OVERVIEW

There are two Madrids waiting to be discovered: the serene and the sinful. On one hand you have the grand-dame city, all grown-up sophistication with world-renowned art galleries, historic plazas and a buzzing arts scene. Then there’s the other Madrid, the decadent and wayward hedonist, birthplace of La Movida – a new era of freedom following the demise of General Franco’s oppressive regime – with a nightlife that sizzles until sunrise in its profusion of bars and clubs. Madrileños – known as Los Gatos – are among the city’s main attractions, their passion is legendary, their zest for life is infectious and they revel in the fiestas and ferias that are held throughout the year. Though a diverse and forward-looking metropolis, Madrid at heart is still a traditional Spanish city. Narrow cobbled alleyways and four-hundred year old chapels may be juxtaposed with modern avenues and towering skyscrapers, but life still stops for a siesta, the tapas are as good as anywhere elsewhere in the country and bullfighting is so popular that it’s been elevated to the status of a protected art form. So take the plunge and dive into this energetic and exhilarating city.

FAST FACTS

  • Nearest Airport: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport
  • Best Time to Visit Madrid: September-November, March-May
  • Currency: Euro
  • Languages: Castilian

Madrid Featured Guides (19)

This is how you spend 24 hours in Madrid

This is how you spend 24 hours in Madrid

There are tons of can't-miss things happening all around Madrid town. Whether you're looking forward to museum-hopping or sample the best of Spanish cuisine, we’ve rounded up everything in this guide ...More

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