Madrid, the capital and largest city in Spain, has a long list of cultural establishments and a diversity of architecture that makes it somewhat unique. The Plaza Mayor is the touristic hub of the city and has been the scene of many historical events. The ‘Museum Triangle' is a must-see, featuring some of the finest artwork in the world, and for a bit of greenery and an inner-city haven, head for El Retiro - Madrid's most prominent park. In terms of popular culture, football fans the world over are familiar with the Bernabéu, home of Real Madrid.
Car hire from Madrid allows you to fully tour the wider community of Madrid and visit places like the unmissable Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, one of the Spanish royal sites some 28 miles northwest of the capital.
The Prado Museum is Madrid's number one cultural institution - featuring the likes of Raphael, Rubens, Goya and Rembrandt and is home to one of the world's finest collections of art. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum complements the Prado and displays a works from across Europe and America, including both English and Dutch schools and early twentieth century works.
If taking a break from the vitality of the inner-city, then hiring a car from Madrid and escaping to the much-loved Retiro Park is highly recommended. Heading back to take on a piece of the very fabric of Madrid's culture: the Bernabeu, home to Real Madrid and to the Monastery of San Lorenzo should both be included in your itinerary as essentials.
