A Guide to Madrid from Parking Luton Airport
Spain’s vibrant capital city offers historical sights, cultural attractions, tasty food and world-class sporting events. From its bustling downtown core to the huge park that defines the city center, Madrid’s rich culture and fascinating past make it an enticing travel destination.
| Retiro Park | |
 | Spend an afternoon strolling through Parque del Buen Retiro. This massive central park provides Madrilenos with the perfect place to take a walk, relax in the sun or people watch from a comfortable park bench. Rent a bike or rollerblades and explore the Retiro’s trails or take a paddle boat ride on the central lake. Bring some bread to feed the resident swans. |
| The Prado | |
 | Take a few hours -- or a whole day -- to explore the Museo del Prado. One of the world’s largest -- and most acclaimed – art museums, the Prado’s stunning collection contains more than 7,500 works by Spanish and other European masters from the 1100 through 1800s. Artists include Bosch, El Greco, Goya, Rubens, Titian and Velasquez. Some of the Prado’s most famous paintings include Velasquez’s “Las Meninas,” Goya’s nudes, Gallego’s “Christ Blessing” and El Greco’s “The Annunciation” and “The Flight Into Egypt". |
| Flamenco | |
 | No Madrid visit would be complete without taking in a flamenco performance. The national dance -- which many believe was introduced into the country by 17th century Muslim refugees -- has been a popular entertainment style in Spain since the 1800s. Many local venues -- restaurants, taverns and theaters alike -- host both formal and informal performances. Popular professional venues include the Corral de la Moreria and Casa Patas. When you’re in local eateries and bars, keep your eyes open for “jerugas,” or spontaneous instrumental, vocal and dance performances by groups of musicians, dancers and enthusiasts. |
| El Rastro Market | |
 | For all of your shopping needs, browse through El Rastro Market. This open-air flea market is Europe’s largest and has been operating for more than 500 years. Start your shopping adventure at the Plaza de Cascorro and explore the winding streets packed with vendors, stalls and shops selling everything from clothing to antiques, purses to electronics. |
| Football Games | |
 | Madrid’s football team, Real Madrid, plays in Santiago Bernaabeu stadium. If you’re lucky enough to be in town during a home game, don’t miss the excitement. A perennial tournament winner, the team’s many honors include the European Cup, UEFA Cup, Intercontinental Cup and Spanish Super Cup. Wear white to support the home team. |
| Bullfighting | |
 | Along with Andalusia, Madrid is one of the bullfighting centers of Spain. The city has two bull rings, Las Ventas and Vista Alegre. Most fights take place at Las Ventas in the aptly named Plaza de Toros. Events generally take place from every weekend from May through October. During the Festival de San Isidro, which runs for three weeks in late May through June, fights are staged every day. The festival tends to sell out, so book your seats early. |