Madrid has always been an exciting city to explore. Thanks to its nuanced architecture, world-famous art museums, vibrant nightlife scene and a never-ending supply of tapas and vino, it’s always been a top travel destination (and likely always will be). But if you haven’t been yet — or even if you have — 2018 is the year to visit.
Intrigued? Read on to find out why now is the time to go:
A Pedestrian-Friendly, Pollution-Free Madrid is in the Works
Madrid’s current mayor Manuela Carmena, has diligently worked to increase the number of bike lanes and trees-planting around the city this past year. By the start of 2018, circulation around the city center by car will be limited, helping to maintain better air quality and encourage people to bike and walk instead. Calle de Gran Vía, one of the Madrid’s most famous streets, will have more lanes accessible to pedestrians and car traffic will be restricted.
300 Days of Sunshine in 2018
Okay, you’ve got us, this isn’t a new development for 2018. It’s sunny 300 days out of every year in Madrid, making it Europe’s sunniest capital. But why not take advantage and walk the city under the warm rays?
Fly to Madrid from Around the World
Arrival to Madrid has never been easier. Madrid’s Barajas Airport is already well-connected to cities around the world such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Paris, Rome, Dublin, Dubai, Bangkok, Bogotá, Mexico City and many more. Starting in 2018, though, there will some new routes launched. Air Europa will fly nonstop to Guayaquil, Iberia will operate a nonstop flight to San Francisco from April to September and Ryanair will be flying from Madrid to five new destinations: Bari, Frankfurt, Glasglow, Poznan and Prague, bring the total destination count to 55 different cities from Madrid.
Sample all Madrid’s Tastiest Tapas
The Spanish capital is having a moment when it comes to food. With an influx of trendy new food markets, international restaurants and an increase in travelers and tourists coming to Madrid specifically to experience cuisine. If you want to eat, 2018 is the year to do it. And did you know Madrid is home to the world’s oldest restaurant, Botín? Why not try one of Insider Madrid’s specialized food tours, like the Botín Experience or the Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour to hear (and taste) all the hidden secrets about Madrid’s food scene.
Enjoy the Arts
In your hoping to experience a more creative side of Madrid, 2018’s cultural offerings come in many forms beyond the golden triangle of museums (the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza). Musical events such concerts from Bruno Mars and Pearl Jam and Broadways’s Lion King are on the agenda. Special exhibitions like Harry Potter, Manolo Blahnik, Auschwitz and art from Fortuny will pass through the city in 2018.
