1. Museo Del Prado –
A must visit – It is the main Spanish art museum situated in central Madrid and based on the Spanish Royal collection of art.
Highlights include the works of Franciso del Goya ,Velasquez probably two of the most famous Spanish artists and Rubens.
A “must see’ is the oil painting by Diego Velasquez “Las Meninas” – which depicts a scene in the palace of King Philip IV with the baby Margarita and an assortment of figures from the Spanish Court. Velasquez was the leading artist in the court of King Philip IV and most notable for his portraits. If you really are an art lover then a visit to the Reina Sofia museum should be added after the Museo Del Prado. Here you can have a guided tour with a tour guide or for less money hire a handset that will guide you through the many exhibitions and it allows you the freedom to choose what you want to see.

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2. Palacio Real –
It is the official residence of the Royal family in Madrid but is used mainly for official ceremonies. The Royal family choose the more modest Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of the city. The palace is noted for its vast selection of artworks, porcelain, furniture and many other collections of historical importance.
Sections of the palace are open to the public daily except when it is being used for official state business. And a visit is a “must” whether you’re keen on art or a history buff or just curious as to the life of royalty – well worth the money you spend on entrance fees.
     
3. Estadio Santiago Bernabeu -
Whether you’re a football fan or not – this stadium should not be missed on your list of things to see. Built in 1947 and owned by the football club Real Madrid.
It has played host to the European Cup Final 4 times. The stadium seats approximately 85000 people comfortably.  It is truly a sight to behold. The stadium is served by its own metro station. You could also get here quite easily  bus – Bus numbers…14,27,40 and 43 will all get you to the stadium named by UEFA as “the elite”

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4. Plaza Mayor -
This very famous plaza pronounced “platha”  was used during the Spanish inquisition for the punishment and execution for heretics. Its also been used for bullfights. The celebrations for San Isidro, patron saint of Madrid is also held here. This is a very popular tourist attraction and restaurants on the square can be

quite expensive. But try the “churros” – the Spanish equivalent of a donut, a type of deep fried pastry which is dipped in hot chocolate or “café con leche” which simply means “coffe with milk”…Also, look out for the amazing architecture on the square and the many “painted faces” on the walls of the building inside the square. There are 9 entrances to this magnificent square so remember where you entered. Also, watch out for the many mime artists and “cartoon characters” like Minnie Mouse or Darth Vader…they will lure you in for a picture….but this is not free…you will have to ‘tip’ them.

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5. Gran Via – The Great Way
Every shopaholic or fashionista worth their salt MUST visit the Gran Via
Originally home to many theatres and hotels many theatres have now made way for shopping centres and designer boutiques. This lively, busy street is probably the most “touristy” in Madrid but a visit to Spain would not be complete without it. The biggest brands have their biggest stores here, like Loewe for beautiful Spanish leather bags or Zara – the world famous Spanish chain or Lotusse. The Gran Via is also home to the largest theater in Spain. Although there are many expensive stores along the Gran Via there are also many affordable ones as well. Just take your time and stop often along the way and you will find one.Be sre to look up often though as the rooftops of these beautiful buildings are a sight to behold..The largest department store is El Corte Ingles, here you can buy anything from clothing to electronic equipment to fishing tackle, you name it…they have it. These stores are so large they can take up an entire block or more so be careful where you enter so you know where you are when you exit. Espadrilles for the ladies are available in almost every shop and come in the most beautiful style and colours.
      
6. Mercado San Miguel
The market is 100years old but since its refurbishment it is truly one you must visit.. You can buy fruit, art from local artists or even enjoy oysters while reading a book bought from the market. A true delight of local colour and smell and a definite foodies delight. The structure is still the old iron building but with modern glass fronts it has brought life back into the beautiful old building. It is the most visited place for foodies from far and wide. You can have a wine tasting experience or indulge on the popular local cheese, manchego.

 

7. Flamenco Dancing

This art form is electric and soulful and so much a part of Spain that to miss seeing a Flamenco show would be sacrilege. Flamenco dancing originated in Andalusia with Arabic and Indian influence.

The best place to catch a Flamenco show is definitely Casa Patas especially if like most of us you don’t know your cantadores (singing) from your bailadores (dancing). Show usually starts around 11pm but its best to book ahead and get there early and enjoy a range of tapas from the bar and have a drink.
Another venue offering class Flamenco acts is Las Carboneras.Here also, show starts at 11pm but is also very busy with both tourists and locals alike.

Flamenco dancing is angry, pure emotion, passionate,expressive and absolutely riveting to watch. Flamenco music is a blend of Punjabi, Persian and Andalusian, the combination of the dancing and singing is electrifying.
Most hotels would be happy to make reservations for you but my suggestion is that you book even before you leave.

8. Tapas Bars
You cannot walk 50meters without passing one. The choices are many and since Madrid is a popular tourist destination many offer the tourist a variety too choose from.

However, there are a few Tapas bars which are frequented by locals and are often overlooked by tourists – and this is where you will find the best tapas on offer.

El Bocaito – bocaitos are small toasted pieces of bread with either salmon or anchovy toppings…This very quaint, very small Tapas bar has an amazing selection to choose from – be sure to have the “tomato negra” black tomato – These can only be found in Madrid..exquisite. Simple fair served with olive oil and crusty bread but fresh and extremely tasty. The tuna here is also a ‘must have’. Another staple of the tapas menu is ‘patatas brava’ which is fried potato topped with a spicy tomato sauce or ‘patatas alioli’ which is boiled potato topped with mayonnaise and garlic dressing. All Tapas bars offer the same or similar items but El Bocaito is one of the best. Situated in the area of Chueca know as the “gay” district, though no one is excluded…it is by far the “trendy” part of town and can be quite expensive.
Careful here though because its very easy to run up a fair sized bill.

La Trucha –  This is and Andalusian style tapas bar with a beautiful summer terrace. You can sit at the bar and watch the tapas being made. The variety here is outstanding.

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9. Bullfighting
If you’re fortunate enough to be in Madrid during the festival of San Isidro which is between May and June, it is the best time to watch a bullfight. You will get to see the best bullfighters and best bulls. And the best place to watch one of these spectacles is at Las Ventas…the worlds best venue for bullfighting. But bullfight season is generally from March to October. You can buy tickets at the bullring but during the festival these tickets are so popular they can be sold out the day they become available depending on who the matador is. It is best to buy your tickets before you leave if you’re keen on watching, ticket prices also vary in price depending on who is fighting and buying from scalpers can become very expensive indeed. The current number one bullfighter is Jose Maria Manzanares. He is indeed something else. Of current interest of course at the moment is the return to the ring of Juan Jose Padilla who lost his left eye to a bull. Lobby groups and animal rights activists have tried to ban bullfighting but many Spaniards see it as an integral part of their heritage. There are many rules of etiquette in bullfighting but if you’re just keen to experience it the only words you need to know is “ole” and “toro” which means bull.You also need to know that the matador, depending on how well the crowd thinks he’s done will get a ‘trophy’ of either the bulls ear or ears, or tail or the hoof. The waving of white cloths by the crowd encourages the President to give the ‘trophies’ to the matador…And the continual waving encourages the matador to throw all he’s won into the crowd. The crowd then rewards the matador by throwing flowers into the ring.

 

10. Nightlife
Madrid is a city that comes to life at night…There are so many clubs and bars to choose from but if you’re on limited time a visit to the “Glass Bar” at the Urban hotel is a must. The hotel is of course a beautiful 5 star experience centrally situated and close to almost all the sights and places you want to visit. The décor  in the hotel is breathtaking as well as the architecture.

But, the “Glass Bar” downstairs is where locals and tourists alike enjoy hanging out. The “cool” people of Madrid like to start or end at this trendy spot. It was created as the only  “oyster bar” in the city…but you can sample all sorts of culinary delights, some even complimentary at this extraordinary spot. The attention to detail is what makes this place stand out. Definetely also worth trying their amazing cocktails.

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And when you’re ready to dance the night away or sway to the rhythmn of salsa…head for no where else but Azurcar …It is well known and definitely worth a visit. The cover charge can be a little hard on the pocket but it entitles you to a free drink of your choice. The music in true Spanish style is salsa but they do play popular music as well. If you’re lucky you can get a taste of “La Rueda” Spanish style where there are no partners required for dancing and a “ caller” calls out the next dance move…loads of fun. The Salsa in this club is breathtaking, but then again it seems that everyone in Spain, young or old can salsa..you will for sure see all types here.