Description: Group tour excursion from Madrid to see Toledo´s most important monumental highlights in the morning then in the afternoon a panoramic Madrid City Tour...more...


Madrid Royal Palace and Panoramic City Tour
Description: On this half day scheduled group tour excursion you will enjoy guided visit of Madrid´s Royal Palace and after a panoramic city tour...more...


Avila and Segovia Scheduled Coach Tour from Madrid
Description: On this full day scheduled group tour excursion you will enjoy guided walking tours of Avila and Segovia...more...


Scheduled Coach City Tour and Bullfight in Madrid
Description: Enjoy a City tour of Madrid visiting the most important and representative buildings and monuments. After the tour, you will see one of the most typical traditions in Spain, the Bullfight...more...


Cooking Class in Madrid (Avant-Garde Cuisine)
Description: If you are interested in learning how to prepare Spanish Avante Garde dishes but you do not have too much time to dedicate to it, consider a morning in the kitchen, followed by a three course lunch in Madrid...more...


Spanish Saffron Harvest Tour
Description: This culinary trip takes you to the annual harvesting of the saffron flower in La Mancha. Discover the roots of Spanish Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, the secret of Spanish Paella...more...


Deluxe Art and Nature of Green Spain Tour
Description: A chauffeur driven tour through Green Spain a mosaic of natural purity and historic village. Art is intertwined with nature for example, the world-renowned Guggenheim Museummore...


El Escorial Monastery and the Valle de los Caidos
Description: On this half day excursion from Madrid you will visit El Escorial monastery, a living monument and a tremendously important tourist attraction. UNESCO recognized it as a Monument of World Interestmore...


Avila and Segovia Monumental Tour
Description: On this private tour you will visit Avila, the best preserved walled city in the world. Then visit Segovia city with its famous aqueduct, no doubt one of the most beautiful in Spain. The aqueduct is the symbol of Segoviamore...


Historic Toledo and Andalusia stay in the Luxury of Paradores
Description: Travel in complete comfort and luxury with one of our experienced chauffeur-guides! On this Parador Route you will start by discovering the historic enchantment of Toledo. Then in Andaulcia, Southern Spain...more...


Discovering the Vast Jewish Culture in Spain
Description: In Spain a vast Jewish Heritage can be found, and on this tour you will get a chance to discover some of the most emblematic Historic Jewish Quarters in Spain!more...


Andalusia to Valencia then tasting the Wines of Rioja staying in Historic Paradores
Description: Make you way down to Sunny Andalucia stopping to stay in fantastic Paradores and visiting the monuments of these historic cites. Then crossing over to Valencia, don't forget to have a Valenciana Paella dinner...more...


Deluxe Heritage Cities of Mankind Tour of Salamanca Avila and Segovia
Description: A chauffeur driven tour visiting Avila´s Roman Walls, Salamanca´s Plaza Mayor, Segovia´s fine Roman Aqueduct and Alcazar. Cities worthy of their title UNESCO Mankind Heritagemore...


VIP Wine Excursion to Ribera del Duero from Madrid
Description: While in Madrid on holiday or for business fit some time in your schedule to enjoy a VIP private wine tasting excursion to the Ribera del Duero region... more...


Deluxe Heritage Cities of Mankind Tour of Salamanca Avila and Segovia by Self Drive with some guides and breakfast only
Description: A self drive tour visiting Avila´s Roman Walls, Salamanca´s Plaza Mayor, Segovia´s fine Roman Aqueduct and Alcazar. Cities worthy of their title... UNESCO Mankind Heritage.more...


Tapa tour in Madrid
Description: For groups of of 4 - 6 people we offer you a guided tour of some of Madrid´s finest tapas bars. To help you out we will provide you with an English translation of Spanish food and cooking...more...


El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Coach Excursion from Madrid
Description: On this scheduled coach excursion from Madrid you will be taken on a guided visit of El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen...more...


Toledo and Panoramic Madrid Night tour with Florida Park Flamenco Show
Description: Coach tour excursion from Madrid you will see Toledo´s most important monumental highlights in the morning then in the evening a panoramic Madrid Night Tour with Flamenco Show...more...


Food Wine and Entertainment tour of Old Madrid

Food Wine and Entertainment tour of Old Madrid
Description: During our evening together, we will make three eating stops to introduce you to the five main food and wine pairings of Spain.more...


The Ancient City of Toledo Full Day Scheduled Coach Tour from Madrid
Description: On this full day scheduled group tour excursion from Madrid you will see Toledo´s most important monumental highlights...more...


Panoramic Madrid City Scheduled Coach Tour
Description: On this panoramic city coach tour you will visit the most important and representative buildings and monuments of Madrid...more...


Toledo El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Coach Excursion from Madrid
Description: On this scheduled coach excursion from Madrid you will be taken on a guided visit of Toledo, El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen...more...


Florida Park Flamenco Show and Panoramic Night Tour in Madrid
Description: A Panoramic tour of the streets and squares of Madrid by night then a live flamenco show with dinner...more...


High Speed AVE Train Excursion to Seville from Madrid
Description: On this full day excursion from Madrid you will take a high-speed train to Seville where you will enjoy a walking tour of the city´s monumental highlights...more...


High Speed AVE Train Excursion to Cordoba from Madrid
Description: On this full day excursion from Madrid you will take a high-speed train to Cordoba where you will enjoy a walking tour of the city´s monumental highlights...more...


Coach and Train Tour to Cordoba and Seville from Madrid
Description: On this 2 day tour/excursion from Madrid you will visit Cordoba and Seville where you will enjoy walking tours of the cities monumental highlights... more...


The Ancient City of Toledo Half Day Scheduled Coach Tour from Madrid
Description: On this half day scheduled group tour excursion from Madrid you will see Toledo´s most important monumental highlights...more...


Saint James Way Self-Guided Bike Tour - Cycle the Camino de Santiago on your own from Leon
Description: This is the best of self-guided bike tours for any cyclist wanting a taste of the traditions and history of the Camino de Santiago. Enjoy the St James way at your own pace. For centuries, it has been used by pilgrims to cross Northern Spain...more...


La Rioja and Ribera del Duero Biking Wine Tour
Description: If you enjoy biking through the countryside, fine cooking and wine, this is the bike wine tour for you. On this tour we ride through famed wine regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero...more...


Route of the Spanish Conquistadors Bike Tour
Description: This is a bike tour takes you to the lesser visited regions of Spain. When Spain was discovering the new continent, this region was the cradle of many who left in search of adventure in the New World. We will tour the sierra mountain range and the plains of Extremadura...more...


Fonseca and Galicia Coastal Route: Salamanca to Santiago Bike Tour
Description: This bike route, rich in history, links the towns of Santiago and Salamanca both renowned for their human heritage. It was once the most important means of communication in the west of Spain (the Silver Trail)...more...


Discovering Madrid and Andalusia Hotel Package with Chauffeur Transfers in Each City
Description: From the metropolitan city of Madrid through the historic cities of Andalusia you will get a chance to discover all that this region has to offer. Take advantage Spain´s AVE high speed train system and the luxury of chauffeured transfers in each city for a stress free vacation...more...


Saint James Way Bike Tour - Cycle the Camino de Santiago
Description: This is the best of guided bike tours for any cyclist wanting a taste of the traditions and history of the Camino de Santiago. For centuries, it has been used by pilgrims to cross Northern Spain...more...


Andalusia Southern Spain Bike Tour through Olive Groves and Vineyards
Description: On this is bike tour you will cycle through breathtaking scenery of Andalusia, Southern Spain. Following the route of the Caliphs, from Cordoba to Granada...more...


La Mancha Wine Tour from Madrid
Description: Enjoy a wine tour from Madrid to Bodegas Osborne Malpica in the Castilla region. La Mancha is the world´s largest wine producing area...more...


Tapa Comparing in a Traditional Restaurant in Madrid
Description: Madrid Tapas Parade is the effort to comprise in one event the most representative tapas of the country, all at a most atmospheric spot...more...


Madrid by Night with Dinner and Flamenco show
Description: Madrid is a city they say never sleeps. On this private night tour you will take a panoramic tour of the city. Then dinner and a Flamenco show in a traditional Flamenco restaurants in the centremore...


Panoramic Madrid and Royal Palace
Description: On this private tour you will get an overview of Madrid with a Panoramic city tour and a detailed visit of one of Madrid´s most emblematic monuments, The Royal Palacemore...


Prado Museum and Royal Palace
Description: On this private tour you will visit the world-renowned Prado Museum. After we visit the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), constructed on the site of a Moorish fortressmore...


Salamanca Historic Walking Tour with transportation from Madrid
Description: On this private tour we visit Salamanca. Salamanca grew up all around its Cathedral and then its University, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe, with Oxford, Paris and Bolognemore...


Historic Toledo Walking Tour with Transportation from Madrid
Description: On this private tour we visit the ancient city of Toledo, regarded as the city of three cultures (Christian, Jew and Islamic). It was declared World Heritage Site. The old quarter, Cathedral, Synagogue...more...


Panoramic Madrid City Tour
Description: On this private half day chauffeur driven tour you will get a panoramic view of Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spainmore...


Madrid Artistic Walking Tour of the Prado and Reina Sofia Museums
Description: On this private half day walking tour our guide will show you the different Art Masterpieces in the Prado and Reina Sophia Musuemsmore...


Plaza Mayor Puerta del Sol and Royal Palace Walking Tour
Description: On this private half day walking tour our guide will show you the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Royal Palacemore...


Madrid a Melting Pot of Spain
Description: Treat yourself to a luxuirous cooking week in Madrid, the Melting Pot of Spain! On this trip you will learn from expect chefs the secrets of Spain´s fine cuisinemore...


Olive Oil Tasting and Dinner in Madrid
Description: For groups of of 2 - 6 people we offer you a Special Olive Oil tasting followed by dinner in Madrid...more...


Group Tour of Seville and Costa del Sol from Madrid
Description: Join our Group Coach Tour departing from Madrid crossing over to Extremadura then down to Andalusia and Costa del Sol. Visit along the way various important cities like: Caceres -or- Cordoba, Sevillemore...


Night Panoramic Madrid City Coach Tour
Description: Night City tour of Madrid to see the city at night passing by the most important monuments and streets...more...


Short Stay Sightseeing City Break in Madrid
Description: This short stay city break tour package in Madrid includes daily sightseeing tours and accommodation in a city centre 4 star hotel. The hotel is walking distance from many places of enormous interest...more...


Private Driver Chauffeur Car Services in Madrid
Description: While your stay in Madrid have a private English-speaking chauffeur at your disposal to take you around the city...more...


Cooking Class in Madrid (Traditional Cuisine)
Description: If you are interested in learning how to prepare Spanish dishes but you do not have too much time to dedicate to it, consider a morning in the kitchen, followed by a three course lunch in Madrid on our Private Cooking Class in Madrid...more...


The Valley of Gredos
Description: Riding in the heart of Castile in the Sierra of Gredos, one of the wildest and less populated areas of Spain. Excellent terrain for riding, gallop across pasturesmore...


Madrid and Barcelona then Cava and La Rioja wine regions ending in Bilbao and the Northern Coast of Spain
Description: Starting off in Madrid, rich in art and monuments. Fly over to Barcelona, admire the works of Gaudi. On this trip you will visit the wine regions of Cava and La Rioja touring quaint wine towns...more...


Castile Spain the Land of Quixote
Description: On this luxury small group cooking vacation you will get a chance to discover the culinary sercret of Castile Spain with expect chefsmore...


Real Madrid Bernabeu Stadium Tour
Description: Enjoy a panoramic city tour of Madrid and after a tour of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of Football Club Real Madrid...more...


Coach and Train Tour of Caceres Cordoba and Seville from Madrid
Description: Enjoy a Scheduled Group Bus Tour departing from Madrid and visiting various important cities like: Caceres, Cordoba and Sevillemore...


Valencia and Barcelona Bus and Train Tour from Madrid
Description: Escorted Group Coach/Train Tour departs from Madrid to Valencia by Train then follows up the coast by Motor-Coach to Barcelona and finally ending in Madrid. Visit along the way various important cities like: Valencia, Barcelona, Zaragozamore...


Cordoba Seville and Costa del Sol Coach Tour from Madrid
Description: A memorable short-break coach tour that departs from Madrid crossing over to Extremadura then down to Andalusia and Costa del Sol. Visit along the way various important cities like: Caceres, Cordoba, Seville, Ronda and the White Villagesmore...


Andalusia and Toledo Group Coach Tour from Madrid
Description: Short-Break Group Tour of the Important Andalusia historic cities. Depart from Madrid down to Southern Spain. Visit along the way various important cities like: Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Toledomore...


Andalusia and Toledo with Costa del Sol Bus Tour from Madrid
Description: Discover the monumental cities of Andalusia ending with a visit of Toledo before returning to Madrid. Important cities like: Cordoba, Seville, Costa del Sol Coast, Granada, Toledomore...


Extremadura Andalusia and Toledo with Costa del Sol Coach Tour from Madrid
Description: Coach Tour from Madrid to Southern Spain ending with a visit of Toledo. Important cities like: Caceres, Seville, Costa del Sol Coast, Granada, Toledo...more...


Group Tour of Caceres Southern Spain with Costa del Sol and Ronda from Madrid
Description: Group Bus Tour from Madrid to Extremadura, Southern Spain ending with a visit of Toledo. Important cities like: Caceres, Cordoba, Seville, Costa del Sol Coast, Granada, Toledomore...


Group Tour of Andalusia with Costa del Sol Beach time from Madrid
Description: Group Tour from Madrid to Andalusia/Costa del Sol ending with a visit of Toledo. Important cities like: Cordoba, Seville, Costa del Sol Coast, Granada, Toledomore...


Group Tour of Caceres Andalusia with Costa del Sol Beach time from Madrid
Description: Coach Tour from Madrid to Extremadura then on to Andalusia/Costa del Sol. Important cities like: Caceres, Cordoba, Seville, Costa del Sol Coast, Granada, Toledomore...


Andalusia and Barcelona Group Coach Tour from Madrid
Description: Group Tour from Madrid to Southern Spain then following up the coast to Barcelona. Important cities like: Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelonamore...


Coach Tour from Madrid to Andalusia Barcelona and The Mediterranean Coast of Spain
Description: Group Coach Tour from Madrid to Extremadura, Southern Spain then following up the coast to Barcelona. Important cities like: Caceres, Cordoba, Seville, Ronda, Costa del Sol, Granada, Valencia, Barcelonamore...


Post-Tour Extension to Palma de Mallorca from Barcelona
Description: Extension Tour Package to relax on the fabulous Mallorca Island. Enjoy the beaches and cosmopolitan life of this Mediterranean islandmore...


Andalusia and Morocco Group Coach Tour from Madrid
Description: Group Bus Tour from Madrid to Andalusia and Morocco. Important cities like: Caceres, Cordoba, Seville, Ronda, Costa del Sol, Granada, Toledo, Tangier, Fesmore...


Andalusia and Morocco Highlights Bus Tour from Madrid
Description: Coach Tour from Madrid to Southern Spain and Morocco. Important cities like: Cordoba, Seville, Costa del Sol, Granada, Toledo, Tangier, Marrakech, Casablanca, Fesmore...


Andalusia and Morocco Extensive Coach Tour from Madrid
Description: Coach Tour from Madrid to Andalusia, Costa del Sol and Morocco. Important cities like: Caceres, Seville, Costa del Sol, Granada, Ceuta, Toledo, Tangier, Marrakech, Casablanca, Fesmore...


Group Coach Tour of Galicia Northwestern Spain from Madrid
Description: Coach Tour from Madrid to Galicia, North-western Spain. Important cities like: Lugo, La Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Salamancamore...


Green Spain Group Tour from Madrid
Description: Group Bus Tour from Madrid to Green Northern Spain. Important cities like: San Sebastian, Bilbao, Oviedo, Gijon, Lugo, Salamancamore...


Highlights of Northern Spain Group Bus Tour from Madrid
Description: Coach Tour from Madrid to Northern Spain. Important cities like: San Sebastian, Bilbao, Oviedo, Gijon, Lugo, La Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Salamancamore...


Galicia and Portugal Group Tour from Madrid
Description: Coach Tour from Madrid to Galicia and Portugal. Important cities like: Lugo, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Salamanca, Coimbra, Fatima, Lisbon, Caceresmore...


Northern Spain and Portugal Coach Tour from Madrid
Description: Group Tour from Madrid to Northern Spain and Portugal. Important cities like: San Sebastian, Bilbao, Oviedo, Gijon, La Coruña, Lugo, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Salamanca, Coimbra, Fatima, Lisbon, Caeresmore...


Galicia Portugal and Andalusia Group Tour from Madrid
Description: Group Tour from Madrid to Galicia, Portugal and Andalusia. Important cities like: San Sebastian, Bilbao, Oviedo, Gijon, La Coruña, Lugo, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Salamanca, Coimbra, Fatima, Lisbon, Caceres, Seville, Ronda, Granada, Toledomore...


All Spain Highlights Coach Tour from Madrid
Description: Group Bus Tour from Madrid visiting all of Spain. Important cities like: Barcelona, Cordoba, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Oviedo, Gijon, La Coruña, Lugo, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Salamanca, Merida, Seville, Ronda, Granada, Valencia, Toledomore...


Portugal with Fatima Coach Tour from Madrid
Description: Coach Tour from Madrid to Extremadura and Portugal. Important cities like: Merida, Fatima, Lisbonmore...


Coach Tour of Salamanca and Portugal from Madrid
Description: Group Tour from Madrid to Castile y Leon and Portugal. Important cities like: Avila, Salamanca, Coimbra, Fatima, Lisbonmore...


Portugal and Andalusia Bus Tour from Madrid
Description: Group Tour from Madrid to Andalusia and Portugal. Important cities like: Merida, Fatima, Lisbon, Cordoba, Seville, Ronda, Costa del Sol, Granada, Toledomore...


Portugal Southern Spain and the Mediterranean Coast from Madrid
Description: Bus Tour Starting from Madrid to Portugal, Southern Spain, Galicia ending in Madrid. Important cities like: Lisbon, Fatima, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelonamore...


Iberian Highlights Coach Tour: Spain and Portugal from Madrid
Description: Coach Tour Starting from Madrid to Portugal, Southern Spain, Galicia ending in Madrid. Important cities like: Lisbon, Fatima, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostelamore...


Escorted Group Tour of Portugal Andalusia and Morocco from Madrid
Description: Group Coach Tour from Madrid to Portugal, Morocco, Andalucia ending in Madrid. Important cities like: Merida, Lisbon, Fatima, Seville, Costa del sol, Fes, Tangier, Granada, Toledomore...


Coach Tour to Portugal Andalusia and Morocco from Madrid
Description: Coach Tour from Madrid to Portugal, Morocco, Andalusia ending in Madrid. Important cities like: Salamanca, Fatima, Lisbon, Seville, Costa del sol, Marrakech, Casablanca, Granada, Toledomore...


Spain Portugal and Morocco Group Bus Tour from Madrid
Description: Bus group Tour from Madrid to Portugal, Morocco, Andalusia ending in Madrid. Important cities like: Avila, Salamanca, Fatima, Lisbon, Seville, Costa del sol, Marrakech, Casablanca, Tangier, Granada, Toledomore...


Castile Spain Portugal and Andalusia Group Tour from Madrid
Description: Coach Tour Starting from Madrid to Portugal, Andalusia, Costa del sol, ending in Madrid. Important cities like: Ronda, Avila, Lisbon, Fatima, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Meridamore...


Escorial and Valley of the Fallen with Panoramic City Tour of Madrid
Description: Coach Excursion from Madrid to visit El Escorial Monastery and Valley of The Fallen in the morning then in the afternoon a panoramic Madrid City Tour...more...


Cheap Flights from United Kingdom
 

 

 

 
The Dordogne - The Lot - Provence - Normandy - Brittany - Paris - Ireland - London - Scotland - Devon and Cornwall - Isle of Wight - Hampshire - Canal and riverboat holidays - Yorkshire Dales - The Cotswolds - The Lake District - Isle of Man - Northern Italy - Tuscany - southern Italy - Sicily - Portugal - Andorra
© Copyright gps4touring 2011