Madrid Holidays

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.