madrid

Madrid

Madrid is one of the most visited cities in the world . You will come across a mixture of winding medieval alleyways, vibrating main streets, bustling banking districts and quiet, calm parks. All these contrasts along with the local's friendliness will leave you wondering at the diversity this metropolis has to offer

In Madrid there are several means of transport to get you around town, namely the subway network, the bus service and the train. Taking a taxi or renting a moped is also an option. Bikes are not that common here as in other European cities...and given the chaotic traffic. In total, the metro network connects 161 stations. Trains run every 3 to 5 minutes from 6 am to 1:30 am. Madrid has a total of 170 bus lines servicing the city and the outer suburban areas. Buses generally run between 6 am and 11:45 pm. The commuter trains are another transport option. Run by the state company RENEFE, trains run from Atocha and Chamartín stations and reach many great sightseeing destinations as well as the airport.

Madrid is a city of contrasts. This is evident by the large modern department stores that exist alongside small family run shops on narrow side streets that have managed to survive through the ages. Shops are usually open from Mondays through to Saturdays, from around 10 am to 2 pm and then from around 5 pm to 10pm. As everywhere else in Spain , food in Madrid is an important subject.

Going to a restaurant for a meal is not only intended for eating purposes, but as a social occasion as well. In Madrid you will come across the simplest of snack bars and cafeterias. And the beloved tapas bars must not be missed.

If dancing all night long is not your cup of tea, there are other quieter places to choose from when it comes to ways to spend the night. In Madrid there are over 100 movie theatres. Some are very modern, with the latest movies out at the box office while others are smaller and less frequented. There are also some interesting sights to see in Madrid that shouldn't be missed: Faro de Madrid -before heading into the bustling atmosphere of the city, it may be a good idea to get a bird's eye view of Madrid first, Palacio Real (The Royal Palace), Plaza Mayor - every Sunday stamp collectors gather in the square to swap and sell their treasures.

Gran Vía, Spanish for "Great Way", is the city's main road and was Madrid's central commercial area. Those who have had enough of chaotic city life will find comforting refuge in the city's many parks, such as the well-known Parque del Retiro - in the center of the green area is an artificial lake, to which many locals come on the weekends. Street artists and fortune tellers try and earn a few coins here and many families and couples settle under the trees for lazy enjoyable picnics. There are also a large number of restaurants nearby to choose from for a tasty lunch.