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Madrid
- Overview
- Attractions
- Events
- Kids Attractions
- City Tours
- Flights to Madrid
- Excursions
- Restaurants
- Nightlife
- Shopping
- Transport
- Airports
- Climate
What to see in Madrid
Madrid Attractions
Steeped in history, Madrid is a sightseeing paradise with the arts taking centre stage. It will take visitors several days to explore Spain's energetic capital and see all the historical landmarks, museums, art galleries, and parks the city has to offer.
The Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) links the three art museums that make up Madrid's famous 'Golden Triangle', namely Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornomisza, where the works of such Spanish masters as Picasso can be viewed. The Times Square of Spain, Puerta del Sol is the official centre of Madrid and a must see, where visitors can take in such famous landmarks as the El Oso y El Madroño, a 20-ton statue of a bear eating fruits off a Madrono tree and a large equestrian statue of King Carlos III. Take a stroll through Calle and Plaza Mayor (medieval Madrid), lined with beautiful old buildings and impressively ornate churches and visit Goya's tomb at the Panteon de Goya.
The best, and most old-fashioned way to see the city is by foot as there are so many tucked away places to explore as well as many to appreciate en route to the next attraction, and with plenty of green lungs dotted throughout Madrid, exhausted sightseers can relax and rest their legs on a park bench and watch the world go by.
Visitors to Madrid are advised to purchase the Madrid Card which offers free entry to more than 40 museums, and discounts in many shops and restaurants, as well as free public transport. It is available from tourist offices from a period of 24 hours and a cost of €42.
Bullfighting in Spain
While some see the practice as cruel and savage, for others, bullfighting in Spain counts as one of the most memorable…
Flamenco at Corral de la Moreria
Listed as one of Madrid's top ten sights, the tablao flamenco (flamenco show restaurant) is renowned as the…
Goya’s Tomb (Panteon de Goya)
The Panteon de Goya is situated in the Glorieta de San Antonio de la Florida, and is known as Goya's Sistine Chapel.…
National Archaeological Museum of Spain
A worthwhile visit in a country known for its rich history, the National Archaeological Museum was founded in 1867 with…
Parque del Buen Retiro
Madrid's lush central park, one of many green spaces in the city, covers 350 acres (142 hectares) and was laid out originally…
Plaza Mayor
Madrid's famous central arcaded square dates from 1619 and was built by Philip III, whose statue still stands in the…
Puerta del Sol
One of the most well-known plazas in the country, Puerta del Sol is the historical and geographical heart of Spain. Named…
Reina Sofia National Art Centre Museum
The third of Madrid's famed art galleries, the Reina Sofia is dedicated to 20th century Spanish art, having been designed…
Royal Botanic Garden
Located nearby the Prado Museum, the Royal Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Europe. With the foundation…
Royal Palace
The massive, bright-white Royal Palace (Palacio Real) on the Plaza de Oriente in Madrid dates from 1734, when the 3,000-roomed…
Sorolla Museum
A hidden gem, the Sorolla Museum was the home of renowned Spanish Impressionist painter Joaquín Sorolla and his…
The Prado
One of Madrid's most famous attractions is the 19th century Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries,…
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The second gallery in Madrid's 'golden triangle' of art museums is the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Housing the former private…
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Intrepid Travel, one of the world's leading suppliers of small group adventures focused on getting off the beaten track, interacting with the locals and having real life experiences throughout Spain.
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