While traveling to popular tourist destinations can infuse your life with excitement and leave your mind refreshed, picking a suitable destination is a challenge. Not everyone wants to spend vacation days amidst the lap of nature and lying on white stretches of beaches! If your idea of spending vacation is akin to mixing with other tourists freely in a busy cosmopolitan city that has centuries of rich heritage, Madrid will satisfy you. The largest city and capital of Spain are famous for its heritage and culture and it also has a vibrant nightlife.
There is no shortage of activities and sightseeing options in Madrid as it is. From shopping to tasting regional gourmets and exploring its famous museums and architectural wonders, you can have your days filled with activities. In Madrid, you will find a unique amalgamation of different cultures as well.
You can start your tour of Madrid with Prado Museum and you do not have to be an avid art lover for that. The free entry hours lure many visitors and it is large enough to keep your eyes and mind occupied for a long time. The legendary San Miguel Market is placed at the heart of Madrid and you can buy lots of kinds of stuff and savor gourmets like Spanish omelets, stuffed olives, etc.
There are some historic neighborhoods in the Spanish capital that you should not miss out on. Beverage lovers can check out Barrio de las Letras where a lot of bars are located. Legendary writer Hemingway used to frequent this place in his young days. The shopaholics can go to the Salamanca area where they can find designer boutiques and shops. Chueca is the place where you find the most happening nightclubs and trendy restaurants.
To ensure you spend the holiday in Madrid minus hassles and do not exceed your budget, careful planning, and a little research is required. To reach your hotel or accommodation, you should take the bus or avail metro from the airport. As it is, Barajas airport in Madrid is barely 30 minutes journey from the center of the city. Of course, the metro is quicker than the bus service.
To avoid sightseeing and intra-city transportation costs, look for a hotel that is located near the city center. Then you can walk to the places, museums, markets and other places without issues. For tourists on a budget, there are plenty of hostels to pick from. You will find Madrid offers cheaper accommodation compared to several well-known European cities. If you want to avail of dorms that have room-sharing-based setups, the accommodation cost will be even lower. If you want an internet connection where you stay, opt for mid-range B&B setups.
To spend the afternoon amidst a boisterous crowd and experience true Spanish style, head to Parque del Retiro in the Spanish capital. The huge park offers options for strolling or enjoying your evening snacks with others.
Madrid is known for its lavish and grandiose festivals and you should try to visit when such events are taking place. It would be a nice idea to visit the city during or before Christmas, for example. Lots of people gather around Plaza del Sol at that time. The New Year celebration that takes place at Plaza Mayor is also worth mentioning. The Madrid Orgullo or the Gay pride is another magnificent event that gathers lots of footfalls.