Think of it as supporting the local economy. Madrid is still a tourist destination that competes with Paris in terms of culture, cuisine and romance. Oh, and did we mention that the locals party like there’s no tomorrow? Every night is an excuse to go out, enjoy a drink, eat tapas, and take it easy. Be prepared for long days and nights, and don’t say we didn’t warn you.
The way Madrid is laid out as a city, combined with its classic architecture, facades and palaces, make it look a lot like Paris. But the city moves a lot slower and is more relaxed in every way. Plenty of time to sample all that special ham that you’ll never get back in the States! (There are “ham museums” called museo de jamón all over the city where you can do just that.) Along with the myriad tapas bars serving delicious local savory snacks, beer and wine, you’ll find that dining on a budget is a pleasure. Some of the more noteworthy tapas bars are Las Tapas de Paco Roncero (cool ceiling decoration using the characteristic Spanish hair combs), Taberna de Dolores (serving anchovies, cheese and beer since 1908) and El Abuelo (shrimps and crayfish).
There are several first-rate art exhibitions this season, and because Madrid is a walking city with long, elegant boulevards, many of the museums are reachable on foot. This allows visitors to see different areas of the city and experience the many city squares, water fountains and small parks. If you’re especially fond of walking, don’t forget to visit the hugely popular recreational area called Madrid Rio on the edge of the city near the royal palace, where you’ll see innovative gardens and bridges that run along the river Manzanares. It’s all about the “greening” of Madrid.
The elegant InterContinental Hotel at the far end of the Paseo de la Castellana is a good place to begin a tour of Madrid. The soaring lobby atrium is where many of the government officials and diplomats, whose offices are nearby, meet on a daily basis for a coffee or drink. A few minutes away is the sprawling Palacio de Cibeles CentroCentro, reached by walking along a tree-lined boulevard (you’ll also see book seller stalls and inviting cafes along the way). Recently re-opened as a cultural center, the original building dates from 1804. There is also a rooftop terrace with amazing views of the city (free entrance).
The Romanticism Museum (Museo del Romanticismo) is the newest museum to open in Madrid and is housed in a beautiful mansion built in 1776. It is chock full of decorative arts, furniture, art and fashion; everything is authentic.
No trip to Madrid is complete without a visit to the world famous Prado art museum. But more interesting is the CaixaForum a few blocks away, which is by itself one of the most perplexing architectural accomplishments: an old unused warehouse raised up from its foundation and resting on one immense steel leg and made by Herzog & de Meuron Architects. There is even an immense, vertical “living garden” on the one of the outside walls created by Patrick Blanc. Until January 15, 2012, you can see the massive retrospective of Romantic French painter Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863). Considered one of the great Romantic painters and the leader of the Romantic Movement, Eugene Delacroix’s contribution to the art world is extensive, from his official commissions to his historical and religious paintings, all on an epic scale. More than 130 works in this exhibition illustrate the many different stages of his career and inspiration.
If architecture turns you on, then visit the spacious Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza to see the tightly curated Architectural Drawings from the Renaissance to the 18th century on view through January 22, 2012, with works of Canaletto, Tintoretto and Duccio di Buoninsegna.
Don’t pass up a chance to see a performance of live flamenco dancing and music at the oldest, ongoing flamenco cabaret theatre, El Corral de la Moreria (www.corraldelamoreria.com). Famous dancers and musicians are always part of the show and you can also enjoy a classic Spanish dinner (performances start at 9 p.m.). Speaking of old, the oldest restaurant, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is Botin (www.botin.es), and is worth a visit to sample roast suckling baby pig. Don’t go to Madrid expecting to eat like a vegan. This is a meat-eater’s town!
For additional information, visit http://www.esmadrid.com