Madrid Travelers Recommend

Travelers who make their way to the city of Madrid between May and September will find plenty of opportunities to check out art, culture and history in this iconic Spanish destination. Madrid offers visitors an all-access pass to top landmarks with a popular hop-on hop-off bus tour option. These no-hassle offerings allow travelers to visit the major attractions without having to worry about transport, navigation or parking. Food and wine lovers can enjoy Madrid’s culinary delights at outdoor cafes and tapas bars on specialized tours focusing on regional cuisine and drink. Or opt for a traditional flamenco show for an evening featuring some of the best entertainment Madrid has to offer. Art enthusiasts can tour the city’s popular museums, including the Prado Museum, while football fans can catch a match at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Those wanting a bird’s-eye view of Spain’s beautiful countryside can embark on a hot air balloon ride over Toledo or Segovia.

Madrid often attracts the best talent, and the most impressive shows. Here are some of the top spots in the city to witness some of the finest flamenco around.CardamomoOpen since 1994, Cardamomo puts on perhaps one of the most authentic flamenco shows in the city, and in a relatively intimate venue. Their show typically features a wide range of artists.Casa PatasOpen since 1985, this tablao is located in the gritty Lavapies neighborhood, and offers up a carefully selected lineup each week in extra-rustic and intimate setting.Las CarbonerasThis small venue, tucked away on a side street near Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel, features a show of improvisational dance that gives it an ultra-soulful flare.Corral de la MoreríaThe most prestigious flamenco destination in the city, attracting prestigious dancers and often an even more prestigious crowd . The venue is large, but the traditional décor provides a cozy vibe.

Spain’s most magnificent art museum, El Museo del Prado, features a rich collection of Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, and covers everything from Bosch to Botticelli. Madrid City sightseeing tours and city passes include free entry to the Prado. The Centro de Arte Reina Sofia contains fantastic cubist works, Miró, Dali, and Kandinsky, and Pablo Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica. The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza collection includes Van Gogh, Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, and pop art. Stroll in the former Royal Park El Retiro, and football fans take a pilgrimage to Santiago Bernabeu Real Madrid stadium. Bullfighting takes place at the grand Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas on Sunday evenings. La Casa Botín is the oldest restaurant on earth, and its cochinillo (suckling pig) is legendary. The nightlife in Madrid is like nowhere else – the vibe starts around 2am and keeps going until dawn.