Madrid - Do & See
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is a professional football club based at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid. Real Madrid is considered one of the best football clubs in the world, and they have won an impressive number of titles, both in Spain and abroad.
Santiago Bernabeu stadium was inaugurated in 1947 and has a capacity of more than 85.000 spectators. Three times the European Cup final has been held here.
Flamenco
Madrid is a city renowned all over the world for its excellent Flamenco performances, and the popular dance can be seen in several taverns and bars around the city. Enjoy a three course meal and after dinner, take in the magical shows.
Flamenco is not only a dance though, but also the song and music to which the dance is performed. It originated in Andalusia and is known mostly for song accompanied by guitar and complex techniques of foot stamping and hand clapping and the use of castanets.
The best place to go for a breathtaking exhibit of Flamenco is "Corral de la Moreria". They are famous for their Flamenco shows and also serve great dinner.
The Three Big Art Galleries
Madrid’s three major art galleries are all within a short walk of each other, and together they make up a magnificent display illuminating the history of Western art. Each one of the galleries is so large, that the Paseo del Arte triple ticket may seem like an invitation to exhaustion, however, once you have visited one, you have the rest of the year to visit in the other two!
Prado
The Prado is the most famous one. Since the gallery first opened almost two hundred years ago, its collections have grown. The best known works in this extravagant collection of masterpieces were already present in the original collection: Goya and Velázquez, Tizian, Rubens, and Bosch.
The Reina Sofia Museum
The third gallery in the trio, is housed in an enormous former hospital. The building dates from the mid-18th century, and has since added striking glass and steel external lifts. The collection consists mainly of Spanish works from the 20th century—the most famous of which is without doubt, Picasso’s ’Guernica.’
The Thyssen-bornemisza Museum
Thyssen-Bornemisza complements the Thyssen Prado and the Reina Sofia with works representing 17th century Dutch painting, Impressionism, Russian Constructivism, and pop art, amongst other styles.
Palacio Real
Madrid’s Royal Palace is a magnificent creation dating from 1764, built to replace the Alcázar castle that had burned down thirty years before. Visitors are given access to almost the entire palace, inlcuding the Armoury and Pharmacy.
El Escorial
The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is located about 50 kilometers northwest of Madrid. It was founded by Felipe II, and was built to commemorate the victory at the Battle of San Quintín. The work began in 1563 and was finished by 1584. Its location is said to be decided on the advice of astrologers, doctors, philosophers, quarrymen, theologians and architects.
El Escorial was built on the idea of maintaining the symmetry and austerity, while also showing the power of the crown of Spain. It has many monuments, such as the servants quarters, the Queen’s quarters, the Infante’s (or Upper) house, and the Prince’s (or Lower) house.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial is one of the most visited places in the Community of Madrid.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is the main square in Madrid, measuring approximately 130 by 95 meters. There are no less than nine entrances to this majestic plaza and it is a great place to sit down, have a coffee and watch the tourists stroll by.
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol means Gate of the Sun and is the most famous square in Madrid. It is a common place to meet up with friends and at night time it fills up with loads of people. It is also a good reference point when choosing accommodation, because everything is close to Puerta del Sol.
