Madrid Travelers Recommend

Travelers who make their way to the city of Madrid between May and September will find plenty of opportunities to check out art, culture and history in this iconic Spanish destination. Madrid offers visitors an all-access pass to top landmarks with a popular hop-on hop-off bus tour option. These no-hassle offerings allow travelers to visit the major attractions without having to worry about transport, navigation or parking. Food and wine lovers can enjoy Madrid’s culinary delights at outdoor cafes and tapas bars on specialized tours focusing on regional cuisine and drink. Or opt for a traditional flamenco show for an evening featuring some of the best entertainment Madrid has to offer. Art enthusiasts can tour the city’s popular museums, including the Prado Museum, while football fans can catch a match at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Those wanting a bird’s-eye view of Spain’s beautiful countryside can embark on a hot air balloon ride over Toledo or Segovia.

As the third-largest producer of wine in the world, wine tasting in Madrid should definitely be on your travel itinerary. Here’s how to get the most toast-worthy experience out of your trip to the Spanish capital. Within the city limits, just about every bar and restaurant has wine-tasting potential. That’s because, costing around usually two to three euros a glass, Spanish wine is almost always insanely delicious and affordable. Additionally, most bartenders and waiters are likely to have a general knowledge of what each type of wine might offer. If you’re looking for a more in-depth introduction to Spanish wine in Madrid, though, consider heading out on a guided tour, such as a Madrid Tapas and Wine-Tasting Tour. During this three-hour jaunt through the city, you’ll have the opportunity to visit at least four of the city’s best tapas bars, sampling 10 different tapas and washing them down with one taste of wine after the next.

Spain’s most magnificent art museum, El Museo del Prado, features a rich collection of Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, and covers everything from Bosch to Botticelli. Madrid City sightseeing tours and city passes include free entry to the Prado. The Centro de Arte Reina Sofia contains fantastic cubist works, Miró, Dali, and Kandinsky, and Pablo Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica. The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza collection includes Van Gogh, Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, and pop art. Stroll in the former Royal Park El Retiro, and football fans take a pilgrimage to Santiago Bernabeu Real Madrid stadium. Bullfighting takes place at the grand Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas on Sunday evenings. La Casa Botín is the oldest restaurant on earth, and its cochinillo (suckling pig) is legendary. The nightlife in Madrid is like nowhere else – the vibe starts around 2am and keeps going until dawn.

Madrid often attracts the best talent, and the most impressive shows. Here are some of the top spots in the city to witness some of the finest flamenco around.CardamomoOpen since 1994, Cardamomo puts on perhaps one of the most authentic flamenco shows in the city, and in a relatively intimate venue. Their show typically features a wide range of artists.Casa PatasOpen since 1985, this tablao is located in the gritty Lavapies neighborhood, and offers up a carefully selected lineup each week in extra-rustic and intimate setting.Las CarbonerasThis small venue, tucked away on a side street near Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel, features a show of improvisational dance that gives it an ultra-soulful flare.Corral de la MoreríaThe most prestigious flamenco destination in the city, attracting prestigious dancers and often an even more prestigious crowd . The venue is large, but the traditional décor provides a cozy vibe.

Located some 43 miles outside of Madrid, Toledo is the art, history and architectural capital of Spain. Known by locals as the city of three cultures because Christians, Jews and Arabs live side-by-side, Toledo’s vast collection of El Greco artwork, quiet cobblestone alleys and World Heritage listed medieval sites make it the perfect place to escape Madrid on an early morning, afternoon or all-day excursion. The Toldeo Half-Day or Full-Day Trip from Madrid offers visitors comfortable transport and an expert guide. Travelers can explore the 13th Century Cathedral of Toledo and get up close to famous El Greco masterpieces, like The Burial of the Count of Orgaz in the Church of St Tome. Travelers who embark on the Independent Toledo Day Trip will be transported by high-speed train to Toledo. They will gain access to four of the city’s top attractions with a Toledo Card and enjoy in-city transportation on a hop-on hop-off coach bus tour.