Madrid
Madrid is the capital city of Spain, located in the heart of the Iberian peninsula and has a population of over three million. Madrid is the seat of Spanish government as well as being the home of the Spanish Royal Family and is also characterised by intense cultural and artistic activity and a very lively nightlife.
This cultural and artistic activity is clearly seen in Triball. An area once notorious for prostitution and hard drugs, it had been ignored by developers for two decades before
La Asociación de Comerciantes triBall (the TriBall Merchants' Association) was set up to attract businesses, retailers and above all artists to the area, transforming it into a pleasant, cultured and commercial neighbourhood. La Maison de la lantern rouge is a prime example of this regeneration. A brothel in a former lifetime it is now a shopping haven for those seeking vintage clothing and kooky design.
Madrileños are renowned for their fashion sense, looking elegant even on a trip out to run some errands. In the Salamanca neighbourhood, shopping addicts can find any brand they wish for. Young emerging Spanish designer boutiques can be found in between the stores of the fashion greats. One such designer is David Delfin who is rapidly making a name for himself as a key figure in the world of Spanish fashion.
Visitors to Madrid often overlook the Museo Reina Sofia in favour of the internationally renowned Prado museum. However the Reina Sofia can hold its own against the Prado and houses approximately 570 works including pieces by Salvador Dalí, Juan Gris, Miró, Dalí and Julio González. However the main attraction is Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica'. This notorious painting shows the Nazi German bombing of the town of Guernica, in the Basque country during the Spanish Civil War. The museum is free at the weekends, and is a reasonable 6euro at other times with various concessions available.
The hotel Puerta America Madrid has been described as a landmark for architectural and design innovation. A set of 19 internationally renowned architects and interior designers were hired to design each floor making it a truly international hotel. The structure, facade, parking, restaurants/bars, gymnasium, gardens and even the lighting have all been designed by different designers.
In the evening, The Penthouse is the hottest local lounge in Madrid. It is part of the Midnight Rose Restaurant at the hotel ME Madrid. Managed by Rande Gerber (top model Cindy Crawford's husband) this restaurant offers authentic Spanish cuisine, an extensive wine list for every taste and a decor to please the eye. Its outdoor terrace allows guests to enjoy the sun and the stars, a drink, some music and a great range of food, all with panoramic views of Madrid. Indoors, well-known faces from the Madrid and international social scenes frequent the exclusive bar.
Price Information:
Aer Lingus
www.aerlingus.com
0818 365000
Return flights from Dublin to Madrid
Hotel Puerta América
www.hoteles-silken.com/HPAM/index.php
July/August
Deluxe Room: €148
Junior Suite: €287
Museo Reina Sofía
www.museoreinasofia.es/museoreinasofia/live/index_en.html
Admission price: €6
ME Madrid Hotel
www.memadrid.com
Spanish Tourism Office
www.spain.info
01 635 0200