Real Football City-Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain, welcomes millions of travelers throughout the year with its deep-rooted history, landmarks, delicious tastes and fun activities. Moreover, this is a real football city. Home to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, which are among the most famous clubs in the world, the city takes on a carnival atmosphere on derby days. Madrid, the fifth most populous city in the European continent, has a population of 6.5 million. If you want to get to know the Spanish culture closely, you should definitely add Madrid to your route.

When to go to

Although the ideal time to go to Madrid is spring and summer, if you are one of those who are overwhelmed by the heat, you can choose September and October. If you want to visit Madrid with pleasure, you can plan at least 4-5 days.

Places to visit in Madrid

With its neoclassical style buildings, popular streets and colorful social life, Madrid is one of the most popular cities in Europe. This city, where the Spanish aristocracy lived, offers a unique visuality to its visitors with the eye-catching view of the Manzanares River. Here are the points to be discovered in Madrid…

Puerta Del Sol

Puerta Del Sol, which is the attraction center of the city, is among the first stops of tourists as it is always active. In the area that hosts the Strawberry-Eating Bear Statue, it is also possible to see sculptures of characters such as Don Quixote and Sancho Pancho. Cafes, shops and shops are lined up side by side in the square, which is the meeting point of many people.

Almudena Cathedral

Fascinating with its Gothic architecture, Almudena Cathedral is located next to the Royal Palace. The building, which is also the center of the Madrid-Roman Catholic Archdiocese, was built over a period of more than 100 years. There is also a museum inside the cathedral.

Royal Palace of Madrid

Madrid Royal Palace, one of the city’s cult structures, is at the top of the list of places to see. Used only for official ceremonies today, this palace is known as one of the most magnificent and grand palaces in Europe. The palace, which draws attention with its magnificent architecture, has 2800 rooms. Medieval armor, weapons and medicines are among the details you can see in the palace. The huge garden behind the palace awaits its visitors.

Temple of Debod

Originally located in the Egyptian city of Aswen, this temple was moved to Madrid when it began to suffer damage. The symbol of the temple, which was built in accordance with the original and opened to visitors in 1972, is “Men”, which symbolizes life and fertility.

El Retiro Park

Described as a paradise in the city, El Retiro Park is among the most frequented parks of Madrid residents. In the park, which is home to Lake El Estanque, besides boating on the lake, you can go cycling, hiking and picnicking, visit the Palacio de Cristal and peruse the various art collections.

Where to Stay in Madrid

There are many accommodation alternatives in the city, which is divided into 21 regions in total. You can facilitate the decision-making process by determining your needs before evaluating accommodation options. While points such as Gran Via and Puerto Del Sol are attractive for being close to the city center, Salamanca and Austrian neighborhoods will answer your quest for luxury accommodation. Lavapies, La Latina and Malasana are among the right addresses for affordable options. Letras, on the other hand, is ideal for finding the cultural texture of the city and local flavors together.

What and Where to Eat in Madrid

Seafood and Mediterranean cuisine options attract attention in Madrid, which is one of the places frequented by gourmet lovers with its original tastes. Tapas options, one of the indispensable snacks of the Spaniards, are plentiful in Madrid. Do not leave the city without trying two sizes of tapas, “Pinch” and “Racion”. Tortilla, also known as potato omelet, Bodadillos de Calamares, a kind of squid sandwich, Paella made by blending saffron rice with seafood, and Churros Con, one of the most delicious snacks. Chocolate is one of the leading flavors of the city.

What to Buy and Where to Shop in Madrid?

Leather goods, uniquely designed objects, fans, olive oil, magnets, ceramic plates and saffron spice should be on your must-buy list in Madrid. Located in the heart of the city, Puerto Del Sol Square and Gran Via Street are attractive places for shopping. It is possible to easily find the products you want from many large and small stores and boutiques. Chueca is known as a district where the city’s bohemian stops and vintage shops are located. Salamanca and Calle Preciados are among the places that luxury lovers must visit. Madrid Flea Market, on the other hand, appeals to second-hand goods and antiques enthusiasts.

Madrid Nightlife

Madrid nightlife, which starts around 02:00 at night, continues unabated until 06:00 in the morning. In the city where you will discover many genres of local music, pop and rock music, you can dance and have fun in the underground clubs and bars until the early hours of the morning. El Sol and ThunderCat Club are places that attract attention with their live music performances. For more bohemian destinations, your address may be the Chueca and Malasana regions. You can socialize as you wish in the bars and nightclubs lined up one after the other.

Things to Know Before You Go

Meal and socializing times in Madrid are a little different from our country. Spaniards, who do not sit down to dinner before 22:00, go to nightclubs around 02:00. Although it may be difficult at first, you can adapt to these time periods after a while.

You may find that many shops are closed at noon due to what the Spanish call siesta or daytime naps. It is useful to shape your travel and shopping plans accordingly.