The Appeal of Urban Tourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

The Appeal of Urban Tourism - Essay Example In order to fully understand the explanations as to why urban tourism has become so popular, especially recently for that matter, specific European cities of particular popularity in regards to tourism must be taken and thoroughly addressed in regards to the reasons for their popularity, what features and qualities they have, as well as any and all other key elements in relation to this. Ð ¡ities and the reasons behind the sudden surge of interest in urban tourism in this area, we can come to a clearer and more knowledgeable understanding on this issue. The aim of this paper is to discuss all of this, as well as the factors in relation to this, in order to bring the reader to a more intellectual point of view on the subject at hand. This is what will be dissertated in the following. Madrid is the capital and in fact the largest city in all of Spain, and is located on the river Manzanares in the center of the country. Because of its central location and high altitude, the climate of Madrid is characterized by warm dry summers and cool winters. The population of the city is estimated at roughly 3.2 million, with the urban area population estimated at approximately 5 million. Madrid is an incredibly popular city in Europe, highly in regards to the vast array of tourist attractions and nightlife which are available in the city. Madrid is considered to be among the top European destinations concerning art museums. In Madrid can be found the following three most important art museums, which are: Prado Museum (the most popular Golden Triangle of Art member which is known for such highlights as Diego Velazquez's Las Meninas and Francisco De Goya's La Maja Vestida and La Maja Desnuda. Thyssen Bornemisza Museum (established from a private mixed collection) Reina Sofia Museum (Modern art museum where Pablo Picasso's Guernica hangs) Madrid is also highly noted for its nightlife, and is famous for its discotheques. Bilbao, Tribunal, Alonso Martinez, in the geographical center, Moncloa on the west end, are populous night places, Sol and Huertas in the historic center, and quite abundant with tourists by day and night (especially Huertas). "Also popular is the practice of meeting in parks or streets with friends and drinking together (called 'botellion', from 'botella', bottle), but from a few years back drinking in the street is sanctioned with a fine and now young madrilenos drink together all around the city instead of in some well known places." (Wikipedia, 2006). In regards to transportation in and around Madrid, the city is served by Barajas International Airport; current passenger volumes for this airport range upwards of 40 million passengers per year, putting it in the top 20 busiest airports in the world. There is also the national railway system, Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Espanoles (Renfe) which operates the vast majority of Spain's railways. As well, there is the metro - the Madrid Metro in this case - which, serving the city's population of some five million, is easily one of the most extensive and fastest-growing metro networks in the world. Madrid is a city of great monuments, whose highlights include such things as the medieval center dating back to the Habsburg Empire and the Prado Museum; however, Madrid is not just a cultural destination, and its lively metropolis is filled with many pubs, cafes, discotheques and nightclubs which are open late into the night. Amsterdam This city's title is highly recognizable and yet surprisingly enough there are only few people who