| Madrid, Spain has a long and complicated history. For | | | | and Crystal Place. |
| centuries it ruled half the world as the center of the | | | | At nearby Plaza Mayor, travelers can enjoy a delicious |
| monarchy power, but it is now a one of the most | | | | meal at one of the many restaurants or cafes. Or, |
| popular tourist destinations in Europe. One central to | | | | they can simply sit under the shade and |
| the Spanish Inquisition, Madrid is now known for its | | | | "people-watch." The Plaza Mayor square is nearly |
| vibrant nightclubs, incredible shopping and abundance of | | | | 100m on each side and is surrounded by buildings that |
| art. | | | | have watched many things throughout the years, from |
| A trip to Madrid rewards the traveler with first-rate | | | | beheadings to bullfighting. |
| soccer and bullfighting, and shopping third in Europe to | | | | Be sure to allow time for a visit to the Royal Palace, or |
| only Paris and London. The traveler also experiences | | | | Palacio Real. It was home to Spain's monarchs and still |
| the best and most beautiful art museums, parks equal | | | | contains the Royal Armory, throne room and Royal |
| to those in Manhattan, New York. A trip to Madrid is | | | | Pharmacy. Visitors can stand in some of the 2,800 |
| surely not a quick pass through. Visitors should | | | | rooms and imagine what it was like for the royal |
| anticipate spending some time in the city. | | | | families and monarchs ruling half the world from that |
| Art lovers will surely want to visit the Prado, but the | | | | very room. It is not a difficult thing to imagine, though, |
| Museu Thyseen-Bornemisza is a recent addition that | | | | when you are looking at displays of El Cid's sword, |
| should definitely not be missed. It was founded by the | | | | porcelain vases and hundreds of jewels. |
| family of wealthy industrialist Baron Thyssen and his | | | | Of course, leave time to shop. Gran Via is Madrid's |
| wife, a former Miss Spain, housing over seven hundred | | | | most well known shopping area. You can find anything |
| of Europe's beautiful treasures from the thirteen to the | | | | form the popular El Rastro flea market to department |
| twentieth centuries. The Queen Sofia is home to an | | | | stores, such as the El Core Inglés. In addition to |
| abundant amount of twentieth century art, enough to | | | | these, Madrid's shopping offers much more, including |
| satisfy fans of the Museum of Modern Art in New | | | | Calle Montera, Calle Alcala, Calle Princesa and so |
| York. | | | | many terrific stores and boutiques. |
| However, there is more to Madrid than the art | | | | For anyone planning to visit Madrid, you will want to |
| museums. You can take a walk in Madrid's sunny | | | | plan to spend some time in the beautiful city. There are |
| climate and visit the beautiful Parque del Buene Retiro. | | | | many great packages available offering fabulous |
| Though this park is smaller than Manhattan's Central | | | | accommodations and great travel deals. Take a look |
| Park and even smaller than London's Hyde Park, it is | | | | and make your way to Madrid to experience its art, |
| no less beautiful with lakes, sculptures, lovely grounds | | | | history, attractions and fabulous shopping! |