Madrid / Spain

Madrid's Specialties Are Definitely the Prado Museum and Real Madrid

Yoshiki Takahashi / Armada Power Holdings S.L.

If you talk about the attractions of Madrid, the Prado Museum must come top of the list. It is one of the world's three great museums and is also my favorite destination. The Prado Museum is characterized by a painting-oriented arrangement, with exhibits mainly based on the Spanish royal family collection. The artwork is orientated to the period from the 16th to 18th centuries and there is a virtual absence of plunder. This museum is highly integrated and you will not find anything like it anywhere in the world. Visit the museum and you will be able to learn about the history of Spain and other parts of Europe as you enjoy the paintings.

At the Prado Museum, virtually none of the exhibits are covered in glass, and can be viewed at close distance. I was very impressed by this generous attitude on the part of the museum. I look at works from different angles and distances every time and approach the paintings to identify the fine touch. I'm never bored of the museum. There is a charge for entry on weekdays but admission is free on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. I became a patron, paying an annual fee, which entitles me to a convenient annual admission card and also enables me to enjoy discounted prices at the museum shop and attend special lectures and private exhibitions.

Next to the Prado Museum, Real Madrid CF would be the second famous attraction in Madrid. It is also popular in Japan. The home to Real Madrid is Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. It is located in the business area a little north of the center of Madrid. In my daily commute to the office, I get off at the Santiago Bernabeu subway station, and I look sideways at the stadium as I walk.

Near the stadium, there are many places that members of Real Madrid visit, and you can spot them if you are lucky. Actually, one of my colleges spotted Roberto Carlos and I saw David Beckham and Zidane at close distance at Madrid Airport a couple of months ago.

I'm living in a place that would delight football fans, although unfortunately I haven't seen any of the games involving this club yet. This year, however, I really want to watch fantastic skills of Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Bronze statue of Velasquez Prado Museum Inside the Prado Museum Santiago Bernabeu Stadium