Madrid has been in existence since the dawn of civilization, yet premier evidence of it may be traced to mid-ninth century via a small palace constructed on the orders of Mohammad I. Now taken over by Palacio Real, it has undergone several modifications. Madrid itself has been the site of several wars.

Never mind its restless history, the city is perhaps the liveliest in the world. It combines the sophistication of Paris with the raunchiness of Pattaya in Thailand. The cross is almost too hot to handle. So say tourists who visit Spain’s capital by the hordes every year. The city is almost like a well-bred girl who cannot quite hide her unbridled passions. This passion gets unleashed during bullfights especially, the most famous ones taking place in the Plaza las ventas Madrid built in 1931 and the Plaza Mayor de Madrid. At the latter you can also arrange to meet up with friends for a drink or simply stroll around taking in the beautiful sights.

If you are in Madrid, how can you remain immune to football? Craze for the game greets you everywhere you go, through posters and hoardings and so on. For die-hard aficionados a tour around the Santiago Bernabeu is a must. The massive stadium, the trophy room, the Presidential balcony et al leave you with a feeling bordering on humbleness.

Madrid is home to some of the world’s greatest museums and the triumvirate of must-sees are: Museo del Prado, the Queen Sofia Art Centre, and Thyssen Museum. The last-named hosts some 1,600 paintings from all over the world.

After a fill of football and culture (with bullfighting thrown in for good measure), you might want to ease off at a nice eatery. For traditional fare we recommend you try the Bogin where you get to buy a muy typico Spanish three-course meal for 40 euros. But if you want to combine gourmet pleasures with a viewing of some fantastic Flamenco the Corral de la Morería is the best bet.

Madrid is known as the city that never sleeps. Indeed its chief slogan, say a lot of Spaniards, is Mucha marcha or ‘always on the go’. During a typical pub crawl expect large doses of alcohol in ‘copas’ in which combos such as gin and tonic, lemon and rum, or coke and whisky abound. Also, don’t be surprised if you run into a couple of Irish pubs.

Some Madrid pubs have dance floors and remain pen till 6 or 7 in the morning.

If you wish to check into a bar in the open air, we recommend with earnestness that you try the rather upscale ‘terrazas’ where you can swig beers and drink copas till the wee hours.
Getting around the city is fairly easy thanks to the country’s ever-expanding rail network, efficiently-run buses plying extensive routes, and the relatively cheap cabs. In addition, there are car-hire agencies practically dotting the city.

So what are waiting for? Pack your bags for Madrid beckons!

About the Author:

Mike Greaves is a self-made entrepreneur, a well known travel consultant and internet marketer. Over the years he has traveled across the world and has numerous writings credited to his name in many renowned publications. His areas of writing include travel experiences including reviews of World Best Hotels , luxury spas and Luxury Resorts .

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