Exploring The Habsburg Empire On A Madrid Tour

No Madrid tour is complete without a trip to the Royal Palace. Whether you're interesting in a Madrid activities like visiting local tapas bars, or want to explore the local museums, take a little time out for a visit to the Royal Palace.

A Madrid tour is one that travelers won't forget. The city boasts a number of fun and exciting activities in Madrid, from visiting the famous Prado museum to the many plazas that dot the city. If you're interested in taking a historical tour that highlights that city's rich past, consider a Madrid sightseeing trip that highlights the history of the Habsburgs and a visit to their past official residence.

History Of The Habsburgs

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Habsburgs ruled Spain. Under their control, the country was influential in the region and the world, controlling land that included the Americas, what is now France, Germany, Italy and Portugal and the East Indies. The period under the Habsburg rule is known as the Spanish Age of Expansion and this lasted until the middle of the 17th century when its reign started to decline.

All About The Palace

The palace was the official residence of the Spanish Monarchy until 1931. The palace is still in use, but visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal family will most likely be disappointed though. The palace is only used by the monarchy to royal receptions, formal ceremonies and more. It is extremely lavish and is one of the largest palaces in all of Europe, with 28 rooms and almost 1.5 million square feet of space. Guests can choose to explore the palace at their own pace or choose to take a tour by a professional guide. No matter which way you want to visit the palace, make sure to leave plenty of time to explore the building before it closes (6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday). Admission is around 10 Euros, but is less for a self-guided tour. The palace offers tours in a number of languages, if you aren't completely fluent in Spanish, make sure to say 'ingles,' when purchasing your entry ticket or choose to take a tour with a reputable company with English speaking guides.

Other Activities In Madrid

While the palace is a must-not-miss attraction, it's not the only Madrid sightseeing attraction. Museums include the Prado, the Sorolla, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, the Palacio de Comunicaciones and the Queen Sofia Arts Center. The city is also known for its lush parks, such as Retiro Park, the Casa de Campo, the Campo del Moro and the Sabatini Gardens and the Jardin Botanicoonly. If a Madrid tour is more your speed, consider enjoying a tour of the many tapas bars or a pub crawl after hours. The city also has a number of plazas that are surrounded by cafés, bars, shopping and more. Getting around the city isn't difficult, even if you're not a part of a guided excursion. The town's public transportation method, the Metro, is fast, efficient and easy to navigate.

With so many different things to do, visitors of any age or with any interests can find a number of fun activities in Madrid. Whether you spend all your time in the city, or you venture out on a day trip to some of Spain's smaller surrounding towns, you'll be sure to have a fun time while visiting this beautiful country.

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