MADRID is seeing a revival of interest on the global travel stage and rightfully so. Madrid is a region that knows how to live. It’s a place that offers majestic palaces and stunning architecture, world-class galleries, fabulous flamenco tablaos, rich history, bustling markets, delicious food and an epic nightlife. If this sounds like a dream to you, then you will fall in love with Madrid.
So if you’re looking at next year’s holiday calendar and contemplating your next travel destination, look no further. Here are the top 10 reasons why Madrid should be on your bucket list for 2024:
1.Art and Museums
With its Art Promenade consisting of three world-class museums and the staggering beauty of the Royal Palace (the official residence of the Spanish royal family), Madrid is one of the greatest European cultural hubs. In July 2021, the area known as the Landscape of Light, which encompasses the Paseo del Prado and El Retiro Park, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Paseo del Arte, which translates to Art Walk, is uniquely beautiful and is home to some of the world’s finest artworks. Along a stretch of just over one kilometre, you’ll find the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the Reina Sofía museums. Paseo del Arte is also lined with a number of other institutions and buildings well worth visiting.
If you have to visit just one museum then make sure you go to the 200-year-old institution, El Prado – one of the greatest museums in Europe. Its collection is comprised of paintings and sculptures by masters such as El Greco, Rubens, and Goya. It is especially famous for holding one of the world’s most well-known and talked-about artwork: “Las Meninas” by Diego Velazquez. The monumental building housing the art is an eye candy in itself, so take the time to take it in from both inside and outside.
For something less conventional, put on your favourite walking shoes and take a visit to Lavapies’s maze of narrow streets where you can experience a relaxed self-guided tour of some incredible street art and murals. Make sure to walk by “The Sombrerete Sundial” a piece depicting a woman hanging clothes surrounded by an abstract sundial.
2.Flamenco
Passionate and intense, flamenco offers the genre an expressiveness that moves all spectators, regardless of where they’re from or whether they understand the language.
As the capital of flamenco and the birthplace of Flamenco tablaos, Madrid offers a wide range of shows, from grand performances in the city’s theatres to small song and dance recitals in tablaos or halls.
Madrid is the hub of the flamenco industry and the starting point for artists who tour the world, dazzling audiences. With the rise of cafés chantants during the 19th century, flamenco enjoyed its finest hour in the capital. These days, tablaos (flamenco bars) carry on the tradition, offering a chance to see flamenco at its purest every evening while enjoying a fine meal or a drink.
3.The gastronomy
Madrid is known for its amazing atmosphere, which often centres around a table. Whether it’s having tapas in La Latina, or tucking into a Calamares (calamari sandwich) at Plaza Mayor – a much loved quick snack and identifying symbol of Madrilenians – or innovative cooking in a Michelin-starred restaurant, eating and drinking in Madrid is a rare treat.
The MICHELIN Guide Spain 2024 selection recently announced that Madrid gained more stars, taking their total to 28 restaurants with 36 stars – with three-star DiverXO, the brainchild of world-famous chef Dabiz Munoz, listed as one of the world’s top 50 restaurants. Currently listed as no.3 of the world’s best restaurants, DiverXO’s interiors feature flying pigs, hundreds of butterflies, skulls with mohawks and a dining experience that is hedonistic, creative, and unpredictable.
However, a truly Madrid thing to do is to have tapas while you are shopping. The Mercado de San Miguel set this trend 10 years ago with its renovation that made it one of the most iconic places in the city. Various other neighbourhood markets followed and opened numerous gourmet food courts.
Madrid is also well known for confectionery. The much loved Churros (long and slender deep-fried pastry) made with water, flour, olive oil and salt, and sprinkled with sugar, are made across Spain and, but in Madrid they have them for breakfast, after a night out, or in the afternoon, coated in creamy hot chocolate – an “anytime is a good time” sweet treat that we can get on board with. Stop by Chocolatería San Ginés, open 24 hours a day, to indulge in this decadent treat.
Madrid is also the home to the world’s oldest restaurant, Restaurant Botin, a historic gem that dates back to 1725. It serves what is arguably the city’s finest roast suckling pig, cochinillo asado, and melt-in-your-mouth roast lamb, cordero asado. The city’s classic dish of caracoles or Spanish escargot (snails) is also one not to be missed.
Madrid is also a city that never sleeps. From stylish drinks against opulent backgrounds to pub crawls and late-night partying, Madrid caters to all tastes.
In recent years, Madrid has seen an increase in elevated venues with stunning rooftop bars that give you glittering sights of the city. Head to the Riu Plaza Espana, Four Seasons, Palacio de los Duques, or Picalargatos to capture Madrid at night and start your night off on a high.
4.Picturesque towns and villas
The area of Greater Madrid is home to the UNESCO heritage triangle of Alcalá de Henares, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, and Aranjuez, located less than an hour’s drive from the city centre. Within only 30 minutes from the city is the equally stunning rural beauty of Patones, Chinchón, and the vineyards of San Martín de Valdeiglesias.
San Martín de Valdeiglesias is the westernmost area of the region of Madrid and is a must-visit for wine lovers, where there are 18 wineries registered in the Denomination of Origin “Vinos de Madrid” (Wines from Madrid). The vineyards of San Martín de Valdeiglesias account for 22% of the vineyard area (1,575 hectares), where 25% of the annual production is made by 15% of the registered winegrowers.
There are 6 cultural wine itineraries of Madrid and the DO (Denomination of Origin) is one of the 94 recognized in Spain. The DO of Madrid is located in 70 towns in the region, and has 51 wineries, which produce almost 110 brands of wine. Many grape varieties are grown, such as Malvar and Albillo for white, and Garnacha Tinta for red.
5.Shopping shopping shopping!
Home to the world’s most luxe labels and fast fashion – from Loewe, Balenciaga and Manolo Blahnik to Zara and Mango – these foundations and their history make Madrid one of the most influential international fashion capitals in the world. Even for those who prefer to veer away from the glitz of high fashion, shoppers can still expect to find locally produced garments and articles in Madrid’s atelier routes of extraordinary quality that are relatively affordable compared to international brands.
The famous atelier routes consist of small and medium-sized firms such as Tot-Hom and Marcos Luengo that work in line with the values of ‘slow fashion’, and that focus on making timeless designs, using local labour, exquisite tailoring, and quality materials and fabrics. In fact, Spain is one of the few European countries that preserves the craft of artisanal fabric, celebrating generations of craftsmen.
In Madrid, it is also not uncommon to find commemorative metal plaques along the street, at the entrances to certain establishments. These plaques carry the following phrase, “The Council of Madrid is grateful for your services to the City”. This metal plaque is a symbol of recognition to these establishments that are at least 100 years old. These establishments have kept to tradition and craftsmanship, passed the test of time, and grew with Madrid, to become the pride and icon of Madrid.
Madrid has more than 150 of such iconic establishments. One such establishment is Antigua Casa Crespo which has been handed down through five generations. Aside from the long history, Antigua Casa Crespo is a rare establishment in espadrille making also because they still use the Spanish esparto rope in their espadrilles rather than jute from other parts of the world. The dedication to craft also remains as all shoes are handmade in the country and have served a range of high-profile patrons.
Madrid is the quintessential destination to discover, enjoy and consume Spanish fashion.
6.Parks, Gardens, Nature
When you think of big cities like Madrid, greenery is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But the parks in Madrid just happen to be one of the best parts of the city. Whether you’re a full-fledged nature lover or just looking for a quiet place to unwind and soak up the sun and landscape, there are a multitude of stunning locations to visit.
El Retiro Park is Madrid’s best-known park, but almost every neighbourhood in the city has its own park, square or community garden. El Retiro Park occupies 1.3 square miles in the centre of Madrid. Next to it runs the Paseo del Prado, which includes a promenade for pedestrians. The boulevard connects the heart of Spain’s art world, bringing together the Prado Museum with the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía Art Centre.
A green oasis in the heart of the city, you will also find the impressive Casa de Campo and Madrid Río parks, as well as all kinds of interesting monuments and gardens, including Jardín de Vivaces, Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (Andalusian-inspired classicistic gardens), Jardines del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios, the recently-restored Cat Mountain, the Rosaleda rose garden and Parterre Francés, which holds a Mexican conifer that is nearly 400 years old and is believed to be Madrid’s oldest tree.
The Region of Madrid is also home to UNESCO world heritage sites El Escorial Monastery (considered at the time one of the eight wonders of the world and an essential to visit to understand the history of Spain), Alcalá de Henare’s old town (a University town and birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, genius of world literature and author of Don Quixote), Aranjuez (one of the official residences of the royal Spanish family) and the Hayedo de Montejo – all of which are well worth a visit.
7.Luxe accommodation
Aside from being loved for its cultural landmarks, art scene and beautiful restaurants, these elements are also present within some of the best hotels in Madrid, where you can stay in historic palaces, art-gallery-meets-hotel hybrids or in an unassuming address with its own Michelin-starred restaurant.
Then there are the low-key stays, from new-gen hostels to neighbourhood apartment set-ups. And the scene is still growing. Madrid will have more than 2,700 luxury hotel rooms by the end of 2023, up 50% from a decade ago, with 33 new hotels in the pipeline, half of them in the upscale segment.
The Four Seasons Hotel opened near the central Puerta del Sol boasting a 1,500 square metre complex that includes a shopping mall for luxury brands including Dior and Hermes and the nearby Ritz has recently been upgraded to the luxury Mandarin Oriental Ritz brand that sits right in the Retiro District and is situated next to the Prado. The hotel facade is a listed national monument museum.
8.Sports and Recreation
Madrid is a sporting lover’s paradise – from famous football teams and stadiums to luxurious golf courses, visitors to Madrid can certainly experience the incredible sporting energy that permeates the city.
Madrid is the only European city (excluding London) that is home to four premium soccer clubs competing in their country’s major league (“LaLiga” in Spain). The club boasts a massive global fanbase and a strong sense of community. Madrid’s iconic stadium, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is the heart of Real Madrid and offers visitors immersive experiences and guided tours.
For those wanting to practice their golf swing, check out one of Madrid’s 20 opulent golf courses, some of which were designed by legends including Van Hagge, Rees Jones, Seve Ballesteros, José María Olazabal, Jack Nickalus, and Manuel Piñero.
9.Fun for the whole family
Madrid embraces families and caters to all age groups. From museums to amusement parks, amazing green spaces, and awesome football stadiums, there is plenty for families to do.
In addition to the various parks found in the city itself (including Parque de Atracciones, the Zoo, and Faunia), the outskirts of Madrid offer a host of theme parks for all ages.
In the nearby town of San Martin de la Vega, you’ll find the famous Parque Warner, with great rides and live shows featuring Looney Tunes characters and superheroes like Batman and Superman, and even the Police Academy.
10. Feel like a local
Madrid has a quality that is hard to explain – the ability to draw you in and welcome you in a way that feels as if you are home. Madrileños are truly warm, friendly and eager to learn more about their visitors. Madrid is home to the biggest expat community in Spain, creating a melting pot of backgrounds and a very tolerant environment that embraces all cultures and ethnicities. Only in Madrid, can you feel like a local as a visitor.
Madrid is not to be missed.
For more information on Madrid and things to see, do and experience please visit:
https://www.turismomadrid.es/en/
For more information on MADRID TURISMO by IFEMA MADRID, please visit: https://www.ifema.es/nosotros/madrid-turismo-by-ifema-madrid
About MADRID TURISMO by IFEMA MADRID:
MADRID TURISMO by IFEMA MADRID is a public-private venture created by the Regional Government of Madrid, Madrid City Council, and IFEMA MADRID. It is managed by the Experts in Tourism Panel from the main tourism associations in Madrid. Its purpose is to promote Madrid internationally through efficient collaboration between public and private tourism entities in Madrid.
About Connecting Travel:
Connecting Travel is a leading platform that bridges the gap between travel destinations and industry professionals in the Middle East. Through a network of events, conferences, and collaborations, Connecting Travel facilitates meaningful connections that drive the growth of the travel and tourism sector in the region.
About Select Holding:
Select Holding is an international holding group with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Bali, and Rome that specialises in travel marketing and communications consultancy in the travel B2G, B2B, and B2C sectors. Select Holding has a special focus on China outbound travel as Select Holding is the selected partner of the China Tourism Academy, appointed as the sole issuer of the Welcome Chinese certification based on the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism standard. Select Holding was incorporated in Hong Kong in 2011.
