For your next holiday destination, consider Madrid, the capital of Spain. Consisting of dreamy boulevards, rich European art, decadent food, and historical places, this city has so much to offer.
Many factors make Madrid so special, including a blend of past and present, and you’ll want to explore all of them as much as you can before your vacation comes to an end. Enjoy the sights and bites of the city by considering a walking tour of Madrid and feel engulfed in the culture.
So, what exactly is there to see, and what makes it so special?
History of Madrid
In history, Madrid is known for being occupied by French troops during the Napoleonic War, when Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother Joseph was on the throne. On May 2, 1808, there was a mass uprising against Joseph, leading to what the Spaniards call the “Guerra de la Independencia,” or “War of Independence.”
The war was part of the cause of Napoleon’s downfall, as he blamed the war for his defeat in Europe. The war also sparked the emergence of a liberal ideology that played a significant role in Spanish history.
Today, Madrid is a spectacular city that matches Spain’s lively and exciting energy. All the while, it consists of a simple, relaxed style, which many visitors and locals are attracted to.
Exploring Madrid
Just because Madrid consists of a laid-back lifestyle, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth exploring. The city has tons to offer, such as its many architectural wonders.
For example, Madrid features a world heritage site, “Landscape of Arts and Sciences,
added to the UNESCO World Heritage list on July 25, 2021. The site consists of the Paseo del Prado and El Retiro Park and is recognized for its outstanding universal value in culture, science, and nature. It was the first historic urban landscape in Europe to be named a World Heritage Site.
Other well-known sites include two plazas; the plaza Mayor and the Puerto del Sol. Plaza Mayor was once the centre of Old Madrid, but now it is a grand central square consisting of spots to eat food or drink coffee, shop, watch street artists, and start your walk around one of Madrid’s most charming districts. Puerto del Sol, the “Sun’s Gate,” is known to be one of the most renowned central squares in the city, as it’s home to many of Madrid’s landmarks, like Kilometer zero- a stone slab that marks the point from which the distance of Spain’s national roads is measured. It’s also the starting ng point for Madrid’s numbered streets.
If you’re looking to enjoy the casual scene Madrid has to offer, visit one of their plenty parks. Casa de Campo, El Retiro Park, and Madrid Rio are some of the best-known green areas. However, almost every neighbourhood you’ll stumble upon has some sort of park, square, or community garden to enjoy.
And who can pass up on the opportunity to dine on some of the most delicious food in the world? Spanish cuisine has made its way across the globe. Some of Madrid’s best-known local specialities are callos a la madrileña (tripe stew), cocido madrileño (a multi-course stew made with chickpeas, meat, and veggies), and oreja a la plancha (grilled pork ear). You’ll be able to find these delicacies in traditional restaurants in Madrid, especially in the squares. Generally speaking, one of Spain’s most famous dishes is paella, a rice dish cooked in a big, shallow pan that can contain meat or seafood.
What else makes Madrid so iconic is that along with its popular troves, it has some hidden gems that display some of the city’s vibrant culture and lifestyle. You can walk down narrow alleys to find local tapas, bars and artisan markets.
Some secretive gems are even in plain sight, you just wouldn’t realize it. For example, what was once a slaughterhouse located along the Manzanares River has now turned into a cultural centre, Matadero Madrid, which hosts contemporary art, theatre, and cinema. The transformation from an industrial site to a cultural space plays on the symbolization of Madrid’s ability to blend the old with the new.
Looking for nightlife? Visit Malasaña, known for its trendy vibe. In this borough, you’ll find many secretive rooftop bars where you can sip on tasty cocktails and enjoy gorgeous views of the city. The bars also give you a peak of Madrid’s social life, offering a space to relax that’s not in one of their parks, but instead overlooking them.