About Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain has been occupied since pre-historic times. Situated along the Manzanares River, the capital city of Spain has a notable standard of living, is considered the financial capital of the Iberian Peninsula and plays home to three of the world's 100 largest companies. This most ancient city is still thoroughly modern with its innovative architecture, including its ?bent? building skyscrapers, and infatuation with the nightlife; where most of the youth go out all night and only stop to shower and head to work the next morning. If you are looking for a spirited and festive atmosphere, Madrid is the place to be.
What is on in Madrid in 2008
Our mini-guide to what's on in Madrid lists the top 10 events and attractions in 2008. If you take your short break in Madrid, Spain when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Madrid.
1. Royal Palace of Madrid: The Royal Palace is the certified residence of the King of Spain, although the current ruling family does not technically live on the grounds. Its ancient heritage dates all the way back to a 10th century fortress, called Mayrit, and features stunning rooms, such as a Royal Armoury, that have been decorated by celebrated artists like Velazquez, Caravaggio and Goya. The Royal Palace is open in October - March from 9:30am - 5:00pm and in April - September from 9:00am - 6:00pm; closed Sunday's and holidays.
2. Teatro Real, The Royal Theater: Known to locals as The Real, the Royal Theater is renowned as an opera house with some of the world's finest stage and acoustic sets. Hours vary to performances.
3. Parque del Buen Retiro: The Parque del Buen Retiro was the original site of the royal palace. Several buildings of the destroyed palace still remain on the 350 acre park grounds along with beautiful fountains, soaring statues and delicate gardens. The park is open year round with no set hours.
4. San Isidro Festival: Born in 1070, San Isidro is the patron saint of farmers and Madrid. From March through October each year, Madrid comes alive with festivities celebrating San Isidro including daily bullfights, processions and parties.
5. National Archaeological Museum of Spain: One of the most celebrated in the world, the National Archaeological Museum of Spain houses rare collections from several eras including pre-historic, Celtic, Iberian, Greek/Roman antiquites and medieval. The museum is open from Tuesday - Saturday from 9:30am - 8:30pm; Sunday 9:30pm - 2:30pm.
6. Real Madrid Club de Futbol: The Real Madrid is a professional Spanish football team. Founded in 1902, it remains one of the most successful football clubs in the world; having won nearly 30 titles in its first century of play. Hours vary to game times.
Going to watch Real Madrid play? Find hotels near Real Madrid at MATCHhotels.com
7. Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas: Located in Madrid's Salamanca district, Las Ventas is one of the world's most highly regarded bullfighting rings. It also holds a variety of musical events. Hours vary to event times.
8. Puerta de Europa: One of the most notable features of Madrid's skyline is the recently erected twin office buildings entitled Puerta de Europa. These unique structures are the first bent buildings in Madrid. It holds many exhibitions as well as offices.
9. The City That Never Sleeps: The nightlife culture in Madrid heightened during the mid 80s when youth started gathering around the Plaza del Dos de Mayo in a movement called la movida. Today many of Madrid's neighborhoods are popular for all types of nightlife; Bilbao, Tribunal, Alonso Martinez, Moncloas, Puerta del Sol, Huertas and Chueca. Madrid nightlife info
10. Madrid Summer Festivals: Madrid is known for its spirited festivals. In the summertime the city plays host to many that pay homage to patron saints including San Antonio de la Florida (June 13), Virgen del Carmen (July 16-25), Virgen de la Paloma (August 6 - 15), San Cayetano (August 7) and San Lorenzo (August 10).
1. Royal Palace of Madrid: The Royal Palace is the certified residence of the King of Spain, although the current ruling family does not technically live on the grounds. Its ancient heritage dates all the way back to a 10th century fortress, called Mayrit, and features stunning rooms, such as a Royal Armoury, that have been decorated by celebrated artists like Velazquez, Caravaggio and Goya. The Royal Palace is open in October - March from 9:30am - 5:00pm and in April - September from 9:00am - 6:00pm; closed Sunday's and holidays.
2. Teatro Real, The Royal Theater: Known to locals as The Real, the Royal Theater is renowned as an opera house with some of the world's finest stage and acoustic sets. Hours vary to performances.
3. Parque del Buen Retiro: The Parque del Buen Retiro was the original site of the royal palace. Several buildings of the destroyed palace still remain on the 350 acre park grounds along with beautiful fountains, soaring statues and delicate gardens. The park is open year round with no set hours.
4. San Isidro Festival: Born in 1070, San Isidro is the patron saint of farmers and Madrid. From March through October each year, Madrid comes alive with festivities celebrating San Isidro including daily bullfights, processions and parties.
5. National Archaeological Museum of Spain: One of the most celebrated in the world, the National Archaeological Museum of Spain houses rare collections from several eras including pre-historic, Celtic, Iberian, Greek/Roman antiquites and medieval. The museum is open from Tuesday - Saturday from 9:30am - 8:30pm; Sunday 9:30pm - 2:30pm.
6. Real Madrid Club de Futbol: The Real Madrid is a professional Spanish football team. Founded in 1902, it remains one of the most successful football clubs in the world; having won nearly 30 titles in its first century of play. Hours vary to game times.
Going to watch Real Madrid play? Find hotels near Real Madrid at MATCHhotels.com
7. Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas: Located in Madrid's Salamanca district, Las Ventas is one of the world's most highly regarded bullfighting rings. It also holds a variety of musical events. Hours vary to event times.
8. Puerta de Europa: One of the most notable features of Madrid's skyline is the recently erected twin office buildings entitled Puerta de Europa. These unique structures are the first bent buildings in Madrid. It holds many exhibitions as well as offices.
9. The City That Never Sleeps: The nightlife culture in Madrid heightened during the mid 80s when youth started gathering around the Plaza del Dos de Mayo in a movement called la movida. Today many of Madrid's neighborhoods are popular for all types of nightlife; Bilbao, Tribunal, Alonso Martinez, Moncloas, Puerta del Sol, Huertas and Chueca. Madrid nightlife info
10. Madrid Summer Festivals: Madrid is known for its spirited festivals. In the summertime the city plays host to many that pay homage to patron saints including San Antonio de la Florida (June 13), Virgen del Carmen (July 16-25), Virgen de la Paloma (August 6 - 15), San Cayetano (August 7) and San Lorenzo (August 10).
Recommended Madrid Hotels
Hotel review website TripAdvisor allows travellers to write reviews and thoroughly assess Madrid hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst. The top 10 Madrid hotels recommended by review are:
1. Hotel Room Mate Alicia
2. Hotel Preciados
3. Catalonia Las Cortes
4. Hostel Barrera
5. Room Mate Mario
6. Hotel de las Letras
7. Senator Gran Via
8. Hotel Plaza Mayor
9. Best Western Atlantico
10. Hotel Room Mate Laura
1. Hotel Room Mate Alicia
2. Hotel Preciados
3. Catalonia Las Cortes
4. Hostel Barrera
5. Room Mate Mario
6. Hotel de las Letras
7. Senator Gran Via
8. Hotel Plaza Mayor
9. Best Western Atlantico
10. Hotel Room Mate Laura
Photos of Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Madrid Videos
Travel Guide - Madrid, Spain
A look at the city of Madrid, its historical significance and some of its famous sites.
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