Things to Do in Madrid

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1. Things to Do in Madrid: Centro de Arte de Reina Sofia

The Reina Sofia is Spain's premier modern art gallery. It's prized possession is La Guernica, Picasso's most famous painting, but there's much more to see besides that

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2. Things to Do in Madrid: Enjoy the Madrid Nightlife

Madrid is famous for its nightlife. And with its neatly compartmentalised nightlife zones, you'll find something for everyone if you know where to look.

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3. Things to Do in Madrid: Take a Day Trip

Madrid is blessed with some of the greatest day trips in Spain. Which one should you choose? The history of Toledo? The aqueduct and fairy tale castle of Segovia? Avila and its spectacularly well-preserved city walls and turrets? The twin marvels of El Escorial's monastery and the tragic yet magnificent Valle de los Caidos. Whichever you decide, you won't be disappointed.

More: Madrid Day Trips

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4. Things to Do in Madrid: Plaza Mayor and Madrid de las Austrias

Madrid and Salamanca compete for who has the nicest Plaza Major (main square) in Spain. Around this area too you'll find excellent bars and cafes, plus the opera house and royal palace.

More: Madrid's Districts

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5. Things to Do in Madrid: Santiago Bernabeu

Real Madrid are Europe's most successful soccer team. Santiago Bernabeu is their home. Getting to see a match here is cheaper than seeing the equivalent club in, say, the UK. Alternatively, take a tour of the museum and hallowed turf.

More: Madrid & Santiago Bernabeu Tour (Book Direct)

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6. Things to Do in Madrid: See a Bullfight at the Ventas Bullring

A lot of bullrings in Spain are more like tourist attractions than places for true bullfighting aficionados. Not so Madrid. The Ventas bullring in Madrid is where the most hardcore of bullfighting fans can be seen every week, watching the very best bullfighters. Of course, bullfighting is not for everyone, but if you're interested, this is the best place to try it.

More on Bullfighting in Madrid

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7. Things to Do in Madrid: Lavapies, Huertas and La Latina

These neighborhoods to the south of Puerta del Sol are Madrid's most diverse. Featuring an eclectic mix of immigrant communities and trendy Spaniards, a wander around these parts of Madrid is an essential part of your trip. More: Madrid's Districts

8. Things to Do in Madrid: Try Chocolate con Churros

Spain's famous breakfast and late night snack is at its best in the San Gines Chocolateria in Madrid.

See Chocolate con Churros pictures

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9. Things to Do in Madrid: El Prado

The Prado is Spain's most visited tourist attraction. Madrid's answer to Paris's Louvre, the Prado has a colossal collection of classical art. If Spanish artists are your passion, this will be the highlight of your Madrid trip. More about El Prado in Madrid

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10. Things to Do in Madrid: El Retiro

Few capital cities have such a huge park in their center. Retiro is (literally) a breath of fresh air in Madrid. Take a boat out on the lake, catch some rays or go round to the monument (behind the lake and join the hippy drumming at the weekend.

source: About.com