5 Places To Visit In Madrid

Madrid is one of the most popular destinations in Spain, and is a city full of culture and things to see.
Here are just five places of the very many that are must see when you next visit Madrid.
1. Santiago Bernabu Stadium
Seating over 80,000 spectators and costing well over a quarter of a billion euros, the Santiago Bernabu Stadium is one of Europe's finest football stadiums earning one of the few coveted 'Elite' status from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
It is home to Real Madrid C.F., one of the most famous and highly paid football teams in the world. So if it is possible to get a seat alongside the 'Vikings', the Real Madrid fans, at the stadium when you visit this is an excellent experience.
2. Golden Triangle of Art
Madrid is internationally renowned for being an artistic centre in addition to being known for it's many art galleries. One of the most famous areas for galleries is known as the 'Golden Triangle of Art'. Located in the heart of Madrid, there are three very important art museums that form a triangle.
The most famous of the three, The Prado Museum, built in 1819 features one of the world's most revered collections of 12th century to 19th century artwork. Famous artists to have their artwork featured in the museum include some of the leading 'Spanish old masters' such as Diego Velzquez, Francisco Goya and El Greco in addition to artists from elsewhere in Europe including Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and Raphael. The other two galleries in the Golden Triangle of Art include the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofa, which is known for it's modern art in addition to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
3. Buen Retiro Park
Originally built as part of a royal family retreat, the Buen Retiro Park or 'Park of the Pleasant Retreat' has history dating back to the very early 16th century.
Located near the city centre and close to the Prado Museum (mentioned above), the park provides a visual feast regardless what time of the year you pay a visit.
The main features of the park include the Rosaleda rose garden, the remains of the Buen Retiro Palace and many statues to some of Madrid and Spain's most famous.
A recent addition to the Bueno Retiro Park is the Forest of the Departed, which was built to honour the 191 victims of the 2004 Madrid attacks.
4. Malasaa
Madrid's answer to New York City's East Village and London's Camden town. Home to the The Madrilenian groove scene or La Movida Madrilea during the late 1970's and 1980's.
Home to many clubs and bars, Malasaa is a must visit if you want to experience Madrid's rich and diverse social scene.
5. The Las Ventas Bullring
For those who grew up outside of Spain, we often see the famous or infamous (depending on what your take on it is) bullfighting battles which pit the matador against a raging bull. Madrid is home to Las Ventas, the largest Plaza de Toros or bullring in Spain. Seating 25,000, Las Ventas also plays hosts to some of the biggest music concerts in Madrid.