Why You Should Experience Madrid's Art With A City Walking Tour
If you've been to Spain, chances are you've either been or heard wonderful things about Madrid. With a whopping 6.7 million inhabitants according to World Population Review, Madrid is Spain's largest city. The bustling capital city is also home to sunny skies, bustling nightlife, historical buildings, and soon-to-be unforgettable memories.
The fiery region has many things to offer. Besides world-class paella simmered by the finest chefs dripping in spices, Madrid is also home to incredible foods, flamenco music, top-tier wines, impeccable architecture, pristine beaches, and more. Take a stroll down the Gran Via, Madrid's most famed street. It is lined with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Gran Via just so happens to hold the nickname of the "Spanish Broadway." A walk down it will highlight the heart of the city and some of the most famous buildings, such as the Metropolis building and the iconic Edificio Carrión Building that has the neon-lit Schweppes sign. Composed of granite and marble, the structure dates back to 1933 and is a well-known site in the city.
There's no shortage of entertainment in Madrid. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention that the art scene in this spicy destination is unmatched. Whether you're a fan of art or not, Madrid may single-handedly be the place to reimagine art in another realm.
See Madrid's top art by indulging in an art tour
Madrid is home to many renowned artists, each highlighting various time periods and different styles. The city is simply an art lover's dream and the hub of artistic ventures, with over 40 museums and many art galleries that are all worthy of a visit. Home of the beloved Prado museum, which holds over 2,300 paintings from elite artists (per the Prado Museum website), a stop-in is a must.
Designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785, the museum was opened to the public in November 1819. Over the years, the museum gained immense notoriety for its collection of prized masterpieces of classical European art, which are housed on-site. From Bosch to El Greco to the beloved paintings "Las Meninas" by Velázquez and "The Family of Carlos IV" by Goya, Prado is home to it all.
While a visit to Madrid isn't complete without a stop at the Prado Museum, what about the many other famed artists Madrid is home to, such as Picasso's "La Guernica," and "La Fuente de Cibeles" by Vincente Rodriguez? While this curated list of beloved artwork by Culture Trip highlights a few must-see items, there is much more to see, and certainly, an art tour that highlights the best of the best.
Explore the cool spots in Madrid, like a local
Whether you're on a long holiday or cramped for time, an art tour with Cool Tour Spain should be top of mind. Seeing the renowned artwork of the region is great. Cool Tour Spain thrives on highlighting artwork from a local perspective. Created in 2016, the tour not only highlights graffiti in town along with the facts about the various neighborhoods in Madrid, guests will see a variety of contemporary art as well as bask in the architecture that makes Madrid so unique.
Per the website, each tour starts at 20 euros per person, however, as an add-on for an additional 5.00, guests can choose to try their best and stencil graffiti for a take-home souvenir. This tour ranks highly with visitors, with one commenting, "Had such an amazing time with @cooltourspain exploring the street art of #Madrid. I highly recommend booking a walking tour when you visit @Madrid." While this tour thrives on alternatives and showcasing the off-the-beaten path of the city, there are a plethora of tours offered to fit your needs for you and your group (via this top-tier list by Nomadic Matt).
Whichever tour you opt for, an insider's perspective on this creative hub is a solid idea. Madrid's art scene is beaming with creativity and highlights a luminous aura that is hard to neglect.