Guidebook for Madrid
Parks & Nature
Madrid is known for its green space, and few European capital cities have such a huge public park at their center. Retiro is (literally) a breath of fresh air. You can even take a boat out on the lake, catch some rays or go round to the monument.
This green oasis in the centre of Madrid has125 hectares and is home to over 15,000 trees. From the botanical point of view, the Park includes some very important gardens: the Jardín de Vivaces, the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (classical gardens of an Andalusian style), the Jardines del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios, the Rose Garden, and the Parterre Francés with the oldest tree in Madrid, a bald cypress that is believed to be 400 years old.
2341 locals recommend
El Retiro Madrid
7 Plaza de la IndependenciaMadrid is known for its green space, and few European capital cities have such a huge public park at their center. Retiro is (literally) a breath of fresh air. You can even take a boat out on the lake, catch some rays or go round to the monument.
This green oasis in the centre of Madrid has125 hectares and is home to over 15,000 trees. From the botanical point of view, the Park includes some very important gardens: the Jardín de Vivaces, the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (classical gardens of an Andalusian style), the Jardines del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios, the Rose Garden, and the Parterre Francés with the oldest tree in Madrid, a bald cypress that is believed to be 400 years old.
This is one of the green spaces that make up the natural artistic heritage of Madrid. It is one of the most beautiful and, paradoxically, one of the least known. The Duke and Duchess of Osuna--especially by the Duchess, María Josefa de la Soledad Alonso Pimentel, created it in 1784. As a protector of artists, bullfighters, and intellectuals, the Duchess created an authentic natural paradise frequently visited by the most distinguished personalities of the period, and where the most prestigious artists, gardeners, and set designers worked.
162 locals recommend
Parque de El Capricho
25 P.º de la Alameda de OsunaThis is one of the green spaces that make up the natural artistic heritage of Madrid. It is one of the most beautiful and, paradoxically, one of the least known. The Duke and Duchess of Osuna--especially by the Duchess, María Josefa de la Soledad Alonso Pimentel, created it in 1784. As a protector of artists, bullfighters, and intellectuals, the Duchess created an authentic natural paradise frequently visited by the most distinguished personalities of the period, and where the most prestigious artists, gardeners, and set designers worked.
Declared an Artistic Garden in 1942, its collections include an outstanding herbarium with more than a million entries, the library and the archive - with nearly 10,000 drawings - as well as the exhibition of 5,000 species of live plants.
Guided tours are offered in order to know the multitude of species that inhabit this green corner of the city centre, from onions or roses to the most exotic plants. The route through the garden and its greenhouses combines general botanic content, curiosities, history, the singularity of its examples, uses of the plants and their importance in our lives.
390 locals recommend
Real Jardín Botánico
2 Plaza de MurilloDeclared an Artistic Garden in 1942, its collections include an outstanding herbarium with more than a million entries, the library and the archive - with nearly 10,000 drawings - as well as the exhibition of 5,000 species of live plants.
Guided tours are offered in order to know the multitude of species that inhabit this green corner of the city centre, from onions or roses to the most exotic plants. The route through the garden and its greenhouses combines general botanic content, curiosities, history, the singularity of its examples, uses of the plants and their importance in our lives.
Essentials
Supermercados Dia
Arts & Culture
Museo del Romanticismo
13 C. de San Mateo Museum of 18th-century Spanish art. It is beautiful!!!
The Palacio de Linares, headquarters of the Casa de América, is in the centre of Madrid, in Plaza de Cibeles (between Paseo de Recoletos and Calle de Alcalá). Building work on the palace began in 1877 by express command of the Marquis and Marchioness of Linares, José María Murga y Reolid and his wife Raimunda Osorio y Ortega, and was completed in 1900.
24 locals recommend
Casa de America
s/n Plaza CibelesThe Palacio de Linares, headquarters of the Casa de América, is in the centre of Madrid, in Plaza de Cibeles (between Paseo de Recoletos and Calle de Alcalá). Building work on the palace began in 1877 by express command of the Marquis and Marchioness of Linares, José María Murga y Reolid and his wife Raimunda Osorio y Ortega, and was completed in 1900.
The Museo del Prado has the largest and most important collection of Spanish painting in the world, numbering more than 4,800 paintings and dating from the Romanesque period to the 19th-century.
2515 locals recommend
Museo Nacional del Prado
23 C. de Ruiz de AlarcónThe Museo del Prado has the largest and most important collection of Spanish painting in the world, numbering more than 4,800 paintings and dating from the Romanesque period to the 19th-century.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation is a public foundation that was created in 1988. It is responsible for the management of the museum, the conservation of its works, carrying out research, organising public exhibitions and promoting the artworks that were acquired by the Spanish State in 1993. Since 2004 it has been responsible for the Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection that is on long-term loan to the Spanish State and for the expansion of the Villahermosa Palace. Since the museum opened its doors to the public in 1992, it has offered an increasingly varied number of temporary exhibitions, educational events and cultural and commercial activities.
1498 locals recommend
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
8 P.º del PradoThe Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation is a public foundation that was created in 1988. It is responsible for the management of the museum, the conservation of its works, carrying out research, organising public exhibitions and promoting the artworks that were acquired by the Spanish State in 1993. Since 2004 it has been responsible for the Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection that is on long-term loan to the Spanish State and for the expansion of the Villahermosa Palace. Since the museum opened its doors to the public in 1992, it has offered an increasingly varied number of temporary exhibitions, educational events and cultural and commercial activities.
If you'd struggle to name three Spanish artists (getting stuck after Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso) then the Reina Sofia might be more up your street, with excellent modern art from these two titans of contemporary art and many other examples of weird and wonderful art from the past 100 years.
1837 locals recommend
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
52 C. de Sta. IsabelIf you'd struggle to name three Spanish artists (getting stuck after Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso) then the Reina Sofia might be more up your street, with excellent modern art from these two titans of contemporary art and many other examples of weird and wonderful art from the past 100 years.
Inspire your visual senses at Lázaro Galdiano Museum, which houses popular works by José Lázaro Galdiano. You’ll also find pieces by other artists, such as El Greco and Joshua Reynolds. The museum was once the residence of Galdiano and his wife, and the structure and interior remain largely unaltered. It’s easy to imagine yourself in 1903, when the home was built. In addition to artwork, there’s also a large collection of jewels once owned by the lady of the house. This museum is off the beaten path and rarely busy, so expect a relaxing and peaceful experience.
50 locals recommend
Museo Lazaro Galdiano
122 C. SerranoInspire your visual senses at Lázaro Galdiano Museum, which houses popular works by José Lázaro Galdiano. You’ll also find pieces by other artists, such as El Greco and Joshua Reynolds. The museum was once the residence of Galdiano and his wife, and the structure and interior remain largely unaltered. It’s easy to imagine yourself in 1903, when the home was built. In addition to artwork, there’s also a large collection of jewels once owned by the lady of the house. This museum is off the beaten path and rarely busy, so expect a relaxing and peaceful experience.
The Cerralbo Museum has an extensive history. It was created by Mr. Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, 17th Marquis of Cerralbo (1845-1922) who throughout his life combined his dedication to politics and history with his sensitivity towards the Fine Arts.
Paintings, sculptures, ceramic pieces, glass, tapestries, furniture, coins, medals, drawings, engravings, clocks, arms, armour and archaeological objects, just to mention the most outstanding, confer a special charm to the palace which besides being one of the most important aristocratic residences, provides visitors with a panoramic view of daily life in Madrid with literary discussions, dancing and parlour secrets...
87 locals recommend
Museo Cerralbo
17 C. de Ventura Rodríguez The Cerralbo Museum has an extensive history. It was created by Mr. Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, 17th Marquis of Cerralbo (1845-1922) who throughout his life combined his dedication to politics and history with his sensitivity towards the Fine Arts.
Paintings, sculptures, ceramic pieces, glass, tapestries, furniture, coins, medals, drawings, engravings, clocks, arms, armour and archaeological objects, just to mention the most outstanding, confer a special charm to the palace which besides being one of the most important aristocratic residences, provides visitors with a panoramic view of daily life in Madrid with literary discussions, dancing and parlour secrets...
Museo Sorolla
37 P.º del Gral. Martínez CamposEntertainment & Activities
Telefónica Building
3 C/ Gran VíaReal Madrid is one of our city’s three professional football teams, together with Atlético de Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. Holder of multiple European and international titles, the club opens its doors 363 days a year for football and sports fans to explore its historic stadium, an absolute must on your trip to Madrid.
443 locals recommend
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
1 Av. de Concha EspinaReal Madrid is one of our city’s three professional football teams, together with Atlético de Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. Holder of multiple European and international titles, the club opens its doors 363 days a year for football and sports fans to explore its historic stadium, an absolute must on your trip to Madrid.
Teatro Real
s/n Pl. de Isabel IIShopping
Mercado de San Antón
24 C. de Augusto FigueroaFlea market and new merchandise. Always full of locals and visitors, it is an attraction you should not miss on a Sunday or a public holiday. According to the area we walk through, we can find different articles, from craft work, clothes and accessories, to kitchen equipment, records and second-hand magazines, toys and all kinds of old objects from different periods. The surrounding area contains numerous antique and discount stores, while there are now many shops selling vintage furniture and other items.
129 locals recommend
El Rastro station
Flea market and new merchandise. Always full of locals and visitors, it is an attraction you should not miss on a Sunday or a public holiday. According to the area we walk through, we can find different articles, from craft work, clothes and accessories, to kitchen equipment, records and second-hand magazines, toys and all kinds of old objects from different periods. The surrounding area contains numerous antique and discount stores, while there are now many shops selling vintage furniture and other items.
Sightseeing
Home to the Kings of Spain from Charles III to Alfonso XIII, Madrid's Royal Palace takes us on a journey through the history of Spain. Though it is no longer the royal family's home, it continues to be their official residence.
1110 locals recommend
The Royal Armoury of Madrid
s/n Calle de BailénHome to the Kings of Spain from Charles III to Alfonso XIII, Madrid's Royal Palace takes us on a journey through the history of Spain. Though it is no longer the royal family's home, it continues to be their official residence.
Madrid's most ornate plaza and home to the town hall. A nice place for breakfast!
This portico lined square is situated at the heart of Hapsburg Madrid, the old part of the city and one of the capital’s most charming districts.
1659 locals recommend
Plaza Mayor
Plaza MayorMadrid's most ornate plaza and home to the town hall. A nice place for breakfast!
This portico lined square is situated at the heart of Hapsburg Madrid, the old part of the city and one of the capital’s most charming districts.
The gate was built by Sabatini in 1778 as part of the city decoration restorations promoted by Charles III. It is made of granite and is an excellent example of proportion, harmony, and elegance. The King commissioned the work to Sabatini in order to commemorate his arrival at the capital in 1759. The gate was located at the entrance of the city, next to the Alcalá de Henares road, from which it received its name.
444 locals recommend
Puerta de Alcala
s/n Plaza de la IndependenciaThe gate was built by Sabatini in 1778 as part of the city decoration restorations promoted by Charles III. It is made of granite and is an excellent example of proportion, harmony, and elegance. The King commissioned the work to Sabatini in order to commemorate his arrival at the capital in 1759. The gate was located at the entrance of the city, next to the Alcalá de Henares road, from which it received its name.
The Cibeles Fountain, created in 1782 and situated in its current location since 1895, has ended up lending its name to one of the most emblematic squares of Madrid. It has also become a symbol of the capital. The Fountain depicts the Roman goddess of the same name (Cybele in English), symbol of the Earth, agriculture, and fertility, atop a chariot drawn by lions.
189 locals recommend
Fuente de Cibeles
S/N Plaza CibelesThe Cibeles Fountain, created in 1782 and situated in its current location since 1895, has ended up lending its name to one of the most emblematic squares of Madrid. It has also become a symbol of the capital. The Fountain depicts the Roman goddess of the same name (Cybele in English), symbol of the Earth, agriculture, and fertility, atop a chariot drawn by lions.
Based on a project by José Espelius, who died during its construction, it was completed by Manuel Muñoz Monasterio in 1931 and opened in the same year. Las Ventas holds 23,798 fans and, at 196 feet in diameter, the arena is one of the largest in the world.
230 locals recommend
Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas
237 C. de AlcaláBased on a project by José Espelius, who died during its construction, it was completed by Manuel Muñoz Monasterio in 1931 and opened in the same year. Las Ventas holds 23,798 fans and, at 196 feet in diameter, the arena is one of the largest in the world.
Temple of Debod
1 C. de Ferraz Genuine Egyptian temple in the heart of Madrid!
Faro de Moncloa
Madrid's central square and Spain's 'kilometer zero'. You cannot miss it.
151 locals recommend
Puerta del Sol
Madrid's central square and Spain's 'kilometer zero'. You cannot miss it.
Gran Vía
Calle Gran Vía Madrid's premier shopping street.
Calle de Alcala
Paseo de la Castellana
Paseo de la CastellanaCalle Serrano
Calle de SerranoSalamanca Area noted for high-end shopping (main street Serrano).
Catedral de la Almudena
10 C. de BailénMadrid's, um, cathedral!
Plaza de Oriente
The plaza in front of Madrid's royal palace.
San Lorenzo del Escorial
Toledo
Segovia
Ávila
Getting Around
Chueca station
Gran Vía
Calle Gran VíaTribunal station
Madrid Puerta de Atocha station
Plaza del Emperador Carlos VRailway Station
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport
s/n Av de la HispanidadMadrid Airport