Madrid
With every step you take through Madrid’s city centre, it becomes clear that this is Spain’s capital and the seat of the royal family. Whether at the Prado, the Plaza Mayor, the Gran Vía or the Palacio Real – Madrid’s architecture is simply impressive.
What impressed us just as much as the buildings was the city’s culinary diversity. Madrid convinces with countless restaurants and spectacular bars. There is something for everyone to discover here.
Also, with its large international airport and central location, Madrid is the ideal starting and ending point for a round trip through Spain.
Our highlights in Madrid
Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s most important squares and we were particularly impressed by the uniform architecture of the surrounding buildings. Together with the spaciousness and the statue of Philip III, it creates a harmonious overall impression. Here you feel like you are in the historic heart of Madrid.
Another particularly nice feature is that there are many other sights around the Plaza Mayor. From here, you can explore the centre of Madrid on foot at your leisure.
Museo del Prado
The Prado is one of the most important art museums in the world and impresses with its collection. Particularly fascinating is the wealth of masterpieces by Spanish artists such as Diego Velázquez and Francisco de Goya. But the collection also has a strong international presence, with works by greats such as Raphael and Peter Paul Rubens.
The Prado is not only impressive for its collection of paintings. The museum also houses an extensive collection of sculptures.
We spent several hours in the Prado and still felt that we hadn’t seen everything. A must for all art lovers.
Mercado de San Miguel
The Mercado de San Miguel, one of Madrid’s culinary highlights, is located in the immediate vicinity of the Plaza Mayor. Even from the outside, the market hall with its iron and glass design is a highlight. Inside, a paradise for connoisseurs awaits: from fresh seafood to aromatic olives and Spanish cheese to stuffed croquettes, the market hall offers a huge selection of the finest tapas.
Even though the prices are a little higher, the market hall is always busy. The loud babble of voices, laughter and bustling chaos create a typically Spanish, lively atmosphere.
Cibeles Fountain
We were immediately impressed by the Cibeles Fountain. It stands majestically in the centre of a large roundabout, framed by Madrid’s magnificent historic buildings, which form an impressive setting.
Unfortunately, the many cars constantly driving around the fountain detract a little from the overall impression.