Madrid Travel and See its Sites and Beautiful Women

Madrid [1] is the capital and largest city of Spain, as well as the capital of the autonomous community of the same name (Comunidad de Madrid). As of July 2005, the population of the city was 3,228,000 and the population of the metro area was 5,843,000. Madrid is best known for its great cultural and artistic heritage, a good example of which is the El Prado museum. Madrid also boasts some of the liveliest nightlife in the world.
LocationMadrid is located just northeast of the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula, in the middle of the Spanish central Castillian plateau (Meseta central), at an average altitude of 650m. Nearly all of the most famous tourist areas are located in the center of the city including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real, and Plaza de Colón. The major streets in Madrid include the Gran Via, Alcalá Street, and Paseo de la Castellana.

Climate

The climate of Madrid is continental; mainly dry and quite extreme at times, with frequent rain in winter. Madrid sees perpetual sunshine and a characteristically hot temperature in the summer, bu

t with a fairly cold temperature in the winter. Spring and autumn are fairly temperate with most rainfall concentrated in these seasons, together with winter. Spring is definitely the best time to visit, especially the months of April, May and June. Rainfall occurs sporadically, and snowfall is not something that happens every year in the city

, but there is abundant snowfall in the adjacent mountain ranges nearby.

Culture

The culture of Madrid was dominated by its Royal centre of the Spanish Empire. The Royal Palace, big places and buildings used by the Spanish Monarchy, enormous cathedrals and churches are plentiful in Madrid, as well as medieval architecture, although nowadays Madrid is just as much a cosmopolitan city as Berlin or London, full of new architecture, lifestyle and culture.

Do

There are a number of free, English language periodicals that you will find in bars and restaurants that are a great source of event information. PopGuide Madrid [24] is Madrid's premier Engli

sh and German lifesty

le magazine and features the best Madrid has to offer and the latest in film, fashion

, music and art. The monthlyInMadrid newspaper [25] has a number of articles and information about events around town. Aimed at the 20-35-year-old crowd, European Vibe [26] has listings for concerts, exhibitions, bars, restaurants, parties and other events happenin

g in Madrid as well as articles about living in the city. Check the websites for current distribution poin

ts.Circulo de Bellas Artes, Calle Marqués de Casa Riera 2 (Metro: Banco de España), ☎ +34 91 5225092,[27]. A non-profit cultural center located a short walk from Sol, the CBA offers up a wide variety of events and shows including film, music, art displays, dance, theater and more. See the website (in Spanish) for a list of activities.

Tours

Sandemans New Europe Free Walking Tour, Plaza Mayor (Metro: Sol), [28]. In addition to several other European cities, Sandemans has recently started a free walking tour of Madrid. Excellent guides w

ork solely for tips, and offer a great introduction to the city. Departs everyday at 11AM and 3PM from the Plaza Mayor.

Flamenco ShowsCorral de la Moreria, [29]. One of the most famous flamenco tablaos in the world. It′s right in the heart of the city, and you can enjoy a full fledged Spanish meal while you watch performances by renowned international flamenco music and dance artists.

Concert VenuesSala Heineken, Princesa 1 (Metro: Plaza España), ☎ +34 91 5476680, [30]. National touring acts for rock and pop music. La Riviera, Paseo Bajo de la Virgen (Metro: Puerta del Angel or Principe Pío), ☎ +34 91 3652415, [31].Another large venue for touring rock and pop bands. editGruta 77, Calle Cuclillo 6 (Metro: Oporto), ☎ +34 91 4712370, [32]. Concerts everyday; pop, rock, punk Classical & operaSpanish National Orchestra. Performs every Fri, Sat and Sun at the Auditorio Nacional on Calle Principe de Vergara. The Auditorio Nacion

al is also the main concert venue for the symphonic concerts of the Community of Madrid Orchestra and the Madrid symphony Orchestra and the main venue for touring classical artists and orchestras. editTeatro Real (Royal Theatre). The main opera theatre in Madrid.

Teatro de la Zarzuela. The Spanish version of the Operetta (Zarzuela) is performed here. editOrquesta de Radio Televisión Española. Performs every Thu and Fri at the Teatro Monumental on Calle Atocha. editAuditorio 400 of the Museo Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. The main venue for contemporary music.

Cuartel del Condeduque.

Foundation Joan March Auditorium.

Banda Municipal de Madrid. Performs in El Retiro Park in the summer.

FestivalsLa Transhumancia. Annual event during which the center of Madrid is free of cars and is instead filled with shepherds exercising their ancient right to drive sheep and livestock

through the city

Buy

Flats in Madrid, Calle Arenal 20, Madrid, ☎ +(34) 650 362 831, [49]. Please place individual entries under the appropriate districts, not here. This is for general description and pointers only. €59-€140/night. editMajor credit cards and foreign bank cards are accepted in most stores, but be aware that it is common practice to be asked for photo-ID ("D.N.I."). If asked for your DNI present your passport, residency permit or foreign ID card. Basically anything with your photo and name on it will be accepted by most shopkeepers. The signatures on credit cards

are usually not checked.

Eat

CuisineDishes popular throughout Spain are also widely served in Madrid.In addition, Madrid has a number of "typical" dishes:Gallinejas and Entresijos - Portions from different parts of lamb fried in its fat. Very traditional and typical from Madrid city.Callos a la Madrileña - A hot pot of spicy beef tripe similar to those found in Turkey and the Balkans.Cocido Madrileño - Chickpea stew with meat and vegetable products. The particularity of this stew is the way it is served. The soup, chickpeas and meats are served and eaten separately.Oreja de Cerdo - Pigs ear, fried in garlic. This popular dish is widely eaten throughout central Spain.Sopa de Ajo - Garlic soup is a rich and oily soup which generally includes paprika, grated Spanish ham, fried bread and a poached egg. A variation of this soup is known as Sopa Castellana.It is ironic that Madrid, located right in the center of Spain has higher quality seafood than most coastal regions. This quality comes at a price, and most Spaniards will rarely embark on the luxury of a mariscada(Spanish for "seafood fest"). Experiencing Madrid's seafood may be, for the visitor, an experience which will be worth the cost.Meat and meat products (Jamon Iberico, morcilla, chorizo etc) are of generally a very high quality in Spainand particularly in Madrid.

Source: Wikitravel.org