Madrid, Spain's capital city, is an exciting destination bursting with culture and history. Also considered the financial capital of Southern Europe, it is the perfect spot for business as well as leisure. Both Madrid's Campanile Hotels are fully fitted with comfortable seminar rooms and close to the city. Rich in history, going back to the middle-ages, it's a city full of character and charm. Explore the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), dating back to the 9th century and visit, Las Ventas Bullring, to see where the traditional Spanish bullfighting sport originated from.

Located in central Spain, Madrid is the perfect point to explore other breath-taking Spanish cities. Visit Toledo, Albacete and Barcelona by train or road. An exciting capital, Madrid is a blend of the old and new. Walk along the Manzanares River running through the city for a relaxed afternoon or if modern fashions are what you crave, the Mercado Fuencarral is the place to be. With something for everyone, it's an ever changing, rich in heritage, city.

A two-day break:

Two days is enough time to get a taste Madrid's remarkable historical culture. Due to the convenient location of Campanile Madrid - Las Rozas Hotel only 20 minutes from the centre, you can make every minute count. Visit Retiro Park on the first day, with lots to do and see including fountains and beautifully designed gardens. And in the evening catch up with Madrid's nightlife. Head to gay and all-round friendly, Chueca or Huertas for contemporary bars and restaurants. Take a trip to the Latin Quarter for quintessential Spanish fun and Flamenco dancing. On the second day, admire the architecture while you shop at Príncipe Pío Mall, a shopping centre housed in an old railway station. Afterwards take a stroll down the Manzanares River nearby.

A week-long stay:

A week allows you to explore the many attractions of Madrid at a slower, more culturally suited, pace. A city full of stories, the Royal Site of El Escorial, 40 minutes from Madrid, has been home to many monarchs over years. The palace's spectacular architecture and mountain location will be well worth the excursion. For the rest of your days, discover the city's many beautiful churches such as, San Nicolas de los Servitas, Madrid's oldest church, by foot or metro. For art history, stop by the renowned, Prado Museum, owned by many royal figures in the past and steeped in history. On Sundays catch El Rastro street market, the biggest and busiest of its kind in Madrid.

A family holiday:

With such a booming tourist industry, Madrid is perfectly suited to a family holiday too. There's the Zoo at Casa Campo, Madrid's largest green space; it is recommended that you travel there by cable car to add even more fun to your visit! There you’ll find lots of different creatures and crawlies with a funfair not far from the Zoo if you still want more! Spain's Warner Brothers Movie World at Madrid is open throughout the summer and costs approx. 27 euros per child: it hosts rides, parades and events for a memorable day.

Transport:

A business and leisure destination, Madrid has good links to many cities and European countries through its main airports: Madrid Torrejon and Barajas International. You’ll find Campanile Madrid Hotels close by and links to the city centre, by road, bus or short distance train. Madrid has two main train stations, Chamartín and Atocha, situated in the South and North of Madrid with good RENFE: reliable and fast links to many other Spanish cities, as well as surrounding European countries such as France and Portugal. While travelling around Madrid you'll find a range of methods to suit you. Use the city's extensive subway system, short distance trains, buses, taxis or even cable cars, where necessary.

Gastronomy:

Spoilt for dining out, Madrid boasts of many Michelin star spots as well as traditional Spanish cuisine. Book in at DiverXO for a playful Michelin experience: no menus, just intuition here! Or Ramón Freixa Madrid for an exquisite romantic meal or important business lunch. You'll find traditional tapas and Spanish dishes all over the city, especially in the older, Latin Quarter. Due to a younger student and migrant culture, Madrid has a cosmopolitan mix, cooking up dishes from all over the world, from Arab to Japanese.

Events:

A fiesta isn't an uncommon occurrence in Madrid. It has parties all year round: Spring time sees Músicas del Mundo Getafe, in the village of Getafe for Spanish and world music infusions, with a great party atmosphere. And in the Summer, don't miss San Antonio de la Florida, mid-June: it is full of history and family fun and named after San Antonio, the patron saint of seamstresses. In the latter months, look out for the Festival de Otoño, a performing arts, music and dance extravaganza. Whenever you visit you're sure to catch something going on in this vibrant city.

Interesting fact:

Something only the locals might know about Madrid is that it gets its name from the Arabic “magerit”, meaning, ‘place of many streams'.

Useful Links:

www.turismomadrid.es/en/transportation
www.renfe.com
www.timeout.com/madrid/features/212/festivals-events-in-madrid