Madrid is a bustling city full of activity and life. This isn’t a place to visit if you’re merely looking for a place to kick back and relax in solitude. The energy throughout the city demands participation and you’ll find that there’s no shortage of music, art, and entertainment to explore!

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When to Visit Madrid

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Madrid, the capital of Spain, is situated at a reasonably high elevation. That means that summer temperatures are incredibly warm while winter temperatures are beyond frigid. Spring and fall temperatures tend to be moderate, but that doesn’t mean that visiting during the summer and winter is completely off limits. You’ll just have to decide whether or not you really want to deal with the extreme temperatures.

Bullfighting in Madrid

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Bullfighting is one of the most prevalent sports in Spain. Well – it’s not as much a sport as it is an artistic event, but that point is really debatable. We don’t recommend you attempt to take in a bullfighting event if you aren’t serious about paying attention to every last detail.

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The best place to see a bullfighting event, also known as corridas, is at Las Ventas in Salamanca.. Bullfighting is not for the squeamish or for those who consider themselves animal lovers. You will see at least six bulls die in a sometimes bloody and gory spectacle – and you won’t be able to figure out what is making the crowd either boo or jump up and down in excitement.

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There is an event every single Sunday afternoon from April through early November. True bullfighting fans will want to reserve tickets in advance for the feast of San Isidro during the month of May. During this time there are three weeks of daily bullfighting events!

Sights to See in Madrid

Some of the best sights in Madrid are not found along its major thoroughfares but along some of the quieter streets and alleys. It is here that you’ll find some of the most interesting and inviting museums, gardens, and taverns the city has to offer.

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Start your day by visiting the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. This incredible art center is one of the newest in Madrid and is housed in what was once an 18th century palace. The collection includes pieces of artwork from every major movement throughout history, ranging from the 13^th century straight through the present. The 800 pieces of art housed in this center will paint a startling picture of the history of art throughout time.

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Palacio Real, or the Royal Palace, was built by Felipe V during the early part of the 18^th century. The architecture shows intricate classical French design but there are also a few statues and areas where the Incan civilization is represented as well. The castle has over 2,800 rooms, each more extravagant than the last. The guided tour will take at least two hours and won’t even begin to scratch the surface of this intricate structure.

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The Convento de la Encarnacion was once an Augustinian convent that was attached to the Royal Palace via an underground tunnel. Several unique religious artifacts are stored here, none without their own intriguing story. Inside the convent you’ll find a vial supposedly containing Saint Pantaleon’s dried blood. Legend says that the blood liquefies every year on July 27^th – not something we’re going to stick around to find out.

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Jardin Botanico is one of the most beautiful gardens in the area if you’re looking for a calmer place to take a stroll. The gardens were designed by King Carlos III who wished to have a garden full of flora gathered from around the world. You’ll find all sorts of flower, cacti, and other incredible plants.

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The Arab Wall is one of the last archaeological sites remaining in Madrid. The wall itself marks what used to be a military outpost used by the Moorish army. The outpost is later became the city of Madrid. The site was chosen because there was plentiful access to water and because it provided an excellent position for defense. The nearby park is an excellent place to take in a few summertime concerts or shows.

The city of Madrid thrives on music, architecture, artistry, and anything that simply makes people happy. Take your best pair of walking shoes when you visit. The best way to explore the inner workings of the city is by walking through each section – one at a time. You’ll see some incredible sights and meet amazing people – guaranteed.