Five Things You Have to Do in Lively Madrid
As the capital of Spain for the past four-hundred years, Madrid has a host of diverse attractions and is the nerve center of Spanish culture. With so much to see, time is always an issue in the metropolis of six million people. Thus, to make your Madrid adventure a memorable one, plan a number of essential activities ahead of time. Here are five things you absolutely must do while in the Spanish capital:
Try the Local Food
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Probably the easiest and most pleasurable “task” on our list, the best local cuisine of the city is steps away from your Madrid hotel. Restaurants in the city serve dinner notoriously late for non-Madrileños and provide a sumptuous array of options for gourmets to savor. Madrid is a sophisticated food city, with superb native cuisine and indeed, cuisine from around the world.
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From Basque to Andalusian, you’ll find a variety of Spanish culinary styles on menus in Madrid. Cocido Madrileño stew, sopa de ajo (garlic soup) and tortilla de patata are just a few of the delicious dishes you positively must try on your next trip to the capital of Spain. If you’re too busy sightseeing, you can stop by one of the city’s Fast Good outlets or hit up a local market for fresh, quality fast-food.
Visit the Prado Museum
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Renowned as one of the greatest art museums in the world, the Prado is among the most popular tourist spots in Madrid. With over 4,800 Spanish paintings on display, dating back to the Romanesque period, Museo del Prado is one of the best places to admire the works of artists such as Diego Velasquez, El Greco or Francisco Goya.
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The history of the Prado began in 1785, under the rule of King Charles III, who wanted to create a complete Spanish art gallery under one roof. His wish didn’t come true until the reign of his grandson, Ferdinand VII, who, encouraged by his wife, inaugurated the Royal Museum of Painting and Sculptures. Fast-forward to present day and the Prado Museum houses one of the finest collections of European art, with thousands of works collected from all over the continent.
See a Bullfight
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One of the most controversial practices of our time, bullfighting remains a vital part of Spanish culture. The murky origins of the “corrida” date back to ancient sacrificial rituals and perhaps even, Imperial Roman spectacles. The first official bullfight in Spain may have taken place in the 12th century during coronation ceremonies for King Alfonso VIII. Once the domain of the aristocracy, bullfighting was banned by King Felipe V in the early 18th century, who believed it set a bad example for the masses. The public eventually took up the sport as its own and the popularity of bullfighting soared.
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Today, thousands of fans flock to local arenas every week during the season and it’s estimated that all told, corrida spectators number over one million each year. Dressed in traditional brightly-colored costumes, complete with magenta cape, the bullfighter mesmerizes the public (and hopefully the bull) with smooth moves and accurate strokes.
Go to a Football Match
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Even if you’ve never watched a football match in your life, you’ve probably heard of Real Madrid. One of the most famous football club on Earth, Real has a worldwide fan-base. For some, a trip to Madrid without a Real Madrid pilgrimage at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is like going to Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower.
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The history of Real Madrid and the Bernabeu is impressive but the atmosphere on match day is even better. Being among tens of thousands of passionate fans, constantly singing and encouraging the team, will give you goose bumps.
See a Flamenco Show
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Flamenco is a traditional style of music and dance, originally practiced by the gypsies of Andalusia. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but the Islamic invasion of 711 is believed to have left its mark on Flamenco, transforming it into the unique art form it is today.
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Flamenco may have been born in Andalusia, but nowadays some of the best dance schools and shows are found in Madrid. The most popular way of experiencing Flamenco is “tablaos”, where guests sit at a table and enjoy a meal, while a dancer performs. A number of bars and theaters in Madrid however, provide less expensive ways of discovering the beauty of Flamenco.