Madrid travel information
Madrid is a lively, exhilarating city famed for its wild party scene and crammed with old buildings and cultural attractions. The city centre is small and easy to explore on foot, with most sights located between the Royal Palace and Parque del Retiro. The locals are friendly, and health and safety risks are low, though the train station bombings of 2004 have caused concern about the possibility of future terrorist activity in the city and country. Here are some tips to be aware of while travelling in Madrid.
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Madrid’s throbbing nightlife scene draws many young and restless travellers to the city. The central city area has a plethora of plazas and bars, but for more typically Spanish nightlife head to the areas of Huertas, Malasaña, Bilbao and Alonso Martinez.
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Tourists that wish to see traditional Spanish bullfights should head to Plaza de Toros, Spain’s largest bullring, where fights are regularly staged.
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Keen shoppers should head to the pedestrianised streets running off the Plaza Puerta del Sol, which are conveniently located and inundated with a wide range of stores.
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The best to visit Madrid is in spring, as the city is set atop a plateau and experiences unbearably hot and humid summers and painfully cold winters.
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Female travellers are likely to experience a fair amount of unwanted stares, comments and come-ons from Spanish men, particularly if travelling alone. The best response is none at all.
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Madrid has a more-or-less permanently pulsating nightlife, but if you are keen to see the city at its most festive, visit during Carnevale (February/March), the Fiesta de la Comunidad de Madrid (May 2) and Fiestas de San Isidro (May 15).
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Wearing shorts in churches is regarded as disrespectful in Spain, so be sure you are dressed correctly if you plan to visit any sacred spots.
Useful travel tips resources
Footprint Guides - Madrid
Travel site offering useful travel advice for a wide variety of destinations.
http://www.footprintguides.com/
Wordtravels
Comprehensive travel site encompassing destinations worldwide.
http://news24.wordtravels.com/Cities/Spain/Madrid
Iexplore
Dos and Don’ts in Spanish culture.
http://www.iexplore.com/dmap/Spain/Do's+and+Don'ts
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Spain travel information
Spain travel tips
Spain health and safety
Spain maps and geography
Madrid Trip Planner
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Madrid Getting Around
Madrid Getting There
Madrid History and Background
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Madrid Tours and Attractions
Subregions of Madrid
Essentials
Visas: Most nationalities do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days
Season: May – June, September
Money: Euro
Language: Spanish, with Catalan, Basque and Galician in certain areas. English is widely understood.
Emergency #: Police - 091; Fire / Ambulance (Bomberas) - 085