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Madrid, Spain (actually, its officially called “the Kingdom of Spain”) is the Mecca of the spanish speaking countries of the world.  After all, Spain is the motherland to the Caribbean, Central America and the majority of South America.  Although so much history and culture is spread throughout each region of Spain and they deserve an equal chance to be spoken of, Madrid holds a certain character that deserves to be placed at the top of our list.  We’ll do our best to cover as much as we can squeeze into one post.  Being that half of my heritage derives from Spain I take great pride and joy in showcasing Madrid, Spain as our featured timeshare destination, “lands end”.

Bienvenido!  Boasting as the rival city to New York City as the “city that never sleeps”, Madrid is a melting pot of people and cultures.  The city has much to offer for the young and adventurous as well as the traveling businessman.  The area of Madrid has been populated by people since pre-historic times.  The ruling party has changed hands on multiple occasions, which lead to its diversity in culture and lifestyle.  During the day, your options for site seeing and touring are limitless.

Here are the top 5 places in Madrid to visit during the day:

1.)  Palacio Real – Once the home to the royal family of Spain, the palace is now open to the public to provide a preview to what life would be like to those who held power in Old Spain.  It’s suggested to arrive early, as the best photo opportunities are early in the day as well as a significant amount of ground to cover….around 2000 rooms to be exact.  Entrance is 8 euros without a guide and 10 with a guide.  Children under 5 get in free.  No flash photography allowed, but I can guarantee someone’s getting away with it.

2.)  Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía – If you are sick of looking at paintings of Jesus and the mother Mary, this is your place.  Not that there is anything wrong with those paintings, but the art found here is by far some of the best in the world and is not limited to religious paintings, a practice commonly done in this region and era.  The largest attraction here is Guernica, a testament to Picasso’s passionate but thoughtful anger towards the inhumane actions of the Spanish Civil War.  Entrance is around 3 euros.

3.)  Museo del Prado – There is no doubt in my mind Museo del Prado is one of the most revered museums in the world.  Holding work from some of history’s most famous artists, Museo del Prado is a must see for any traveler.  For under 6 euros, you’re exposed to work from the likes of Goya, Velazquez, El Greco and more.  Make sure you take time to absorb it all.  It can be quite overwhelming but well worth the time.

4.)  Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza – The last point on Madrid’s art triangle, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza boasts of its polar opposite appearance to its other two counterpoints in the art triangle.  This museum is a collection of art originally owned by Baron Hans-Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza.  The artifacts here is one of the world’s most complete collections of western art, something uncommon in both Prado and Reina Sofia.  This museum is considered an intro museum for its ease of viewing the chronologically ordered pieces of work and relative size.

5.)  Plaza Mayor – Tourist trap? Maybe.  Worth the visit?  Absolutely!  The Plaza Mayor, a grand arcaded square in the center of Madrid is very popular with tourists and locals alike.  Since its creation, the Plaza Mayor has been the center of festivities, bullfights, royal coronations and executions. These would be attended by as many as 50,000 spectators. It is still used today for public celebrations.  The square is lined with restaurants and shops, which although pricey, are worth it for the quality of fine wine and tapas available.  The sounds of musicians and entertainment can be heard throughout.