Madrid is the location to go when you wish to see a mindful marital relationship of the old and new. One of the gems of Spain, Madrid was when house to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella who unified the households of Aragon and Castile. Throughout the Spanish Civil War, Madrid was the head office of the Republicans and as such was greatly ruined by the war. It was bombed a number of times and General Franco built industrial complexes in the area.
Today, Madrid is now an economic, social and cultural center that equals other Spanish cities along with cities in Europe. It possesses groundbreaking architecture, great food, rich history and terrific people who are both laidback and enthusiastic. The City madrid itinerary of Madrid pulsates with life as it introduces a new centuries.
When to Go
Madrid is one of the highest cities in Europe located at 2,100 feet above water level and hence delights in a cool climate than other cities in Spain. It is perfect to visit Madrid from April to June and September and October. The environment can be severe and throughout the middle of the summer, the heat can be oppressive. Native Madrilenos frequently leave the city to depend on the beaches close by. Throughout this duration, the majority of stores and dining establishments in the city are closed so attempt to plan your journey around these durations.
Where to Go
The heart of the cit is appropriately called Centro. It is a historical landmark and can be explored on foot. There are labyrinths of streets surrounding the 3,000 square feet location and its best to bring a map with you. Individuals are friendly so you can quickly ask around and most people speak little English.
The main location is the Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) and is the beginning point for a number of the streets in the city. Southwest of the Sun Gate is Plaza Mayor and even more on is La Latina, a bohemian and artsy neighborhood. Going west will lead you to the Palacio Real, the largest royal palace in Western Europe. If you go east, you will be greeted with wonderful tree-lined streets called Calle de Alcala. Beyond that, you will find the Parque de Retiro, calm and peaceful, along with the Salamanca area which is stylish and sophisticated. If you choose to go north, you will find yourself in Chueca and Chamberi, the house to some prime shopping establishments.
What to Do
It would be a sin to go to Madrid without checking out the famous Muse del Prado where the works of the greatest Spanish masters are shown such as those by Velazquez and Goya as well as Dutch masters Rubens and Brueghel and Italy's Boticelli and Caravaggio. Admission is totally free on Sunday but it can be crowded so you have the alternative of going on weekdays and its finest to show up prior to 9:00 AM.
Satisfy your culture desire by entering into the flamenco spirit. Las Tablas and Sala Juglar are 2 authentic flamenco spots where young dancers typically carry out. When in Madrid, you will never lacked shops to go shopping. CH Carolina Herrera's stylishly womanly styles can be bought in Calle Serrano and if you are hankering for fits or t-shirts that are perfectly-tailor-made, you can have a look at Sasteria Lopez Herbon's store in Calle Cedaceros.
Spanish culture and great food are almost synonymous, just as it is linked to all kinds of social home entertainment. Madrid is considered to be a melting pot for cuisines from around the world. If you plan to visit dining establishments in Madrid, skip the burgers and pizzas and experiment with new cooking delights and experiences. Food alternatives in Madrid offer variety so do not miss out on the opportunity to enjoy different dishes. As George Bernard Shaw appropriately said, "I do not like feeling in your home when I am abroad."
Madrid Food: Timings and Courses
Throughout the world, breakfast is considered to be the 'crucial' meal of the day but Spaniards prefer small breakfasts. This may be due to the truth that they are not early birds. Most eating joints in Madrid begin working only after 8 a.m. so breakfast is normally served around 9.30 a.m.
Conventional breakfast items are:
* Magdalenas: Likewise referred to as 'Maria' crackers, these round shaped crackers (biscuit) are sweet.
* Churros: They are gently fried and garnished with honey or sugar. They look like large French french fries and are considered to be the Spanish version of doughnuts.
* Torrijas: This is a kind of pudding generally made from white bread and served with cinnamon and sugar or honey. Though it is a popular breakfast dish, it is also functioned as dessert.
A Spanish lunch is the biggest meal of the day and it is called 'La Comida.' Dining establishments in Madrid generally served lunch in between 2.00 and 3.00 p.m with a number of courses such as:
Appetisers or Entrantes: Popular appetizer in Madrid is 'tapas.' These are finger foods, made of a range of active ingredients such as:
* Meat
* Ham
* Olives
* Cheese which are served on toothpicks.
Main dish: A main dish could consist of veggie and/or meat meals. The vegetarian dishes in Madrid consist of a mixture of fresh vegetables, spices and sauces. Beans, asparagus and garlic are popular active ingredients in these meals. Seafood products such as fish, clams and shrimp are likewise very popular in Madrid. Some famous seafood dishes are:
* Bacalao con Tomate (cod fish served with tomato sauce).
* Sardinas a la Santanderina (fried and sauteed sardines).
* Meat products such as beef, lamb and pork meals are also commonly served in the main course. Some popular meat dishes are Cochifrito (potted lamb in lemon) and Cochinillo Asado (roast pig).
Dessert or Postre: This consists of different kinds of ice cream and custard. A dessert is also generally served with an espresso coffee. A popular dessert meal is Flan, which is a vanilla egg custard, garnished with caramel sauce.
A Spanish dinner is called 'La Cena.' Dinner is usually consumed after 9.00 p.m. The majority of restaurants in Madrid use their lunch specials throughout supper too.