DEEP DIVE
Ace your Madrid visit
“From Madrid to Heaven” a famous proverb reads. Take just one glimpse of the eternal blue sky stretching over the Spanish capital and you’ll witness it for yourself.
But Madrid boasts so much more than glorious weather: world-famous museums, countless restaurants and markets, renowned cultural centres and, of course, its famed nightlife that culminates in the noche madrileña. All of this is eclipsed by only one thing – the city’s cheery residents.
This selection of apps will help you reach Madrid’s beating heart and find the places and experiences that really make the city tick.
Discover the Golden Triangle of Art
Madrid’s rich cultural scene is one of the best reasons to visit the city, and exploring the museums that make up the so-called Golden Triangle of Art is a must.
At the Prado Museum, use SC El Prado Masterpieces and you can turn 14 of the most famous paintings into digital canvases made up of more than one million pixels each; the images can then be enlarged to uncover hidden details.
And the Second Canvas Thyssen app provides an audio guide to accompany a visit to see some of the Thyssen-Bornemisza’s greatest works from the likes of Caravaggio, Van Gogh, Kandinsky and Pollock.
Revel in the fiesta
The Spanish don’t just love food; they love talking about food. Madrid is home to some of the finest quality Spanish cuisine and is a food-lover’s paradise. If you’re flummoxed by the endless array of choices, take a look at Time Out for starters and see if one of the many food markets dotted around the city will whet your appetite.
To kickstart a fun evening out, Fever will show you the way to the trendiest terraces in Malasaña or La Latina, the coolest events happening around the city and the hippest places to dance until sunrise.
Learn the lingo
Do you struggle with speaking Spanish? Worry not: Spaniards love to help tourists with their pronunciation! A little prep before you land goes a long way though, so take some enjoyable Spanish lessons with Duolingo. If you’re stuck for time and want something more straightforward to use on your trip, Reverso translate and learn instantly translates words and expressions (particularly useful when deciphering menus).
Still struggling? Translate Now lets you experiment with voice, camera and augmented reality (AR) translation features for when you feel out of your depth.
Navigate the city
Madrid has a variety of transport options that make getting around town a breeze. With these apps you’re able to quickly rent an electric motorbike, a scooter or a bicycle, or if you prefer, order a taxi.
Capture the best moments
There will be plenty of memorable moments from your trip to Madrid (like your daily churros indulgence) that you’ll want to savour long after you return home. Use these nifty apps to snap the best pictures and shoot the coolest videos that will make reminiscing about your escapades even more enticing.