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Madrid City Information - |
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| Madrid General Information |
Madrid,
the capital city of Spain, can claim to be Europe's highest
city at 2,120 ft above sea level. An exciting and fascinating
city, Madrid successfully blends its colorful history with modern
chic. There is also a vibrant cultural atmosphere in the city,
Madrid's Museum Mile has more masterpieces per yard than anywhere
else in the world, and, of course, there's Real Madrid, the
most successful soccer club in history. |
Getting There & Away
Madrid
Spain has many international airports, including Madrid, Barcelona,
Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Granada, Málaga,
Almería, Alicante, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and
Maó. Bus and train travel are other good options and there
are regular bus services to Spain from all major centres in Europe,
including Lisbon, London and Paris. Travelling to Spain by train
can be more expensive than by bus unless you are under 26 or have
a rail pass. Ferry services connect Spain directly with the UK
and Morocco. A departure tax applies when flying out of Spain,
but this is included in the price of the ticket at purchase.
Getting Around Madrid
The only time you might seriously consider flying within Spain
is to get out to the islands. From Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante,
there are often good deals on charter flights. Ferries regularly
connect the mainland with the Balearic Islands, but flying is
a better value, considering the time saved. There are plenty of
bus routes serviced by dozens of independent companies, and the
bus network is more extensive than the train system and cheaper.
Walking is the best way to meet the locals. |
| Madrid
Airport Information |
| Madrid - Madrid Barajas Airport
Madrid Barajas Airport
(MAD) is developing as a major hub with worldwide connections
and is the foremost European airport with links to Central and
South America. Conveniently located 15 kilometres (nine miles)
from the centre of Madrid, the airport currently handles more
than 25 million passengers a year, a figure set to almost double
by 2010.
Madrid Barajas Airport
has three terminals. The largest, Terminal 1 (colour-coded orange
on signs), is for most international flights. Terminal 2 (colour-coded
green) handles domestic Spanish flights and Iberia European
services to Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Holland,
Italy, Luxembourg and Portugal; also Air Europa flights to France,
Italy and Portugal. Terminal 3 (colour-coded red) is for Iberia
domestic shuttle services and Iberia/Air Nostrum regional flights.
Moving walkways connect the terminals and there's a transfer
bus for passengers changing flights and terminals.
Numerous car rental companies
are represented at Madrid Barajas International Airport, including
Avis and Hertz.
Madrid Barajas Airport
has two major parking facilities, which provide both long and
short-term parking, plus a short-stay-only area for periods
of up to 30 minutes.
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When to Visit - Arts and
Events
Loathe it or love
it, bullfighting is part and parcel of the very soul of Spain.
Madrid, as the capital, is no exception. Madrid's main bullring
is called 'La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas del Espíritu
Santo', or more simply, 'Las Ventas' (you can find it by simply
taking the metro to the station of that name). Built in red brick
and ceramic tiles the architecture is of 'mudejan' style and the
impressive building is also used as a venue for rock concerts
and political meetings. Madrid is also one the best cities in
the world in which to listen to flamenco. It has been performed
here since the early 19th century and activities surrounding this
mellifluous art form continue to flourish.
Madrid Dining
Eating out in Madrid
is a treat. The Spanish take their food very seriously and the
nation's capital city offers a fascinating and delicious collection
of fine cuisine. Local dishes include the famous hot-pot called
'madrileo', and 'sopa de ajo', or garlic soup. No matter which
part of Spain you visit fish will be high on any menu as Madrid
boasts the second biggest fish market in the world.
The region surrounding the
city produces several excellent aromatic wines, a perfect accompaniment
to any meal. Few visitors can resist the excellent Spanish food,
especially the mouth-watering 'tapas', small taster-style dishes
which are served as appetisers in bars throughout the city, but
those looking for more international fare will easily find it
in the many restaurants throughout the city. |
The above material
are taken from All Travel Spain Tourism
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