Spain

Spain’s modern, cosmopolitan capital city is the economic & cultural centre of the country. First class art galleries, restaurants and bars draw visitors back time and again.

Travellers’ Secrets

Shop on any budget

If you’ve got money to burn head to Salamanca, the ‘golden mile’ for fashion and luxury items, where designer wear, antiques, jewellery and art can all be found. Or if you are on a budget, check out the Rastro flea market, on each Sunday from 9am until 2pm for a vast selection of second-hand goods, souvenirs and novelty items.

Visit a museum

Art lovers should head to the Prado Museum, which contains an impressive collection of 16th, 17th and 20th century art, including works by Goya, Botticelli, Rubens, Velazquez and El Greco, along with a fine selection of sculptures. Other art galleries of note are the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and the Queen Sofia National Art Centre Museum. There is something to interest everyone.

Keep the children busy

Madrid is a great family destination with plenty to keep the children amused, from zoos and museums to theme parks and sporting centres. If you want to make the most of what’s on offer, buy The Madrid Card Niños, which includes entrance to many city attractions for children up to 12 years.

Enjoy the nightlife

Definitely save some energy for when the sun goes down. The nightlife – or la marcha to the Spanish – reigns supreme in Madrid, and sleep is apparently deemed unnecessary for most people. Action and entertainment is everywhere, with no shortage of tapas bars, taverns and cafes.

Visit the Royal Palace

The El Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, is actually still used by the king of Spain for state cerimonial activities. You can sample 50 of the 2800 rooms in the palace that took 26 years to complete.

Transfers – Madrid Airport to city hotels

Private car – $190 per vehicle