Madrid

City Life

Few words can sum up Madrid. Cosmopolitan lifestyle and delightful sunshine, royal history and gay-friendly atmosphere are the bare essentials. This capital of the Iberian peninsula has given birth to Picasso and the famous Siesta. Participating in the sports fever, with Real Madrid rallying massive support, and scavenging the flea market for bargains are optional.

Feasting your eyes on manmade works of beauty and charm is always possible. Museo del Prado has the Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch and Caravaggio's depiction of David with the Head of Goliath. Pablo Picasso has yet to be forgotten in the Reina Sofia National Museum and Art Centre where his achievements are curated and examined. Goya has his equivalent in the Real Academia de Bella Artes de San Fernando. The Cathedral de la Almudena is where Prince Felipe and Letizia were wed back in 2004 evoking fairy tales and typifying this astounding religious emblem.
Befitting the tradition of monarchical rule, the Royal Palace is also open to the public with the Changing of the Guards ceremony every Wednesday.

Quieter and cooler times can be spent at parks like El Retiro. Picnicking and rowing on the lake and genuine tanning are available. Paseo del Prado is nearby as an urban retreat. Templo de Debod is tucked away in the scenic Cuartel de la Montana Park. The Temple being an Egyptian edifice Spain was given as a gift for saving the Temple of Abu Simbel in Egypt from flooding after the construction of Aswan Dam there. Taste high culture and sophistication at Caixa Forum with its vertical garden. Soak up flamenco dance and music at Corral de la Moreria. Leave Gran Via revitalised and swinging in joy.

Adrenaline-pumping action can be seen every year in Aravaca-Pozuelo where men ritualised trying to outrun bulls with limited pass rates. Excursions outside the city are equally tempting with postcard-perfect locations such as Segovia having the authentic Roman Aqueduct.