Madrid holidays take you to a thrilling city that’s full of artistic and culinary flair, a place where the locals embrace life with a passion that’s impossible to resist.
The Spanish capital is a destination that has it all – from non-stop nightlife and world-class shopping to acclaimed cultural attractions and spectacular cuisine.
Madrid is justly renowned for its beautiful architecture. Roam the Royal Palace of Madrid and iconic Plaza Mayor, the colourful baroque walls providing the picture-perfect backdrop to your path around this endlessly fascinating city.
Inside, there are more pleasures still. Holidays in Madrid unlock world-leading art collections at Museo National del Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
Whether you’re relaxing in El Retiro Park or shopping on Gran Vía, you’re sure to be struck by the sheer zest for life of the Madrileños. Create your perfect Madrid holiday package with Etihad.
Whether you like to explore a city through its culture or prefer after-dark revelry, you’ll find the perfect holiday in Madrid.
Madrid has an artistic and cultural pedigree that’s the envy of many other cities around the world, with plenty of famous and impressive museums and galleries to keep you busy.
Top of the list is surely the Museo Nacional del Prado, which is home to thousands of paintings and more than 700 sculptures.
Dating back to the 19th century, this diverse gallery displays work from revered names such as Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Titian, Rubens and Hieronymus Bosch.
Madrid comes to life after dark. Like many European cities, there’s a culture of late-night dining in Madrid. Many people don’t sit down to eat until 10pm.
Exploring the evening haunts of its many varied districts – or barrios – is an experience to savour, as the sound of laughter and music rings around the world’s flamenco capital. The most vibrant Madrid neighbourhoods include Malasaña, Princesa and Castellana. Visit after dark and get ready to dance until dawn.
Football is one of this city’s enduring passions, thanks in part to the exploits of Real Madrid CF and legendary names such as Di Stéfano, Raúl, Beckham and Ronaldo.
Superfans can even tour the all-conquering super-club’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
The tour includes the dressing rooms, presidential balcony and, of course, the pitch itself. Real aren’t the only footballing show in town, though. Atlético Madrid and Rayo Vallecano are also based here – and are fierce rivals of Real.
With everything from luxury stores to charming family-run shops that have been serving the people of Madrid for generations, this city is the perfect place to indulge in a little retail therapy. The chic Mercadillo del Gato pop-up street market offers closthers and jewellery, while the beautiful Mercado de San Miguel near the Plaza Mayor sells delicious food from around the country. For the best in high-end Spanish fashion, head for the city’s Salamanca area.
Madrid’s busy streets and party spirit are all well and good, but if you feel the need to take some time out, head for El Retiro Park.
Spread across more than 300 acres in the very heart of the city, this idyllic spot is home to an impressive range of monuments, sculptures, fountains and gardens.
Hire a bike, venture out onto the lake in a rowing boat or simply sit back and people-watch as the Madrileños go about their business.
Gran Vía is the main street running through the middle of Madrid and one of the best places to stay if you’re looking to really immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
It’s also a five or 10-minute walk from a number of the city’s most popular districts, including Chueca and Santa Ana.
There are plenty of accommodation options here, from well-known chains to quirky boutique hotels.
Looking for a luxury Madrid holiday? You’re in luck, as the city has plenty to offer those who want to treat themselves.
The city’s top-end hotels include the Westin Palace, which is close to the Museo Nacional del Prado, and the Bless Hotel Madrid.
The latter is only a few minutes’ drive from El Retiro Park and comes complete with an outdoor pool, full-service spa and rooftop terrace.
There’s no shortage of four-star hotels in Madrid. Good choices include the Vincci Capitol, which is conveniently placed on Gran Vía, and Hotel Eurostars Plaza Mayor, which is close to the Teatro Nuevo Apolo entertainment venue.
Three-star options include Suites Viena Plaza de España, less than a mile from the Royal Palace of Madrid, and the stylish Leonardo Hotel Madrid City Centre.
All create the ideal base for a sightseeing city break in Madrid.
Public transport is excellent in Madrid. A tourist travel pass allows visitors to make unlimited trips on Madrid’s metro, blue city buses and commuter trains.
Madrid’s shops normally open at 9am or 10am and close as late as 10pm. Some stores also close from 2pm to 4pm or 5pm for the traditional afternoon siesta.
Madrid’s taxis are easy to spot – they’re white with a diagonal red band on their front door. Vehicles display a green light when they’re available.
Spain's electricity supply is 220V. Plugs have two round pins and an additional ground pin. You may need to pack a standard travel adaptor plug.
Madrid is widely regarded as a European culinary capital with something to suit all tastes.
Local specialities include cured ham, seafood and cocido madrinleño – a chickpea stew with meat. Much of it comes from the city’s fish market, which is the second-largest of its kind in the world.
One of the best-loved features of Madrid gastronomy is tapas, which is served in bars across the city. Bite-sized snacks such as Spanish omelette, croquettes, cheese and chorizo all feature prominently on the menus.
The movement and music of Spain’s best-recognised dance style –flamenco – is the heartbeat of Madrid. Emotion-charged performances take place in venues large and small on every night of the week.
Flamenco bars – known locally as tablaos – give you the chance to enjoy food and drink while watching some of the city’s finest flamenco dancers, singers and guitar players perform on stage.
Corral de la Morería, Torres Bermejas and Café de Chinitas are among the most famous flamenco venues in Madrid.
Another must-visit is Villa Rosa, Madrid’s oldest and most atmospheric flamenco bar, which has been graced by the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Ava Gardner.
Spain’s capital is well known as a playground for foodies and art lovers, but Madrid is just as well suited for family holidays.
Top locations for younger travellers include the Faunia wildlife gardens and the Parque de Atracciones amusement park, which features an exciting selection of rollercoasters and other thrilling rides.
Kids will also enjoy places such as the Museo de Cera waxworks and the Museo del Ferrocarril (railway museum). Parque Warner Madrid, the movie-themed amusement park, is situated 16 miles (25km) south of the city centre.
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