 Located in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid is the largest and most important financial city in Spain, and also a cultural and entertainment hub for all of Europe. Madrid boasts a nightlife that lasts into the early morning, exquisite art museums, unique local festivals, grand bullfighting arenas, and world class sports clubs. Madrid has adapted as a modern city with the second largest metro system in Western Europe, whilst maintaining an appreciation for historical architecture. The multitude of cultural characteristics and historical precedence give each traveler and student the ability to meet their Spanish goals and experience one of the most exciting cities in all of Europe..
Things to do on a visit to Madrid:
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- Visit the Museo Reina Sofia, where you can admire the world known masterpiece Guernica by Pablo Picasso, as well as the works of other known Spanish artists like Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí.
- Visit Las Ventas, where the monumental Plaza de Toros (bullring) sits and you can see toreros (bullfighters) show their talents from March to October and enjoy concerts and other big events throughout the year.
- Feel the passion for fútbol at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, the home of the club Real Madrid.
- Palacio Real, the official residence of His Majesty the King of Spain, is also open to tourists to view the home of amazing architecture, artwork, armor collections and a huge, spectacular garden.
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- Be sure to start your day with
the local delicacy chocolate con churros (hot chocolate with a
fried-dough pastry-based snack comparable to doughnuts) for breakfast.
- Stop-by at the numerous cafes
and restaurants and order tapas, small plates of appetizer like foods
enjoyed with good wine and company, making it a perfect way to catch up
with your friends.
- Sunday afternoons are perfect for doing some
shopping at El Rastro, a flea market where you can find almost
everything you can imagine and Plaza Mayor, the place to do the
shopping for souvenirs.
- Take a small break from the hectic city and visit
Casa de Campo, a huge park in the middle of the city, five times the
size of New York’s Central Park and complete with a zoo, amusement
park, and cable car across the park.
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History of Madrid
 Madrid’s first written history describes Mehmed I building a small citadel and naming the town al-Majrīt, which means “water source,” and eventually evolved into Madrid. The citadel was taken over in the 11th Century which led to Islamic architecture being re-consecrated as Christian churches. Similar to that of Andalucia in Southern Spain, the Islamic influences have remained and have additionally seen a recent revival. The city of Madrid was assimilated into the Kingdom of Castillo; eventually the feud between the Kingdoms of Castillo and Aragón was settled and modern Spain was formed by Charles I in the 16th Century. Under the Dictatorship of Franco, Madrid underwent an extensive migration into the Southern sections, resulting in a poor but intense cultural boom. In recent years Madrid has seen a rise in prosperity, hosting some of the world’s most profitable businesses, including Teléfonica, and the world’s largest collection of paintings at the Prado Museum.
Go to Spanish Courses
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5. The City
