Madrid has countless tourist routes. So it would be impossible to summarise everything that can be done in Madrid in a short review like this. You can't help but extend your stay in the capital to enjoy all the art, culture, adventure and of course all the shopping!
The old town of Madrid, with its cathedrals, palaces and squares, is a reminder of the power and glory that imperial Spain had at its peak. Plaza de Oriente is an ideal place to start the day... From here you can walk to the Palacio Real (the official residence of the King) and the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Almudena. In front of these two impressive buildings you can stroll through the beautiful Sabatini Gardens and from there go to the Plaza de Ópera, where you will find the fabulous theatre Teatro Real de Madrid.
Strolling along the popular Arenal, currently pedestrian-only, head to the stately Plaza Mayor and stop at the Mercado de San Miguel, a historic market whose trendy restaurants offer you the best of Madrid cuisine. Or you can visit Retiro Park or the gardens of Campo del Moro, two well-preserved green zones where you can relax.
Next to the Retiro are the Puerta de Alcalá and the Fuente de Cibeles, two monuments that are a must in Madrid. Not to forget, if you like walking, try a stroll along the famous Calle Alcalá, the longest in all of Madrid at more than 10 kilometres. Following the Paseo de la Castellana to the north is the Salamanca neighbourhood, one of the most glamorous in Madrid, with its gourmet market Platea Madrid and important monuments such as the Palacio de Linares, the National Library and the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas. Chamartín, even further north, is one of the residential areas that is home to the National Music Auditorium, the Plaza de Castilla and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Even compared to other European capitals, Madrid's art collections are exceptional. Leave your hotel in Madrid early to spend the morning at the Prado Museum, Spain's finest art museum. It houses collections of painters such as Goya, Velázquez and El Greco, as well as other European painters. The most important works include Las Meninas by Velázquez and Goya's depiction of the uprisings in Madrid against French rule in 1808.
That's not all! In addition, right next to the Prado Museum there are two other very important museums at an international level: the Reina Sofía Museum, which houses Picasso's Guernica, and a collection of contemporary art, mainly from the Iberian Peninsula. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum houses one of the most impressive private collections of European art in the world, covering a wide range of styles, eras and countries. These fabulous museums also offer you the possibility of free admission on certain days. If you want to learn about history, be sure to visit the Madrid History Museum. In addition, the capital has many theatres, a deep-rooted cultural activity that allows you to enjoy the most popular plays and musicals, as well as other varied attractions and shows.
Don't miss the events, fairs and congresses that regularly take place at the IFEMA – Trade Fair in Madrid exhibition centre, located just a few kilometres from Madrid Barajas Airport. For this, there is nothing better than staying at our budget hotel B&B HOTEL Madrid Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3, a fantastic three-star hotel located just 10 minutes away by car from the exhibition centre.
Check out the incredible shopping in Madrid – an absolute must during your stay in this city. On Sundays, visit the “Rastro”, a market where all kinds of goods are sold. If you are interested in fashion, be sure to visit Calle Fuencarral or Preciados. And if you want to discover the most elegant shops in the capital, head to the so-called “Golden Mile” in the heart of the Salamanca district, where you will find the most exclusive fashion.
For foodies, a tapas route through Madrid is a must. The popular district of La Latina and especially Calle Cava Baja are the heart of Madrid's tapas scene. When visiting old Madrid, the districts of Sol, Malasaña, Chueca and Huertas also have a lot to offer. The gastronomic offer is varied and the house specialities range from sausages and omelettes to cod and shrimp. The best option in these cases is to stay in one of the centrally located B&B HOTELS, such as our B&B HOTEL Madrid Centro Puerta del Sol, B&B HOTEL Madrid Centro Plaza Mayor, B&B HOTEL Apartamentos Madrid Centro Fuencarral 46 and B&B HOTEL Madrid Centro Fuencarral 52, all located at the heart of the city.
Once your appetite for tapas has been satisfied, you can go out and enjoy Madrid's nightlife. Gran Vía is a good starting point with a wide selection of bars and clubs. If you book your hotel in Madrid for mid-May, you can enjoy a few weeks of festivities as the city comes alive for the festival of San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid. Between fireworks, bullfights and processions through the streets, enjoy the amazing and magical atmosphere in the centre of Madrid during the festivities. Animal lover also have plenty on offer and we always recommend a visit to the Madrid Zoo Aquarium.
If we have convinced you that your next trip should be to the capital of Spain, check out B&B HOTELS' suggestions to find hotel deals in Madrid today!
B&B HOTELS offers affordable hotel deals in Madrid, both in the Madrid city centre and in the surrounding areas, including hotels near Atocha train station and Barajas airport. Our range of affordable hotels in Madrid is very extensive and includes all types of rooms. Our guests enjoy excellent facilities at very affordable prices, including free Wi-Fi, parking, air conditioning and breakfast. If you are looking for affordable hotels in Madrid, do not hesitate to book your room with B&B HOTELS. Whatever your budget, at B&B HOTELS you will always find an excellent offer that suits your pocket and needs.
If you arrive by plane to the capital and want to stay in a hotel near Madrid Barajas airport, from B&B HOTELS we offer you two excellent options, such as our B&B HOTEL Madrid Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 and B&B HOTEL Madrid Aeropuerto T4. These two modern hotels are located very close to the airport and are wonderfully connected to the road and public transport, as bus stops are very close by. And if you need to organise a seminar, conference or any other type of event, our B&B HOTELS also have splendid and spacious meeting rooms at your disposal.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel with parking in the surroundings of Madrid, offering easy access to the capital, have a look at our B&B HOTEL Madrid Fuenlabrada and B&B HOTEL Madrid Getafe.
Don't wait any longer to book your hotel in Madrid. The capital is waiting for you.