The capital of Spain has a way of sweeping you into its rhythm before you even realize you’ve surrendered. Under the warm, Castilian sun, you can stroll down the tree-lined Gran Vía (the main boulevard) with your gal pals or significant other, eyes wide open as you encounter fountains, sculptures, stately buildings, and museums. Scents of orange blossoms, coffee, and churros frying waft in the air. That’s the magic of Madrid as it welcomes you with open arms and invites you to partake in centuries of history and grandeur.
Art Feels Alive at the Magnificent, World-Class Prado
Madrid lives and breathes art. The Prado stands tall and proud, sharing its stories through the brushstrokes of Velázquez and Goya. You wander from room to room, feeling as though you’re walking through the very soul of Spain.
Founded in 1819, this world-class art museum is filled with over 12,000 objects; a true treasury of Spanish, Dutch, Italian and French works of art from the 12th to the early 20th centuries. One of the museum’s crown jewels is Diego Velázquez’s “Las Meninas.” Standing before this enigmatic masterpiece, I was struck by the painter’s genius with the detailing as well as intrigued by the artist who saw fit to paint himself in the scene.
The Prado’s collection features exquisite sculptures, intricate drawings, and decorative arts that convey Spain’s deep ties with Italy. Works by Titian and Rubens shaped generations of Spanish artisans. You’ll see many budding artists standing by a painting, trying to duplicate the great works.
The Royal Palace – A Masterpiece of Baroque Architecture
The Palacio Real, one of the largest royal palaces in Europe, offers a majestic grandeur that tells the story of Spain’s mighty empire. The Changing of the Guard is a spectacle you shouldn’t miss. A showcase of pageantry and precision brings history to life. It takes place on the first Wednesday of the month at noon with 400 soldiers and 100 horses.
The Grand Staircase welcomes visitors with a single piece of marble. Red velvet walls, gilded mirrors, and crystal chandeliers surround portraits of powerful Spanish monarchs in the Throne Room. I was particularly taken by the Royal Chapel, with its ornate frescoes and an organ that fills the room with heavenly sounds during concerts.
Get tickets here.
The Reina Sofía houses Picasso’s impressive Guernica, considered one of the most powerful anti-war paintings in history. The grey, black, and white painting captures human suffering by violence. Seeing it will stay with you.
Culture That Moves You
Madrid’s culture spills into the streets. From the clack of flamenco heels echoing from the tablao, tapas bars that invite you to linger, or Retiro Park featuring free concerts, you’ll be drawn to experience the local customs.
You and your traveling companions will find luxury shopping at Canalejas Gallery, loaded with more than 40 fashion, fine jewelry, perfumery from designers like Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Hermes, Tom Ford, and more. It’s all housed in a historic, architecturally significant building sure to bring oohs and aahs to your group. Plus, you’re right next door to the Four Seasons for exquisite dining.
Be sure to see the meaningful statue of Spain’s most famous characters, Don Quixote and his sidekick, Sancho Panza, located in Plaza Espana, the statue is a tribute to famous Spanish writer, Miquel de Cervantes who wrote Don Quixote or more well known for the contemporary musical version, Man of La Mancha.
Cuisine Celebrates the Heart and Soul
A tapas crawl is a must. Don’t worry, the portions are bite size, so feel to sample as many as you wish. Head from bar to bar, sampling jamón ibérico, tortilla Española, cod fritters or grilled goat cheese. Pair the tapas with a local white wine like Verdejo, Spain’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc.
Put a Flamenco show on your list. The “world’s best flamenco tablao” in Madrid is the Corral de la Moreria, and dare I say, the best. Even the dinner before the show was spectacular. At the Tablao restaurant, you can dine while watching the lively flamenco show. The guitar accompaniment, singing, and sensual dancing was mesmerizing. Indulge in Sea Bass, Veal Pie, and Roast Leg of Lamb with tasty side dishes. Save room for the caramelized French Toast in Fresh Milk with Banana Ice Cream.
Leaving with More Than Memories
By the time you and your traveling partners pack your bags, Madrid has woven itself into your senses. You leave with the taste of saffron lingering on your palate, the echo of flamenco in your ears, and the colors of the Prado imprinted on your mind.
For more information on visiting Madrid, go to Turismo Madrid | Tourism Madrid.
Editor’s note: Title image courtesy of Mira Temkin.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Is Madrid on your travel bucket list? What would you like to see in the city? If you’ve been, what memories have you kept dear?