VISITS AND VACATIONS num 9

Hello ladies and gents this is the viking telling you that today we are going to the beautiful city of

MADRID

Image result for things to do in madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain and the largest municipality in both the Community of Madrid and Spain as a whole. The city has almost 3.2 million inhabitants and a metropolitan area population of approximately 6.5 million. It is the third-largest city in the European Union (EU), smaller than only London and Berlin, and its monocentric metropolitan area is the third-largest in the EU, smaller only than those of London and Paris. The municipality covers 604.3 km2 (233.3 sq mi).

Madrid lies on the River Manzanares in the centre of both the country and the Community of Madrid (which comprises the city of Madrid, its conurbation and extended suburbs and villages); this community is bordered by the autonomous communities of Castile and León and Castile-La Mancha. As the capital city of Spain, seat of government, and residence of the Spanish monarch, Madrid is also the political, economic and cultural centre of the country. The current mayor is Manuela Carmena from the party Ahora Madrid.

THINGS TO DO

Enjoy art and markets at Matadero Madrid

Matadero Madrid
What is it? Previously the city's old slaughterhouse, Matadero Madrid is now a modern cultural centre.

Why go? Built in the early 20th century in the Neo-Mudejar style, the old abattoir was brought back to life in 2007 (after years of having been left abandoned) as a large, multidisciplinary space devoted to culture and entertainment. Theatre, cinema, literature, concerts, festivals and markets all converge on the bank of the Manzanares in Matadero Madrid's Cineteca, Sala del Lector reading room, and Central del Diseño design centre. 

Try food from around the globe at Mercado de Vallehermoso

Tripea - Roberto MartiÃŒnez
What is it? Another great example of how traditional markets have been reinvented and have blossomed to serve up international cuisine.

Why go? It’s said that hunger sharpens our ability to create and innovate. And it seems that’s what happened to a group of shopkeepers at the Mercado de Vallehermoso, who, after a nearly two-decade period of decline, decided to give new life to their workplace and opened their doors to restaurants and bars like Prost Chamberí, Graciana and Craft 19. These days, the once-empty stalls are thriving thanks to the Galería de Productores initiative, made up of 22 local suppliers who sell ‘100% authentic foods’ produced in an area no larger than 120 km², and using artisan and sustainable processes.

Eat well and do some swing dancing at the Mercado de San Fernando

What is it? A market where traditional butchers' and fishmongers' stalls live happily alongside those offering international cuisine, and where you can find activities for all ages. 

Mercado de San FernandoWhy go? It may not be as popular as some of the other markets in Madrid, but it's still a place to discover and enjoy, especially as it's in a neighbourhood as lively as Lavapiés, which embraces the Mercado de San Fernando as one of its most symbolic landmarks. Built after the Spanish Civil War, the market has been modernised over the years, both in appearance and its stock. Today it's a great place to get high-quality produce, discover what its shops have to offer, and relax at one of its bars or cafés. 

Don't miss: The pay-by-weight bookshop, and the craft beer stalls.

I dont know about you but i want to go there and as always have a chilled day from the viking


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