Europe Travel Destinations

Spaniards will tell you that while the rest of the world lives to work, they work to live. Nowhere is that more evident than in the capital where the free-spirited Madrileños (people who live in Madrid) provide the main attraction for visitors. The unrivaled number of bars, cafés, discos, restaurants and live music venues, combined with the locals’ enthusiasm for enjoying themselves, make this the place to come for fun. Although Madrid isn’t in the same league as Paris, Rome or even Barcelona for historical sights, you’ll still find plenty of intellectual stimulation at some of the best museums in Europe like the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen Bornemizsa.

Sol The heart of it all! You should start your tour of the city at the lively Puerta del Sol. Expect to find wonderful 19th-century buildings, shops, cafés, bars, restaurants and crowds at this busy central intersection. From here, head up Calle Mayor to Plaza de la Villa and the old historic district. Or you can take Calle Arenal and visit the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and Teatro Real (Opera House). If you go up the Carrera de San Jerónimo, you’ll come to the Prado Museum.

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