Experiences in Madrid, Spain

For the Art Lover: Spain is known for its many famous artists who have spent time and were influenced by the area such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. Madrid is famous for its three impressive Art Galleries - Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (also known as the Reina Sofia), Museo Nacional Del Prado (usually referred to as the Prado) and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. These three art museums are called the 'Golden Triangle' offering some of the most impressive artworks representing some of the most influential artists in the world.

For the Romantic: What says romance more than castles on windswept mountains, royal palaces and meals in beautiful situated restaurants with nightly Flamenco shows. Madrid offers romance in every corner - couples can be seen throughout the city enjoying the sights and sounds both in the evening and in the day. Take a tour through the Palacio Real with its thousand rooms and view of the city and river below. The garden below the palace also offers shady trails with large trees, peacocks, budgies, blooming roses, fountains and benches to sit and steal the occasional kiss. Make your way to The Retiro Park on edge of Madrid. Encompassing 320 acres, romantics can enjoy the wide, tree lined pathways, the beautiful rose garden, enjoy the Palacio de Cristal and take a rowboat out onto the lake located in the centre of the Park.

For the Ethnic Experience: What says Spain more than Bull Fights? One of the most famous bull fighting rings, La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas del Espiritu Santo (usually referred to as Las Ventas) is located in Downtown Madrid. Visitors can see authentically dressed matadors fighting bulls. During the months of May and June the San Isidro Bullfight Festival takes place with some of them most famous matadors taking part. In the centre of the city, enjoy the Plaza Mayor, a large square with dozens of restaurants, shops and stalls. Try authentic Tapas and enjoy the atmosphere - on the weekends hobbyists set up stalls and sell everything from coins to stamps. Not far from the Plaza, the El Rastro Flea Market - one of the most famous in the world sees thousands of people browsing through hundreds of stalls.

Madrid offers activities ranging from the artistic to the ethnic. With its dozens of museums, wide streets and interesting historic buildings there is something for everyone. An amazing city to visit, Madrid offers an experience unique to south-western Europe and gives visitors the chance to enjoy Spain and what it offers year round.