Madrid Guide
Madrid is the capital of Spain and also the largest Spanish city. It covers more than 607 square kilometers and has more than 3 million inhabitants. It is the third largest city in Europe, after London and Berlin.
Location and weather
Madrid is located in the central part of Spain. The Mediterranean climate prevails here, due to the altitude of 667 meters above sea level, it is in winter cooler with occasional snowfall, in summer temperatures rise to an average of 30 degrees. The best time to visit Madrid is spring and autumn.
History
Madrid was founded in the second half of the 9th century, by Emir Muhammad I. of Córdoba, originally as one of the forts on the river Manzanares as protection against Christians. In 1085 it was a city Christians conquered. Madrid has been the capital of Spain since the 16th century.
Transportation
Madrid Airport is located about 13 km from the city center. Madrid has one of the best public transport systems, practically everywhere in the city you can get by metro or bus. Madrid underground is the second longest in Europe after London. If you wish to use a taxi service, please note that most taxi drivers do not speak
English, so you need to have the address or the name of the place where you want to go written on the piece of paper. Like taxi drivers, most residents in
Madrid can speak only a few sentences in English, so it is recommended to learn a few basic phrases in Spanish in advance, or to take a dictionary with you.
Accommodation
Madrid offers a wide range of accommodation - from apartments and hostels (especially suitable for students), to boarding houses, hotels and the most luxurious 5 * hotels located in carefully restored buildings near the Royal Palace and the Golden Triangle of Art. Accor hotels (Ibis, Novotel), Hilton and Radisson Blu have their hotels in Madrid. When choosing a suitable accommodation, it is necessary to take into account that Madrid is one of the liveliest cities in the world, the people of Madrid like to have fun, on weekends until the morning. In case you have a weak sleep, it is recommended to look for accommodation outside the busy streets or to ask for a room without windows to the street.
Landmarsks and culture
The most important landmark of the city is the baroque palace Palacio Real - the seat of the royal family, now used only for representative purposes. Part of the Palace is accessible to visitors. Art lovers are advised to visit the Museo del Prado located on the boulevard Paseo del Prado, nearby are located two other important museums Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Reina Sofia Museum. There is a large number of Christian churches in the city, the oldest being San Nicolás de los Servitas and San Pedro el Real. Popular tourists are also flamenco performances, which take place in the "tablao" which are restaurants hosting performances, most of which offer packages associated with a typical Spanish dinner.
Sport in Madrid
Football fans need to visit Santiago Bernabéu, the seat of the Real Madrid football club or the Vicente Calderón stadium, which is the seat of the Atlético de Madrid club. Madrid hosts the Madrid Tennis Masters 1000 in May.