Madrid Information

Madrid is the capital of Spain and located in the heart of the country, the city has a population of about three million. Madrid is a very cosmopolitan city and combines business and tourism very well. Madrid is home to the Spanish Royal Family the Spanish Government and the Spanish Parliament. Most of Madrid's industry is situated in the southern areas of the city.

Madrid's life started back as far as 852 AD when a fortress was first constructed on the banks of the river Manzanares by the Arab Emir Mohamed. For several centuries Christians and Arabs have fought over the land Madrid stands on today. At the beginning of the 19th century Joseph Bonaparte undertook reform work of the city in the Puerta del Sol area. In the 1950's work began on the north-south boulevard and modern buildings were erected housing the new finical institutions. Madrid today is a fine mixture of new and old worlds with a mixture of cosmopolitan life adding to its attraction.

Parks in Madrid

Jardin Botanico
Next door to the Prado Museum are the fantastic Botanical gardens of Madrid. These gardens contain over 30,000 different species of plant from all over the world. The plants are all labelled by their Latin names and species. Charles the III first founded the gardens for the Faculty of Totany. The park is open to the public from 10.00 till 20.00 daily, you can get to the park via the metro at Atocha.

Casa de Campo
This park situated on the bank of the river Manzanares is just west of Madrid. The park Casa de Campo covers an area of over 4,000 acres and includes a zoo, amusement area, swimming, and tennis facilities. The park also has a large boating area on a artificial lake were boat hire is available. You can get to the park by taking the metro from the stations at Lago and Batan.

Rosales and the Parque del Oeste
If you're visiting Madrid with your family, then these parks are ideal for children with spacious lawns and shaded areas. Rosales and the Parque del Oeste are two large parks that run down towards the river Manzanares. The sandy paths that connect large parts of this park are also ideal for letting the children run free.

If you like your roses, then this park also holds a rose show every year in spring with awards given out to the best blooms.

Parque del Retiro
Most people agree that the most impressive and beautiful park in Madrid is the Parque del Retiro. This park has over 130 hectares of woodland alone. The park has four entrances to it strolling through the park totally relaxes you from the all the shopping and sightseeing Madrid offers you. In the centre of the park is a large artificial lake were you can hire rowing boats if you so wish. Walking in the park you will see white stone figures of the King's and Queens of Spain. There is a fantastic rose garden as well as the Cecilo Rodriguez gardens with its many hidden nooks for those looking for some privacy. The two main buildings located in the centre of the park often house exhibitions from around Europe. If you are planning on visiting Madrid then make sure you leave enough time to enjoy this spectacular park.

Shopping in Madrid

Madrid is full of Spanish and International designers for men and women. Shopping around the streets of Almirante and Conde de Xiquena you will find all the familiar high fashion names as well as some new to you. For jewellery, shoes, leather goods, and gifts then try out the shops in the district of Salamanca.

If high brand shops are not your things then try out Madrid's famous flea market that opens Saturday and Sunday. Everything you can imagine is on sale here from antiques, clothing, cards, books, paintings etc. The Rastro market is located between the Plaza de Cascorro, La Latina and the street Embajadores.