About Madrid

Posted on Monday, October 10, 2011

Andalucía is the second largest of the Spanish regions and is situated in the south of Spain overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.  Seville, Jerez, Caldiz, Granada, Alambra, and Cordoba are all in this region.

It's mild climate all year around and the cultural blend of its architecture make this region a unique corner of Spain to visit.  Monumental cities, enchanting villages, superb golfing and vacation resorts paired with great cuisine and the passionate Flamenco shows and you're in for a wonderful experience.

A Day in Madrid

Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2011

Madrid is one of the great capitals of Europe that is a must see.  It may lack the glitz of Barcelona or the popularity Seville, but it has plenty of romance of its own.  It's the home to Spanish Kings and Queens.  It has a great medieval center to explore.  Its museums are among the greatest in the world, and it has plenty of tapas bars and nightclubs.

Let's start in the Puerto del Sol.  This is one of Madrid's most important squares.  It's a great central location to start from.  In fact it's the point in Spain from which all distances are measured.  There are many hotels in the vicinity.  You can catch the subway here or just walk to the main sights.  It's centrally located between the Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace in one direction and the museums in the other direction.

First head for the Plaza Mayor, the original town square, and a great place to start exploring old town Madrid.  It is completely enclosed with 5 story burgundy buildings.  The restaurants and tapas bars that line the lower story charge tourist prices, but it might be worth the price to order tapas in the Plaza Mayor.... that will give you a chance to sit and soak in the ambiance.

Continue on down the Calle Mayor, and take a tour of the Royal Palace.  Many guides gloss over the Royal Palace, but it's a great palace to see.  An hour or so will have you winding through extravagantly decorated rooms.  It is the official residence of the King of Spain, though the family usually stays at a smaller palace on the outskirts of town.  Be forewarned... if there is a "state occasion", as in if the King gives a dinner the night before, the palace may open late or even be closed! 

The Almudena Cathedral is across from the Royal Palace.  Near the Royal Palace, on the east side, is the Plaza de Oriente with the restaurants where you can stop for lunch.  A nearby subway stop lets you get to the museum area.

There are three museums to see.  The Prado is the most famous.  It's one of the greatest painting museums in the world.  In the Reina Sofia Museum you will find impressionist and modern art... most notably Picasso's Guernica.  Finally you must see the Thyssen-Bornemisza with a full range of art from 13th century to today.  Consider a museum card which will get you into all three for less than you would pay if you paid admission to each one separately.

In the afternoon, relax in Retiro Park.  It is close behind the museums.  Just inside the park, there is a large artificial lake with outdoor snack shops.  You can buy a tapas size plate of Seranno Ham, have a beer or a glass of wine and watch the locals pass by in "el paseo", a leisurely stroll around the lake.

Tapas bars are a part of Madrid's nightlife....  Order a glass of wine and a few tapas and enjoy.  "Raciones" are larger portions, tapas are smaller snacks.  Sometimes in the tourist areas, you can order a menu of tapas and get a sample of maybe 5 to share.  You won't REALLY be participating in the tapas bar scene, but it's one way to get your feet wet.  Tapas might become your dinner unless you are into eating late at night like Madrienos are.

After the first night, you'll get comfortable with tapas, and after your first day, you'll be glad you visited Madrid.

Madrid & Barcelona Vacation: Monograms

Posted on Sunday, May 01, 2011

Madrid & Barcelona:  Monograms allows you the chance to discover Spain independently, at your own pace & in your own style. Combine ancient tradition with the exuberance of a progressive seaport city & you’ve got the most visited destination in Spain, Barcelona! From medieval fortresses & cathedrals to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia & the exciting Las Ramblas area. Simply dive right in as colorful architecture, brilliant cultural performances & charming people await. Then travel westward to Madrid, a city bursting at the seams with world-class arts, grand historical architecture & exhilarating nightlife. Wander through its museums, enjoy tapas, sangria & dance until dawn as Madrid’s vitality & warmth show you why Spain is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Monogram vacations also offer the assistance of a local host who provides authentic service and support, helping travelers feel more at ease while in Spain. Prices from $1,639 pp

Madrid Travel Facts

Posted on Monday, September 20, 2010

While it may not be a Paris, London, or Barcelona, Spain's capital city has a unique quality all its own, with world-class shopping and art galleries, an exceptional nightlife and live music scene, and fine restaurants and tapas bars by the bazillions. Many visitors believe Madrid is the most "Spanish" of Spain's cities, and there's, naturally, plenty to see and do. Don't miss bustling Puerta del Sol square-the heart of Madrid's historic center and the actual center of the Spanish road system; beautiful Plaza de Espana with its monument to Cervantes; the beloved Cibeles Fountain depicting the goddess of nature; the palatial Prado Museum with its priceless art treasures; and the pond, museum, rose garden, and monuments of splendid El Retiro Park.

Quick Facts:

Population: 3.1 million
Language: Spanish
Currency: The Euro 1€ = 100 Cents.
Time Zone: GMT

Weather: Madrid is one of the highest cities in Europe and has a dry climate with hot summers and very cold winters.

Average January Temperature 8º C / 47ºF
Average July Temperature: 31C / 87ºF

Popular Sights:

Habsburg Madrid – One of the oldest districts in Madrid. You’ll find the city’s key historical attractions such as the Plaza Mayor with its numerous open-air cafés.
Palacio Real - The Royal Palace holds some 2,800 rooms and offers visitors the chance to bask in the lavishness of the royal house of Habsburg.
Parque del Buen Retiro - For a chance for some peace in the heady bustle of Madrid wander through this 350-acre park located in the heart of the city.
Musueo de Prado - This art collection includes artists such as Botticelli, El Bosco, Velazquez and Goya.
Las Ventas Bullring - Bullfighting is popular in Madrid and this famous bullring has played host to only the bravest bullfighters.

Shopping:

Shopping in Madrid revolves around small-specialized stores and great food markets. The various district zones in Madrid are filled with boutiques, specialty shops, department stores and supermarkets. The city is full of interesting shops to explore and everything from high fashion through to flea markets and grand delicatessens can be found. Leather is a good buy especially shoes, bags and jackets. Two great souvenirs are Lladro porcelain figurines and Majorca pearls.

Food:

In many of the typical dishes of Madrid you’ll find chickpeas, garbanzo beans, asparagus, olive oil and garlic. Meats like lamb, beef and poultry are often mixed with rich sauces and spices but pork is the favorite among residents. Bacon, longanissa, and chorizo are very popular and can be found in many of Madrid’s dishes. For a different kind of dining experience look for traditional Tapas bars where a range of smaller local dishes are served.

Shopping in Madrid

Posted on Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Shopping in Madrid revolves around small-specialised stores and great food markets. The various district zones in Madrid are filled with boutiques, specialty shops, department stores and supermarkets. The city is full of interesting shops to explore and everything from high fashion through to flea markets and grand delicatessens can be found. Leather is a good buy especially shoes, bags and jackets. Two great souvenirs are Lladro porcelain figurines and Majorca pearls.