In this long, cold winter a short break somewhere different and brighter can be a necessary pick-up to maintain your morale and your productivity. Madrid ticks so many boxes: winter sunshine, history, culture, and great nightlife. Here is our quick guide to all the best that Madrid has to offer.
The Spanish capital is a real treasure trove for any traveler. The Prado Museum, the Royal Palace, majestic cathedrals, and beautiful squares are just a small part of all the splendor of Madrid.
A Special Madrid
Madrid is famous for its exhibitions of European art, magnificent boulevards, green parks and truly royal architecture. This city with a unique charisma will captivate you with cultural events, exciting performances of flamenco dancers and exotic flavors.
The best way to take it all in is on a Madrid walking tour and here we compile a list of 9 must-see places in Madrid that should be included in all the best tours.
9 Important Sights of Madrid
Get to know the neighborhoods of Madrid and delve into its incredible history:
1. Prado Museum
Start your visit to the Spanish capital with a visit to one of the most famous museums not only in the country but also in the world – the Prado. There is a huge collection of over 6 thousand paintings, over 400 sculptures, and various pieces of jewelry.
2. Queen Sofia Art Center
At the Reina Sofia, unlike the pompous and traditional Prado, you can explore the history of art from the twentieth century to the present. In particular, the museum has an extensive collection of avant-garde (Juan Gris, Picasso) and surrealist (Dali, Miró, Magritte) works.
3. Royal Palace of Madrid
Like many of Europe’s royal residences, today the Royal Palace is used only for official events and is otherwise open to tourists and visitors. The building is beautiful on its own, but inside it impresses with exquisite interiors and a rich collection of works of art. In addition, the palace has a museum and an observation deck that offers a magnificent view of the city.
4. Cibeles Square
Another jewel of Madrid that would be a shame to miss. The square was named after a sculpture of the goddess Cybele, which adorns the fountain located there.
The square is adorned by an ensemble of beautiful buildings: the Bank of Spain, Palacio de Linares, and Palacio de Buenavista, but it is the Cibeles Palace that shines brightest. Built in the Art Nouveau style, this snow-white beauty with graceful turrets looks like an ivory or pearl sculpture, especially if you come here in the evening when the palace is beautifully lit.
5. Crystal Palace
This architectural marvel is located in Retiro Park, in the heart of Madrid. Built of metal and glass, the palace looks like a huge diamond shining in the sunlight. Inside there is an artificial lake with a staircase descending directly into the water, planted with tropical plants and flowers.
6. St. Francis Cathedral
If you think visiting churches is boring, a visit to the Royal Cathedral of St. Francis will certainly dissuade you from doing so.
In addition to its rich decoration and majestic interior, the cathedral is known for its impressive dome: with a height of 58 meters and a diameter of 33 meters, it is the largest in Spain.
7. Casa de Campo Park
This green giant is called by locals “the lungs of Madrid”. It used to be a royal hunting ground, but today it is a favorite place for residents and visitors to the capital. Here you can not only take a walk in the shade of the alleys, but also go to the zoo, ride a cable car or rides, or have a picnic in the shade of the lake. In short, a great place to relax and unwind for the day.
8. Royal Botanical Gardens
Right in the center of Madrid, there is an excellent place to relax and be one with nature. We are talking, of course, about the Royal Botanical Gardens. Here are samples of flora from all over Spain, as well as from Europe and the Pacific Islands, running greenhouses.
Once here, you can safely “turn off” from the hustle and bustle of the big city and enjoy the silence.
9. San Miguel Market
For a taste of real Madrid, head to the San Miguel Market in Plaza de San Miguel. Here you can not only taste the delicious traditional tapas in one of the many eateries or buy local delicacies, but also experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city with its variety of colors, sounds, and, of course, divinely delicious aromas!
Using the services of freetour.com, you can see the most interesting sights of Madrid in two days, making the most of your time.
You will have an unforgettable walk in one of the busiest cities in Europe. Enjoy Madrid!