SUNWHEELS.COM

Welcome to Madrid, the political and financial capital of modern Spain. With its incredible offer of museums, myriad of cultural activities, delicious cuisine and unbeatable nightlife, it easily rivals the best the world has to offer.

In 1561 Madrid - with a population of 15,000 - became the capital of Spain by decree of King Felipe II. He chose Madrid because of its central location, his aim being to unify the disparate regions of the peninsula and his vast empire.

The bars in Madrid are full of people having tapas along with a drink. Two of the most popular tapas in Madrid are boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies) and empanada (pastry filled with tuna and tomato). Or you might find people sharing raciones, larger versions of tapas, such as plates of chorizo (sausage), jamón serrano (cured ham), tortilla de patata (potato omelette) and champiñones con ajos y jamón (mushrooms with garlic and ham). Madrid bars usually have both tapas and raciones menus to choose from.

Tapas have an interesting history dating back to the 13th century when stagecoach drivers used to stop off in taverns in Madrid and many other Spanish towns, to take a break and have a glass of wine after an exhausting journey transporting merchandise. They would get so drunk and become such a menace on the highways that the government introduced a law forcing them to eat something while they drank. They would usually be given a piece of bread and ham placed on top of their glass or jar. These tapas (tops or lids) become a sensible and healthy custom that continues today.

There are numerous choices of places to stay in Madrid from 5 star hotels to small affordable hostals. The Ritz, which opened in 1910, is widely considered to be Madrid’s most elegant hotel and its worth going in, even if it’s just for a coffee, to admire the magnificent décor. The Hotel Paris the oldest hotel in the Madrid. It opened in 1872 and continues to provide cheap, basic accommodation with a sense of history.