subject: What To Do In Madrid, Spain [print this page] Located at the very heart of Spain, Madrid offers much more than the usual sunny holiday. Spanish tradition is still very prevalent in all parts of this ever vibrant city, offering a vast array of culture, entertainment and cuisine without being pretentious or overly-touristic.
Madrid boasts several renowned museums with the Museo del Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen museums catering to a broad range of artistic tastes, from ancient to modern. In addition to the greats, the unsung heroes of the arts of Madrid include the Caixa Forum, a huge building on the Paseo del Prado which not only offers a vertical garden on its outer wall, but several floors of ever-changing exhibitions and installations - all for free! For cinema lovers, there is nothing quite as authentic as a visit to the Cine Dor. Dating back to the 1920s, this beautifully restored cinema screens at least two films per night.
Flamenco shows are just about as traditional as it gets here and Madrid does not lack in Tabernas, where impromptu Flamenco sessions are just as common as scheduled shows. For one of the best shows in Madrid, visit Casa Patas for a first-class show and a platter of delicious Iberian treats, before heading down the road to La Candela, a small Flamenco club, where you can try out your own Flamenco skills on the tiled dance floor!
The most famous park of Madrid is the Retiro park, with a colossal expanse of almost 1.5km square. Cafes, exhibitions and an impressive boating lake make for a great day of strolling and relaxing beneath the beautiful blue Velazquez skies, distinctive to Madrid. The opportunities to soak up the year-long sunshine and the mesmerizing atmosphere are abundant, as Madrid boasts numerous green areas across the city centre.
For a breath taking sunset, head to Templo de Debod - a park overlooking West Madrid where an illuminated Egyptian temple provides a stunning backdrop to any social gathering. Casa de Campo, accessed by metro or alternatively by cable car, and the Lago lake at its edge next to the river, are perfect locations for a spot of fresh air and a spectacular view of the city from a distance.
The possibilities offered by the vibrant Spanish capital are endless with a great range of cultural richness, gastronomy outlets and nightlife hot spots. Madrid retains its traditional Spanish charm in a delicate balance with the modern, whilst persistently thriving to seduce all those who visit. In short, Madrid is a city not to be missed.
