LibertyCon isn’t the only reason to visit Madrid

This year, for the first time, European Students For Liberty’s annual LibertyCon will be held in Madrid, Spain, on March 6-8, 2020. Arguably the highlight of the year in terms of Students For Liberty events in Europe, this year’s event will take place in the Spanish capital, at the Fundación Pablo VI Conference Center.

Although the prospect of attending this fantastic event should be more than enough to convince anyone interested in the ideas of liberty to make the trip to Madrid, there are so many more reasons to visit this extraordinary city.

For those seeking to truly make the most of their trip to this year’s LibertyCon, Madrid certainly has plenty to offer, as a location that is incredibly rich in culture, steeped in history as well as being home to some remarkable architecture. In addition, the city is renowned as a prime destination for gastronomy, nightlife and sporting occasions.

Some of the main sights not to miss during a trip to Madrid would include much-celebrated landmarks such as the magnificent Plaza Mayor, a public square in the city center, dating back to the 14th century. The area offers many opportunities to sample some of the local cuisine, for instance, the famous calamari sandwiches (bocadillo de calamares).
As a major center of culture and education, the city is home to many significant museums. One particularly prominent example is the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, which specializes in 20th-century Spanish art. It contains well-known works from artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.

Other famous museums include the Museo Nacional Del Prado, with works by Velazquez and Goya among others, the National Archaeological Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Museo de América.

Immediately to the west of the city center lies the Palacio Real, official residence of the Spanish royal family. This spectacular 18th-century palace is among the world’s largest by floor area, with certain parts being open to the public for a basic admission fee not exceeding €13.
Several beautiful parks can be found in the area surrounding the Palacio Real, including the Campo del Moro and Jardines de Sabatini. For something more unusual, it would be worth visiting the nearby Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid in the 1970s.

Perhaps the most famous park in Madrid, the Retiro Park, can be found on the eastern side of the city center. This vast urban oasis is home to many monuments, as well as a lake where visitors can hire rowing boats.

Madrid’s most iconic street, the Gran Vía, famous for its theaters, food and vibrant atmosphere, is also considered the city’s main shopping street. A visit to Madrid would not be complete without a trip to one of the various El Corte Inglés department stores located across the city.
The city is also famous for its rooftop bars, which offer opportunities to sit and enjoy both panoramic views over the city as well as great food and drink. Although these bars are generally known for their relaxed atmosphere, at night, some will become prime party locations. If visiting at the right time, there is also a chance to experience the atmosphere during screenings of live sporting events.

Some points of interest for sports enthusiasts include Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, home to Real Madrid, which is a short distance from El Corte Inglés’ flagship store, to the north of the city center.

This stadium also regularly hosts matches involving the Spanish national football team. Further out from the city center, another major sporting arena is Atlético Madrid’s home stadium, the Wanda Metropolitano, located in the eastern suburbs of the city.

Madrid is a city that has something to offer for everyone, and we hope you enjoy your visit to the city on the occasion of ESFL’s annual LibertyCon.

Tickets are selling fast. If you’d like to attend LibertyCon Europe 2020, you can register here.

We hope to see you there!
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