Madrid is a city of passion! Locals, known as madrileños, are ardent about their food, history and culture. This is a great, walkable city to visit and seniors will find a friendly, affable people who love to share their passion with visitors.
Food is also a passion and unlike those living in the U.S., Spaniards prefer to dine late. At night is when downtown neighborhoods get filled up with locals and tourists sampling tapas at some 250 tapas bars.
Some of the best things to eat in Madrid can be found by visiting the various neighborhoods . What sorts of things will you find? How about fresh olive oil, affordable Spanish wines, crusty hot bread right from the oven, and local restaurants offering Iberian jamon (ham) and regional dishes. For history and culture, here are some of the best places to visit:
Del Prado Museum. A national treasure, the museum has an extensive collection of European art from the 12th century onward. Masters such as Velasquez, El Greco, and Rubens are featured. They also have a stunning copy of the Mona Lisa with a colorful background believed painted at the same time as its famous cousin in the Louvre.
Aranjuez Royal Palace. This site is a must-see and is located a short drive from Madrid. Declared a UNESCO landscape in the cultural heritage of humanity site in 2005, two rooms have to be seen to be believed: The porcelain and Moorish rooms.
El Corral de la Moreria Flamenco Show. If you have never seen a flamenco show, this is the one you will want to experience. Book a reservation that includes dinner and come see a visual feast for the senses.
~ Ron Stern, Travel Photojournalist, visit www.globalgumshoe.com for more about Ron. This was a sponsored visit; however, all opinions herein are the authors.