BEST CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN MADRID: UNFORGETTABLE FOR THE VISITOR
Madrid is a vibrant city that’s packed with life. Its culture, gastronomic offering and endless leisure options will ensure visitors are astonished by its unbeatable beauty and charm. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this European capital, but at our 5 star hotel in Madrid, Gran Hotel Inglés, we’ve put together a diverse selection of the best activities in Madrid to ensure you can experience everything this city has to offer.
Madrid, city of fine art
Madrid city is home to the best art museums in Europe, of which the most well-known is the Museo del Prado, but it’s not the only one. In fact, one of the best activities in Madrid is to plan a morning visit to the Triángulo del Arte or the Triángulo de Oro, made up of the Museo del Prado, Museo Reina Sofia and the Museo Thyssen Bornemisza.
These three art museums are among the top attractions in Madrid city. Located in an unbeatable spot, the marvellous Paseo del Prado is deserved of praise for its beauty. This group is home to some of the largest and diverse pictorial exhibitions in the world.
There are also two other options in the same area that are worth mentioning as they have become increasingly popular in recent years; CaixaForum and the Centro Nacional de las Artes Visuales in the Antigua Fábrica de Tabacalera. The first option always hosts interesting, temporary exhibitions which tend to be related to archaeology, art, design and photography, and has a pretty vertical garden. The latter, La Tabacalera, organises temporary exhibitions and activities related to photography, contemporary art and visual arts.
Shop ‘til you drop
The Cosmopolitan city of Madrid offers a wide selection of options for a fun day of shopping for all tastes. Gran Vía is a main shopping street that crosses the city centre, but we mustn’t forget the shops in the Barrio Salamanca or Chueca, which are home to the most exclusive boutiques.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a souvenir you won’t find anywhere else, our 5* hotel is located in the Barrio de las Letras, which offers a wide range of small designer shops which sell artisan products.
Vintage lovers can’t miss out on a nosy in the second-hand shops in Malasaña, which are home to some real treasures waiting to be unveiled. If you’re in Madrid city on a Sunday, don’t forget to visit El Rastro, the capital’s most popular flea market and a must for an authentic experience.
A wander around some relaxing spots
Although initially Madrid can appear to be a busy city, you’ll also find the sense of relaxation you’re after while on holiday, with a wander along its streets or around its numerous parks.
If you want to relax, one of the best activities in Madrid is a wander around the Parque del Buen Retiro or the Paseo del Prado. We’d also suggest you explore the wide streets of Madrid de las Austrias, where you’ll be taken aback by the stunning architecture of historic Madrid. You can start your walk in the Barrio de las Letras, gander over towards the Puerta del Sol, continue along Calle Arenal until you reach Ópera, and then carry on until the Palacio Real.
You’ll find the Templo de Debod just a few moments away. This attractive Egyptian temple was donated to the capital and is located in a perfect area from which to contemplate some particularly beautiful panoramic views of the city at sunset.
Culinary pleasures to delight all your senses
Madrid is not short of gastronomic pleasures and you’ll find irresistible options to suit all palates. Start your day with the famous churros con chocolate for breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés, located just a few moments away from the Plaza Mayor.
To whet your appetite, don’t miss out on some delicious tapas at any of the bars you’ll find in the many squares dotted around the capital, such as Plaza del Dos de Mayo, Plaza España, Plaza de Santa Ana or Plaza de La Paja. If you prefer, you can also discover some of the many culinary markets located in Madrid city, where you’ll be able to sample Mediterranean and international cuisine. Some of the most popular spots are Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de La Latina.
Of course, we must recommend you taste one of the delicious Mediterranean dishes at Casa Lobo, our restaurant where you’ll enjoy the culinary magic of Fernando P. Arellano, our chef with two Michelin stars.
