What to do in Madrid?

Museums

PRADO MUSEUM

Considered as one of the largest in the world, El Prado is also one of the most visited museums. It is located in Paseo del Prado s/n a few 10-minute walk from Puerta del Sol www.museodelprado.es

REINA SOFIA

The Reina Sofia Art Center is the Museum of contemporary art of the twentieth century, which houses some of the most important works by Spanish artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and Salvador Dali. It is located next to Atocha station, three metro stops from Sol. www.museoreinasofia.es

THYSSEN MUSEUM

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum houses which at the time was one of the best private collections of paintings in the world. It is currently located in the Palacio de Villahermosa at Paseo del Prado, 8 and it is owned by the Spanish State. It is also a must for lovers of art and painting. www.museothyssen.org

Places of interest

PUERTA DEL SOL

Puerta del Sol is one of the most famous squares in Madrid and Spain, here there are some of the most significant points and musts, like the statue of Oso y el Madroño symbol of Madrid. The zero kilometer, the point where the Spanish radial roads start and the iconic Clock of Casa de Correos from where the chimes of New Year's Eve are broadcast since 1962.

PLAZA MAYOR
In the heart of Madrid de los Austrias (Old Madrid) it is located one of the most tourist squares of the city, halfway between Puerta del Sol and the famous Rastro. It is a widely used space for festivals such as the Festival of San Isidro. In addition, every December since 1860, the traditional Christmas market takes place here turning it into one of the most emblematic venues of Christmas.

PALACIO REAL - ROYAL PALACE
Built in a Baroque style, it has an area of 135,000 m2 and nearly 3,500 rooms, it is the largest royal palace in Western Europe. It is also known as the Palacio de Oriente because it is located in the plaza of the same name, it is the official residence of the Kings of Spain, although it is only used for state ceremonies as current Kings do not live in it, but in the Palace of Zarzuela.

CATEDRAL DE LA ALMUDENA
The Almudena cathedral was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. It took 10 years to build it and there are a wide variety of architectural styles in it. It is next to the Royal Palace.

PARQUE DEL RETIRO
It was created by Count Duke of Olivares for the recreation of Felipe IV, it is one of the largest parks of Madrid where you can walk and get lost among trees and gardens in the heart of the capital. It has become one of the lungs of Madrid next to the Casa de Campo.

EL RASTRO
It is located just over 5 minutes' walk from Puerta del Sol and it is the largest and most emblematic market in the city. It dates back to the fifteenth century. There you can find almost everything from used clothing to books and antique furniture. Visitors have turned it into something not to be missed when you go to Madrid.

Leisure and Culture

GRAN VIA (OPERA-THEATRE-MOVIES)
One of the most important streets of Madrid, it begins on the corner of Calle de Alcalá and ends at the Plaza de España. Nowadays it has earned the nickname of Spanish Broadway, Theaters with the most important musicals as well as cinemas and shopping areas are located there.

ROYAL THEATRE
It is the Opera Theatre of Madrid and it is considered one of the most important ones in Spain and Europe. It is located in the Plaza de Oriente opposite the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral www.teatro-real.com

Tourist Information Office

Plaza Mayor, 27
Opening hours:
From Mondays to Saturdays from 10 to 20 hours
Sundays and holidays from 10 to 15 hours
Phone:
91 588 16 36 / 91 366 54 77