About Madrid
Tourist Information
Madrid is located at the center of the Iberian Peninsula, making it the highest capital city in Europe. With over 5 million residents, it is the ideal starting point to explore Spain, its traditions and its people. It’s home to countless museums and historic architecture as well as numerous business events.
What to see in Madrid
You should not leave Madrid without visiting the city’s three main museums: The Prado Museum, which houses works by Goya, Velázquez and Murillo, amongst others. The very impressive Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which guarantees a packed afternoon with over 1,000 works important in art history. And the Reina Sofia Museum, which amongst other artists includes the strange and delightful work of Salvador Dali, Miró and Picasso.
If you have time, you may also consider visiting the Royal Palace, Teatro Real (for Opera and Ballet), The National Library and the Caixa Forum, which holds many different temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Madrid is also home to one of Europe’s best-known and successful football teams. With a host of stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and James Rodrigues, you can be sure of seeing the sport played at its dizzying best.
As you would expect from a city the size of Madrid it is a huge business center, and home to top- level conferences, seminars, and meetings. That’s why Europe Shuttle is here for you and your business to provide reliable, safe, and stylish transport in Madrid. Whether it is a bus service for a larger party, a personalized Chauffer Service in Madrid or a Limousine service in Madrid, whatever you and your partners need, Europe Shuttle will serve you.
Traditions and Celebrations
In the capital, many old traditions are maintained, such as the fair of El Rastro and the feast of San Isidro Labrador (May 15th). Other popular festivals are the San Antonio de la Florida (June 13th), San Cayetano and Paloma (the last two are both held between August 6th – 15th).
Food in Madrid is also something special. You can choose from a beguiling amount of international dishes. Or why not try out the world famous Paella and tapas, or sample the more traditional options such as tripe.
Madrid's nightlife is famous for the large variety of restaurants and tapas bars, which stay open long into the night. If you’re looking to party then there is a huge number of nightclubs offering all kinds of music and culture.
Monuments
Madrid has a lot of history behind it and the passing of time has left behind an array of outstanding constructions. Among the most prominent are:
Puerta de Alcalá Gate
The "Alcalá Gate" (in Spanish, La Puerta de Alcalá) is a National Monument of Spain. It was designed by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini in 1764 (with the King Charles III). Charles III ordered it to be built in the city wall, which marked the eastern boundary. Representing four cardinal virtues: Prudence, Justice, Temperance (or Restraint) and Fortitude (or Courage).
The Royal Palace
It is located next to the Plaza de Oriente square. It was built on the site of the old Alcázar, the Moorish castle destroyed by fire in 1734, but the site has been occupied since the 10th century by the Moors, who having named the city's Manzanares river al-Magrit ("source of water"), referred to the area as Mayrit which became Magerit, then Madrid. The old city walls around this area may still be seen.
The palace itself contains furniture, tapestries, paintings and ceramics as well as other important works of art and frescos by Tiépolo. Velázquez, Goya, Giordano and Mengs are all represented here amongst the dozens of valuable tapestries and paintings, making the palace one of Europe's most important museums and receiving more than 880,000 visitors in 2006.
The Fuente de Cibeles fountain
This fountain is the most important symbol of Madrid. It was built at the end of the 18th Century under the orders of King Carlos III. It was designed by architect Ventura Rodríguez in marble and represents the goddess Cibeles astride a lion-drawn chariot. In her hands she holds a scepter and the keys to the city.
CaixaForum
The CaixaForum is housed in the former Mediodìa powerhouse, renovated and expanded after a design by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, which has soon become a city landmark, easily recognizable by its rusted steel cladding as well as for its famous vertical-garden facade, designed in collaboration with French botanist Patrick Blanc. The center opened to the public in 2008.
Near Madrid
Although Madrid has so much to offer, it is sometimes nice to escape the hustle bustle of the city. There are lots of amazing places to explore within a short drive away. Visit Toledo, the ancient center of the Spanish Kingdom to walk the medieval streets or El Escorial where you can take a tour of the San Lorenzo Monastery, which was built by King Phillip II in 1562.
Segovia has preserved the incredible engineering of the Roman Aqueducts while Salamanca is home to the third oldest University in the world. As you can see, there is no shortage of fantastic destinations to be explored right on Madrid’s doorstep.
We take you to your destination
Reserve
Do you have a destination where to arrive?
Reserve Now