Enjoy Madrid’s Landscape of Light in the heart of the city. Travel just 30 minutes and you can access Madrid’s UNESCO cultural triangle that dates back centuries. From the medieval city of Alcalá de Henares to the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. From the palace of Aranjuez to the serene forests of Hayedo de Montejo. You can thank UNESCO for this curated tour.
Madrid boasts century-old restaurants, including the world’s oldest. Its diverse culinary scene delights, offering everything from 28 Michelin-starred establishments with a dazzling 36 stars to charming specialty shops like chocolaterías, bombonerías, and pastelerías. Venture beyond the city center for a taste of Montia’s innovative, locally-sourced cuisine. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and stories of Madrid through every delectable bite.
Travel an hour out of the city and you can also wander through 9000 hectares of vineyards across 51 wineries with over 900 years of winemaking history. And if you just fancy some tapas and pinchos over a local Mahou beer, you can’t go wrong in Spain’s capital.
As the world’s flamenco capital and the birthplace of the iconic tablaos, Madrid has nurtured this UNESCO-recognized art form for centuries. In the 1950s, Madrid transformed the flamenco scene by providing a platform for both aspiring and renowned dancers in tablaos. The city is also home to over 200 theatres, including Teatro Real, named at the 2021 International Opera Awards, Best Opera House in the world. Immerse yourself in the world of musicals on Gran Vía, Madrid’s famed “Broadway.” Olé!
In Madrid’s paseo del arte, you can visit the Prado Museum, Thyssen Bornemisza, Reina Sofia all within walking distance of each other. Absorb yourself in Picassos, Goyas, Miros alongside thousands of other great works. You can also access over 250 other galleries and museums. And if that’s not enough, take in the incredible street art that is on display around every corner.
Get transported back in time to the historic town surrounded by the Lozoya river, Buitrago del Lozoya, or discover the Legend legend of the King king of Patones. Learn about its strange history as you pass by typical black slate architecture and cobble streets. Or visit Manzanares el Real where one can enjoy nature, history, outdoor sports and appreciate the finest conserved castle in all of Madrid. Mendoza Castle. Or simply enjoy the famed anise Anise liquor and cocido madrileño Cocido Madrileño in Chinchón. Enjoy this time travel in with a convenient short ride from the city centre.
One of Madrid’s highlights is its shopping with its little boutiques, century old shops and eclectic markets. It’s haute couture emphasizes, detail and craftsmanship.Every year, the city attracts world renowned designers as host to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Enjoy carefully curated designer shopping routes to get the most of your shopping experience in Madrid. Get your shopping guide here!
Madrid is passionate about sports. It is home to Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, boasts over 20 golf courses specially designed by golfing legends and is the venue of The Madrid Mutua Tennis Open, an ATP masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event. In Madrid, you can also partake in other types of active tourism, such as horseback riding, hiking, and cycling. If you’re sports fan, you cannot lose in Madrid.
Madrid is divided into 131 neighbourhoods known as barrios. Each has its own unique charm. From the affluent Salamanca with its high end shops and restaurants to a barrio that dates back to 1499. La Latina is where you’ll find the iconic El Rastro flea-market and the best concentration of tapas bars in Madrid.
La Latina, dates back to 1499.It’s where you snake your way towards El Rastro Market, one of the most iconic attractions in this barrio. It’s also known for the best concentration of tapas bars in Madrid.
Sol-Gran Via is the broadway of Madrid where large malls, hotels, theatres, and the centre of Madrid tourist, cultural and recreational life converge.
Barrio de Salamanca is home to Serrano Street, famous for its high-end brands and restaurants, it’s the pinnacle of Madrid’s impeccable luxurious standards.
Malasaña, is the centre of Madrid’s hipster movement with its distinct artistic and musical flavours. Its bars and clubs are popular but you’ll find drinking on the streets and the terraces of La Plaza del Dos de Mayo just as, if not more popular.
Salesas is Madrid’s trendiest district. A magnet for art galleries, concept stores and boutiques. Here you’ll find a variety of Spanish fashion brands. You can describe its streets as an urban catwalk. The barrio’s creative vibe can also be found in its unique coffee houses, cocktail bars and fusion cuisines.
El Retiro is one of the largest and most beautiful public parks in Madrid. It’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Madrid’s Landscape of Light, with features such as the elegant Crystal Palace and the King Alfonso XII monument which overlooks a large boating lake. The park borders many neighbourhoods. After a day in the park, the Ibiza area is perfect for socialising in one of its many bars.
Considered as one of the coolest, artieset barrios, Lavapies is where the warmth of Madrid exudes. A diverse and cosmopolitan neighbourhood with small local shops and cafés is set along steep maze-like streets.
The elegant barrio of Chamberi, is where the nineteenth century aristocrats chose to live.
Today, its cozy, atmospheric streets like the famous Calle de Ponzano, is the place to go to bar hop and socialise. The locals consider this as their little secret. It’s one of the many reasons why so many expats choose to live here.
In Madrid, there’s an increasing choice for high-end accommodation. In addition to luxury hotels and apartments, you can stay in historic palaces, art-gallery-meets-hotel hybrids or in an unassuming address with its own Michelin-starred restaurant. Whatever you decide, you’ll be guaranteed extraordinary gastronomy, desirable locations, and the warmest Madrilenos service.
From 2023, Madrid will provide 44 new connections to the Asia Pacific and 26 to the Middle East regions. In the next 12 months, Iberia will also launch connections between Doha, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Madrid. Direct flights between Tokyo and Madrid will also take place from October 2024. Plans are also underway to expand Madrid’s airport with the ambition for it to become the largest airport in Europe.
