Madrid is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Not in vain, it is the most visited city in Spain and one of the most visited in the world.
It would not be easy, among so many urban landscapes that the capital has, to choose one. The vibrant European city that is Madrid, offers us all its spirit and charm at every step. But from here, at Vitium we have made an effort and created a selection of the best photos that can be taken in the capital, so that visitors can have an unforgettable memory of their visit to Madrid.
The Illuminated Gran Via: A Christmas Classic
The Gran Via is one of the most emblematic street in Madrid. Its impressive architecture, its shops, among which are some of the most important international brands and its constant activity, make it one of the essential points for anyone who visits Madrid. Both during the day and at night, this street offers spectacular images, worthy of being remembered and photographed.
But it is perhaps now, in the middle of the Christmas season, when you can most enjoy the beauty and charm that Gran Vía offers us. The impressive lighting, put in place especially for these dates, makes walking along this street a real delight for the visitor. As soon as the sun goes down, all its lights come on and make Gran Vía shine in all its splendor.
Plaza Mayor: Market, Lights and Tradition
Plaza Mayor is perhaps the square most loved by Madrid residents. This charming porticoed square is one of the most visited places in the city. During the Christmas season, in this square we can find one of the most traditional Christmas markets, where you can buy all kinds of typical products of these dates. And at dusk, when its lights come on, they make its stone arches and traditional architecture fill with a magical atmosphere.
Puerta del Sol and the Chimes. The most emblematic square
New Year’s Eve is almost here! And with it the chimes of the Puerta del Sol Clock, which mark the end of one year and the beginning of another. Did you know that the moments before and after the chimes have some of the highest television audiences of the whole year? This is because the whole country is waiting for the broadcast of the chimes, in order to fulfil the tradition of eating the grapes. Although it is not very clear how this custom began, the most widespread theory is that it originated one year when there was an extraordinary grape harvest, and farmers began to market the “lucky grapes” as a way of predicting a good year.
Whatever the origin of this tradition, it is one of the most deeply rooted in Spanish Christmas culture, and it has also spread to some Latin American countries. It is also a tradition to go to Puerta del Sol and eat the grapes in the square itself. Of course, if you are going to go, remember to dress warmly and arrive well in advance.
Other Photogenic Spots Near the Center
In 2021, Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro were declared a World Heritage cultural landscape. This impressive landscape is located in the center of Madrid, it has monumental fountains such as the Fountain of Apollo, the Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of Cibeles, some of the greatest symbols of the city and a place where sporting successes are celebrated. This landscape also includes the Royal Botanical Garden, arranged in terraces, and the residential neighborhood of Jerónimos. Any corner of the 200 hectares that make up this magnificent urban landscape is worth remembering and photographing on our visit to Madrid.
As you can see, the Spanish capital has countless attractions and corners worth visiting and photographing. And of course, the best place to stay in Madrid this Christmas is Vitium, located in the heart of Gran Vía, and to enjoy all the wonders that our capital offers.
Don’t forget to book! And of course, don’t forget your camera!
Merry Christmas!