Getting Around Madrid
The Spanish capital of Madrid is a tourist haven that offers its visitors the best sceneries, attractions and an unrivalled nightlife. Walking around the streets of Madrid is a testimony of its rich heritage and culture. If you want a taste of life in a vibrant city, Madrid should be at the top of your must-see list of travel destinations.
Travelling to Madrid
Flying to Madrid means having to go through, Barajas International Airport, which is fifteen to twenty minutes away from the city. From there, you can take the Metro line eight or a take a taxi to the city. Before leaving the airport, make sure to have your money changed to Euros, which is the country’s form of currency.
If you happen to be in Lisbon, Portugal or Paris, France, you can conveniently take a train to get to the Spanish capital.
Getting Around Madrid
Madrid makes it easy for its tourists to get around the city. Using the Metro de Madrid is your best bet, especially if you’re new to the city. But don’t count on them on a Friday or Saturday night. Take the EMT buses instead. If you plan to stay a whilst in the city, it’s best to get an Abono Turistico or a tourist pass, which are available in versions of one to seven days usage. These passes can be used on the Metro and on EMT buses.
Taxis are available everywhere in the city and are also convenient ways to go around Madrid.
The Sights of Madrid
Never leave Madrid without a visit to Museo del Prado or the Prado Museum which is known to have one of the world’s finest art collections and home to Madrid’s classical art collections. The museum boasts of paintings from Goya, El Greco and Caravaggio. The Prado Museum is located in Paseo del Prado.
After lunch, it’s best to spend the afternoon at El Retiro which is considered Madrid’s version of New York’s Central Park. The park has a boating lake here where you can hire a boat to go around. Or you can check out the Crystal Palace, which is a massive glass structure or the Forest of the Absent, which is a memorial for the 3/11 terrorist bombings. El Retiro is at the Plaza de Independencia.
Catch the sunset in Templo de Dobod, which is an Egyptian temple which served as a gift from Egypt when Spain played a part in saving one of Egypt’s important temples, Abu Simbel. The Templo de Dobod can be found in Paseo del Pintor Rosales.
The Sounds of Madrid
Madrid is famous for its dassling night life that starts late and ends until the early hours of the morning. When the weekends come, the time to start your round of copas (drinks) is around 11PM to 1AM. In fact, most clubs don’t open until those times.
Most tourists head to the Plaza de Santa Ana Huertas which is riddled with Irish pubs and the streets are lined with interesting bars. But for a much older crowd, there is La Latina near Casa Mayor and Cava Baja. For those who are into Punk or Rock, the Tribunal is the place to be. Check out Calle Malasana and La Via Lactea, where the vibe is always pumping.