Top 10 Reasons Why You Have to Visit Madrid

Madrid exudes a beauty that will soon rekindle your passion for life and this is one ‘bucket list’ destination that should be visited sooner rather than later. Here are ten of the best reasons to visit this historic and cosmopolitan city.

Treat yourself

You can find hotels and apartments to suit every taste and budget, but booking Madrid city breaks during the low seasons means you’ll get a lot more for your money. Why not splash out and check in to the fabulous ME by Meliá at the historic Plaza de Santa Ana; you’ll be in the heart of the city and can take in the views from the chic rooftop bar.

Feel the passion

This city is home to some of the best flamenco dancers in the world and you can see these dancers at various venues across the city, there are some where you can even join in! Watch a performance while you dine, at the Corral de la Moreria, it’s renowned as a premier flamenco restaurant, and a brilliant place to view these amazing dancers.

Take in the views

A ride on the Teleférico cable car will carry you high above the city’s parks and the Manzanares River. This is a great way to see historic landmarks and look down upon sites like the immense city rose garden, the San Francisco el Grande basilica and the Almudena Cathedral.

Get Artsy

Madrid offers a number of museums including The Prado, a national art museum, which is recognized as one of Europe’s best. This city is synonymous with art and you can admire many of Picasso’s famous paintings at the Reina Sofia Museum.

Eat paella

This national dish is a colorful feast for the eyes and an explosion of delicious flavors. Choose from the Valencia, seafood or mixed varieties of paella, but be sure to wash it down with some locally produced wine or sangria!

Stay up late

Night owls will adore this city; locals don’t usually have their evening dinner until midnight, especially during the summer months and at weekends. If you’re wanting to eat earlier, there are still plenty of options, but staying up late will give you a feel for that famous late-night Spanish culture.

Exploring the flea markets

The Sunday Rastro is the city’s largest open-air weekly market. This shopping centre is so large that the 3500 stalls extend throughout several of the city streets. It has been running continuously since the middle ages, and sells everything from furniture, antiques, festival masks, to beer and tapas.

Wander down the Gran Vía

The main drag of the city is worth wandering down, there’s going to be something for everyone with the staggering number of shops, restaurants, and bars. You can also a check relax and watch a movie at one of the numerous cinemas, or take in a show, as the area is known as ‘The Broadway of Madrid’.

Watch a match

If you’re a football fan, then watching Real Madrid play should be high on your list. Tickets are notoriously hard to come by, but don’t lose hope, tickets are sold at the stadium several days before a match or can be purchased online.

Drink in the sunshine

Madrid is full of bars and taverns, and the citizens of Madrid know how to have a good time. Try the authentic and rustic atmosphere of the Matador near Gran Vía Matador or head to the Círculo de Bellas Artes for something a bit more chic with amazing views of the city.

Information provided as a guest post.