Discover amazing art at El Prado Museum and the rest of Madrid’s “Golden Mile”: One of the largest and most famous art museums in the world, it houses an extensive collection of European art from the 12th to the early 20th centuries, including works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.
Right next to El Prado, there are 2 other extraordinary museums: the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, boasting a vast collection of Western art, including masterpieces by great artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir; and the Reina Sofia Museum, a modern and contemporary art museum dedicated to 20th-century Spanish art and home to an extensive collection of works by prominent artists such as Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. Its most famous work is Picasso’s “Guernica”.
- Have tapas at La Latina Neighborhood: Food is certainly one of the stand-out attributes of Spain and Madrid. La Latina is a beautiful, historic quarter known for its lively atmosphere, narrow streets, and traditional taverns serving delicious Tapas. A great place for a night out, exploring and trying Spanish cuisine. Walk around the neighborhood, eating and trying different restaurants while you are there. Don’t forget to go to Juana La Loca…mmmm!
- Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid and its surroundings: The former residence of Spanish monarchs, it’s a stunning Baroque building with opulent rooms filled with art and furnishings.
Right in front of the Palace is the Almudena Cathedral, the high Roman Catholic Church in Madrid. It is a mix of different architectural styles including Gothic and Neo-Gothic, with a white stone façade and high spires.
Near there, you will find the Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that was relocated to Madrid in the 20th century. It was originally built in the 2nd century BC and offers a glimpse into ancient Egyptian architecture and culture.
Finally, on the other direction you will walk right down to the very heart of Madrid, la Puerta del Sol, a historic square considered a symbol of Madrid and is a must-visit location for anyone exploring the city. The Puerta del Sol is famous for its clock, which marks the traditional Spanish countdown to the New Year, and for being the point from which all roads in Spain are measured.
- Hang out at Parque del Buen Retiro: The Parque del Buen Retiro is a large park located in the heart of Madrid. It features a large pond, numerous sculptures, and a variety of activities, such as boating, street performers, and open-air concerts. Visitors can relax in the park’s gardens, explore its monuments and art installations, or participate in its many events and activities. The park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike and offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Right next to it is the famous Puerta de Alcalá, one of the old gates into the city and one of Madrid’s most recognizable landmarks.
- Visit El Rastro Flea Market: El Rastro is a popular, bustling open-air market held on Sundays. It is one of Madrid’s oldest and most famous street markets, and has been a staple of the city for over 100 years. El Rastro is known for its vast selection of items for sale, ranging from vintage clothing and accessories to antiques, books, and more. Visitors can peruse the stalls and vendors, looking for unique and affordable items to buy.
Additionally, the market offers a variety of street food stalls serving traditional Spanish dishes such as churros, ham croquettes and other local treats, perfect for a quick bite or a snack.
BONUS
- Dream at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium: The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is the home of Real Madrid Football Club, THE world’s most successful and famous soccer team (no matter what Barca fans say… the record is clear!) Visitors can take guided tours of the stadium, learning about the history of the team and seeing its trophy room, players’ lounge, and more. The stadium also offers a range of experiences for fans, such as walking through the tunnel and onto the field or sitting in the VIP section.
