Madrid is an exciting and energetic city that has transformed itself to cast a wide appeal not only to visitors from Europe and the Americas, but also the rising tide of well-heeled visitors from the GCC countries and the Middle East. Madrid promises visitors experiences that, arguably, cannot be had at any other European destination. It offers a welcome contrasting sensory experience where a contemporary edge to the city co-exists with five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a mesmerising European capital with several medieval towns only a 30-minute-drive from the city centre.
It is a destination that prioritises lifestyle experiences and also has golf courses within its heart. The city’s hospitality sector has risen to the occasion too with luxury brands increasing their presence within Madrid over the last few years. Four Seasons opened a hotel in the central Puerta del Sol while Marriott reopened its Santo Mauro Palace, and the Ritz has been elevated to a Mandarin Oriental Ritz.
Madrid has a sweeping range of attractions from gastronomy, sports and historic sites, among others. Only here could you imagine starting the day with a breakfast of churros and chocolate, spending your morning at a world-class museum, making your way to a medieval town to spend the rest of the afternoon and then returning to the city centre for a Michelin-Starred dining experience that same night.
Shopping
For those who would like to indulge in some retail therapy, Madrid serves as a haven. You could enjoy a high-end luxury shopping experience at Galería Canalejas within the setting of a historic building, or roam the streets of the Salamanca neighbourhood to find independent designers. You can even visit El Corte Inglés, which is headquartered in Madrid, and is among the biggest department store groups in the world. However, if you want to steal a bargain, consider heading to Las Rozas Village where you will find top-tier brands at a great value for price.
Dine
Madrid, a city that is home to the world’s oldest restaurant called Casa Botín, also has modern and avant-garde culinary offerings. It has 24 Michelin-Starred restaurants. Among the little-known gems are Coque and Paco Roncero. Coque, a two Michelin-Starred restaurant, is a family-owned enterprise now operated by the third generation of the Sandoval brothers. The restaurant’s interiors are designed by Jean Porsche and offers a captivating sensory experience which is spread across four main areas including the cocktail bar, wine cellar, dining room and kitchen.
The 15-course tasting menu, which also has vegan options, regularly imbibes seasonal ingredients including shrimp from Motril, teardrop peas from Guetaria and wild Galician clams. Paco Roncero meanwhile also has two Stars and has a terrace that adds a great ambience to your meal which will consist of preparations such as desserts with surprising ingredients including black garlic and beetroot.
Sports events
Sports and sporting events are a theme that resonates strongly with Madrid’s residents and is also a major draw to those visiting Madrid. The city, after all, is home to teams Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid whose games draw in thousands of fans.
These travellers, along with their families, who come to Madrid are often in search of further sporting activities to partake in themselves. They need to look no further than the city’s world-class golf courses namely Real Club de Golf La Herrería and Club de Golf Moraleja. The first is an 18-hole golf course located on a plot of land that spans 75 hectares and also includes tennis courts and swimming pools. The second meanwhile is one of Spain’s most iconic golf clubs and its largest too – it comprises four 18-hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Discover the medieval history of Madrid
Visitors to Madrid will find that the appeal of the destination extends to its greater region, surrounded by picturesque towns and medieval castles. A short drive from the city centre will take you to the breathtaking town of Manzanares El Real whose magnificent Castle dates back to 1475 and which has been featured in several movies. The Town Square here meanwhile has been an area where social gatherings take place with its residents coming together to interact with visitors and fill them with stories of their ancestry and culture.
Chinchon, another town that lies around 50km southeast of Madrid, has a main square that was earmarked as a Heritage Site in 1974. The beautiful town has several historic structures whose architectural styles vary from the 15th century Castillo de Casasola which showcases Gothic architecture, to the Convent of the Poor Clare from 1653 that shines a spotlight on Spanish Baroque architecture as well as the Castle of the Counts that makes an impression with its Renaissance architectural style.
Only in Madrid will you find a European destination that offers a full and rounded experience for visitors and never fails to surprise, entertain and enthral – all in equal measure.
