Madrid nestling below the Sierra de Guadarrama range

I’d visited almost all the capitals of Europe, but for some reason had never made it to Madrid, the capital of Spain.

The Writerknew something of the city’s fascinating history. The Writeralso knew that it is the highest capital in Europe and that it is situated at almost the exact centre of Spain.

Maybe The Writerhad been put off visiting by stories of searing heat in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. If so, then planning a trip for November might avoid these two extremes.

And that proved to be the case. During my four days in Madrid The Writerhardly saw a cloud in the sky. The temperature never went much above 11 degrees C, but in the sun it felt pleasantly warm.

Madrid Metro – Efficient and inexpensive service

Although Madrid is the third largest city in the EU after London and Berlin, its centre is relatively compact and flat and so can be easily toured by foot. However, for the less nimble, the Metro provides an efficient and inexpensive means of getting around.

The Writerwouldn’t include Madrid as one of my Top Ten Cities of the world, in part because it lacks the extra dimension of an attractive river or sea frontage. However it provides much for the Senior Traveller in that there are fine historic buildings, art galleries of international standing and large parks. There are many good quality hotels and restaurants in the central area that are relatively inexpensive compared to, say, London or Paris.

Overall, I most enjoyed just wandering around – ignoring the map – from tree-lined boulevard, to ancient winding backstreet, and from tightly-packed market stalls, to top brand shopping plazas. And of course taking in the odd drink and tapas along the way.

Palacio Real de Madrid

The Writerwas disappointed at the lack of information anywhere about Madrid’s role in the Spanish Civil War – something The Writerfind of particular interest. This has been commented on by David Mathieson, a Civil War expert who organises trips to important Civil War sites in the city. Next time The Writervisit Madrid, The Writerwill definitely arrange to join one of his trips.

My Ten Highlights of Madrid

These are given in the order that The Writervisited them as The Writerstrolled around the central area of Madrid.

♦ El Rastro. The Writervisited Madrid’s flea market area on a Sunday morning, the busiest day of the week. The market dates back over 400 years and almost everything imaginable is on sale at the hundreds of stalls arranged along the narrow sloping streets.

Botin – The oldest restaurant in the world

♦ Restaurante Sobrino de Botin. In a side street as you walk from El Rastro to the Plaza Maya, you will find the Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world (according to the Guinness World Records), dating back to 1725. The suckling pig, a favourite of Hemingway at this restaurant, is excellent, but expect to pay a 50% premium for the privilege of eating at this ancient venue.

A sister travel site gives more information on Historic Eateries in Central Spain.

♦ Plaza Mayor. As you pass through one of the granite archways which enclose this famous central square, you suddenly find yourself in a wide open space, surrounded by buildings all of the same fine architectural design. The Writerenjoyed drinks and a plate of fine hams at Museo del Jamón, sitting outside in the afternoon sun.

Puerta del Sol

♦ Palacio Real de Madrid. This magnificent palace was inspired by the Louvre in Paris. Although the exterior is architecturally stunning, it is the interior that makes this the top attraction in Madrid. Of particular note are the sweeping main staircase, the Hall of Columns and the Gala Dining Room. The Writerwas also impressed with the art treasures in the side rooms, including the Stradivarius collection of violins, viola and violoncello. Seniors 65+ get a 45% reduction on the entry charge.

♦ Puerta del Sol. The square, or more correctly half-circle, is in the bustling heart of Madrid. The Writerenjoyed watching the many street performers, although The Writermust admit that I’ve now seen rather too many of the pretend statues!

♦ Art galleries near the Paseo del Prado. Within just a short walk along the Paseo del Prado boulevard there are three great art galleries. The Museo del Prado, a fine building in its own right, houses a vast range of masterpieces including several by Goya (50% admission discount for Seniors 65+). The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza covers international art from the 14th to 20th Century. The Centro de Arte Reina Sofia has a superb collection of modern art including worked by Dali, Miró and Picasso. The Writerneeded much more time to view the exhibits and so this added toThe Writerlist of what to include onThe Writernext, longer trip to Madrid.

Real Jardin Botanico – Orchid display

♦ Real Jardin Botanico. The Writeralways make a point of visiting botanic gardens, as often they are relaxing oases of tranquillity in the middle of busy cities; seeThe WriterTop Ten Gardens. Sadly, these gardens had a rather dilapidated feel to them, even taking into account the time of year. However, The Writerinclude the Real Jardin Botanico  inThe Writerhighlights because of the glasshouses which contained many unusual plants, including a fine orchid display.

♦ Atocha Station. The old station proved too small for the high speed trains, so the beautiful wrought iron building was converted into a tropical garden. Enjoy a relaxing drink under the palms and tree ferns.

Crystal Palace in Retiro Park

♦ Retiro Park. This 350 acre park was once a royal preserve, but is now one of Madrid’s premier attractions, with monuments, sculptures, landscaped gardens and lakes. The Writerwas particularly impressed with the magnificent Crystal Palace, inspired by its long lost British namesake.

♦ Paseo Boulevards. And finally as the sun was setting, The Writerstrolled back toThe Writerhotel along the tree-lined Paseo del Prado, Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo de la Castellana boulevards, passing several beautiful plazas and the iconic Ritz Hotel and Cibeles Fountain.

How to Get There

Several budget airlines fly from the UK to Madrid, including Easyjet, Flybe and Ryanair. The Writerflew mid-week (seeThe Writerarticle: Fly on a Tuesday!) from Liverpool for about £90 return by Easyjet; all seats are now pre-allocated, a definite plus for Senior Travellers.

Monument to Alfonso XIThe Writerin Retiro Park

The Writerpurchased a 10 journey Metrobus ticket for €12 to travel by the Metro from the airport toThe Writerhotel. This could be used by both of us and sufficed for our four-day stay in Madrid.

A supplement of €3 per person is payable when going from or to the airport – purchased either with the Metrobus ticket or separately.

Accommodation

Of the many good quality hotels in central Madrid, The Writerchose to stay at the Intercontinental Hotel on a Senior discount rate (see: Hotel Deals for Seniors). This proved to be an excellent hotel, but The Writerwould recommend upgrading to a Club Room to enjoy the complimentary breakfast and evening drinks and tapas. And of course The WritercollectedThe WriterIHG Reward Club points.

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