Experience a 100% cultural Madrid!

Without doubt, the best known and most prestigious art gallery in Madrid is the Museo del Prado. And this year it celebrates no less than its 200th anniversary with an exhibition that explores its history through 168 original pieces that are essential in the history of art. Moreover, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza will hold exhibitions of renowned international artists from different fields such as the painter Balthus and the fashion designer Balenciaga. And the spirit of Montmartre, led by Toulouse-Lautrec, will occupy the CaixaForum. And these are just a few of all the exhibitions you’ll be able to see…

Contemporary dance, classical dance, opera, flamenco, circus… what’s your favourite? No need to choose between one kind of show and another because in Madrid you can see everything! And if you’re into musicals, you can choose from lots of spectacular productions, such as West Side Story, Anastasia, Billy Elliot, The Physician by Noah Gordon and even Bollywood, Colours of India. In Madrid, life is a musical!

One of the best things about Madrid is that it’s a great place to experience tours by top quality international musicians and bands, from Elton John, Mark Knopler, Bon Jovi, Metalica and even the Backstreet Boys to Ennio Morricone, Luísa Sobral and Estrella Morente. The calendar of fantastic events is truly impressive! And in addition to these musical delights there are major festivals such as Mad Cool and the Download Festival, and classics such as Veranos de la Villa and Noches del Botánico. Get ready to enjoy yourself to the rhythm of the best music!

How about seeing the Final of the Champions League live? Or watching the best tennis players playing a fine set from the stands in the Mutua Madrid Open or the Finals of the Davis Cup? Or running a marathon to the beat of rock’n’roll? Or standing back as the cyclists of the Vuelta a España sweep by? If sport is your thing, in Madrid you’ll get plenty of exercise because there are events for all tastes and levels. And this year, with the added attraction of being able to see Real Madrid take on Ajax in the quarter-finals of the Champions League! Get in shape!

As well as all this there are Madrid’s own festivals and celebrations that make it one the most special places in the world. From culinary events and traditional festivals like San Isidro, when everyone takes to the streets to have a good time, to events that show that Madrid is one of the most open and integrated cities in the world, such as the Madrid Pride Festival. Who’ll want to miss it?