The European City Every Art Lover Should Visit

They don't call Madrid's three most famous art museums the "Gold Triangle of Art" for nothing. [Tripsavvy Travel Today]( On Our Radar [I Left Hawaii for Two Years. When I Came Back, It Was Overrun With Newcomers]( The pandemic changed Hawaii, but its issues run much deeper. [REI and Airstream's First Collab Is the Adventure Travel Trailer of Your Dreams]( It even comes with a 25 piece gear kit! [This New Cruise Itinerary Lets You Sail the California Coast]( It’s Northern California like you haven’t explored it before Destination of the Day Madrid, Spain With its gleaming, grandiose architecture, wide-open green spaces, and unrivaled tapas scene, [Madrid]( isn't just a place to visit for the sake of checking it off your bucket list—it's an experience to be lived. And even though its monuments and museums are certainly noteworthy, it's the people and local culture that make the Spanish capital a worthwhile getaway. Spain's culture is famously laid-back, warm, and inviting, and few large European cities make it as easy for a visitor to feel at home as Madrid does. Sound good? Get ready for the ultimate Madrid experience. Things to Do At first, the possibilities of [things to do in Madrid]( may not seem obvious. There's no Eiffel Tower, Great Wall, or other monument that's earned household-name status around the world. But once you scratch the surface, you'll see that Madrid is positively bursting with attractions. Check out [Madrid's world-class museums]( including but not limited to the Golden Triangle of Art (consisting of the Prado, [Reina Sofía]( and Thyssen Museums). Or, explore the city's myriad of parks and gardens, from [the famous Retiro]( to the sprawling Casa de Campo to the lesser-known Parque de Berlín. At sunset, be sure to visit the [Temple of Debod]( one of four Egyptian temples located outside of Egypt, for an especially stunning view. Where to Eat and Drink The first thing that comes to mind when you think of [Spanish food]( might be tapas, and here in Madrid, tapas aren't just food—they're a way of life. The art of going from bar to bar and digging into shared plates with good friends is something so uniquely Spanish, and a can't-miss activity for visitors to the city. And when it comes to the food itself, [you're spoiled for choice]( addition to homegrown madrileño specialties, you'll also find plenty of equally fabulous dishes from all over Spain and the world. Then you have the drinks. Madrid is home to just about [every kind of bar you can imagine]( from no-frills watering holes frequented by abuelos to sleek, modern joints serving up craft beer, fabulous Spanish wine, or handcrafted cocktails. Where to Stay No matter who you are or what you love, there's [a Madrid neighborhood]( that will make you feel at home. From chic, sophisticated shopping havens to colorful streets with an international flair, each of the capital's barrios offers its own unique flavor. Some of [the best hotels]( can be found in Centro, the city’s main tourism area with historic landmarks, museums, and the shop-lined [Gran Vía]( thoroughfare, while more intimate boutiques favor the fashionable Salamanca neighborhood. But no matter which one of these you choose, they’ll all provide the perfect opportunity to explore the fast-paced Spanish capital. Vacation Like a Pro As tourists pour into Madrid during July and August, locals flee the city and head for the shores. If you visit Madrid during the summer, keep in mind that lines at attractions such as [the Royal Palace]( are likely to be long, and many local shops, restaurants and businesses—especially those that are family-owned—may close for a few weeks while their owners are on vacation. [Lindsey Zimmerman]( Contributing Writer Your Packing List When visiting Madrid in summer, bring plenty of [sunscreen]( and [a stylish pair of sunglasses]( and don't be afraid to bust out the tank tops and shorts at this time of year. If you're traveling in the fall, pack clothing that can easily be layered. Keep [a jacket]( handy, as well as a scarf that can fit in your bag when you're not using it. As in every European capital, [comfortable walking shoes]( are a must. Heels are notoriously difficult to walk in on Madrid's cobblestone streets, so if you want a little bit of a lift, consider something with a platform rather than a stiletto-style heel. Trending in Travel [I Moved to Bali to Live and Work for a Month. Here's How It Went]( [15 Private Islands You Can Rent]( [Going Hiking This Summer? Here's What to Wear]( Get Inspired One of the quirkiest things you can do in Dunedin, the second-largest city on [New Zealand's South Island]( is climb {NAME} Street, the steepest street in the world. Why is it so steep? Much of the city was planned on paper from London, with cartographers and town planners drawing the lines of streets onto a map of the land, without factoring in just how hilly of a city Dunedin is. If you visit, don't bother taking your car up it—there's a dead end at the top. Got Any Tips? Have a travel tip or feedback on how we can improve? Send us a note at feedback@tripsavvy.com and you may just see it in a future newsletter! [Tripsavvy]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Linkedin]( [Unsubscribe]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} | Was this email forwarded to you? [Subscribe here]( ©2022 — All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy]( | [Terms of Service]( A DOTDASH MEREDITH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10005