Madrid holidays



Madrid holidays

Stunning historical architecture, mouth-wateringly delicious local dishes and cafes and bars that will steal your heart – all under the gleaming Spanish sunshine. No, this isn’t a dream, it’s Spain’s enchanting capital city, Madrid. Couples, families and friends will fall in love with the city’s beauty and amazing atmosphere, whether you’re looking for a laid-back city escape or a jam-packed sun-soaked adventure…you really can’t go wrong with a trip to the magnificent Madrid.
Dynastic Hotel
Sol Pelicanos Ocas
Hotel Cuco
Ambassador Playa II
Hotel Gala Placidia
Sandos Griego
Gran Hotel Bali
Hotel Gran Cervantes by BLUESEA
Joya

Why Holiday in Madrid?

The glorious capital city of Spain, Madrid is filled with beauty, culture, history, and is of course soaked in Spanish sunshine. Explore the cobbled squares, bustling streets and the fantastic museums of the city. Couples seeking a romantic city escape can look no further, with intimate traditional restaurants and cosy bars that are perfect for date nights, as well as the beautiful backdrop of the historic buildings for daytime strolls around the city. If you’re looking for a mates’ escape to somewhere with lots to see and do, but with a bouncing nightlife – Madrid will tick all of your boxes. To the families of culture and history enthusiasts who also love the sunshine, you’ll feel right at home. Delve into the historic past of the city whilst soaking up the sun and stopping at charming cafes along the way to try out the traditional Spanish cuisine.

Sightseeing in Madrid

There’s something new and exciting to see around every corner in Madrid. The Royal Palace and Gardens is a grand court that will blow you away. The official residence of the King of Spain, this building’s architecture oozes luxury and history with its neoclassical façade that looks stunning when the sun shines onto it. Another must-visit spot in Madrid (which honestly is quite hard to miss), is the Plaza Mayor. Once a venue for knightly tournaments, dramatic entertainment and ceremonies, this cobbled square holds so much history, and to this day still has an unbeatable atmosphere where people come to gather from every corner of the city.

If you’re seeking an escape from the bustling city streets, head to the ‘Parque del Retiro’ where you’ll find a little slice of peace and quiet in lush surroundings. Wander the paths and take in the thriving greenery around you, featuring multiple historic gardens and over 15,000 trees, you’re sure to find a perfect spot of shade to relax under if you need to rest. Hire a rowboat on the lake, discover the 18th Century Crystal Palace or enjoy a delightful bite to eat at one of the park’s cafés – it’s a wonderful day out for all.

If you’re a fan of architecture, stop by the Financial District in Madrid to see the KIO towers – the first leaning skyscrapers in the world, standing at a 15-degree angle. Alternatively, if you prefer to discover the buildings that hold a little more history, the Palacio de Cibeles is a grand building filled with character and even features an observation deck for you to enjoy unbeatable views of the city.

Food and Drink in Madrid

Spanish cuisine is one of the best, and there’s nowhere better to indulge in the delightful dishes of the country than its capital city. Traditional tapas dishes and paella are, of course, two of the main must-tries when in sunny Spain, but what dishes does Madrid do best? Tortilla de patatas is one of the most popular dishes in the city and is made in so many different ways! Translating to ‘potato omelette’ this dish can be plain, made with runny egg, or filled with sausage, peppers, mushrooms, onions or even tuna. Those who are a fan of mushrooms will be in heaven in the capital, as you’ll find fried, grilled and stuffed mushrooms are a common feature on each menu.

If you love fish dishes, try out the local baked fish, which is usually a white fish like sea bream and is served with a variety of sides depending on the season. Let’s not forget calamari too, but this isn’t your ordinary calamari served with tartare sauce. Bocadillo de Calamares is the city’s most famous sandwich – filled with fried squid! Don’t miss out on the crusty bread filled with deep-fried rings of squid, served with a squeeze of lemon and garlic mayonnaise… you won’t be disappointed. Those with a sweet tooth should try out Madrid’s churros con chocolate, delicious fried dough treats, which you can dip in thick melted chocolate and will leave you in awe! Plus, if you love to go out clubbing, churros are a very popular snack for the journey home!

Those who plan to bar hop around the city might be wondering what’s best to drink. Sangria is an obvious choice, because who can go to Spain without enjoying at least one glass of the traditional Spanish drink? Made with red wine, brandy and lots of fruit, this is a fruity and refreshing beverage that’s perfect for an afternoon tipple or a night time treat. If cocktails are your thing, make sure to try a mojito. Originating from Cuba, Mojitos are a combination of rum, mint, lime, sugar and soda, and they are delightfully easy to drink. Beer drinkers can enjoy the local cerveza (beer), which is Mahou, but you’ll also find other beers such as Estrella and Alhambra available in the local bars too.

Visiting Madrid

There’s plenty to do in this amazing city, but one place that is definitely worth a visit is the National Archaeological Museum. Step into the history of Spain through this museum, filled with irreplaceable pieces from across the country – some of which date back further than Roman times. A visit here is a truly amazing experience for everyone, even for those who aren’t history buffs. If you prefer sport over history, head to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – home to the world-famous football club, Real Madrid. Tour the 85,000-seater stadium, see their dressing room and gaze at their trophy collection, this makes a fantastic day out for football and sports fans.

Shops, malls, nightclubs, a cinema and a theatre can all be found in the cultural centre of the city – Gran Via. If you want to see everything at once, wander down this bustling street where you can pop in and out of the different doorways that take your fancy. Over near Plaza Mayor, check out Mercado San Miguel – an early 20th Century marketplace that is now a gastronomic paradise. Stop here and grab top-class Spanish cuisine with a glass of Spanish wine or a refreshing cerveza for a laid-back yet luxurious lunch.

Useful info for visiting Madrid

The average flight time from the UK to Madrid is 2.5 hours and Madrid Airport is located around a 25-minute car journey from the city centre. The local currency used in Madrid is the Euro and the local language is Spanish. Brush up on your Spanish before you go with some of these handy phrases - hola is ‘hello’, adiós is ‘bye’, por favour is ‘please’ and gracias is ‘thank you’. Madrid is a place where opening hours can vary due to the Siesta (usually between 14:00 and 17:00), which is something to keep in mind when planning your days.
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