Madrid: sights from the Prado to the palace

The best way to start your Madrid vacation is to relax in one of the countless restaurants in the "tapas district" of La Latina. After a refreshment of Serrano ham, olives or a typical "tortilla de patatas" (very tasty potato omelette), you can then tackle Madrid's sights: the Museo Nacional del Prado, for example, whose collection of old master paintings is one of the most important in the world. Or the magnificent palace of the Spanish royal family. Also a must: walking or boating in the Parque del Retiro, the city's literal haven of peace.

Time for a shopping spree

The Gran Vía - the 1.3-kilometer-long shopping street that is over 100 years old - is far more lively. Here you can combine a historical tour of Madrid's sights (one great building follows the next) with an extensive shopping spree (everything from high-class to second-hand clothing). And if you can't get enough of shopping, you can move on to the trendy Salamanca district, nicknamed "the golden mile of fashion".

And a wine in the evening

Hot Madrid vacation tip: the practical city bikes called "BiciMAD", which can be rented everywhere and are equipped with an electric motor. This allows you to get to Madrid's sights such as the indoor market Mercado de San Miguel or the "main square" (Plaza Major) more quickly in the hilly city. You can cycle into the evening hours, when Spain's capital really comes to life. From 9 p.m., the cafés and alleyways fill up and people everywhere toast to life with a glass of wine or cava. And admittedly: Lively Madrid does get to you. But it is simply a wonderful destination.