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Madrid, the capital city of Spain, has not always been a hot tourist spot. With a population well over 3 million, though, it has certainly stayed full of things to do and activities to be enjoyed. More recently, it has focused on becoming an international destination, so you should be able to find something to do on your vacation to this bustling city. [youtube:0p2UqVoUEcY;[link:Madrid Travel Tips Video];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p2UqVoUEcY&feature=related]

World Famous Food

Madrid is very famous for some of its food. There are many different restaurants that are able to be found throughout the city serving some of the best local cuisine in the world. There is also a variety of international cuisine to check out while in town.

There are a variety of restaurants throughout the city offering the finest food that you’ll find in the country. In addition to local flavors, you’ll also find plenty of international restaurants, including French and North African dining.

There are restaurants and cafes all around the city, featuring a variety of styles of cuisine and environments to choose from. Whether you want bustling restaurants and bars or quaint cafs, you can find it all.

Historical Attractions

Madrid is striving to become an international Mecca for tourism, fashion, and more, so their history is a little less important to them than it might be in other places.

In addition, you can find history throughout the city showing different stages of Madrid’s life. Whether you want to see classic history landmarks or famous sites, there are plenty to see in this city that has been around for centuries.

You’ll also find three of the most important art museums in Madrid: the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, which boast artwork from some of the most famed artists in history.

Other Entertainment Options

Finding things to do in Madrid is NOT difficult. If you’re looking for nightlife and entertainment, you can find plenty to keep you entertained.

The city of Madrid has a rich musical culture, and you can find them at any number of theaters that are available. It isn’t uncommon for the locals to spend a night out on the town and not go home until the morning, guaranteeing you entertainment galore.

Shopping is one more type of entertainment that you can find in Madrid. From upscale boutiques to large department stores, there is something out there for almost everyone. Madrid features some of the best cuisine, but also offers plenty of shopping, night life, and other entertainment for travelers to enjoy.

Need some additional Madrid travel tips for travellers? Why don’t you visit our travel tips blog?

Spain remains a popular destination for people that will often spend their summer holidays on the Mediterranean coast as it has a high number of sunny days per year than most places in Europe. Spain is also popular for weekends away or short breaks. These sorts of weekends away generally involve city breaks, with places like Madrid and Barcelona being the destinations of choice.

While many people come purely for the sunshine and the beaches there is far more to Spain than simply that.

Plenty To Do And Much To See

Spain has a rich cultural background. Moorish culture was the dominant culture until the middle ages when Christian kings took control of the country. To this extent you will find many fascinating monuments and buildings that display Moorish styles and architecture in the South of Spain. Must sees are the Alhambra in Granada and the Grand Mosque of Cordoba.

In the center of the country you will find the Spanish capital, Madrid. Madrid is a vibrant city with plenty of things going on. If you want quirky you can visit many of the weekend markets that crop up around the city. You can also visit one of the most famous art galleries in the world in the Prado. The Prado features many paintings that you have probably only seen in books before. My particular favorites are the Hieronymus Bosch triptychs. If you like football or soccer then there is the Bernabeu football stadium where you can watch Real Madrid.

Toledo is another popular visit if you are based in Madrid. It’s about 45 minutes on a train from Madrid. Toledo is a fortified city that features a large castle. It was famous in the middle ages for making swords and armor or knights. It is a popular day trip for tourists nowadays.

Barcelona is the second city of Spain. Barcelona is the principal city of the Catalan region. It is located on the coast but is not far from the Pyrenees so people keen on winter sports can have the best of both worlds. Skiing starts around December through till late March.

The most eye catching aspect of Barcelona is the weird architecture. It is often described as surreal as the structures appear to be melting or comprise odd shapes. The Sagrada Familia church and the park Guell created by Gaudi are the signature pieces of this style of architecture. They attract many people, both local and tourists. La Rambla is another popular focal point. It is a long pedestrianized street that caters to tourists. There are many restaurants and bars on the street or in adjoining streets. There are many street performers and other entertainers to catch your attention.

Other places to check out include Andalusia, the biggest Spanish province and the coast of this part of the country that comprises places such as Cadiz and Malaga as well as Huelva and Almeria and even Granada are truly spectacular.

There are a few islands that are part of Spain too. They are also popular with tourists. Ibiza and the Balearic islands are popular for clubbers and people keen on their nightlife. The Canary Islands also like to party but are popular with people looking to get away and relax by the beach too.

Learning a bit of Spanish can make your stay in Spain so much better.

Grand plazas, ancient fortresses and bullfighters in ornate costume are all part of Spain’s mystique. Study the works of Dali and Picasso at a world-class museum or visit the spot where the inspirations for Bizet’s “Carmen” and Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro” were born. All of this and more await travelers to Spain.

Madrid, Spain’s most populous city offers plenty of historic sites and museums, as well as excellent parks to enjoy. For those who want to enjoy the coast, Barcelona rests along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. But there are plenty of smaller cities and quaint villages and towns that are not to be missed. Even if you stick to the bigger cities, be sure to plan a one-day trip somewhere special.

Travel expert Karen Brown has created several interesting Spain itineraries and listed them on her popular website. The itineraries include a variety of interesting attractions, as well as maps. Her website and guidebooks are full of exceptional lodging choices, and her readers have voted and chosen the following inns and hotels as the best in Spain:

Sticking to a budget can be difficult, but at Posada de San Jose, not only will travelers find an exceptional value, but a truly unique location. The inn is located on a cobblestone street within the walled city of Cuenca, not far from Madrid. Stunning views of the Huecar Gorge are seen from many of the simple guest rooms, which boast original features such as exposed beams and restored tile floors. Breakfasts, light suppers and Spain’s famous tapas are available at the inn’s restaurant. Karen Brown readers chose Posada de San Jose as the “Greatest Value” in Spain.

Surrounded by countryside teaming with groves of almond and olive trees, Molino del Santo is a charming vacation spot. The beautiful grounds boast gardens and a swimming pool. Rooms are individually decorated and many have terraces. There is a terrace restaurant on the premises where you can enjoy a breakfast buffet, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner or just relax, enjoy the view and sip a glass of wine. Guests can spend the day exploring Andalusia, take a trip to Gibraltar or just relax and soak up some sun by the pool. Molino del Santo is the winner of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for the “Warmest Welcome” in Spain.

If you venture outside of Barcelona to see more of Catalonia, a side trip to the tiny village of Estamariu and the romantic Cal Teixdo are highly recommended. This romantic retreat is just off a national highway near the border of Spain and Andorra in the heart of the Pyrenees. The inn consists of old farm buildings. The restaurant, which boasts an excellent selection of regional wines, is found in the old hayloft, and the bar and reception area are in the restored barn. The innkeepers have decorated their rooms in charming, country style. The hosts are happy to help guests plan a day of sightseeing or will transport you up the mountain to their activity center, which is stocked with equipment. Cal Teixdo won the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for “Most Romantic” lodging in Spain.

At Barcel la Bobadilla, guests can pamper and enjoy themselves to their heart’s content. This stunning boutique hotel is really a full-service resort with a spa, vast grounds and wonderful, spacious guest rooms and suites. Book a massage or beauty treatment, soak in the Jacuzzi or enjoy the outdoors in the swimming pool, which is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. There are several restaurants, La Finca is especially recommended and known for its inventive cuisine. The hotel is located in the province of Granada and if you do decide that you wish to venture off the 1,000-acre grounds, there are plenty of unique attractions, including The Alhambra, Spain’s oldest and best preserved Arab palace. Barcel la Bobadilla was chosen as the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for best “Splendid Splurge” in Spain.