Most European vacation itineraries include the ?must see? cities of London, Paris and Rome. While these cities are amazing and shouldn't be missed, Madrid, Spain should not be overlooked as another ?must see?. Not only is there a myriad of things to see and do in Madrid but there's a life to the city that can only be experienced by visiting this remarkable place.
Madrid truly has something for everyone. There are numerous sights, parks, museums and shopping. It's no sleepy city either; there are plenty of fine dining options, theater, sporting events and nightclubs to keep you entertained. You'll probably find that you don't have enough time to see and do all that you want.
If you're an art lover then there are several options. The Prado is world renowned for its large and diverse collection. Not to be missed is the recent addition of the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza which has a huge collection of 13th to 20th century art and treasures. For some modern art, the Queen Sofia won't disappoint you; the Spanish are known for their 20th century modern artists.
The Spanish love the fresh air and you will too with all of the outdoor activities Madrid has to offer. Since Madrid has a fairly moderate climate, there is a long summer which locals take advantage of by strolling in parks and sipping coffees in outdoor cafes. A stroll through the Parque del Buen Retiro will delight you with lakes, sculptures and even a palace. The Plaza Mayor is a square surrounded by centuries old buildings and the best place to have a meal, coffee or just sit and people watch.
Don't go to Madrid without a visit to the Royal Palace (Palacio Real). It was for many years the home of the Spanish monarchs and is now a museum and national treasure. You'll see why after visiting the vast grounds and exploring some of its 2,800 rooms. Not only is the architecture spectacular but there are hundreds of pieces of art and antique objects on display.
Shop-a-holics will love Madrid no matter if it's designer clothes or flea markets. Fashion is big in Madrid so stroll around Gran Via and take a look at all of the chic boutiques. While the price tags may be too high, it is surely a sight to see. For second hand and cheap finds check out the El Rasro flea market.
The internet is a great resource for researching . For more personal service contact a travel agent. There are packages available that include your airfare, transfers, hotel and sometimes a rental car, sightseeing and excursions.
A trip to Europe wouldn't be complete without at least a few days in Madrid. Make sure it's on your itinerary; you won't regret it!
Are you planning a European vacation? If your time is limited and you want to visit a country with a lot in the way of culture, sights, history and entertainment then Spain is a must. This country is brimming with sights and activities for tourists so consider it alone or as part of a European holiday.
First off, you'll need to research where and what you want to visit. Pick up a detailed map of Spain in a book store or find one on the internet. A map will help you orientate yourself with the geography and typography of the country. You will be able to determine where to go for the beach and where mountain retreats are located.
No matter where you decide to go in Spain you are sure to have an amazing time and enjoy the Spanish culture. There is something for everyone. If you're traveling alone then there is plenty to keep you busy and the Spanish people are warm and inviting. If you're traveling with a family then there are things to keep everyone entertained. You can golf at one of the many coastal golf courses while the rest of the family has fun at the beach.
The climate is moderate so you can have an enjoyable holiday in Spain no matter what time of year it is. The south of Spain is especially nice; it's not exceptionally warm in winter but it is pleasant and is much warmer than other Western European regions. Even when it's cold, the large cities will keep you busy with indoor and outdoor sights.
While the Euro is strong, Spain is reasonable compared to other Western European countries so a holiday here can be affordable. There are many good deals available especially if you're willing to travel in off peak and non-holiday times of year. Even deeper discounts can be found if you're traveling with a group and rent an apartment in a large city or one of the many coastal cities.
Packages are available that include hotel, air and transfers. There are also ones that include excursions, sightseeing, meals and car rentals. These packages are generally less expensive than booking everything separately.
To book your Spanish holiday you have a few options. Use the internet to research destinations and available packages. There are many online tools to help you find the lowest hotel and air fares available during your desired travel time. Travel agents are also useful and can tailor make your holiday to fit your interests. Many travel agents have first hand experience with the packages they sell so they can recommend the best holiday for you.
Jerry Blackburn has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening, health insurance and Tanning. Jerry Blackburn writes articles for the most part for , an online publication with topics around Alicante . His comments on. Jerry Blackburn's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.