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MADRID
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Madrid
Understand
Location
Madrid is located in central Spain, and it is also the capital of the autonomous community of the same name (Comunidad de Madrid). It lies at an average 600m of altitude in the middle of the Spanish central Castillian plateau (Meseta central). Nearly all of the most famous tourist areas are located in the centre of Madrid: Puerta del Sol just in the middle, Plaza Mayor a bit to the south, Palacio Real to the west, and Plaza de Colón to the north-east. Some of those hot spots spread up past the Gran Via, which is one of the main streets in Madrid (the largest one being the Paseo de la Castellana).
Climate
The climate of Madrid is continental: mainly dry and quite extreme at times, with frequent rain in winter. Madrid sees perpetual sunshine and a characteristically hot temperature in the summer, but with a fairly cold temperature in the winter. Spring and Autumn are fairly temperate with most rainfall concentrated in these seasons, together with winter. Spring is definitely the best time to visit, especially the months of April and May. Rainfall occurs sporadically, and snowfall is not something that happens every year in the city, but there is abundant snowfall in the adjacent mountain ranges nearby.
Culture
The culture of Madrid was dominated by its religious and royal history. Enormous, monolithic cathedrals and churches are plentiful in Madrid, as well as medieval architecture, although nowadays Madrid is just as much a cosmopolitan city as Berlin or London.
The citizens of Madrid, who refer to themselves as Madrileños or the more traditional and currently seldom used term "gatos" (cats), live by a daily routine that is heavily influenced by the harsh climate. Due to the typically extreme midday heat, a "siesta" is observed during which some citizens take a break to cool off. Small stores are often closed during this time. Workers and those more afflicted by Western lifestyles choose not to observe this long break and work traditional business hours, which are usually between 9 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. Offices usually close during the weekend but businesses are often open Saturday morning (downtown stays open until afternoon). Most grocers are closed on Sundays, but some major chain and department stores, like FNAC, will be open throughout the day.
Madrid possibly has the largest number of bars per capita of any European city and a very active nightlife; Madrileños are known to stay up until as late as 6-8 a.m. It is important to note that, due to this lifestyle, lodging located near the Gran Via may end up a nightmare for light sleepers.
Madrid has become very modernized as of late, with an elaborate transportation network comprised of buses and the Metro. The city contrasts with some large European cities in that it is extremely clean, and city employees in bright yellow vests can almost always be seen cleaning the streets and sidewalks. Like most large cities, however, there is a substantial population of vagrants and beggars lining the streets.
Madrid is one of...
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Hotels in Madrid
 | Hotel Opera  |
Score 7.575 from 14 reviews | | Cuesta de Santo Domingo, 2 |  |
| The hotel features 6 banquet halls, covering up to 300 m² and hosting up to 100 people each. ... more | | |
| | Hostal Santo Domingo |
Score 8.75 from 423 reviews | | C/ Luna Nº 6 | |
| The property is housed in an 18th century building currently undergoing an extensive renovation program. The works affect the aesthetics of the access to the building. However, the services offered to the clients remain intact. ... more | | |
 | Reyes Catolicos City Center |
Score 6.7 from 57 reviews | | C/ Angel 18 - Calatrava 32 | |
| Our hotel has both double beds and single beds.
If our clients wish to do so, they can stay until 14.00 on their departure date, for no extra charge. Please ask at reception.
... more | | |
 | NH Balboa |
Score 7.675 from 49 reviews | | Núñez de Balboa, 112 | |
| During your stay in this hotel you will appreciate the personal style of NH. Relax in our spacious and comfortable rooms, enjoy the wide variety of services we offer and be surprised by the details that make the difference.
Rooms:
- Single: interior and exterior rooms with a single bed of 1.10x2 mt. Some of the rooms have a terrace.
- Double: interior and exterior rooms with a double bed of 1.8x2 mt or two single beds of 0.90x2 mt. ... more | | |
 | NH Sanvy  |
Score 7.7 from 33 reviews | | Goya, 3 | |
| The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, perfect for the summer months (the opening schedule for the pool is available directly from the hotel).
The hotel has an extensive range of meeting rooms suitable for any sort of conference, convention, business meeting or celebration.
There are 20 rooms of various sizes, which can be adapted to the demands of the event. Each room is fully-equipped with an array of audiovisual equipment including overhead projectors, TV, video, direct-dial telephones, faxes and projectors. Upon request, the hotel can also help arrange other services, such as secretaries, translators and entertainment.
The hotel also boasts its own newly-opened gym. ... more | | |
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| | | More hotels in Madrid |
| Full Day Tour to Avila and Segovia |
9 hours |
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The ancient city of Avila, declared "Heritage of Mankind", keeps the oldest and most complete walled environment within its 1.5 mile (2.5 kilometer) circular wall, and has 90 semicircular towers dating back to the 11th century. It was the birthplace of the mystic writer Saint Teresa of Jesus (1515 - 1582) and has been a pilgrimage site ever since.
Stop at the hill of "los Cuatro Postes", where you can admire the best panoramic view of Avila. There is also a visit to the San Vicente Basilic. (Normally the tour would visit the Cathedral of Avila, but this is closed to tourists until October due to the exhibition "Edades del Hombre" being displayed).
Continue on to Segovia to see one of the best monuments left behind by the Romans on the whole of the Iberian Peninsula - Segovia's incredible Aqueduct. Built in the time of Augustus, it has one hundred and eighteen arches and is 10 miles (16 kilometers) in length out of which there are only 2,388 feet (728 meters) visible.
Segovia is also famous for its Alcazar, a beautiful and world famous 11th century Medieval Castle, located over a magnificent rock. Step back in time and imagine the medieval tournaments and heroic knights who once walked where you will. It is also supposed to have inspired the Disney Castle.
You will be captivated by the beautiful view of the Alcazar on your visit to the Church of Vera Cruz. Located on the outskirts of Segovia, separated from the town by the Eresma River, the Church of Vera Cruz was founded by the order of the Templar Knights in the 12th century. The architectural style represents a transition period between Roman and Gothic. Take some time to appreciate its outstanding octagonal floor.
You may wish to taste the flavors of a typical Segovian lunch at Solaire Restaurant. Menu includes castillian soup, white beans and a selection of cold cuts, followed by roasted baby pig and traditional Segovian cake.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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Catedral de La Almudena
 The Cathedral of the Almudena lies besides the Palacio Real forming a unit. It was built by popular subscription and the works lasted more than 100 years.
It is worth visiting both the cathedral and the crypt (by a door in the south wall).
| type: | Churches and Cathedrals |
| address: | Bailen |
| tel: | 91 542 22 00 |
Park de Berlin
This park is decorated with various sculptures made by stones from the former Berlin wall.
It's a nice location to go for a little walk or relax if you live in the neighbourhood - but expecting a tourist attraction you might be disappointed.
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9 hours |
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Travel south of Madrid approximately 44 miles (71 kilometers) to the glorious city of Toledo, the capital of Spain in medieval times and setting for the famous paintings of El Greco. Towering towards the sky of Castile, surrounded by the river Tajo, the city is a National Monument to Spain's art, history and spirituality. Throughout the town you can appreciate the different architectural styles of Arabic, Mudejar Gothic and Renaissance whilst walking through its charming narrow and steeped streets. A guide will accompany you on a visit to the outside of the Cathedral which is an outstanding example from the Spanish Gothic period. You will also visit the St. Tome Church where the masterpiece from El Greco is located "The Burial from the Lord of Orgaz", The Synagogue from Sta. Ma La Blanca, St. Juan of the King and a gothic style monastery. You will spend 2 to 3 hours in Toledo. El Escorial Monastery, founded by Philip II in the 16th Century, is the largest Spanish building of the Renaissance. It was originally built to provide a place where the King could live the life of a monk whilst ruling the Spanish Empire. Enjoy a guided tour (including entrance fees) of the Austria's Palace, Kings Pantheon, Infants Pantheon, Capitular Rooms and the Basilica. Located only 6 miles (9.5 kilometers) north of El Escorial lies the Valley of the Fallen, a vast Basilica excavated inside of the mountain, on top of which looms a gigantic granite monument. This majestic cross was built by General Franco to remember the dead of Spain's Civil War. The entire complex is surrounded by a landscape of unique beauty. Enjoy a guided tour inside the Basilica.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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