About Madrid
Although the city has probably been inhabited since prehistoric times, it wasn’t until the mid-16th century that Madrid came into its own when it was tapped to be Spain’s capital. As such, the city played a role in the unification of the provinces — some of which still retain their own dialects and cuisine — helping to create a central government and, in the end, a cohesive country that has endured to modern times. The infusion of many cultures, including several centuries of Arab and Austrian rule, also has contributed to the city’s distinctive flavor. The Old Town, particularly the well preserved Plaza Mayor, showcases architecture from the 17th century, and is home to the Royal Palace and the Opera House. There is more to the city than its old district, as evidenced by the Gran Via, a 20th century hub of restaurants, hotels and shopping, and the Paseo de La Castellana, known for its modern architecture.

Locals take great pride in the city’s art museums — there are 73 in all — particularly the Prado Museum, which counts works by such famous artists as El Greco, Goya and Velazquez among its permanent collection, and the Reina Sofia, where visitors can find masterpieces by such contemporary artists as Dali, Miro and Picasso. Situated midpoint in the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid also is known for fine cuisine, thanks in part to its multicultural heritage, with dishes that range from seafood and meat to the popular mini-dishes, called tapas, available at designated bars throughout the city. Given that most restaurants don’t start serving dinner until 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., the city’s robust night life is a given.

As capital of Spain, Madrid also is a hub for finance and government and has several convention centers and exhibition halls. The city is around 2,000 feet above sea level, and temperatures can drop to freezing in winter.

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• Leap into the skies on a tandem skydiving jump — no experience necessary, just plenty of nerve — at Skydivelillo, just outside the city.

• Hit the slopes at the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains, about 36 miles from Madrid, where ski instructors, guides and rental equipment are available.

• Try windsurfing and kayaking in the nearby Sierra Norte mountains, or brave the rapids on inflatable dinghies on the Lozoya River.

• Catch your dinner fishing for trout and crabs at any of a number of rivers and reservoirs sprinkled throughout greater Madrid.

• Soar above the Spanish capital in a hot-air balloon. Take courses in piloting a balloon.

• Dance the night away during the 2 de Mayo Fiesta, when throngs of people party in the streets in remembrance of Napoleon’s defeat in the early 19th century.

• Go rock climbing in La Cabrera, where equipment and the services of an instructor can be arranged.

• Saddle up for a horseback ride through the Fresnedillas de la Oliva Sierra Oeste mountains. Riders can usually choose half- or full-day outings.

• Try an archery or snowshoe excursion at the Environmental Education Centre in the Sierra Norte mountains. Or, take a self-guided mountain biking tour in mountainous areas in the Madrid region.

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• Join a guided bicycle tour of the city through Mad-Bike tours, with itineraries that range from the old section of the city to more off-the-beaten-track areas.

• Learn to cook at one of the numerous cooking schools in Madrid, such as A Taste of Spain, which includes food preparation and lunch with wine.

• Take in the sights from a cable car, which leaves from the Pintor Rosales, and keep your eye out for such landmarks as the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral below.

• See soccer the way it was meant to be played at a Real Madrid game and see why the team won the 2006-07 ACB league championships.

• Enjoy a day at the zoo and aquarium at the Casa de Campo, where you can also book a dolphin encounter.

• Cool off at a public outdoor swimming pool, such as the Parque Deportivo Puerta de Hierro, or at one of the city’s water parks.

• Brave the roller coaster at the Parque de Atracciones in Casa de Campo theme park, but don’t try it right after dinner.

• Unwind at the Medina Mayrit Baths, which features Arabic baths in a traditional hammam as well as a restaurant and live entertainment.

• Practice your figure eights on the outdoor ice rinks at Retiro Park or the Torre Picasso.

• Tee off at the City of Madrid Country Club, which has two 18-hole courses and plenty of leisure facilities.

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• Buy a 24-, 48- or 72-hour Madrid Card for free admission to the newly expanded Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum, among other attractions.

• See a show at one of the 30-plus theatrical venues in the city, including the Teatro Maria Guerrero and the Centro Cultural de la Villa.

• Take a self-guided tour of Goya’s life and art, ranging from his statue on Calle Antonio Maura to the shrine of San Antonio de la Ribera del Manzanares, which contains some of his bones.

• Take the kids to see the turtles that populate the Atocha train station across from the Reina Sofia Museum.

• Sample regional dishes, which can range from grilled prawns to tripe and roast pig.

• Get in the yule spirit from mid-December to Jan. 5 with a little help from Christmas concerts in churches throughout the city and the Three Kings’ Parade in the Plaza Mayor.

• Shop for olive oil at La Vaguada Shopping Centre or learn about the various uses of cocoa at the Cacao Sampaka cocoa market.

• Cheer on your favorite at the annual Vuelta de Espana bicycling race, which winds up in Madrid to much fanfare every September.

• Stroll through the Rastro, an open-air flea market that takes place Sundays near the Ribera de Curtidores.

• Stop and smell the flowers at the newly expanded Botanical Garden, which boasts literally thousands of species of plants and herbs.

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For more information, consult the Madrid Tourist Board at www.turismomadrid.es and the Tourist Office of Spain at www.spain.info.

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