Madrid y Mucho Mas

The Madrilenos have gusto for the good things in life; their long lunches are legendary whilst in the evening they hop from one tapas bar to another. No wonder Hemingway found the city so congenial. This joie de vivre takes place against the backdrop of magnificent architecture, particularly in the Bourbon and medieval areas of Madrid. Much of the city’s interest lies within a concentrated area that can be easily explored on foot or by making use of the highly efficient underground system that also links up with attractions further afield, such as the enchanting ‘El Rastro’ flea market. All this apart however, it is as one of the world’s great museum cities that Madrid is probably most memorable.

The Prado’s 18th-century building houses works from most of the great masters including Rubens and Goya. The newest addition to the museum scene is the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia featuring mainly Spanish modern art, whilst at the Villahermosa Palace the renowned Von Thyssen collection can be enjoyed. To this list can be added the Bullfighting Museum, Army Museum and National Archaeology Museum. Finally, if all this art and architecture gets too much, there are the beautiful central parks – such as the Retiro Park and the exotic Botanical Gardens. Outside the city, but within a day’s exploration, are Toledo, Avila, Segovia and the El Escorial palace complex – undoubtedly ‘much more’ than is normally available during a weekend city break.