Madrid
Cruise & Stay
Welcome to Madrid
Cruise Nation are delighted to bring you our massive range of Madrid Cruise & Stay Holidays. With a massive choice of cruise lines to sail with as well as our Smart Packages featuring FREE stays in one of many handpicked hotels which are all centrally located in Madrid providing you with the perfect base from which to explore all that this fascinating city has to offer.
With our Madrid Cruise & Stay packages, your flights will always be included. We also offer flights from a number of regional airports throughout the UK giving you much greater flexibility and making your holiday experience as smooth as possible.
Whilst in Madrid, tap into your inner art aficionado and visit one of the many galleries on offer. Whether it’s the Museo del Prado with its displays of Goya and Velázquez’s works, or it’s one of the many other galleries you’ll find whilst meandering through the cobblestone streets of old town, you’re sure to leave Madrid feeling inspired by artwork that’s come from the soul.
After all the exploring you’ll do in this magnificent city, you’ll most certainly work up an appetite and there’s no better place to treat your taste buds than Madrid. There’s an emphasis on the dining experience here, as the conviviality of eating with friends is a favourite pastime and food is showcased to diners for a visual feast. Whether you’re dining in sleek and modern tapas restaurant, a traditional taverna or a restaurant tucked away in a century-old building; eating in Madrid is a real experience.
After an incredible meal, there’s only one thing left to do and that’s to sample the epic nightlife of Madrid. Non-stop action awaits you in the form of chic bars, hip cocktail hangouts and glamorous nightclubs.
Weather in The Mediterranean
Things to do in Madrid
Museo del Prado
This is one of the world’s top art galleries and it features an impressive collection of more than 7,000 works of art…
Museo del Prado
A visit to the Prado will give you serious pause for thought as you take in the famous works of artists such as Goya and Velázquez.
Casa de Campo
Madrid has some incredible green spaces, including Casa de Campo which is 1,700 hectares – five times bigger than New York’s central park…
Casa de Campo
In this incredible park you’ll find plenty to pique your interest. Parque de Atraciones de Madrid, Spain’s third oldest theme park, it covers 49 acres of the park with different areas which will suit all of the family. If a more relaxing stroll is more for you, why not do it through the Madrid Zoo which is home to over 6000 animals.
La Granja de San Ildefonso
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Madrid by car, is the enchanting La Granja de San Ildefonso…
La Granja de San Ildefonso
This beautiful Baroque style castle became a summer residence for the kings of Spain in the 1720’s and today it attracts many visitors who take delight in wandering the extensive grounds which are expertly manicured and feature extravagant water fountains.
Santiago Bernabeu Tour
Fancy walking in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo? Sit on the Real Madrid bench before warming up down the touchline, address the waiting media in the press room and even sit in the Presidential Box…
Santiago Bernabeu Tour
Covering over 100 years of Real Madrid in 90 minutes, you can see how it is more than just a football club, it’s a lifestyle. This really is a must for all sports fans!
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is a grand square located at the centre of Madrid…
Plaza Mayor
It was built during Philip III’s reign (1598 – 1621) and today you’ll see a statue of him in the square. It’s the ultimate selfie spot in Madrid and a great place to catch a moment away from the crowds to appreciate some majestic architecture.
El Rastro
El Rastro is Madrid’s oldest and most famous flea market…
El Rastro
Head here early on a Sunday morning to avoid the surging crowds on the hunt for a bargain. If you’re looking for a trinket or two to remember your trip by, this is an ideal place to go to find something unique.
Restaurants in Madrid
Botin
Dating back to 1725, this is officially the oldest restaurant in the world! It’s the best place to go for roast lamb or roasted suckling pig. If you can, try and get a table in the wine cellar, however the atmosphere is the rest of the restaurant won’t disappoint either.
Lolina Vintage Cafe
With a decor inspired by the 1950’s and 60’s, Lolina’s perfectly captures the new hip vibe in the area of Malasaña. Serving up cocktails, smoothies and sandwiches – it’s a great place to go if you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for.
Punto MX
Punto MX is the only restaurant in the world serving an exclusively Mexican menu to have a Michelin Star. The Mexican menu uses creative and unique gastronomic tendencies to creative a menu which needs to be tasted to be believed. Book your table quick for one of the most highly rated restaurants in Madrid.
Bodega de los Secretos Restaurante
It’s unlikely that you’ll stumble across this restaurant by chance as it’s hidden away in an underground labyrinth of wine cellars which date back to the 17th century. This secret restaurant makes a dinner date all the more exciting. With the domed ceilings and tables placed in little nooks with candle lighting and a wonderful a la carte menu, it’s perfect for a romantic meal for two.
Café Murillo
If you’ve been visiting the Prado museum, then head to this excellent cafe for a bite to eat and to rest your weary feet. Offering a mix of light bites and more wholesome dishes such as seared tuna or a Frida burger with avocado, it’ll have you back on your feet in no time.
Madrid Nightlife
Terazza Solarium Jardines de Sabatini
The rooftop bar has regal views overlooking the impressive Palacio Real and Templo de Bod. Head here at sunset for a cocktail or a glass of great rioja and appreciate the simply breathtaking views as the sky changes colour.
Taberna Antonio Sanchez
This historic bullfighters taberna appears to have hardly changed since it was originally opened in 1830. Wine bottles over 100 years old line the walls and the traditional wooden barrels and vintage cash register add to the antique appeal.
1862 Dry Bar
If you love classic cocktails then this is the bar for you. There’s not a cheesy cocktail umbrella in sight. The bar is run by top barman Alberto Martínez and his cocktail creations are presented in effortlessly chic glassware so you can feel just like a movie star as you sip them.
Corral de la Moreria
This is possibly the most famous flamenco bar in the world and it hosts performances from two different leading flamenco dancers every evening. It originally opened in 1957, making it one of the oldest flamenco establishments in Spain. Whilst sitting here, cramped into the tiny room, you can’t help but smile to yourself at the thought that the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, John F Kennedy and Sofia Loren once sat here to watch the legendary flamenco performances too.
Kapital
Ever wanted to dance to different music over seven stories of nightclub? Well if you didn’t, you do now. Situated on the first floor is a karaoke area, meaning if you feel like belting your heart out you’re more than welcome. If dancing to classics is more your thing they cater to that too. Kapital even boasts a summer rooftop terrace for watching the sun set with a cocktail.
Events in Madrid
San Isidro Day
San Isirdro is the Patron Saint of Madrid and every year on the 15th May a feast day is held to celebrate him. Celebrations are held throughout the city including Pradera de San Isidro park where he once worked the fields himself over 1,000 years ago.
Madrid Pride Festival
The first Pride festival was held in Madrid over 40 years ago and today it’s one of the biggest in the world. In 2017, Madrid hosted World Pride and welcomed around 3 million visitors to the city who celebrated in the Chueca neighbourhood and new Pride Village.
Madrid Cool Festival
Although the Cool Festival only started in 2016, it’s already well on its way to becoming one of the biggest music events in Europe. In 2017 some of the headliners included The Foo Fighters, the Kings of Leon and The Lumineers.
Suma Flamenca Festival
Held in June, this is one of the most renowned Flamenco festivals in Spain. Talented singers, musicians and dancers host performances around the city; however the hub of the action is Teatros del Canal.