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