x
To get to know the real essence of this city you need to visit the “old town”. Starting in the very heart of the city, which is “Puerta Del Sol”, you must also see Plaza Mayor, Plaza Santa Ana, Gran Via and Callao. Anyone of these places offers the chance to shop in modern stores to collect some of the more traditional souvenirs, you can also try the culinary delights available in one of the various restaurants in the area.
A more grandioso Madrid can be found in the “Plaza de Oriente”, one of the locals (or “madrilenos” as they are known) favourite walkways as it has become closed to traffic. Starting with the Royal Palace which is now a must see museum you can also find here the Royal Theatre, one of the most important opera theatres on the world, along side the Almudena Cathedral.
Tourist Route
-
Prado Museum: This museum considered one of the most important in the world is one of the main attractions in the city, which is hardly surprising when you consider that it is home to such important pieces from artists the likes of Goya, Velasquez, Rubens or Tiziano.
-
Address: Paseo del Prado, s/n
-
-
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía: Home to “El Guernica” the Reina Sofia houses Spanish art from the 20th century. On display here are collections from renowned maestros such as Pablo Ruiz Picasso and Salvador Dali.
-
Address: Calle Santa Isabel, 52 / Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, s/n
-
-
Los Jardínes del Buen Retiro: This park is one of the most famous symbols of the city. Covering more than 100 hectares you can enjoy many of its beautiful walks, visit the lake with the impressive Alfonso XII monument towering beside it, or go see the Crystal Palace, built as a greenhouse in the 19th century this breathtaking structure is now home to galleries and expositions organised by the Reina Sofia museum.
-
El Palacio Real: Also known as the Palacio de Oriente, besides being a museum it is the official state home of Spain’s royal family. With its numerous halls, such as the “hall of mirrors”, “hall of the throne”, an art gallery and the royal armament there’s a lot to see and do. In the palaces grounds you’ll be just as entertained, and you can’t miss a walk through the palaces beautiful gardens.
-
Address: C/ Bailén, s/n
-
- Plaza Mayor: Right in the centre of Madrid you’ll find Plaza Mayor, built by order of Felipe 3rd in the 17th century the square was first opened to the public in 1620 and has since become one of the cities main landmarks. On the square today you’ll find a wide number of bars and restaurants offering the more traditional culinary delights of the city. Along with these you’ll also get to see the impressive “House of Bread” or “House of Butchery”.
-
Address: Plaza Mayor s/n
-
- Catedral de La Almudena: Built in the name of the patron saint of Madrid and declared a sacred sanctity by Pope John Paul 2nd in 1993. The cathedral known for its varied architectural styles ranging from Neo-roman to neo-classic to the neo-gothic interior.
-
Address: C/ Mayor, 90
-
Leisure Activities
-
Parque de Atracciones: Along with rides such as the Tornado, la Lanzadera or the Top Spin you can spend the day enjoying the various shows and other attractions that the park has to offer.
- Address: C/ Casa de Campo s/n
-
Parque Warner: Five different themed areas of the park all depicting areas of the US where the Warner Bros produce their movies, Hollywood, New York etc. In this park you can enjoy a multitude of various activities ranging from live shows, water shows etc. There are rides for all the family to enjoy.
- Address: National Motorway 4, exit 22 take the M606
-
Jardín Botánico: Right in the centre of the city, you can enjoy one of the widest collections of trees and plants in the whole of Europe. Make sure you visit the greenhouse where the climate- controlled environment is home to vegetation from all corners of the world.
- Address: Plaza de Murillo 2
-
Teleférico: Situated on the Paseo del Pintor Rosales taking a ride on the cable cars an alternative way to discover the city. From this vantage point you can see the parque del Oeste, the Egyptian temple of Debod, the buildings in the Plaza De Espana and the Royal Palace.
-
Gran Casino Madrid: Roulette, Black Jack and Poker and all the other usual casino favourites alongside some excellent bars and restaurants, a place to start off or end what is to promised to be a memorable night out.
- Address: Autovía A6 (Madrid - La Coruña) Exit 29. Torrelodones