If you’re going to Spain, a visit to Madrid is a must. You would say that the main reason why people should leave bound for Madrid is that it’s the capital of the country, but of course there is much more than that.
Beyond paella and bullfighters, Madrid has got lots of tourist attractions but you don’t have to spend so much time to go and see them. If you think to visit the city in three days, it’s not so hard as you can imagine. The first day in Madrid can be dedicated to the city center – Puerta del Sol is a lively “plaza” which is very good for shopping and often gives the opportunity to see street performers. In it you can find the big shopping mall El Corte Inglés, defined as the “Spanish Harrods”, and the heraldic symbol of Madrid, the bear and the madrone tree (El Oso y El Madroño).
Going to Calle Mayor, one of the main street leaving from the center, you can easily reach the Royal Palace. If people expect to see the royal family, they’re going to be disappointed. The king Juan Carlos and his retinue don’t live there anymore, but the palace is worth visiting, as well. It was built on an ancient fortress and now is open to visitors who can enter marvelous rooms, such as the Throne Room and the Porcelain Room. What is more behind the palace you can enjoy the open air in a wonderful and public park, Campo del Moro.
The second day could be spent visiting the two most famous museums, Prado and Reina Sofia. The Prado houses paintings of great Italian and Spanish artists like Caravaggio, Raffaello and Goya, whereas the other one reminds us Picasso and his Guernica.
At the end of your holiday El Parque del Buen Retiro and the Spanish cooking go out with a bang. You can spend your last time in Madrid relaxing on board of small boats near the pool of the park or being entertained by musicians and jugglers. After leaving this romantic atmosphere, it’s the turn of bocadillos, tortillas and tapas, typical delicious dishes waiting to be discovered. In this connection you should stop in the Museo del Jamón, a sort of delicatessen/restaurant where you can taste the best ham in Spain. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go and book!
