Madrid may be known for its constant hustle and bustle, but its inhabitants are dedicated to leisure, and tourists love to lap up its sports, gastronomy, arts and performances.
Theatre, dance, music, opera and zarzuela (a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre) are all thriving in the Spanish capital, which boasts around 100 theatres. The Teatro Real, La Zarzuela, Reina Victoria, Nuevo Alcala and the legendary Maravillas are worth checking out, as well as the stages in Gran Via, which usually feature musicals.
"Slow food" has taken over the food scene, but thousands of restaurants offer everything from international to avant-garde and fusion, Mediterranean and vegetarian.
For a tipple, try pubs such as La Ardosa, where time appears to have stopped in the early 20th century. For more "cool" joints, sample those of the Larrumba group - Marieta, Perrachica, Peyote San, which provide a rich culinary diversity ranging from the traditional pintxo bars to Michelin star establishments.
If there is a major attraction in the capital, it is the Santiago Bernabeu, the epicentre of one of the most iconic Spanish brands abroad: Real Madrid. Other attractions, mainly for foreign tourists, include flamenco "tablaos" dispersed throughout the city, such La Quimera, Torres Bermejas, Las Tablas and Cardamomo.
You can't miss the renowned Corral de la Moreria, which in its 60 years of history has witnessed performances of the biggest names in Flamenco.
For shopping, head to Central Almond on the Golden Mile of Salamanca District for the big brands. For a more traditional experience, sample markets such as El Rastro, Las Ranas and Mercado de Motores.
When it comes to museums, the El Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza are home to more than 36,000 works, including those by Zurbaran, Velazquez, Goya, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Miro and Dali.
To feel the day-to-day pulse of the city, walk through popular districts Las Letras, Latina, Malasana and Chueca, taking in the small businesses, bars and markets that encapsulate daily life in the capital.
For an escape from the bustle, seek out El Retiro and the Casa de Campo parks, where you can take boat rides, lie on the grass or enjoy a picnic. For children, Madrid Rio has open air, free spaces for play.
But be sure to find a terrace or plaza to watch Madrid gain its second wind that gushes through as evening descends.You need time to ponder the night options.
Theatre, dance, music, opera and zarzuela (a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre) are all thriving in the Spanish capital, which boasts around 100 theatres. The Teatro Real, La Zarzuela, Reina Victoria, Nuevo Alcala and the legendary Maravillas are worth checking out, as well as the stages in Gran Via, which usually feature musicals.
"Slow food" has taken over the food scene, but thousands of restaurants offer everything from international to avant-garde and fusion, Mediterranean and vegetarian.
For a tipple, try pubs such as La Ardosa, where time appears to have stopped in the early 20th century. For more "cool" joints, sample those of the Larrumba group - Marieta, Perrachica, Peyote San, which provide a rich culinary diversity ranging from the traditional pintxo bars to Michelin star establishments.
If there is a major attraction in the capital, it is the Santiago Bernabeu, the epicentre of one of the most iconic Spanish brands abroad: Real Madrid. Other attractions, mainly for foreign tourists, include flamenco "tablaos" dispersed throughout the city, such La Quimera, Torres Bermejas, Las Tablas and Cardamomo.
You can't miss the renowned Corral de la Moreria, which in its 60 years of history has witnessed performances of the biggest names in Flamenco.
For shopping, head to Central Almond on the Golden Mile of Salamanca District for the big brands. For a more traditional experience, sample markets such as El Rastro, Las Ranas and Mercado de Motores.
When it comes to museums, the El Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza are home to more than 36,000 works, including those by Zurbaran, Velazquez, Goya, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Miro and Dali.
To feel the day-to-day pulse of the city, walk through popular districts Las Letras, Latina, Malasana and Chueca, taking in the small businesses, bars and markets that encapsulate daily life in the capital.
For an escape from the bustle, seek out El Retiro and the Casa de Campo parks, where you can take boat rides, lie on the grass or enjoy a picnic. For children, Madrid Rio has open air, free spaces for play.
But be sure to find a terrace or plaza to watch Madrid gain its second wind that gushes through as evening descends.You need time to ponder the night options.
Source: AAP
