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Madrid

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Madrid

Madrid is best described as being the New York City of Spain

Madrid is perhaps best described as being the New York City of Spain; Spaniards and immigrants alike come here to “make it in the big city,” and the energy of their ambition has helped define the city’s sense of self. Culture here may not necessarily mean flamenco and bullfights, but it is undeniably vibrant. As the political center of Spain, it is also diffused with a slightly different international flair than other parts of the country. But Spain’s major business hub is also known for its world-renowned, pulsating nightlife, truly giving new meaning to the term, “work hard, play hard.” And despite the fervent restlessness that seems to contradict the relaxed, siesta lifestyle throughout the rest of Spain, Madrid is still Spanish to its core. Plazas, sidewalk cafes and tapas bars dot the city, narrow labyrinth alleys are reminiscent of its past as the center of Spain’s Golden Age, and stops like the Museo Del Prado showcase some of the finest in Spanish art. Madrid is best explored on foot, with major sights in close proximity to each other and an excellent public transportation system that will connect you to the rest, but lovely, quiet parks where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle.

Madrid travel guide by tripwolf

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    the best places in Madrid - chosen by tripwolf

    • 21 votes
      museum / gallery

      1. Museo Nacional del Prado

      One of the world's most important picture galleries. The architect Juan de Villanueva began to construct the Prado in a neoclassical style in 1785. Works from the 12th century through to the middle of ...

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    • 20 votes
      sight

      2. Plaza Mayor

      Small market square in Madrid with a wide variety of bars, restaurants and shops. The Plaza Mayor is an impressive structure, which is located near Puerta del Sol. It was built in the 15th century to o...

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    • 12 votes
      theater / opera

      3. Gran Vía

      The boulevard of cinematic palaces - even if some have recently been converted to musical theatres. Huge colourful billboards announce the latest Hollywood productions and successful Spanish films. Th...

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  • reviews & insider tips (9)

    reviews and insider tips for Madrid

    2009-03-19
    Madrid ist sicher schön, aber wirtschaftlich liegt doch wohl Barcelona vorn. Abgesehen davon finde ich ,im Vergleich, das in Barcelona weit aus mehr der Punk ab geht. Der einzige Nachteil von Barco ist dieser Sprach Schwachsinn mit dem versuch immer Catalan durchzusetzen. Aber die Jugend sprich überwiegend Castellano
    2009-03-13
    我也想去那里!
    2009-03-03
    I just really want to go here.
    2008-09-12
    Maybe it was because it was the middle of winter and I am not into museums or art galleries, but I found Madrid boring.
    I followed the lonely planets guides 2 most recommended walking tours and found them to be uninspiring.
    There was no city activity, it was grey and miserable.
    2008-08-07
    na ja - spanien ist nicht so meins - die art und weise wie dort tiere entsorgt werden - ist allea nadere als human!!!
    2008-06-04
    lively and exuberant!
    2008-05-26
    lively and exuberant!
    2008-04-01
    amazing city! so Spanish! way better than Barcelona!
    2008-03-12
    lively and exuberant!