Hola, Madrid!
Madrid is the capital of Spain, and renowned as its artistic and financial hub. Its history dates back to the year 865 and records show that people inhabited Madrid even during the stone age. The world’s first Flamenco theatre is still a part of this land and many theatres host Zarzuela - a light opera Spanish genre - even today. Additionally, the bullfighting shows are, to date, the most magnificent in this city. The greatest bullfighters in the world come to Madrid to show their incredible talent and entertain the audience. Several remnants from the civil war era and bunkers form the heart of this spectacular city.
Madrid has derived influence in its cuisine from all over the world. Tourists love trying Huevos Rotos, Cocido Madrileño, Bocadillo de Calamares, Tortilla de Patatas, and Churros con Chocolate.
Places to visit in Madrid
Madrid has many culturally and artistically diverse places to visit. Here are some places that’ll help you prepare an itinerary:
- Prado National Museum - Prado National Museum is one of the most important museums in Spain. Its official name is Museo Nacional del Prado. The works by Goya, Velasquez, and El Greco make it eminent.
- Royal Palace of Madrid - The Royal Palace of Madrid has around 3,418 rooms. It is a reminder of the country’s rich royal history and heritage of this Spanish capital. The Palace is an amalgamation of several architectural styles. It first opened in 1751.
- Las Ventas Bullring - Also known as the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, it is a bullfighting ring that opened on 17th June, 1973. Situated in the Guindalera quarter of the Salamanca district of Madrid, it can accommodate up to 23,000 people at once. In the last few decades this centre has also staged concerts, including a performance by The Beatles.
- Gran Via - Gran Via Street is a street in central Madrid. Nothing can be better than this street to experience the nightlife of Spain. The Metropolis and Carrion buildings are situated on the centre stage here. Tourists can shop here along with trying some local dishes.
- Real Basilica de San Francisco el Grande - Real Basílica de San Francisco el Grande is also called the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great. It is a Roman Catholic church in central Madrid. This neoclassical-style monument stands out for its artistic wealth with canvases by Goya. The large dome is the grandest in Spain and fourth in Europe. It is worth the ticket price.
- The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium - All football fans must visit this stadium. It has a seating capacity of over 80,000 people, the second-largest in Spain. A guided tour can help tourists make the most of their visit here.
- Mercado San Miguel - Mercado San Miguel is the place to try the best delicacies of Spain. It is a local food market with the city’s famous cast-iron architecture. It’s been more than a century since it opened its doors to the public. This market is now renowned as one of the world’s main gastronomic markets. Tourists can try seafood, artisanal cheeses, and Iberian hams here.
Important things to remember for a trip to Madrid
- Book tickets to attraction sites in advance to avoid missing out on them or waiting in long lines.
- Many restaurants have a delayed routine in the city. So be prepared for late lunches at some of the restaurants.
- Many small shops stay closed between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. So plan your shopping accordingly.
- Public transport is reliable and budget-friendly. Uber and other taxi services are also available in Madrid.
Madrid Airport
There are three airports in Madrid. IndiGo’s flights to Madrid, in codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, can help passengers reach the primary airport. Madrid Airport Barajas (MAD) is the primary airport in Madrid. Torrejon Airport (TOJ) is a joint civil-military airport. Madrid Cuatro Vientos Airport is a general aviation airport.
- Madrid Airport Barajas (MAD) Madrid Airport is the country's primary, busiest, and largest airport. It was ranked the eleventh busiest globally and fourth in Europe in 2019. International flights usually depart from Terminal 1. Trains, buses, and taxis connect it with the city centre efficiently. Services here are top-class.
Madrid visa requirements
The Spanish Schengen visa works to enter the city as Spain is an EU member. The Schengen visa allows tourists to travel to a member of the Schengen Area per stay for tourism purposes. These documents are required for the same-
- A passport.
- Your passport-size picture.
- A return ticket. It should show the date of departure.
- Evidence of hotel bookings.
- Travel insurance. That would help to cover medical expenses.
- Testimony for financial support.
- A detailed Itinerary. It should show the duration of your stay in the city.