Madrid City Information
Facts: Madrid is the capital of Spain and lies in the center of the Iberian Peninsula 646 metres above sea level. It has a population of 3 million inhabitants and the climate varies from very warm and dry in the summer to rainy (and sometimes with snow) in the winter. The city has traditionally been the connecting point between all parts of Spain. This means that every part of Spain is within a relatively easy reach from Madrid. It is possible to go for a weekend trip to Bilbao in the North or to the beach in Analucia in the south, both within approx. 5 hours by bus.
History: Madrid was founded in the 9th century by the Moorish Emir Mohamed I and was in 1083 captured back by Alfonso VI.
In 1561 Phillip II decided to establish the royal court in Madrid thereafter it was proclaimed the capital of Spain. Today Madrid is still home of the Royal family as well as the Spanish Government. It is a modern metropolitan capital and the economical and industrial center of Spain. In 1992 Madrid was named culture capital of Europe and was a serious candidate for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Attractions: Madrid has a wide variation of attractions from great monuments such as the Royal Palace and classic and modern museums to big flea markets and international concerts. For art lovers Madrid is a fascinating place. You can find some of the most famous collections of Spanish artist such as Velazquez, Goya and El Greco (in Museo Del Prado) or Picasso, Miro and Dalí (in Reina Sofia or Thyssen). For sport enthusiasts Madrid can offer everything from skiing (only 1 hour away by bus) during the winter, golf all year around and international sport events with Real Madrid (selected the best soccer/football club of the 20th century).
Going Out: If you like going out at night Madrid has some of the most varied nightlife in Spain. You can find everything from Irish, German and Scandinavian bars to reggae, jazz and of course traditional Spanish tapa bars.
The bars and discotheques in Madrid are open all year round, all week long (and almost at every hour of the day). In Madrid you can also find all kinds of restaurants (national and international) and the best national operas and theaters are also located here.
In this interesting Madrid Travel Guide you can find a lot of interesting information including an audio guide or what to do and see on a weekend trip to Madrid. We can also highly recommend this Madrid Guide. where you can find useful information about attractions in Madrid, going out at night and much more.
