Madrid Holidays

Museum hopping, tapas tasting and flamenco dancing – you can tick off all three on a holiday to Madrid.

A dose of Spanish culture

City breaks to Madrid go big on museums, art and nightlife. Throw fine food and traditional entertainment into the mix, and it’s no surprise that the Spanish capital’s a hit with culture vultures. It may be a modern city, but there’s plenty of historic charm to be found in the labyrinth streets of Madrid’s medieval quarter. At the heart of it all, you’ll find Plaza Mayor. Over the years, this centuries-old square was the backdrop for some of the city’s most important events. These days, it’s better known for its markets, tavernas and tapas bars.

World-class art

Madrid’s art scene’s world-renowned, and you can dive right into it at the city’s top three galleries – the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Together, they make up what’s become known as the Golden Triangle of Art. Pay them a visit, and you’ll get a glimpse of some of the world’s best collections of European paintings and sculptures – the Prado Museum alone houses more than nine thousand.

A city that never sleeps

Soaking up Madrid’s culture doesn’t have to be reserved for the daytime. In fact, the city really comes to life in the evenings, so you might want to make time for a siesta. Late night tapas-tasting and traditional flamenco shows are a possibility seven days a week. The shops along Grand Via and even some museums stay open ‘til late. And if sunsets and sangria are more your thing, you can stop by one of the swish rooftop bars that are scattered all over the city.

At a glance

Take a stroll through UNSECO-listed Retiro Park
Admire stacks of Spanish art at the Prado Museum
Sip sangria at an authentic flamenco show

Day trips for beach lovers

Despite being a landlocked city, beachgoing isn’t off-limits on a holiday to Madrid. You’re only a few hours away from the nearest coastal stretch of sand, and nearby rivers provide plenty of places to swim and sunbathe inland, too.
The big beach

If you’re in need of a bit of sea air, head over to La Malvarrosa Beach in Valencia. It’s a couple of hours away from Madrid by train, so day trips are doable. And it’s popular thanks to its lively promenade, fine sand, family-friendly facilities and Blue Flag status.
The secret beach

If you don’t want to travel far for a beach day, Lancha del Yelmo could be just what you’re after. This reservoir sits just an hour’s drive outside of Madrid, and it’s surrounded by tree-carpeted hillsides. People come here from all over Spain to swim, canoe and fish in the waters of the Alberche River.

Bargain Buys

Bargain Buys
If searching for bargains is your thing, El Rastro’s not to be missed. It’s the city’s most popular flea market, held every Sunday on Plaza de Cascorro and the surrounding streets. Vendors offer up everything from second-hand clothing to electronics, and you can even get your hands on antiques.
Mid-Range Buys

Mid-Range Buys
Madrid’s best-known street, Gran Vía, is the ideal spot for some retail therapy. All the high street favourites like H&M, Zara and Primark have set up shop here. There are loads of restaurants and bars thrown into the mix, too, so you can sample local wine and tapas while you take a break from shopping.
Designer Buys

Designer Buys
Calle de Serrano is a must-visit if you’re looking for designer shops. The southern half of this three-kilometre-long street plays host to luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Some of them sit inside big malls, which are also packed with restaurants.

Laid-back evenings

Laidback evenings
For a low-key night out, head to one of Madrid’s many rooftop bars, grab a cocktail and watch the sunset. Most are free to enter. And no matter where you go, the city’s classic buildings are sure to provide a picturesque backdrop.
Lively evenings

Lively evenings
Madrid’s known as the capital of flamenco, so no trip would be truly complete without seeing a show. Head to a theatre to catch a grand performance, or join the locals at one of the city’s popular flamenco tablaos.

Cocido madrileño

Locals and tourists can’t get enough of this meat and vegetable stew. It’s traditionally made with pork and chickpeas, which are simmered for hours for a robust flavour. Although it sounds like a winter comfort food, you’ll find plenty of places in Madrid serving this up all year round.
Huevos Rotos

This popular Spanish dish literally translates to ‘broken eggs’, and you’ll find it on most tapas menus in Madrid. It starts off with freshly fried potatoes topped with lightly sizzled eggs, and it’s often finished with a sprinkling of chorizo, ham or other meat.
Bocadillo de calamares

This fried squid sandwich is a must-try when in Madrid. It’s a simple-but-tasty sandwich made up of crusty bread and deep-fried squid rings. You can add a squeeze of garlic mayonnaise or tomato puree for an extra burst of flavour – and for the full experience, don’t forget to wash it down with a cold b
Churros

If you’re got a sweet tooth, no trip to Madrid would be complete without digging in to a portion of churros. And luckily you’ll find plenty of street food stalls dishing them up here. The deep-fried strips of dough are usually served with a pot of steaming hot melted chocolate for dipping.
Tortilla de patatas

You’ll find this potato omelette dish served up all over Spain, and there are all sorts of variations of it on offer in the capital. Whether you prefer yours with caramelised onions, spicy sausage or colourful peppers, you’ll be able to grab a portion from one of Madrid’s many cafés or tapas bars.