The Plaza Mayor is historic centre of Madrid. The plaza has had a turbulent and varied life, acting as an early bull fighting arena, seat of executions during the inquisitions, twice completely burnt to the ground but ultimately witnessed the formation of the great city. Thankfully today the plaza is traffic free and is a mixing pot of tourist, locals and street performers.

Madrid is an art lovers paradise with three great museums forming “Golden Triangle of Art”. The Thyssen Bornemisza Museum houses one of Europe most extensive private collections of 1,600 paintings.

The collection is famed for its early European paintings by Italian artists Duccio and his predecessors. If only one art museum can be visited while in Madrid the Museo del Prado should be the first choice, but second should be the Thyssen Bornemisza.

The beautiful Royal Palace (Palacio Real) stands to the western of Madrid, built to be fire proof with no wood structure but massive stone walls. It was from here that the Spanish royal court ruled the entire empire while reveled in a lavish life style.

The massive palace of 2,800 rooms has 29 which have been opened for tourists that display the royal courts finest art and relics in stunning state rooms, to read more….

The Museo del Prado is possible Europe’s fines art museum with an unbelievable array of paintings and sculptures that were acquired by the Spanish court or owned by Spain as a country.

On display are 1,300 items, with many thousands more still in storage, that include works by Goya, Titian, Bosch, Rubens and of course Spain’s most celebrated artist Velazquez.

The sheer size and amount of items can bewilder the causal tourist and the only method to fully appreciate the vast collection by multiple short visits. The most important paint in the collection is Las Meninas by Velazquez.

Why is Madrid such a popular European city with tourist and visitors even though it has few famous or standout landmarks or attractions?

The simple answer is that Madrid is loved for its atmosphere and not its sights or history. The food served in the family run tapas bars is stunning, with meals focusing on socialising.

Bars, as they slowly open, are trendy and most importantly fun while the nightlife is fantastic. Madrid is a city that knows how to party and enjoy itself.

The capital may have matured since the 1990s hedonistic days but part of the atmosphere lingers on and this is what makes tourist adore the city.

Madrid Holiday Guide