Madrid is one of the most frequently visited cities in Europe. In 1561 Philip II declared this city as the capital of Spain. The city is energetic and always high in spirits. Its captivating appeal would surprise you with its new charm on your every visit. Most of the city's prominent landmarks remain closed for the siesta, so brace yourself at the city center, to access the hotel easily and relax in the calm atmosphere. The best way of exploring this city is to go for car hire in Spain and visiting the famous tourist destinations. This city is all about its old and new contrast of the culture and traditions, which are quite vivid in character, featuring compressed cobbled pathways and 17th-century citadels bordering the avant garde and innovative boulevards and gleaming skyscrapers.
The city is very diversified in the terms of culture where denizens deluge in the centuries-old sport bullfighting in the afternoon and then a feast of sushi in the evening. If you ask any Madrileños about their favorite attractions then you would get diversified opinions as some would refer about the masterpieces of the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums vie, while some would simply elaborate about the junk-shopping at the Rastro. The Spain's capital may not depict the immediate status of Rome, Paris or London, but this city stands out in the way of living for the jiffy that can be hard to resist. Drive in your car rental
and enjoy the city's three major attractions, including Sun's Gate ((Puerto del Sol), Viejo Madrid or Old Madrid, located on the Plaza Mayor &Bourbon Madrid, which features beautiful fountains around the Prado Museum.
The must-visit place is the Museo Nacional del Prado, which is an art museum exhibiting more than thousands of sculptures, around 7,600 paintings, 4,800 imprints and 8,200 sketches, thereby becoming one of the most relevant galleries in the world. Its major attractions include art pieces by Francisco de Goya, Titian, Velázquezand Rubens & Bosch. The 'Las Meninas', painted by Velázquez can leave you spellbound. Besides, the local Spanish art, the gallery also features popular Italian works of art by Mantegna, Botticelli, Fra Angelico, Raphael, Andrea del Sarto and Correggio. The Palacio Real de Madrid is another popular sight-seeing spot of this city. This colossal royal fortress is enigmatic and extremely beautiful, flaunting the beautiful Campo del Moro garden in its backyard. This mansion is set-up elegantly on the site of a 9th-century fortress, known as 'mayrit'. It was established in 16th century, but a century later the entire palace was destroyed following a fire accident. Drive in with your car hire in spain to the El Rastro: an offbeat Sunday flea market which is also held on public holidays, is a delight to visit. It is situated between the Calle Embajadores and the Ronda de Toledo. This fete has been the city's local tradition for over five centuries. Try to visit this market before 10 a.m. to beat the rush.
