Book flights to Madrid

The great thing you’ll discover when you travel to Madrid is that many of its best attractions are within walking distance of each other. You can visit the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia National Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art along the Paseo del Prado. Also next to these is the great El Retiro Park, with gardens, restaurants and fountains.

To see more of Madrid’s stunning nature, go to the Botanical Gardens, home to more than 30,000 plants and flowers, and 1,500 trees. It also has an herbarium that boasts around one million herbal sheets, some dating back to the 18th century.

If you want to literally step into Spain’s glorious past, go for a walk around the cobblestone-lined Plaza Mayor. Built in 1619, the city’s main public square was venue for many momentous events in Spanish history. Also during your trip to Madrid, don’t forget to visit the splendid royal palace (Palacio Real) and the Plaza de Cibeles.

There are plenty of cultural shows, events and festivals to enjoy during a trip to Madrid. The Corral de la Moreria is the world’s premier flamenco venue, quintessentially Spanish and in the heart of the city. If you want to see a classical music concert, Teatro Real is the main opera venue, while Teatro de la Zarzuela features traditional Spanish operetta.

Madrid is the birthplace of bullfighting, and during May you can visit the historic arena, Las Ventas Tour. If you prefer not to witness the fights themselves, then you can simply enjoy the building and its place in the life of Madrid instead.

You’ll find all popular Spanish cuisine in Madrid, with many lamb dishes on offer along with a great deal of seafood. For an exciting and atmospheric dining spot, head to La Latina quarter, which is just south of the Plaza Mayor.

The city is also home to the world’s oldest restaurant, the Sobrino de Botín, located along Calle de Cuchilleros. Opened in 1725, the famous restaurant now serves an eclectic mix of Spanish and international cuisine. You may bump into film stars and members of the Royal Family at some of the more exclusive restaurants. If you love seafood, then make sure you try the giant scarlet shrimp known as carabineros.

If you intend to visit Madrid for some shopping, then you’ve come to the right place. Madrid is awash with all manner of retail outlets. The best place to start is the Sol-Salamanca district around Calle de Preciados. Here you’ll find all the top designer labels and specialist Spanish brands.

For a more avant-garde experience, visit the Chueca area, which is full of quaint old shops, restaurants and cafés. For traditional leather goods, head for the Calle Toledo, which is just to the south of the Plaza Mayor.