Spain’s enigmatic capital is a melting pot of cultures, entertainments and attractions where history and tradition meet innovation and modernity. The streets of Madrid are filled with historic landmarks, rustic cafes, tapas bars, pop-up galleries and art house cinemas, offering visitors the chance to experience the country’s historic and contemporary culture. With unforgettable dining experiences on almost every street, a host of world-class museums and a vibrant and unique nightlife - Madrid is one of Europe’s best destinations for a city break and a showcase for Spain’s incredibly rich cultural heritage.
Where to stay in Madrid
Accommodation in Madrid ranges from luxury hotels all the way down to backpacker hostels and no-frills guesthouses. However, anyone planning to make an extended stay in the city may find their best option is to book into a serviced apartment - which can offer all the convenience of a hotel, including room cleaning and reception services, whilst providing a higher level of comfort and privacy. Whatsmore, these properties are furnished with full kitchen facilities - making them ideal for anyone looking to self-cater their trip. Thesqua.re present a range of such properties in the city - each having been selected according to our exacting criteria to ensure you have the most comfortable stay possible.
What to do in Madrid
As Spain’s capital city, Madrid offers some of the best attractions, landmarks and heritage sites anywhere in the country. The city is also a great place to explore on foot - discovering the many public artworks and stunning examples of classical architecture that proliferate throughout the city. Visitors will find it’s easy to lose themselves for days at a time just taking photos and enjoying the ambience.
In the summer months, the city’s parks come to life with events and festivals - ranging from live music to international food fairs. When the weather is cooler, Madrid offers a huge selection of museums and cultural attractions - whether you are looking to learn about Spain’s history as a colonial power, or the cultural significance of bullfighting.
Finally, no trip to Madrid would be complete without visiting several of the city’s incredible tapas bars. Ranging from rustic, traditional restaurants to the more innovative contemporary bars, the sheer range of flavours on offer makes Madrid one of the world’s finest cities for lovers of gastronomy.
Tips for staying in Madrid
Places to eat
Spain is famous for its excellent cuisine - especially its famous tapas. Taberna El Sur Tapas, CEBO Madrid Restaurant and Los Montes de Galicia are some of the best offerings for tapas, whilst Santceloni and Ramón Freixa Madrid are good options for fine Spanish dining. There’s also plenty of Latin American cuisine on offer, from places such as Cacao, MU! El Placer de la Carne and Gastrovia 61.
Shopping
Madrid has plenty of great places to shop, including several large-scale shopping malls. ABC Serrano Shopping Center, Moda Shopping, Centro Comercial La Vaguada and Centro Comercial Príncipe Pío are amongst the most popular retail destinations in the city, each hosting numerous shops and services ranging from fashion to electronics goods. Other popular shopping spots include Plenilunio and Palacio de Hielo - although these are further from the city centre.
Attractions
There are several landmarks in Spain’s capital that are absolute musts for first-time visitors. The Madrid Park Gate is a great place to start, as inside the park there is also the Sabatini Gardens and the famous statue of the fallen angel. Art lovers will also find the city offers numerous galleries and museums, including the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, the Museo Nacional del Prado and the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando.
Transport
Getting around in Madrid is easy thanks to the city’s excellent public transport infrastructure. The city centre is served by a thirteen-line metro, covering all the major areas as well as offering an easy way to get to and from the airport. There are also numerous bus routes operating in the centre, providing a quick and easy way to make short journeys. Alternatively, Madrid also has plenty of taxi and private hire firms, which are ideal if you plan on visiting more remote areas in the suburbs.
Local Business
Spain is an important financial power, with several large firms, such as Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, PSA Financial Services, Arfima, and Elavon Financial Services DAC all basing operations locally. The services sector provides the most employment in the city, with Comercial Tapamar, ACS Group and Obrascón Huarte Lain being some of the big names.
