Madrid for Lovers

Above: Plaza Mayor
Photo courtesy Tourist Office of Spain

Long recognized as one of Europe's design capitals for its stylish architecture, Madrid is well on the way to becoming one of the continent’s art capitals as well.

New & Improved Museums

Madrid’s vibrant arts scene is home to several new and improved museums. A $110 million expansion at the Reina Sofia Museum has created one of the world’s largest contemporary art museums. Now spanning over 900,000 square feet, the museum includes 500- and 200-seat auditoriums and a restaurant. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which houses one of the world’s top private art collection spanning the history of painting from the 13th to the late 20th centuries, has also doubled in size thanks to a $45.7 million expansion in 2004.

But perhaps the most anticipated expansion was that of the Museo Nacional del Prado, better known as simply the Prado. In 2007, a $62 million renovation linked the original 1785 building with a new structure incorporating the cloister of the Jerónimos church, a task accomplished with a steel and glass wedge orchestrated by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo. The project doubles the exhibition space and includes an underground area beneath the garden with temporary galleries, a café, and more.

Also on Paseo del Prado, the Caixa Forum-Madrid is being created by the Swiss architects known for their Tate Modern design. The project quadruples the space of the former coal-burning electrical station, transforming the venue into one designed to showcase music, film, literature and educational programs.

Though Madrid may revel in its avant-garde architecture, tradition pulses just below the surface. The city’s heart still beats to a flamenco rhythm, and many couples enjoy an evening of traditional flamenco entertainment. Top choices include the Casa Patas and Café de Chinitas, both offering traditional menus and evenings highlighted by energetic flamenco shows. Medieval dinners are also popular; outside Madrid the Castillo de Manzanares el Real draws couples for an evening within stone walls which date back over 600 years.

Exploring the City

Exploring Madrid on your own is easy. Many travelers start at the Plaza Mayor; constructed in the early 1600s, the central plaza ranks as one of Europe’s oldest and grandest. Public events are often held at the plaza, and couples can always enjoy shopping at the many small boutiques beneath the arcades or trying tasty tapas at the numerous sidewalk cafes and bars.

Other sights in Old Madrid include the Puerta del Sol, originally the eastern entrance to the city. The main subway interchange is located below the site and the symbol of Madrid—a bronze bear statue reaching for the fruit of a madroño—stands opposite the site.

Getting There

Madrid’s excellent airlift also serves as a draw for many couples. With over 70 million passengers annually, the Barajas International Airport serves as an Atlantic hub as well as a gateway to both South America and North Africa. In 2006, Madrid inaugurated the new Terminal Four at Barajas International Airport, making Barajas the second largest airport in Europe. The futuristic, state-of-the-art terminal is equipped to handle 20 million passengers a year—while at the same time introducing visitors to Madrid’s cutting edge style with its undulating roof, glass walls, and steel bridges throughout the facility.
      
Where to Stay

Madrid’s forward-looking design is also seen in its new boutique hotels. In the city’s modernist Eixample neighborhood, the 59-room Hotel Omm combines a cutting-edge style with must-have conveniences. Another stylish property is the new $94 million, 5-star Hotel Puerta América, designed by 18 world-renowned architects. The 360-room flagship property features a restaurant, lounge, bar, café, an indoor swimming pool, fitness center with sauna—and guest rooms that include stylistic touches that range from round beds to cedar soaking tubs.

Westin Hotel Palace Madrid
This historic structure dates back to 1912 when it was commissioned by Alfonso XIII. Located in the heart of the city opposite the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, traditional palace style creates an elegant setting in the 417 guest rooms and 48 suites.
www.westinpalacemadrid.com/eng/

Meliá Castilla

This 915-room hotel is located in Madrid’s financial district. Guest rooms offer high-speed internet service and 24-hour room service. Two executive floors operate as a hotel within a hotel, offering 100 upgraded rooms and 12 suites.
www.solmelia.com

Hotel Ritz Madrid

Opened in 1911 when King Alfonso XIII wanted a Madrid hotel to rival the Ritz Paris, this property was designed and constructed under the supervision of Cesar Ritz. Located near the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, rooms here boast hand-made carpets and antique furniture as well as wireless connectivity.
www.ritzmadrid.com