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Madrid
The central capital of Spain, it is a city of elegant boulevards and extensive and well-kept parks such as the Buen Retiro.
It is known for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum's works by Goya, Velázquez, and other Spanish masters.
It is the 1st Spanish metropolitan area in economic activity and the 10th. of Europe after London , Paris , Rhine-Ruhr , Amsterdam , Milan , Brussels , Moscow , Frankfurt am Main and Munich . The heart of old Habsburg Madrid is the Plaza Mayor.
Madrid
How to get to the center from the airport
Metro: There are two stations that connect the airport with the city, one at terminals T1-T2-T3 and another at terminal T4. The metro leaves you at the Nuevos Ministerios station, which is already in a central area of Madrid. To get to the center of Madrid (Puerta del Sol or Gran Vía) you have to make two transfers.
Train: The Barajas Airport train station is located at T4 and from there the C-1 Cercanías line takes you to Chamartín in just two stops, one more to Nuevos Ministerios, two more to Atocha, and four additional stops. you are at the end of the line, in Principe Pío.
Until the latter, at the other end of Madrid, it takes 39 minutes. Until Chamartín, with train and Metro stations, only 13 minutes, with trains arriving and leaving the Airport every 30 minutes.
Bus: urban, interurban and long-distance The bus service most promoted by the Madrid Municipal Transport Company (EMT) is the “Express Airport” or Line 20 3 , which departs from Atocha and only makes another two stops before arriving at terminal T1 (then it will also stop at T2 and T4) for a total journey of about 40 minutes.
Taxi: Taxi services from Madrid Airport to the city have a cost that ranges between 20 (less than 10 km of travel) and 30 Euros (more than 10 km of travel).
The taxis are white, with a diagonal red stripe on the door, with the Madrid coat of arms on it.
How to get around the city
The best rates will be offered by the Tourist Pass , what is it? a special transport ticket from the Madrid Transport Consortium designed for tourists visiting the city. This subscription is a personal card that you can purchase to use for one, two, three, five or seven days during your tourist visit of Madrid . When moving through these areas as a user of this bonus you can use the Metro , urban and interurban buses, RENFE commuter trains and the Light Metro, depending on the zones of the chosen season ticket.
From some of the Spanish cities you have the opportunity to make trips at AVE high-speed train , which reaches the Atocha Station .
If, on the other hand, you make a trip to Madrid by plane from another country, the AVE trains will allow you to visit some of the most attractive cities in Spain in a very comfortable and fast way, enjoying the sensation of traveling on a high-speed train. .
What to see in Madrid
It is an Egyptian temple dating from the second century before Christ, transported to Madrid. The temple was donated to Spain by the Egyptian government.
The most significant building in the central Main Square from Madrid is the one known as Bakery House. It will be very easy for you to recognize it, because in the uniform building that surrounds the square, the Bakery House It occupies the north side and shows us a colored facade with some paintings that represent mythological images.
During your stroll through the historic center of Madrid , next to the Main Square you will find this building that will catch your eye.
The beauty of the building and its historical value, as it is the last market built in iron that still remains in Madrid where you can savor Madrid delicacies.
It is one of the most outstanding churches that you will find between Sun Gate and the East square . Located in the Arenal street, you will recognize it by its exterior that maintains the typical brick and masonry facade of the Madrid temples of the Madrid de los Austrias, although its neoclassical interior will surprise you.
It is one of the hidden artistic corners in Madrid , of whose existence the majority of the people of Madrid themselves are not aware, you find it in the very central Plaza de la Paja de Madrid , behind the church of San Andrés, with which it forms the monumental complex of San Andrés.
It is one of the doors had the capital built in 1778 in neoclassical style. Is located on the Plaza de la Independencia, in front of the main entrance of the Retirement park.
It is the official residence of the King of Spain; however, the current kings do not live in it, but in the Palacio de la Zarzuela, which is why it is used for state ceremonies and solemn acts. It comprises more than 3,000 rooms, including: the main staircase with more than 70 steps.
It was inaugurated on November 10, 1819
It is one of the world's leading art galleries with works by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Titian, Rubens and Hieronymus Bosch, among others. It houses works of painters Spaniards of the Golden Age including Ribera, Zurbarán, Murillo and Velázquez, whose masterpieces Las Meninas and TheSeamstresses hang here.
This arcaded square located in the historic center of the city is the heart of Habsburg Madrid, the old part of the city and one of the most charming neighborhoods in the capital .
Transport: Metro Ópera (L2, L5, R), Sol (L1, L2, L3), Tirso de Molina (L1).
It is located in the center of the square to which it gives its name and is surrounded by the buildings of the Buenavista Palace , Linares Palace , Cibeles Palace and Bank of Spain . It has been standing on this square since 1782; She is the Great Mother of the Gods and the Roman goddess of fertility, on a chariot pulled by two lions.
Located in the Ride the Art, the Reina Sofía houses paintings by Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Juan Gris, as well as one of the most famous works of art in Spain, Guernica of Picasso and has one of the best collections of contemporary art in the world.
Is a conservatory located in the Buen Retiro park in Madrid . It was built in 1887 for the Philippine Exposition, held in the same year, then a Spanish colonial possession.
This bustling square located in the center of Madrid is one of the most famous places in the city. With its semi-circular shape, it is a crossroads for many of the city's busiest and historic streets, such as Mayor, Arenal, Alcalá and Preciados, as well as the starting point for all major radial roads in Spain.
Every Wednesday and Saturday you can enjoy the changing of the guard of the Royal Guard at the Prince's Gate of the Royal Palace. Four members of the Royal Guard are relieved of their posts: two foot soldiers and two horse soldiers dressed in their uniforms of dress similar to those used by the Spanish army during the reign of Alfonso XIII.
It is located in the center of one of the iconic squares in the center of Madrid, Cánovas de Castillo, in whose surroundings essential museums are concentrated, such as the Meadow and the Thyssen-Bornemisza , and luxurious hotels with a long history, the Ritz and the Palace.
Halfway between Main Square and the Almudena Cathedral , you will find this square that is key in the history of Madrid.
When you arrive at this totally pedestrian square, you will see that it is one of the few enclaves in the city that still maintains the flavor of medieval times.
Next to of the great monumental jewel that is the Royal Palace you will find is Cathedral.
It is the main ecclesiastical building in Madrid. Curiously, it has only been given the title of cathedral for a very short time, and houses the figure of the patron saint of Madrid, the Virgen de la Almudena.
Other places
It starts at the Alcala street and ends in the Spain square . It is an important landmark in the city since its construction at the beginning of the 20th century seen from the commercial, tourist and leisure point of view. The section between the saint louis network and the Callao square It currently houses numerous international fashion chain stores.
Madrid neighborhood of letters
Also called of the literati and of the muses, is an area without administrative entity of Madrid at Center district . Some of its most emblematic routes are the street of the Huertas , the Prado Street , the Echegaray street , and the squares of the angel and of Santa Ana .
La Latina neighborhood
It is a historic neighborhood in the district center from the center of Madrid , Spain . La Latina occupies the place of the oldest area of Madrid, the citadel islamic within the ramparts of the town , with narrow streets and large squares
Malasaña and Chueca neighborhood
The Malasaña neighborhood owes its name to a Madrilenian considered a heroine for her fight in the uprisings against the French on May 2, 1808, Manuela Malasaña. In fact, the neighborhood is built around a commemorative square of this historical event, the Plaza del Dos de Mayo.
Your neighbor Chueca is an area of central Madrid, named for its main square, Plaza de Chueca. It is known as the gay neighborhood of Madrid.
Moncloa neighborhood
The Moncloa Palace , located in the district, is the residence of the Prime Minister of Spain , and that is why in Spain "Moncloa" is sometimes confused with the central government. It is one of the best communicated areas of the capital, bus base that connects Madrid with all the municipalities in the west of Madrid, as well as university faculties.
Madrid Gastronomy
Madrid stew
This dish has it all, it is cheap, varied, complete and healthy, since it consists of a first course of noodle soup made with the broth from cooking the chickpeas, beef and bones, chicken or chicken, cabbage or green beans, bacon, chorizo and black pudding, which are served as a second course.
Taste the Madrid stew, in the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records, Casa Botín , founded in 1725 or the best known in the capital for this dish, the Malacatín Restaurant , on Calle Ruda n°8.
Gallinejas and Ins and Outs
The chickens they are guts mutton which are sold in establishments authorized for this purpose. Its consumption is located almost exclusively in Madrid . Formerly, the sale of this product was carried out in kiosks or popular shops.
Other original products result from the preparation of the chicken, such as the entresijos , the Pork rinds , strips, buttons or joints, which together with white gizzards, zarajos, chorrillos or fried potatoes, served according to tradition in the same source, make up the most unique, traditional and emblematic dish of Madrid gastronomy.
Callos a la madrileña
The callos a la madrileña are one of the most typical dishes of winter Madrid . It is made mainly with guts from cow which are generally offered in places existing near the butcher shops from the capital of Madrid.
Sea bream Madrid style
Madrid has the sea a bit far, however It has good fish being the most typical it is sea bream, a blue fish with a lot of lean meat, which becomes a delicacy.
Stewed oxtail
The stewed oxtail recipe originates from Córdoba, but due to the bullfighting tradition of Madrid and its San Isidro fair, one of the most important in the world, has been adopted this dish as typical of Madrid and is found in many restaurants in the capital.
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Capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia, of the Barcelonés region and the province of the same name. It is recognised as a global city for its cultural, financial, commercial and tourist importance. It has one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean and is also an important communications point between Spain and France, due to the connections by motorways and high-speed rail.
How to get there from the airport
Taxi: This service is recommended. You also have the option of private transfers , where someone will be waiting for you at the airport and take you to your accommodation.
Airbus: It takes you to Plaza de España, Plaza Universidad and Plaza Catalunya.
Train: leaves from terminal 2. Although I recommend you get the Barcelona Pass card T10 (10 trips) which can also be used by several people.
How to get around the city
I recommend the card mentioned in the previous point, multipersonal T10, which you can use in Metro , bus, trams that will allow you to have 10 trips by metro or bus through all the areas where the most interesting monuments are concentrated.
Another good option is to get the card Hello Barcelona, so you can have unlimited transportation on the days you are there.
What to see in Barcelona
Holy Family
It is Gaudí's masterpiece; it has been under construction for over 100 years and is expected to be completed in 2026.
It is very busy, especially during the summer months. If possible , book your skip-the-line ticket online.
To get to the Sagrada Familia by metro, the closest stop is “Sagrada Familia” on the blue and purple lines.
The Pedrera
This is the building that stands out the most on the entire Paseo de Gracia and you will find it on the corner of Calle Provenza. It was Gaudí's last civil work, before he was tragically killed by a tram. If you want to fully understand the architect's work, you will have no choice but to visit this place. To get to La Pedrera by metro, the closest stop is “Diagonal” on the green and blue lines.
Casa Batlló
The façade of Casa Batlló is a true marvel. Yet another example of the genius Gaudí's incredible imagination. What's more, the inside is also amazing. It's just over five minutes' walk from La Pedrera, so it's a must-see.
The nearest metro stop is Passeig de Gràcia. You can get there via the green, yellow and magenta lines.
Park Guell
It is one of those places that have a special charm. Besides being a beautiful place, the magic touch comes from the street artists that you find playing in the park. They will liven up your walk with the sound of a Spanish guitar or a timid keyboard.
To get to Park Güell by metro, the closest stop is Lesseps. When you leave the station, don't forget to take the Passatge de Sant Josep de la Muntanya. The escalators are on this street.
Barcelona Cathedral
The Holy Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia —also called, instead of cathedral, Seo— is the Gothic cathedral of Barcelona, seat of the Archbishopric of Barcelona, in Catalonia, Spain.
Other places
Gothic Quarter , narrow streets, with secluded squares and charming corners. Around the impressive Cathedral there are medieval palaces such as the Casa dels Canonges, La Pia Almoina or Casa d´Ardiaca. The Plaça del Rei (square) brings together another maze of wonderful buildings such as the Palau Reial Mayor, the Chapel of Santa Ágata or the Museu d´Història de la Ciutat. For its part, the Plaça de Sant Jaume brings together important institutions such as the Palau de la Generalitat and the City Hall or Casa de la Ciutat. Do not forget the Church of La Mercè, patron saint of Barcelona and the Raval district.
Next to the Gothic Quarter, and also of medieval origin, lies the Barrio de la Ribera . Originally it was a gathering place for merchants and seafarers, but over time, magnificent mansions were also built.
Visit Montjuic and see the magic fountain.
Stroll down Passeig de Gracia , a paradise for lovers of architecture and the most important clothing stores, and is world-famous for being the street where Casa Batlló is located. The Barceloneta neighbourhood, walking to the Olympic Village. Walk along La Rambla, one of the arteries of the historic centre that leads to the Mediterranean.
Catalan gastronomy
In Barcelona you will enjoy modern, Mediterranean cuisine with an elegant presentation.
In addition, its restaurants will allow you to do so in unique and charming places such as a huge glass dome with views of the entire city or a large tower over the sea in the port . You will also have the chance to savour it in one of the restaurants frequented by Dalí or in a building designed by Gaudí.
In total, you will find more than twenty exclusive restaurants where you can experience for yourself the reasons why the expert critics have given Barcelona so much recognition.
To eat at cheaper prices you have to move away from the most touristy areas such as Las Ramblas or the area around the Sagrada Familia.
Neighborhoods such as El Born, Poble Nou, Sants, La Barceloneta or Gràcia, among others, have a wide gastronomic offer where you can find everything from quality tapas to daily menus of very affordable traditional Catalan food.
Places that cannot be missed on your gastronomic visits are:
The San José market, popularly known as La Boquería ;
The oldest municipal market in Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. It opened on March 19, 1840, St. Joseph's Day in the Catholic calendar. It sells fruit, meats, crafts, wines, etc. It is located at Rambla, 91. I recommend going during midday when it is at its peak and then before it closes as many fruit smoothie stands reduce the price by half.
The National
A multi-space gastronomy, where each of the areas has a unique attraction that will give you the sensation of living different experiences within the same restaurant.
Go shopping.
Here is a site that tells you where to go shopping in Barcelona , https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/it/page/1993/barcelona-shopping-city.html
Areas to stay
Personally, I love the Sagrada Familia neighborhood, although in general the entire Eixample is a good area to base yourself.
Beaches in the City
Sant Sebastià and Sant Miquel They are easily recognisable as they are the neighbours of the famous W hotel . Located at the beginning of Barcelona's seafront and close to the port, they are the oldest and largest beaches in Barcelona.
Barceloneta Beach The beach forms an inseparable entity with the Barceloneta district. Located between the beaches of Sant Sebastià and Somorrostro , Barceloneta was one of the first in the city to be renovated for the 1992 Olympic Games.
Somorrostro It is one of the most central beaches in Barcelona . Located between the Olympic Port and the Hospital del Mar, this half-kilometre beach is a favourite with young people and tourists.
Bogatell Like the rest of Barcelona's beaches, Bogatell was one of the new beaches on the seafront. It is one of the most popular with adults and is considered one of the safest in Barcelona. It is located halfway between the Olympic Port and the Poblenou neighbourhood.
Marbella Frequented by a predominantly young public, this is one of the nudist beaches in Barcelona. It was one of the beaches created within the new urban planning scheme for the Olympic Games.
Banys Fòrum (Playa del Fòrum) More than a beach, it is a large saltwater pool in the open sea. This is the newest “beach” in Barcelona and is located in the Fòrum area of Barcelona . To visit it, remember that it is a beach without sand, which is only open from June to September.
Fuera de la Ciudad
Si Catalunya tiene magia es por la infinidad de posibilidades de planes que surgen al recorrerla. Disfrutar de la Costa Barcelona es una de ellas. Sus más de 100 kilómetros de costa se convierten en todo un reclamo en la temporada alta de verano por sus coquetas playas de arena blanca.
Sitges
Located in Garraf, this small town has 26 beaches along its 18 kilometres, just 35 minutes from Barcelona by train. All its shores have the blue flag (an award given annually by the European Foundation for Environmental Education to beaches and ports for their compliance with environmental conditions and their facilities). Its location, between coastal mountains and the Mediterranean, makes it one of the most visited towns by tourists from all over the world.
Vilanova i la Geltrú
Also located on the Garraf coast, this town is located south of Sitges and is an ideal place to enjoy a wide variety of water activities, such as swimming in the sea or fishing.
Castelldefels
18 kilometers from Barcelona we find Castelldefels , which has a mix of ecosystems given by the Llobregat River and the Mediterranean.
It is a 5 km long strip of fine sand and a blue flag for practicing sports.
Some Beaches in the North
Mataro
North of Barcelona, on the Costa del Maresme, is the city of Mataró , a town with a privileged geographical location that combines sea and mountain landscapes. With its wide gastronomic offer and its traditional markets, Mataró is one of those places that has it all.
Calella
Located north of Mataró, a city connected by train that has also been classified as a family destination for its blue flag beaches, Calella offers something that everyone will love. Perhaps it's its golden sand, its endless beachside restaurants or the great nightlife it offers.
Costa Brava
Blanes Beach
It is a coastal town known as the gateway to the Costa Brava. It is very well connected by public transport and is a short distance from Barcelona (about 60 km), so its good beaches are usually very busy in summer. The most accessible is Platja Blanes, which has a blue flag and all services, but you can also visit other quieter ones such as Sant Francesc or Cala Punta de Santa Ana.
Aiguablava, Begur
This is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the Costa Brava. Located in the municipality of Begur, this small beach of fine sand and crystal-clear water is in a bay surrounded by vegetation and many rocky outcrops. Despite its natural appearance, it has a lifeguard, parking and all services. To get there from Barcelona, drive along the AP-7 motorway and take exit 9 towards Palamós.
Sa Riera, Begur
This is another of the most popular beaches in the municipality of Begur. With an extension of 300 metres, it is the largest in the municipality and is somewhat hidden among rocks and nestled in front of a bay. It is located about 2 and a half kilometres from the centre of Begur. To get to it and visit other beaches on this coastal strip, you can also take the path that runs along the coast that takes you to beautiful viewpoints.
Cala Montjoi, Roses
It is located in a natural area of great importance in Catalonia: the Cap de Creus National Park. It is one of the most frequented beaches in this park due to its proximity to an important tourist centre, but it is still usually a quiet beach.
Lloret de Mar, Girona
This town in the province of Girona has earned a reputation as a party destination with a busy and lively main beach. Stretching for one and a half kilometres, it has all the services and is just a stone's throw from the Lloret promenade, with parking at the beach. You can also do activities in the sea such as skiing, kayaking or jet skiing.
Great Tossa de Mar
Like Lloret de Mar, Tossa is one of the most touristic spots in Catalonia, so don't expect peace and quiet on this, its main beach. It is located in a spectacular bay next to a strategic location: a medieval castle on top of a promontory that dominates the entire panorama.
Saint Mary of Llorell
Located just over 3 km from the town of Tossa de Mar, this beach has a family atmosphere and a Caribbean feel. It is about 300 metres long and is equipped with all the services, restaurants and infrastructure for beach sports.
Calella de Palafrugell
Although it is not a bad idea to take a dip in its main beach, visiting it is a must on the Costa Brava. This old fishing village still retains the traditional charm of yesteryear. In summer, Calella de Palafrugell celebrates all kinds of musical events such as the Cap Roig Festival or the Summer Concert Series.
Beaches of Salou
It is the main tourist centre on the Costa Dorada. Located in the province of Tarragona, it is equipped with a large hotel infrastructure, the Port Aventura theme park (the most visited in Spain) and a large number of beaches to choose from.
The most accessible are Playa de Poniente and Playa de Levante, which you can reach on foot from the train station.
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