The percussion of a flamenco dancer’s footwork. The echoes of steps on cobblestone. The sizzle of a Michelin-starred kitchen. The buzz of people from all over the world gathering in a capital city centuries-rich but with modern swagger. This is the rhythm of Madrid and its surrounding region.
Only In Madrid
Only In Madrid
Striking a balance between ancient and modern, art and everyday life, Madrid creates a vibrant mosaic where historic landmarks stand proudly alongside contemporary neighborhoods.
The central Spanish region is reinvention personified: a fashion and local craft showcase, a culinary hotspot, a UNESCO World Heritage green space in the heart of town and everything in between. Madrid’s massive offer is worth several days to digest, and we’re not just referring to its 28 Michelin-starred and century-old restaurants. We’re talking about the greatest profusion of art per square meter in the world, iconic landmarks like the Gran Vía, The Royal Palace and Fuente de Cibeles all within walking distance of one another and a flurry of new five-star hotels elevating the city to new heights.
Take the appeal of Europe’s sexiest capital, add a pinch of classic charm around the regal, artful UNESCO Heritage triangle of Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez and El Escorial; throw in breathtaking hiking and cycling trails and picturesque towns less than 30 minutes away from downtown; top it off with the locals’ intense joy of life around terraces and flamenco tablaos.
All of this happens only in Madrid—constantly reaffirming itself and luring people into its heart-throbbing pace. The journey is thrilling, ¿te vienes? (are you coming?)
culture
cultura
If visitors are ever to be filled with amazement at such a distinctive cultural landscape, it will be in Madrid.
Although almost impossible to describe in one word, majestic is a fair attempt when it comes to Madrid’s central artery, the Gran Vía, guarded by two equally grandiose, imposing squares: Plaza de España and Plaza de Cibeles, with its notable fountain and palace. Only five minutes on foot is enough to make you forget the city’s hustle and bustle and embrace a big town’s old charm; Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol add to the grandeur of the Spanish capital.
Ten minutes on and majesty turns into awe; Puerta de Alcalá is the gateway into El Retiro Park, Madrid’s balm of calm and green heart. Never has a place boasted so many sightseeing landmarks in its central area. Travelers can get a taste of the daily life of madrileños (Madrid natives) by exploring neighborhoods filled with urban street art, such as Malasaña or Huertas, or enjoying the sounds of local musicians bringing life into plazas over a steaming pot of chocolate with churros.
Traveling in time.
Traveling in time is also an option. The UNESCO Triangle allows visitors to go from the ultra-modern to the 15th century in under 30 minutes. Aranjuez, with one of the official residences of the Spanish royal family and the largest royal gardens in Southern Europe, is mesmerizing to say the least, while San Lorenzo del Escorial is history-packed in a monastery. Both the birthplace of Don Quixote’s Miguel de Cervantes and home to one of the oldest universities in the world (1499), Alcalá de Henares is the perfect side to this triangle.
The numbers are astounding. In addition to the Art Triangle (Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums), which packs the highest number of works of art per square meter, Madrid boasts over 250 other galleries, including the Royal Collections Gallery, a testament to the Spanish monarchy and Palacio de Liria, plus over 200 theaters, 10 castles, five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and three royal palaces. With such a large and inviting cultural offer, visitors will find themselves irresistibly drawn back time and time again.
Finally, travelers cannot miss the opportunity to experience the incredible energy and passion of flamenco dance by visiting a tablao (music venue). It is precisely in Madrid where these stages emerged and allowed many dancers to build their careers around this art, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Today, tablaos are the perfect setting to be enthralled by the clapping and heel-clicking over an assortment of exceptional tapas and the best local wines: a true feast for the senses.
shopping
compras
Madrid is not only Spain’s fashion center, it is also the ultimate European fashion hub.
Combining a unique blend of timeless design, local labor, exquisite craftsmanship, quality materials and the fusion of traditional textiles with contemporary design, the Spanish region is the perfect showcase of national fashion to the world. Home to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Madrid prides itself on locally sourced designs that transcend borders and inspire creations worldwide.
The magic happens in haute couture stores and workshops around the so-called atelier route, spanning the Austrias, Chamberí, Chueca or Salamanca districts, among others. Visitors are surprised by the variety, quality and sustainability of artisan garments, evening wear, prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear designer clothes) and custom-made proposals as well as accessories and signature jewelry.
Charming and distinctive.
Tipping the balance, there are endless signature department stores, charming flea markets brimming with antiques and distinctive, century-old shops that are living history of the community. One can easily get lost in time with items as diverse as hand fans, umbrellas, castanets and shawls. Trades like haberdashery go hand-in-hand with Madrid, while bookstores, apothecaries and luthier workshops add to the region’s charm and take visitors on an unparalleled tug-of-war between modernity and tradition.
A day trip to the picturesque towns around Madrid’s sierra (mountain range) is surrounded by independent, high-quality shops that pool craftsmanship and attention to detail.
A piece of history and European royalty a stone’s throw away from the city? It could only happen in Madrid. Buitrago del Lozoya, famous for its Arab walls, and Manzanares el Real, a gateway to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, are just two examples of Greater Madrid’s eclectic charm. Meanwhile, wine connoisseurs are in luck. Surrounded by olive trees, oaks and pines, San Martín de Valdeiglesias is home to some of the most distinctive vineyards in the region, where monks have been quenching our thirst and caressing our palates since the Middle Ages.
The most voracious travelers will be astonished by the quaint personality of small towns like Patones, with cobbled streets and iconic black-slate architecture. The nature-laden town of Rascafría is an excellent base for hiking trips amidst untapped nature, while Chinchón offers a perfect film set as authentic as it gets. All around 30 minutes from Madrid’s city center, these enchanting places will not only create lasting memories, they will keep you coming back time and time again.
More On Picturesque Towns in the Madrid Region
A visit to Madrid is a treat for the senses… especially the palate. Perhaps one of the most magical things about the region is that—unlike anywhere else in the world—travelers can go back in time, delight in the Old World’s heritage in a charming countryside setting and be back to the city center in time for an unforgettable dinner.
The culinary landscape of Madrid should begin at its century-old restaurants around the Cava Baja (downtown), packed with local appeal and serving the finest lamb and piglet homemade dishes, and continue to its countless casual tapas bars, where visitors will experience the art of social sharing.
An unforgettable culinary adventure.
More inquisitive tastes can find a perfect balance between classic and modern cuisine at a traditional restaurant or a unique fine-dining experience in one of its 28 Michelin-starred restaurants and fusion gastropubs. Don’t forget about Madrid’s Instagrammable bakeries and cafes, and make sure to drop by its gourmet markets for the freshest local produce.
When it comes to wine in Madrid, the numbers speak for themselves. With more than 9,000 hectares (or 22,000 acres) of vineyards, 51 wineries and a wine-making tradition spanning over 900 years, Madrid’s own designation of origin is one to watch.
Just 30 minutes from Madrid city, visitors can join a wine tasting along with incredible gastronomic and countryside experiences. Delight in the best malvar and albillo (white) or garnacha (red) whilst learning about the art of grape-growing on the banks of local rivers and mountain slopes, as well as wine-making techniques that combine century-old methods and state-of-the-art technology.
Hosting four top-league clubs competing in Spain’s soccer league LaLiga, Madrid has earned its title as the World Soccer Capital. With two new stadiums hosting two of the most renowned teams in the world, Real Madrid’s ab (newly remodeled in 2023) and Atlético de Madrid´s Civitatis Metropolitano, the Spanish capital’s bond with this sport is one of a dedicated global following and a strong sense of community.
Fans from all over the world meet in Madrid to pay their loyal tribute to the world’s biggest Champions League winner: the centrally-located Santiago Bernabéu offers a fully immersive journey into Real Madrid’s history through images, models and a picture-perfect Champions League cup! (to include their 14 trophies would have been a little over the top)
In addition, Madrid is the place where legendary tennis players Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have all hit their rackets at Madrid Mutua Open. For golf fans, Madrid is the European city with the most golf courses close to its urban center, with 25 golf courses designed by prominent legends such as Severiano Ballesteros
Real Club de Golf La Herreria
Active tourism is a foundation of many madrileños’ (Madrid natives’) lives. While outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy running, trailing or skating at Retiro Park, one of Madrid’s largest green spaces, travelers are also welcome to take in the greenery and trek along nine protected natural spaces in the region, including Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, or the beech forests of Hayedo de Montejo which was declared a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site.
Pedaling away while admiring the wonders of the Spanish region has never been easier! Madrid’s Grand Tour spans 420 kilometers in 17 stages; wine culture, mountain biking and road cycling all have a place in this scenic tour that will leave cycle fans head over wheels.
More On Active Tourism in Madrid
Madrid is a city of kings and queens, and for those seeking luxury accommodations, the royal treatment is commonplace here. With the highest year-over-year tourism growth rate in Europe in 2021, along with a thriving economy and a favorable environment for investment, Madrid has undoubtedly attracted an increased number of visitors over the years. On top of that, the region’s competitive nature and the wide presence of high-quality tourism and travel-related services make it a coveted destination for luxury tourism.
Offering 39 five-star hotels.
Madrid currently offers 39 5-star hotels from international brands, and this number continues to grow. When paired with unparalleled gastronomic experiences, proximity to some of the finest stores and boutiques, and the best views from rooftop terraces, Madrid’s accommodation options are unrivaled.
