Explore Madrid
Madrid is one of the major cultural centres of the world. In this section you will be able to explore the possibilities in the city, ranging from concise but sometimes unknown aspects of our larger museums to visits to other museums, smaller but fascinating, as well as art galleries, theatres, auditoriums, foundations… All so that you know where to find culture.
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The Prado Museum
From its privileged location surrounded by trees and some of Madrid´s greatest monuments, the National Museum of the Prado is one of the most visited attractions in the capital. The museum is home to the most important Spanish painting collection in the world.
“Las Meninas” by Velázquez
Courtesy: Madrid Convention Bureau (EMPRESA MUNICIPAL PROMOCIÓN DE MADRID
ÁREA DE GOBIERNO DE ECONOMÍA Y EMPLEO AYUNTAMIENTO DE MADRID)
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The Thyssen-Bornemisza, with almost 1,000 works of art, is extraordinarily located in a cultural and artistic itinerary that is unique in the world. Come to the museum and enjoy a privileged tour of seven centuries of European painting, from its origins in the 13th century to the end of the 20th.
“Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni”, by Domenico Ghirlandaio
Courtesy: Madrid Convention Bureau (EMPRESA MUNICIPAL PROMOCIÓN DE MADRID
ÁREA DE GOBIERNO DE ECONOMÍA Y EMPLEO AYUNTAMIENTO DE MADRID)
Reina Sofía Museum
Works by Dali, Miró and Juan Gris join Picasso’s Guernica on a fascinating journey through the history of contemporary art. The new scheme that commenced in 2009 contrasts works from different painters, origins, periods and subjects, thus illustrating different facets of the avant-garde.
Part of “Guernica”, by Pablo Ruiz Picasso
Courtesy: Madrid Convention Bureau (EMPRESA MUNICIPAL PROMOCIÓN DE MADRID
ÁREA DE GOBIERNO DE ECONOMÍA Y EMPLEO AYUNTAMIENTO DE MADRID)
Historical Buildings
Discover the buildings and monuments that you cannot miss in the city. From the most emblematic ones to those that at times might be overlooked but should definitely be noticed.
Royal Palace And Royal Armoury
Home to the Kings of Spain from Carlos III all the way through to Alfonso XIII, Madrid´s Royal Palace is now open to anyone who wants to take a trip through Spanish history. Visitors can wander through the many rooms, enjoying the beautiful architecture and the art collection still housed here.
Palacio Real. Courtesy: Madrid Convention Bureau (EMPRESA MUNICIPAL PROMOCIÓN DE MADRID
ÁREA DE GOBIERNO DE ECONOMÍA Y EMPLEO AYUNTAMIENTO DE MADRID)
Catedral de la Almudena. Courtesy: Madrid Convention Bureau (EMPRESA MUNICIPAL PROMOCIÓN DE MADRID
ÁREA DE GOBIERNO DE ECONOMÍA Y EMPLEO AYUNTAMIENTO DE MADRID)
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is a symbol of Madrid and must not be missed. Building work began on this huge open area in the city centre in the 17th Century under the orders of Felipe III, whose bronze equestrian statue adorns the square. It was opened in 1620 and is rectangular in shape, with arcades running around the edges. This site used to be the venue for many public events, such as bullfights, processions, festivals, theatre performances, Inquisition trials and even capital executions. Underneath the arcades there are traditional shops, as well as a wealth of bars and restaurants.
Courtesy: Madrid Convention Bureau (EMPRESA MUNICIPAL PROMOCIÓN DE MADRID
ÁREA DE GOBIERNO DE ECONOMÍA Y EMPLEO AYUNTAMIENTO DE MADRID)
Puerta De Alcalá
This is one of the most well-known monuments in Madrid. Built between 1769 and 1778 under the orders of King Carlos III, it was designed by Francisco Sabatini and erected as a triumphal arch to celebrate the arrival of the monarch at the capital. The granite gate is 19.5 metres tall and is elegant and well-proportioned. The façade features a number of decorative elements with groups of sculptures, capitals, reliefs and masks, among others.
Courtesy: Madrid Convention Bureau (EMPRESA MUNICIPAL PROMOCIÓN DE MADRID
ÁREA DE GOBIERNO DE ECONOMÍA Y EMPLEO AYUNTAMIENTO DE MADRID)
Legendary Nightlife
The nightlife in Madrid is unique – there is nothing like it anywhere in the world. There are always places where you can go out, dance, laugh, talk, flirt… In Madrid, going out at night is a fountain of culture. There is something for everybody: from the most minimalist chill out bars to the most enticing clubs and Goth bars, from the questionable dives to the wildest afterhours clubs and nostalgic dancehalls.
Courtesy: Madrid Convention Bureau (EMPRESA MUNICIPAL PROMOCIÓN DE MADRID
ÁREA DE GOBIERNO DE ECONOMÍA Y EMPLEO AYUNTAMIENTO DE MADRID)
TERRACES IN MADRID
As the temperature rises, terraces begin to spread out over almost every paved space available. After an exhausting day´s work in the heat of the city, relax on a terrace where you can chat quietly with friends and enjoy a meal or a drink. This is the essence of Madrid in summer, and its many terraces offer something to satisfy all tastes.
Courtesy: Madrid Convention Bureau (EMPRESA MUNICIPAL PROMOCIÓN DE MADRID
ÁREA DE GOBIERNO DE ECONOMÍA Y EMPLEO AYUNTAMIENTO DE MADRID)
FLAMENCO IN MADRID
One thing is for sure: Madrid is the world capital of Flamenco. So that you can see for yourself, we suggest a tour to get a taste of the most authentic atmosphere. Tablaos and bars with live performances in which you can enjoy the best dance and the best music while sampling some tasty tapas.
Flamengo in Madrid
Courtesy: Madrid Convention Bureau (EMPRESA MUNICIPAL PROMOCIÓN DE MADRID
ÁREA DE GOBIERNO DE ECONOMÍA Y EMPLEO AYUNTAMIENTO DE MADRID)
LIVE MUSIC
Every night, venues pertaining to the Live Music Venues Association La Noche en Vivo host a wide range of live music shows. Everything from acclaimed to up-and-coming artists, singer-songwriters to rock bands, jazz concerts or electronic music sessions to enjoy music at its best (see more in www.lanocheenvivo.com)
