Madrid's highest capital in Europe
Impossible not to mention Madrid, majestic capital, when speaking of Spain. Located 667 meters above sea level, Madrid was founded in the 9th century by the Emir Muhammad I as the Majrît (مجريط). Some consider it the highest European capital although officially this distinction amounts to Andorra la Vella.
Location of Madrid
Strategically located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid is the city most populated and largest of the country. Madrid is a cheerful and welcoming city where live an exceptionally rich and terribly modern infrastructure historic center. Madrid has over 60 museums, as well as dedicated to the art culture. But nothing prevents you from simply enjoy a sun bath in one of the many parks and well-kept gardens of the city, to a small round boat on one of the artificial lakes or feeding squirrels.
The Royal Palace in Madrid and the Cathedral of the Almudena
The Royal Palace of Madrid
This palace inherited the Bourbon dynasty is located on the heights of Madrid is the official residence of the King of Spain itself, unless it abides there ... It covers about 135,000 square meters, has more than 2800 rooms and 26 years were required for its construction. Luxurious and impressive palace can be visited throughout the year.
It is surrounded by several gardens such as the Campo del Moro and the Sabatini Gardens. It is the place of the most visited capital after the Prado.
Almudena Cathedral Madrid
Opposite the Palace on the other side of the Plaza de la Armory, is the Cathedral de la Almudena built during the 20th century and combines neoclassical styles, Gothic and Romanesque Revival.
Other Palace Madrid
Palace of Communications, in 2011 renamed the Palace of Cybele, which is the main seat of the municipality of Madrid. Around the Plaza de Cibeles, you can also visit the Ministry of Defence, the Linares Palace or the Bank of Spain. At the center of the square stands a beautiful fountain representing the Goddess Cybele in a chariot pulled by two lions. Night lighting alone is worth a visit.
Visit Madrid
Plaza Mayor
Located not far from the Puerta del Sol, in the heart of the old town, this large rectangular square is typical of the Castilian architecture. Arranged by the Habsburg dynasty, it was inaugurated in 1620. 6 It is accessible from doors and is a must in the city.
Puerta del sol
The best way to start the tour of the city is to go to the Puerta del Sol, the heart of Madrid due to its central location. Most famous for all the activity that is concentrated by its beauty, it is the zero kilometer from which all distances are calculated with the rest of the city and Spain.
Shops, restaurants and hotels in Madrid
For shopping fans and lovers crowd, made a detour to the Gran Via, the main avenue in the center of Madrid. Spanish equivalent of the Champs Elysées, this artery is shielded from the world at any hour of the day. Connecting the Plaza de Espana in the Plaza de Cibeles, it is full of shops, bars, restaurants, hotels ... this is also an ideal place for shopping, still take the time to look at the architecture of buildings .
The Prado Museum
This is undoubtedly one of the largest and most important art galleries in the world. Opened in 1819 and housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, you can contemplate mainly European paintings collected by the Bourbons and the Habsburgs over 3 floors.
Visit the Santiago Bernabeu, the Real Madrid stadium
For lovers of football, know that it is possible to visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium but unfortunately the entrance is somewhat expensive for my taste ... starting around € 13 for one child and € 19 for an adult. Be careful though the tour is in English only!
Madrid Business Centre
Madrid is also a business center among the most attractive in Europe mainly due to the importance of its international airport which provides connections to the world.
Life in Madrid
But above all, Madrid is a city of leisure where people are welcoming and friendly. Day and night, the Madrid city is attractive. Feel free to enjoy the many exhibitions, concerts, ballets and plays, let yourself be seduced by a rich and tasty cuisine, succumb to the charm of restaurants, taverns, pubs and tapas bars that offer you the city. You can also do your shopping in the many shops, indeed in Madrid you can find both traditional shops that the finest international brands. Then you Grab your camera and discover the 21 districts of the capital on foot, by bike, by car or subway ...
Several days will be necessary to discover the splendors of the city and I could certainly not be exhaustive as Madrid is full of monuments, squares, pedestrian streets, museums, palaces, monasteries ... but dives without further delay at the heart of cultural richness of Madrid.
Tips for visiting Madrid
In any case, one thing is sure you'll not be disappointed with your getaway Madrid would only by the different architectural styles represented. Take time to discover the small pedestrian streets in which to enjoy a drink on the terrace accompanied unavoidable tapas. To be sure to shop around various neighborhoods, find a tourist offices to pick up a map of the city (hopefully it is still free) or Obtain an small guide to guide you .. . otherwise if you miss something, do as I do, go back!
