Madrid
Madrid, the Spanish capital, is a mecca for art lovers.
The holy grail is of course the Museo del Prado. Spanish masters Goya, El Greco and Velazquez are extensively featured, along with a generous mix of international artists. The museum’s collection is immense – less than half the works are on display at any one time (there’s your excuse to come back again!).
Madrid is laid out around the Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate). The city’s busiest streets spread out from this central point – vast, wide avenues landscaped and lined with benches and chairs – perfect for watching the world go by.
After taking in your fill of masterpieces and majestic artifacts, the ideal way to unwind is a stroll around El Retiro. Madrid’s loveliest public garden has a manmade lake in the centre, watched over by Alfonso XII’s enormous mausoleum and the sphinx-laden Egyptian fountain.
Madrid has a vitality and character unlike any other city. She holds her identity dear, while welcoming everyone. Night owls love Madrid – the city is so lively at night, one is excused for thinking the locals never sleep!
