Featured Destinations in Europe / Madrid

Madrid, the great capital

The Spanish capital is the country's major cultural center with countless museums, art galleries and theaters, Madrid is also well known for its lively nightlife. Restaurants and bars fill up from 7 p.m. onwards and the culinary offerings are simply spectacular.

The Prado Museum, with almost 5000 works of art from the Romanesque to the 19th century, is the most important museum in Spain and a must-see on any trip to Madrid. Book in advance as there are always queues to get in. The huge Plaza Mayor is in the heart of Madrid and from here you can stroll through the oldest and most traditional Madrid: the Madrid de los Austrias or La Latina.

The Royal Palace of Madrid, also known as Palacio de Oriente was once the official residence of the kings of Spain (today they are housed in the Zarzuela Palace). Today it is open to the public to admire its impressive collection of tapestries, paintings or the beautiful Sabatini Gardens. The sunsets from here are some of the most beautiful in Madrid.

Madrid International Airport

With more than 50 million passengers annually, Madrid-Barajas Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe. Located within walking distance of Madrid's financial district and bustling city center, it is the perfect place to start your trip around Spain.

Prepare your trip

The Spanish capital is the country's major cultural center with countless museums, art galleries and theaters. Madrid is also well known for its lively nightlife. Restaurants and bars fill up from 7 p.m. onwards and the culinary offerings are simply spectacular.

The Prado Museum, with almost 5000 works of art from the Romanesque to the 19th century, is the most important museum in Spain and a must-see on any trip to Madrid. Book in advance as there are always queues to get in. The huge Plaza Mayor is in the heart of Madrid and from here you can stroll through the oldest and most traditional Madrid: the Madrid de los Austrias or La Latina.

The Royal Palace of Madrid, also known as Palacio de Oriente was once the official residence of the kings of Spain (today they are housed in the Zarzuela Palace). Today it is open to the public to admire its impressive collection of tapestries, paintings or the beautiful Sabatini Gardens. The sunsets from here are some of the most beautiful in Madrid.

Regio Toledo

The Spanish capital is the country's major cultural center with countless museums, art galleries and theaters. Madrid is also well known for its lively nightlife. Restaurants and bars fill up from 7 p.m. onwards and the culinary offerings are simply spectacular.

The Prado Museum, with almost 5000 works of art from the Romanesque to the 19th century, is the most important museum in Spain and a must-see on any trip to Madrid. Book in advance as there are always queues to get in. The huge Plaza Mayor is in the heart of Madrid and from here you can stroll through the oldest and most traditional Madrid: the Madrid de los Austrias or La Latina.

The Royal Palace of Madrid, also known as Palacio de Oriente was once the official residence of the kings of Spain (today they are housed in the Zarzuela Palace). Today it is open to the public to admire its impressive collection of tapestries, paintings or the beautiful Sabatini Gardens. The sunsets from here are some of the most beautiful in Madrid.

Segovia

Stately, elegant and bathed by the Tagus River, Toledo is one of those capitals that are always present in the history books. And, precisely, history is what is not lacking in this incredible city in which Arabs, Jews and Christians have left their mark. The Plaza de Zocodover is the starting point from which to begin any visit. There you will find cafes, stores and the tourist office where you can ask for information and pick up maps. 
Talking about the essentials in Toledo would be enough to write a book. Among those places you can not miss are the Cathedral, a route through the old town and a walk through the Jewish Quarter, which should include the synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca. 
After tasting traditional dishes such as cochifrito, migas, gachas, or lamb stew, spend another day visiting El Toboso, the village of Dulcinea, Don Quixote's beloved, and the impressive 12 windmills of Consuegra.

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Cuenca Encantada

Cuenca is famous for its Hanging Houses (not hanging) and the Enchanted City. The Casas Colgadas, three 15th century buildings embedded in a stone wall with 'hanging' wooden balconies, are now home to a restaurant and the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art of Cuenca. 
Cross the bridge of San Pablo, a metal structure that leads to the Parador and saves the Hoz del HuĆ©car. As for food, zarajos, ajoarriero or gazpacho pastor are typical of Cuenca. 
The SerranĆ­a de Cuenca Natural Park, located less than an hour's drive from the city, is a must-see excursion, including a stop at the Ventano del Diablo, a viewpoint carved into the rock. 
In the Enchanted City you can enjoy a geological phenomenon of rock formations that seem to have been sculpted in the shapes of animals and objects, ideal for a family visit.

Road Safety Standards

In Spain you drive on the right, unless you are going to overtake another vehicle. In general, roads in Madrid are generally well maintained and you will find signs pointing the way to the main places of interest. However, in the center the traffic is heavy, so you may prefer to park on the outskirts and use the metro service.
Another important point to keep in mind is the division that exists in its road network, which is divided into national roads (free), highways (two-lane roads) and freeways (paid). 
Remember that speed limits are strictly enforced with the help of security cameras placed all over Madrid. In addition, in recent years there has been a campaign to discourage drivers from drinking and driving, on pain of heavy fines from the Spanish police.
Regarding parking, you can leave your car in parking spaces marked in blue or green on the asphalt. It is illegal to park in places marked with yellow lines or where there is a "No Parking" sign.

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