Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.com
Madrid
Trip Planning & Itineraries
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Madrid may not have the Roman origins that get city historians excited, but it oozes an ebullience that rarely fails to move. This is Spain's headiest city, where the reveling lasts long into the night and life is seized with the teeth and both hands. Strangers quickly become friends, passion blooms in an instant, and visitors are swiftly addicted to the city's charms. After a few days in Madrid you will not want to leave.
Best of Madrid: Top 3 Things to Do
Best of Madrid: Suggested Itineraries
Madrid is Europe's highest capital city (2,100 ft), and it's also surprisingly compact. The main north-south artery, Paseo de la Castellana (which turns into Paseo de los Recoletos and Paseo del Prado), connects the city's two main train stations, Chamartin and Atocha. If pushed for time, take in a Madrid city tour to get a feel for just what Madrid has to offer. If time is no problem, take a few days to learn all about Madrid.
Day 1: Art & culture in Madrid
It doesn't matter what tour to Madrid you choose - by foot, bicycle, bus or Segway - you'll be impressed by its richness of culture, food, wine, shopping and sports. Dedicate at least one morning or afternoon to El Museo del Prado, Spain's most magnificent art museum, and certainly one of the finest museums in the world. (Note: Viator has several Madrid city passes that include free entry to the Prado Museum.) The Prado is best known for its awesome collection of works by the great three Spanish artists - Velázquez, Goya and El Greco - yet you'd miss out if you ignored the rich collection of other European art. If you have a particular interest in El Greco you must visit both Madrid and Toledo to see a treasure trove of his works. The grand Palacio Real (Madrid's Royal Palace) is another highlight on any first visit. Just a 10-15 minute stroll from the Plaza Mayor, the Palacio Real is a splendidly preserved building that, together with the adjacent Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena, makes up the dominant landmark that adorns Calle de Bailén at the western side of the city centre.
Day 2: Soak up the atmosphere
What you do on your second day may well depend on how late you were out the night before. And you could do a lot worse than to visit the park of El Retiro. Strolling through its rich green expanses, observing Madrileño families and friends doing just the same, it's difficult to imagine that this park was once the preserve of royals and their entourage. Street performers do their stuff along the boulevards that surround the small lake, and you can hire a rowing boat at the northern end at a cost of about 4 euros for a 45-minute stint on the water. And in the evening, you'll be ready for the three essentials of Spain: tapas, wine and flamenco.
Day 3: Day Trips from Madrid
Madrid is an excellent base for day trips both near and farther afield, to take in the famous towns of Toledo, Avila, Segovia, El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. Which you chose depends on your interests. Avila has the most complete city walls in western Europe. Segovia has one of the finest Roman aqueducts in all of Europe. Toledo is for fans of medieval history and the art of El Greco. The monastery at El Escorial must be seen to be believed.
Best of Madrid: Top 3 Restaurants
From Toledo to Segovia, El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen to Seville, Viator has top-rated day tours from Madrid. Read on...
- Plan Madrid vacations on Yahoo! Travel
- Madrid hotels from PlanetWare
- Madrid accommodation deals from HotelsCombined.com
- Madrid trip planner & travel guide from NileGuide
- English-language culture news from In Madrid
