Madrid is the capital and most-populous city of Spain.  The city center is about 3.5 million with about another 3 million in the outskirts of the city.  Madrid lies on the River Manzanares in the center of both the country.  As the capital city of Spain, it is the center of economic and cultural activities. The Presidential Palace also is located in Madrid.  Madrid is also  home to two world famous football clubs, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.

Since Madrid is the center of the country and has a major international airport and excellent train network,  it is easy to fly in and travel throughout the country. With high speed train, it is easy to get to places like Barcelona or Seville in a few hours. The most popular landmarks include the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace of Madrid; the Royal Theatre with its restored 1850 Opera House; the Buen Retiro Park (where you can rent a row boat).Among the many museums there are  three art museums: Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, a museum of modern art, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Each museum offers a different collection so it is good to research beforehand to find the best option.  

While Madrid possesses modern infrastructure, it has preserved the look and feel of many of its historic neighborhoods and streets. The architecture and environment of the neighborhoods, is what  makes it so special. The multitudes of tapas bars and restaurants, all within easy walking distance, makes it  a prime place to visit many taverns along the streets to get the best local experience possible. 

The shopping, especially around the most famous street, Gran Via, is another great experience! And don’t forget about the food and drink. You have to try a Churro in their special dark chocolate sauce. It is probably unlike anything you have tried. And do try the many wines, that are available from all over the country as well as their special vermouth. I always thought vermouth was a mixer, but in Madrid, most bars and restaurants have it on tap. It is a fortified wine that has richness and goes so well with tapas! Also the cava is amazing. This is a sparkling wine that is so special. the tapas experience is one you will never forget. You can try some different food and drink and it will not drain your wallet. We learned a lot of this by watching James Blick’s Spain Revealed YouTube videos on YouTube. Take a look below and be sure to subscribe. He will take you through the many neighborhoods and give you the best tips on the local experience.

There are actually 21 neighborhoods of Madrid. All are within walking distance (or a few minutes by taxi or subway). Click here for a guide to these neighborhoods. The most commonly known are Sol: Gran Via (one of the most famous and lively streets in Madrid). Plaza de Sol is a wonderful meeting point and is truly the heart of the city. Plaza Major is just north of of Plaza de Sol. The square’s archetecture cannot be missed. Just a little advice about taverns and shops near the plaza as they can cater to tourists but may be more expensive without the best local experience. Very close to Plaza Major is the Mercado de San Miguel. This is a huge market filled with delicacies from the nearby neighborhoods. It can be expensive and crowded. A word of advise is to visit, but make sure you hit the incredible taverns just down the street. Austrias is the neighborhood surrounding the large presidential palace. The grounds are incredible and very local to the center of town. (Wikipedia: Madrid)

A special thank you to ER films who captured the magic of Madrid. Click the link below the video to view again or subscribe. They take you to San Miguel Market, Plaza Major, the Presidential Palace, Gran Via, Retiro Park and more! This video makes me want to go back and walk the streets! Can you see yourself renting a rowboat in the park? Be sure to click Visit Madrid for their Official Travel Site.