Madrid Airport
Madrid
Barajas
International
Airport
Airport code:
MAD
Distance from
city: 15km (9
miles)
Madrid
Barajas
International
Airport
Airport code:
MAD
Distance from
city: 15km (9
miles)
International country code: 34
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin
plugs are standard.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy
Population
Madrid: 561,565
Religion
Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin
plugs are standard.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy
Population
Madrid: 561,565
Religion
Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%
Madrid - The Sleepless City By Edward Kirwan
Spain’s modern bustling capital, Madrid, is smack bang in the middle of
the country. The heart of Madrid is open with grand architecture and
wide avenues. Being relatively compact it is easy to explore and enjoy
the ambiance in all its glory.
When visiting you would be well advised to be aware of the weather in
Madrid. Sitting on a high plateau with low mountains to the northwest
it does not enjoy the best of climates. Locally they claim to have three
months of bad weather and the other nine months are awful. This can
be taken with a pinch of salt, particularly if you are from colder regions
but the winters are cold with biting winds while the heat of summer is
best avoided. Typically most "Madrileños" head for the coasts or
mountains. Check your Madrid travel guide but spring and autumn are
the best times to visit.
Whatever the weather there is always somewhere to get away from it.
With so many fine cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from, catering
for all tastes and times of day you will have to plan your time well.
Madrid being cosmopolitan, is not famous for any particular regional
dish but this does not detract from the quality of what is on offer and it
certainly adds to the variety. Visit the side streets and uncover small
specialist tapas bars or hidden restaurants offering gastronomic
delights.
The famous Prado Museum, housing Spain’s finest art works is
complemented by the The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and the
“Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía”, The Queen Sophia
Museum of Modern Art.
The 18th century Prado built during the reign of Charles III, is
considered to be the best neoclassical building in Madrid. Its collection
of paintings is one of the best in the world, housing the works of the
great Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, Murillo, Zurbaran, Rafael and Rubens
amongst others.
Behind the Prado is the huge expanse of the Parque de Retiro; perfect
to stroll and relax away from the heat and the traffic. This is adjoined
to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Close by, those travelling by train to or
from the Atocha Station have the added pleasure of the indoor
botanical gardens to enjoy.
The Royal Palace “El Palacio Real”, and the wonderful Sabatini
Gardens are a must for many visitors, while the Plaza de la Cibeles is
considered as the heart of Madrid. It is a good point from which to
orientate yourself. Between the two, seek out the Plaza Major with its
statue of Felipe III on horseback in the centre. It is off the Calle Major
close to the Puerta del Sol and though large, it is mysteriously missed
by some.
The Calle de Alcalá, runs into the main shopping street, the Gran Via.
What a sight and what a shoppers’ paradise! The large and famous
department stores, fashion houses, shoe shops mix with the artisans
and craft shops on this long avenue. With its surrounding streets and
side alleys combined with long opening hours, Gran Via is the shoppers
dream. In Madrid there is nowhere to go but the Grand Via. Look no
further.
The great ‘Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas.’, the bullfighting
ring, is the largest in Spain. Recently, live transmission of bullfighting
has been withdrawn from television but “afficianados” (fans) can enjoy
their art from May to October.
Another great passion of the "Madrileños" is of course their beloved
Real Madrid football club and a visit to the gigantic Santiago Bernabeu
Stadium is a mecca for many fans. Madrid caters for all tastes and
younger visitors often prefer the Warner Bros-Madrid Theme Park, the
famous Zoo-Aquarium, Faunia Theme Park, and the Wax Museum
While walking Madrid is the best way to see it, a city pass and the
open top bus will save your legs for the nights out. Should you find
yourself too far from your hotel and a little weary the metro system is
very user friendly even for a foreigner.
Hotels in Madrid offer the whole range of accommodation as you
would expect. From the luxurious five star hotels to the more modest
“hostals” or the simple private rooms: everyone’s budget is catered
for. Note that “hostal” in Madrid is in fact a denomination of an hotel.
Don’t expect peace and quiet though except perhaps in the very early
hours or during siesta if you are lucky! Spain is a noisy country and
Madrid never sleeps.
Do not be surprised either that evenings start later than in many
places and a night out is just that. With that said Madrid is a great city
to be out on the town. Flamenco, blues, salsa and jazz compete with
disco, rap and techno as music emanates from every bar, restaurant,
club and street corner. This is a city full of people enjoying themselves.
Flights to Madrid are through Barajas International Airport which lies
15km to the east of the city. Transport to the centre of Madrid is by hire
car (take A-2 Barcelona route to the M-30 highway) taxi, route 89 bus
or the metro subway train service which takes you to the very heart of
this wonderful city by changing at Mar del Cristal.
You may leave Madrid exhausted, wondering when and if the
"Madrileños" ever sleep but you will certainly remember your visit.
For central Madrid. For M-40 highway take A-10 to Junction 3 or
Junction 9.
There are taxis outside each Terminal's Arrivals area.
Journey time to central Madrid is around 25-30 minutes depending on
traffic.
• Fare: Around €15-€20 including airport supplements.
The Airport bus to the Plaza de Colon (Route 89)
The Madrid Metro subway system links the airport with the city
Spain’s modern bustling capital, Madrid, is smack bang in the middle of
the country. The heart of Madrid is open with grand architecture and
wide avenues. Being relatively compact it is easy to explore and enjoy
the ambiance in all its glory.
When visiting you would be well advised to be aware of the weather in
Madrid. Sitting on a high plateau with low mountains to the northwest
it does not enjoy the best of climates. Locally they claim to have three
months of bad weather and the other nine months are awful. This can
be taken with a pinch of salt, particularly if you are from colder regions
but the winters are cold with biting winds while the heat of summer is
best avoided. Typically most "Madrileños" head for the coasts or
mountains. Check your Madrid travel guide but spring and autumn are
the best times to visit.
Whatever the weather there is always somewhere to get away from it.
With so many fine cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from, catering
for all tastes and times of day you will have to plan your time well.
Madrid being cosmopolitan, is not famous for any particular regional
dish but this does not detract from the quality of what is on offer and it
certainly adds to the variety. Visit the side streets and uncover small
specialist tapas bars or hidden restaurants offering gastronomic
delights.
The famous Prado Museum, housing Spain’s finest art works is
complemented by the The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and the
“Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía”, The Queen Sophia
Museum of Modern Art.
The 18th century Prado built during the reign of Charles III, is
considered to be the best neoclassical building in Madrid. Its collection
of paintings is one of the best in the world, housing the works of the
great Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, Murillo, Zurbaran, Rafael and Rubens
amongst others.
Behind the Prado is the huge expanse of the Parque de Retiro; perfect
to stroll and relax away from the heat and the traffic. This is adjoined
to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Close by, those travelling by train to or
from the Atocha Station have the added pleasure of the indoor
botanical gardens to enjoy.
The Royal Palace “El Palacio Real”, and the wonderful Sabatini
Gardens are a must for many visitors, while the Plaza de la Cibeles is
considered as the heart of Madrid. It is a good point from which to
orientate yourself. Between the two, seek out the Plaza Major with its
statue of Felipe III on horseback in the centre. It is off the Calle Major
close to the Puerta del Sol and though large, it is mysteriously missed
by some.
The Calle de Alcalá, runs into the main shopping street, the Gran Via.
What a sight and what a shoppers’ paradise! The large and famous
department stores, fashion houses, shoe shops mix with the artisans
and craft shops on this long avenue. With its surrounding streets and
side alleys combined with long opening hours, Gran Via is the shoppers
dream. In Madrid there is nowhere to go but the Grand Via. Look no
further.
The great ‘Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas.’, the bullfighting
ring, is the largest in Spain. Recently, live transmission of bullfighting
has been withdrawn from television but “afficianados” (fans) can enjoy
their art from May to October.
Another great passion of the "Madrileños" is of course their beloved
Real Madrid football club and a visit to the gigantic Santiago Bernabeu
Stadium is a mecca for many fans. Madrid caters for all tastes and
younger visitors often prefer the Warner Bros-Madrid Theme Park, the
famous Zoo-Aquarium, Faunia Theme Park, and the Wax Museum
While walking Madrid is the best way to see it, a city pass and the
open top bus will save your legs for the nights out. Should you find
yourself too far from your hotel and a little weary the metro system is
very user friendly even for a foreigner.
Hotels in Madrid offer the whole range of accommodation as you
would expect. From the luxurious five star hotels to the more modest
“hostals” or the simple private rooms: everyone’s budget is catered
for. Note that “hostal” in Madrid is in fact a denomination of an hotel.
Don’t expect peace and quiet though except perhaps in the very early
hours or during siesta if you are lucky! Spain is a noisy country and
Madrid never sleeps.
Do not be surprised either that evenings start later than in many
places and a night out is just that. With that said Madrid is a great city
to be out on the town. Flamenco, blues, salsa and jazz compete with
disco, rap and techno as music emanates from every bar, restaurant,
club and street corner. This is a city full of people enjoying themselves.
Flights to Madrid are through Barajas International Airport which lies
15km to the east of the city. Transport to the centre of Madrid is by hire
car (take A-2 Barcelona route to the M-30 highway) taxi, route 89 bus
or the metro subway train service which takes you to the very heart of
this wonderful city by changing at Mar del Cristal.
You may leave Madrid exhausted, wondering when and if the
"Madrileños" ever sleep but you will certainly remember your visit.
For central Madrid. For M-40 highway take A-10 to Junction 3 or
Junction 9.
There are taxis outside each Terminal's Arrivals area.
Journey time to central Madrid is around 25-30 minutes depending on
traffic.
• Fare: Around €15-€20 including airport supplements.
The Airport bus to the Plaza de Colon (Route 89)
The Madrid Metro subway system links the airport with the city
Madrid |
Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
| Madrid |
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You are not the only Real
Madrid Football Fan! The
"Madrileños" have a great passion
for their players as well.
Get your tickets here
Madrid Football Fan! The
"Madrileños" have a great passion
for their players as well.
Get your tickets here
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