Gareth Bale's move to Real Madrid will provide as many challenges off the pitch as on it. for the Welshman. So what should the world's most expensive footballer do when he has a spare moment in the Spanish capital?
Will Madrid prove real deal for Bale? —
Gareth Bale's move to Real Madrid will provide as many challenges off the pitch as on it. for the Welshman. So what should the world's most expensive footballer do when he has a spare moment in the Spanish capital?
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
Guernica is Spain's most iconic painting, created by Pablo Picasso and housed at the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. It's his depiction of the 1937 bombing of the Basque town by Hitler's Legion Condor.
Picasso's iconic painting —
Guernica is Spain's most iconic painting, created by Pablo Picasso and housed at the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. It's his depiction of the 1937 bombing of the Basque town by Hitler's Legion Condor.
CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images
Spain's premier gallery, the Prado is home to some 7,000 art works - although only 1,500 are currently on show. The works of Velazquez and Goya take center stage.
Spanish masters —
Spain's premier gallery, the Prado is home to some 7,000 art works - although only 1,500 are currently on show. The works of Velazquez and Goya take center stage.
Cristina Arias/Cover/Getty Images
Arguably Madrid's stand-out building, the Palacio Real, it is the largest royal palace in western Europe. Open to the public, it houses famous art works, fine furnishings and classic tapestries.
Spanish royalty —
Arguably Madrid's stand-out building, the Palacio Real, it is the largest royal palace in western Europe. Open to the public, it houses famous art works, fine furnishings and classic tapestries.
PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images
Madrid's main square is a showpiece of architecture and history. It's been home to public executions, bullfighting, crowning ceremonies and fiestas. Nowadays it's just a good spot to people watch.
People watching —
Madrid's main square is a showpiece of architecture and history. It's been home to public executions, bullfighting, crowning ceremonies and fiestas. Nowadays it's just a good spot to people watch.
PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images
Parque del Buen Retiro is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of Madrid life. First laid out in the 17th Century, it is renowned for its buildings and greenery, as well as a rare statue of the devil.
Green spaces —
Parque del Buen Retiro is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of Madrid life. First laid out in the 17th Century, it is renowned for its buildings and greenery, as well as a rare statue of the devil.
Pepe Franco/Cover/Getty Images
Tapas remains a lifeblood of Spanish life even more so in a struggling economy where it remains the cheap way of eating out. So delve into the delights of the various eateries of the city.
Spanish nibbles —
Tapas remains a lifeblood of Spanish life even more so in a struggling economy where it remains the cheap way of eating out. So delve into the delights of the various eateries of the city.
Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images
For finer food, try out Botin, which according to the Guinness Book of World Records is the world's oldest restaurant, dating back to 1725. Goya used to work here before becoming a painter.
Main course —
For finer food, try out Botin, which according to the Guinness Book of World Records is the world's oldest restaurant, dating back to 1725. Goya used to work here before becoming a painter.
JMN/Cover/Getty Images
A flamenco show is an absolute must whether for Bale or any other visitor to Madrid for that matter. Revel in the majesty of one of the finer forms of dancing that actually originates from Andulucia.
Fancy footwork —
A flamenco show is an absolute must whether for Bale or any other visitor to Madrid for that matter. Revel in the majesty of one of the finer forms of dancing that actually originates from Andulucia.
BRU GARCIA/AFP/Getty Images
Bullfighting, it must be said, is an acquired taste but, regardless of the rights and wrongs of the discipline, it remains a popular part of everyday Spanish life, particularly in Madrid.
Bull ring —
Bullfighting, it must be said, is an acquired taste but, regardless of the rights and wrongs of the discipline, it remains a popular part of everyday Spanish life, particularly in Madrid.
ALBERTO SIMON/AFP/Getty Images
It's fair to say the Bernabeu Stadium is a venue that Gareth Bale will most likely get used to but the imposing structure remains one of the more iconic monuments in the Welshman's new home town.
Home comforts —
It's fair to say the Bernabeu Stadium is a venue that Gareth Bale will most likely get used to but the imposing structure remains one of the more iconic monuments in the Welshman's new home town.
MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images