Madrid: Enjoying Iberia’s Capital, its Past and Present

Madrid’s fame for its wonderful architecture, museums and galleries, fashion, cuisine, and nightlife stretches worldwide. Enjoying Iberia’s capital, past and present, takes no effort at all. If you are a lover of art, Madrid’s Art Triangle comprises three museums, Museo del Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia which exhibit some of the finest art in the world.

It would easily take you a day to see just sections of these three. If you add the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor, you will already be very impressed. El Retiro Park near Plaza de la Independence is a great place to relax with the Statue Walk lined with 18^th Century royalty especially popular. The pavilion, Palacio de Crystal, has stood here since 1887 while the manmade lake is yet another attraction.

Madrid has wonderful shopping, fashion shops and markets, a sophisticated nightlife including flamenco dancing, and plenty of opportunities to sample local cuisine in casual or formal surroundings. Madrid is also home to two of Europe’s top soccer sides, Real and Atletico, and watching a game during a visit to the city is a great experience.

Even though Madrid is in the heart of Spain, you will even find beaches on the banks of the Manzanares River. Enjoying Iberia’s Capital, its past and present is easy.