What to do in Madrid

Advice on what to do in Madrid, including culture, relaxation, nightlife, sport and food.

Cultural attractions in Madrid

There is no shortage of highlights for the culture vulture visiting Madrid, with a spectacular collection of classic works at the Museo del Prado and fine modern art in the Reina Sofia National Museum and Art Centre.

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art is chock-full of works by artistic greats such as Monet, Goya, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh and Picasso, while a sense of dramatic history can be found at the Catedral de la Almudena.

Relaxation in Madrid

Madrid is landlocked, so the closest beaches can be found in Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Despite Madrid's hot climate, those looking to hit the slopes can find a ski resort just an hour from the city in Navacerrada, while breathtaking walks can be embarked upon from the nearby town of Cercedilla, providing a break from hectic city life.

Madrid also has a number of parks to lie back and soak up the sun in, including El Retiro and La Casa de Campo.

Nightlife in Madrid

Madrid has throbbing party scene, with locals not choosing to eat until late and some bars staying open until eight in the morning. More often than not this makes for a more relaxed atmosphere, with people taking their time to party the night away.

The 1920s décor of Circulo de Bellas Artes lends a different ambience to night time drinking, while it attracts some of the city's top DJs. Bar Cock is the purveyor of what many consider to be the best cocktails in Madrid, while the mansion of Fortuny brings together a restaurant, cocktail bar and nightclub, though all for a price.

And if you do not want to walk too far between drinkeries, head down to the Gran Via, where there is a barrage of bars at your disposal.

Sport in Madrid

Madrid is of course the home of the Galacticos of Real - as great a team as it is a tourist attraction. With stars like David Beckham, Raul, and Ruud van Nistelrooy gracing the Bernabeu stadium, tickets for games at the world's biggest football club are worth seeking out.

Those wanting to participate in sport are spoilt for choice in Madrid, with plenty of top clay tennis courts, horse riding at venues like The Hipodromo de La Zarzuela and two spectacular golf greens at the Real Club de Puerta de Hierro and the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.

Madrid also boasts the country's largest and most spectacular bull-ring, where thousands of locals and tourists flock to see matadors do battle with their bovine foe.

Recommended restaurants in Madrid

Madrid offers a number of specialities like Callos and the staple of many dishes, Cocino Madrileno, a hearty chicken soup containing chickpeas, noodles, ham, chorizo and vegetables.

As with many cities, the cheaper, local restaurants can be found away from the main strip, while more mainstream foods can be found in chain restaurants in the centre.