Madrid - Spain Travel Guide, Tourism, Vacation World Travel https://www.youtube.com/user/World1Tube Madrid - Spain Travel Guide, Tourism http://goo.gl/XwDxHz Madrid is one of Europe's most dynamic cities. Lively, cosmopolitan and buzzing, it has all the trappings of an attractive, modern capital. But at the same time, the legacy of its rich and complex history, dominated by Royals and once the centre of the Spanish empire, is visible everywhere. The Royal Palace, grand places and buildings, enormous cathedrals and churches are bountiful in Madrid. The financial and political core of Spain, Madrid is still home to the Royal Family as well as the extraordinary cultural riches of the Golden Triangle - the Prado housing the likes of all of the great Spanish artists such as Goya, Ribera, Velázquez, Zurbarán, Raphael, Rubens, Titian, and Van Dyck; Reina Sofía, housing modern art, and Thyssen-Bornemisza, a first class gallery of classical art are amongst the best museums of their kind in the world. The labyrinthine streets of the medieval quarter contrast with the grand boulevards, laid out in the 18th and 19th centuries when Madrid began to take on the trappings of a modern capital. Meanwhile, in recent years, the downtown barrios have been transformed -- shops, bars and galleries have popped up on the ground floors of numerous buildings. Sipping a drink at one of the outdoor terrazas is a great thing to do when the first signs of spring appear. Each of Madrid's neighbourhood is distinctive - Lavapiés, Malasaña and Chueca being the oldest. Many visitors get to know the central area, between the Palacio Real and the Puerta del Sol, Madrid's 'mile zero'. It's only a short walk from here to Madrid's main street, the Gran Vía. At the northern end of the Paseo de la Castellana are the 'leaning towers' of the Puerta de Europa (Gateway of Europe). It's worth walking down from the Plaza Mayor lined with arcaded shops through Los Austrias -- also known these days as La Latina. The area has become fashionable in recent years, so there are plenty of trendy cafés alongside the traditional bars. And when it comes to nightlife, the city is one of the best in Europe. Madrid claims to boast the largest number of bars per capita of any European city and Madrileños have been known to stay up until as late as 7am. Apart from the superb tapas bars and clubs, there is also flamenco; the best place to catch a show is at the renowned Corral de la Moreria, where tables are squeezed together and where the peformances are thrilling. When you want to escape the urban bustle, head to El Retiro Park where you can take a rowing boat out on a peaceful, glassy lake or enjoy a picnic in the extensive shaded woods. Alternatively, head to the newly rejuvenated riverfront known as the Madrid Río, a tranquil 10km-long (6 miles) thread of pedestrian and biking paths complete with a beach, orchard, playgrounds, viewpoints, bridges and historical monuments. The project has helped to transform the city amid an era of global recession and symbolises its growing confidence, encapsulated further by its plucky bid to host the 2020 Olympics, despite failing to do so in 2012 and 2016. Perhaps Madrid's dogged refusal to give up and look forward are a sign of brighter things to come. ========================================== Madrid Museums, Madrid Transport, Madrid Tours, Madrid Introduction, Madrid Attractions, Madrid Hotels, Madrid Restaurants, Madrid Shopping, Madrid Nightlife, world travel video, Madrid video, Madrid, Madrid Travel guide, Madrid Tourism, Madrid Vacation, Spain, Spain travel guide, Spain tourism, Spain vacation, Spain Attractions, Europe === Madrid - Spain Travel Guide, Tourism, Vacation, Travel Tips, Attractions

• published: 23 Nov 2013
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