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 Monograms provides traveler’s access to a Local Host, so you will have someone on hand to answer those vacation questions pertaining to Madrid and Spain. No waiting in line at the concierge desk or trying to ask your waitress at breakfast directions to the shopping district. Simply ask your Local Host about Madrid and you'll be on your way in no time. Plus, your Local Host will share local Madrid insights and share suggestions for getting off the beaten path, leaving you more time to create lasting vacation memories that are yours alone.
Plan & Book a Madrid Vacation Package
Meet a Local Host
My name is Mariangeles. I was born in Madrid and when I was 13, I decided to devote my life to being a Local Guide—showing Madrid to visitors. Part of my goal was studying at the University and when I passed further specialist exams, I realized my dream! I hope you choose Madrid for your next vacation. It will be a real pleasure to show you the Spanish capital.
Habsburg Period
Ask your Local Host about a walking route to see architecture of the Habsburg Period of Madrid; discover along the way the old convents, churches and narrow lanes of the city that was the capital of a world empire in the 16th century. A stop at a café, a pub, or by an old market turned into gourmet center, makes a charming stroll, finishing maybe by Plaza de Oriente, next to the Royal Palace.
Bourbon Period
Puerta del Sol is a good starting point to see what the Age of Enlightenment left to Madrid; admire the city’s splendid arches, monuments, and fountains as you stroll in its plazas and boulevards.
Literary Madrid
Madrid has been the inspiration for some of Spain’s best literature. The literary district is a beautifully preserved 17th century area. Strolling along Huertas’ street recalls writers like Quevedo and Góngora. Cervantes lived in the area, and you can visit the beautifully preserved home of the great Lope de Vega nearby. Then, by streets that bring memories of Echegaray and Moratín and by Plaza de Jacinto Benavente, 1922 Nobel Prize winner for literature, reach Plaza Mayor, which Benito Perez Galdós immortalized in his novels.
El Retiro Park, Green Walk
For some gentle relaxation, stroll in El Retiro. Dating back to the 1600s, the park features a lake, statues and fountains. Ask your Local Host about the Madrid Green Walk, covering the Retiro, and the Debod temple and gardens, or for families, other suggestions on good places to spend time together.
Royal Palace
Built in the 18th century under Philip V, the Royal Palace of Madrid is a truly magnificent example of palatial architecture in Europe. The halls open to the public contain superb fresco paintings, tapestries, furniture, porcelain and all kind of sumptuous objects reviving the past. The Royal Armory and the Royal Pharmacy are also well worth a visit.
Church of San Francisco El Grande
A neoclassical masterpiece with the largest dome in Madrid, its walls and ceilings are decorated with superb frescoes.
Reina Sofi´a Museum
Picasso’s Guernica admired in its genuine dimension. Founded in 1992 at the old Hospital of San Carlos, built in the 18th century, chronologically the collections start from 1881, birth date of Pablo Picasso. Take a stroll by the vanguards of the 20th century including works by Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Juan Gris, Tapies, Saura, Antonio López…
Thyssen Museum
Historical trip through Western Art, from the 13th century to the present day; see first class works of international art created by two generations of the Thyssen-Bornemisza family, including the private collection of Baroness Thyssen.
Shopping
Madrid is a shopper’s paradise. You can find everything from luxury goods and antiques to religious items. See its exclusive shops, boutiques, and art galleries. Your Local Host can suggest a route to visit specialty shops (some of them more than 100 year’s old), including fan shops, and a wonderful cake store which supplies the Spanish Royal Family, all in the city center.
Tapas, Wines & Sangria
There is a healthy pastime in Madrid: having your aperitif with a small side order of food, the tapa. This wonderful pursuit is one of the most important chapters in fully understanding and enjoying the pleasures of eating out in Madrid. The best and simplest way to truly enjoy tapas in Madrid is to use your sixth sense, or better still, your sense of smell. Also well worth a try, excellent local wines, Sangria or Spanish lemonade.
Cocido
The traditional local food in Madrid is Cocido, with its a combination of seven different meats, vegetables and pulses it is not a dish for the faint-hearted!
El Botin
The oldest restaurant in the world, specializing in lamb and roast pork suckling dishes.
Opera, Zarzuela Operetta and Shows
Ask your Local Host for information on shows, opera and Zarzuela (Spanish Operetta).
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