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The history of Madrid is long and interesting. It was and continues to be a primary part of the country's religious life as well as its history of monarchy and royalty. The cathedrals and churches found throughout the city are legendary for their beauty and grace; many of them date back to medieval times and are wonderful examples of architecture from that time.
Just because Madrid is rich in history, though, does not mean it is not a modern, bustling, and cosmopolitan city. In fact, it compares very well with the vibrancy and spirit of other major European cities such as Berlin, Paris, and London. This modern lifestyle runs up against more traditional lifestyles in a variety of interesting ways. For instance, the extremely hot climate of Madrid for centuries caused residents to take a break during the hottest part of the day for a relaxing and cooling siesta. This tradition is still evident throughout the city, as many offices, stores, and other places of business operate with special hours during the summertime that allow for the siesta break.
Nightlife is extensive and readily available throughout Madrid; some travel experts maintain the city has one of the largest numbers of bars per person in all of Europe. It is not at all unusual for the drinking, dancing, and partying to last all night in some areas (especially on the weekends or during special festivals or events). If the nightlife is a big part of your agenda during your Madrid holiday, think about finding accommodations in an area where there are numerous bars, dance clubs, and the like.
Madrid is an extremely easy and convenient city to navigate, thanks to its modern and expansive public transportation systems. The bus service is excellent, as is the Metro pass option for those who plan to ride the bus extensively. Making it even easier to explore, Madrid is widely recognized as one of the cleanest cities in the world. City employees are plentiful and easily spotted as they clean and maintain the streets in their bright yellow vests; they are extremely friendly and pride themselves on being helpful to visitors and tourists, so don't be shy about approaching them if you have questions or need assistance.
Some of the "must see" sights of Madrid include the Plaza Mayor, the Puerta del Sol, and the Palacio Real. Plaza Mayor is large, popular, and filled with a variety of sights and sounds. It is home to bullfights, festivals, musical concerts, market place days, and much more. Puerta del Sol is also a famous and busy spot in Madrid. It is located in the very heart of the city, making it a popular and convenient place to meet up with friends, take a coffee break, or simply relax and watch the diversity of people around you. Finally, Palacio Real (Royal Palace) is a stunning palace famous for its architecture, its elegance, and its rich history. The palace is filled with arts and treasures from throughout Spain's history and decorated in the opulent manner to be expected from a royal residence. Although the royal family does not live there currently, other royals have called it home throughout its history. An especially interesting part of the palace complex is the Real Armorial (Royal Armoury). There you will find an extensive collection of medieval armour and weaponry, an incredible glimpse back into the days when conflict and war were fought by vast armies soldiers. Be aware, however, that the descriptions and information about these items are all written in Spanish so bring along your dictionary or a Spanish speaker who can interpret for you.
Barajas International Airport is situated about twenty minutes outside of Madrid proper. It is a new and modern complex that is served by nearly all major international air carriers. Transportation from the airport is easy and convenient via commuter train, shuttle bus, or taxi. Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to their guests so be sure to check with your accommodations in advance.
Wiki:- Madrid
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