The jewel in Spain’s crown
Book flights to Madrid and see the remarkable artistic heritage and cultural pedigree of Spain’s capital city.
Walk down the streets and you’ll find medieval mansions and royal residences sitting alongside contemporary architecture. Soaked in sunshine, these are sights you can’t help but take photos of.
Madrid is the perfect city for slowing down and enjoying a meal as the world goes by. Try one of the gourmet restaurants or traditional tapas bars frequented by generations of locals, known as Madrilenos.
As the sun sets, the streets of the city’s many barrios come alive with music, flamenco and the buzz of people.
World-famous galleries such as the Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza will delight art aficionados.
Book plane tickets to Madrid with Etihad Airways
today to find out why it’s one of the world’s most cherished destinations.
Reasons to visit Madrid
The majestic Museo del Prado
One of the world’s leading art galleries, the Museo del Prado is home to thousands of paintings and more than 700 sculptures – including the statue of Diego Velázquez that graces the entrance.
Work by great names such as Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Titian, Rubens and Hieronymus Bosch can be found here, giving visitors the chance to delve deep into both Spain and Europe’s creative past.
Dating back to the early part of the 19th century, the museum offers carefully selected itineraries to suit people keen on ticking off the greats, as well as tours for those wishing to stay longer in this wondrous place.
Take a tour of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium
Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium has been a sporting stage for some of the finest footballers of all time – from the likes of Puskas and Di Stefano in the 50s to modern legends like David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. You might spot it from the sky on your Madrid flight.
Go behind the scenes on a tour that takes in the dressing rooms, presidential balcony, coaches’ touchline seats and, of course, the pitch itself. Real Madrid’s dazzling trophy collection is on show alongside shirts, balls, documents, photos and other items of memorabilia telling the story of this great club.
Relax in El Retiro Park
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Madrid for an hour or two and enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of El Retiro Park. An oasis of nature in the heart of the city, the park is spread across more than 125 hectares and features a fascinating array of monuments, sculptures, fountains and gardens.
Rent a rowing boat and head out on the lake, visit the Crystal Palace conservatory, take in one of El Retiro’s regular puppet shows or simply sit back and unwind with some local ‘churros con chocolate’ while watching the world go by.
Flying to Madrid: FAQs
How many days should I spend in Madrid?
Two days will give you a tantalising flavour of Madrid’s special brand of magic, but a week or more is the ideal length of time to appreciate the city. Take a trip by cable car to Casa de Campo, one of Europe’s largest parks and home to thrilling rollercoaster rides. From Madrid, explore more of Spain: head north-east to Barcelona or south to Seville.
What food is Madrid known for?
No stay in Madrid is complete without a visit to a tapas bar, where bite-sized snacks such as Spanish tortilla, croquettes, aged cheese, chorizo and Iberico ham combine to mouth-watering gastronomic effect. For those who want something more formal, the city boasts around 20 restaurants with a Michelin star.
What should I see in Madrid?
There is always something new to discover when you book plane tickets to Madrid, but must-see
attractions include the magnificent Royal Palace, the Cibeles Fountain and Botin, reputed to be the world’s oldest restaurant. The Rastro, a sprawling open-air market held on Sunday mornings, is also well worth fitting into your schedule.