Best Things to Do in Madrid
This big European city has a distinctly Spanish flair, illustrated in its many things to do: The Prado Museum hangs works by some of Spain's most famed artists, including Velazquez and Goya. The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) arranges tours and the El Rastro market or the upscale shops in Salamanca provide hours of shopping. But if you're drained from a long day of sightseeing, you might want to rest at an open-air café, especially the ones that skirt Plaza Mayor. Once your energy is restored, enjoy sampling some choice specialties at a tapas bar before hitting the club.
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Why go: This Beaux-Arts market right outside of Plaza Mayor is one of recent travelers' favorite things ... read more»
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Why go: A wide expanse of a park located west of central Madrid, Casa de Campo was ... read more»
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Why go: La Fuente de Cibeles, or the Cybeles Fountain, is centered in a square by the ... read more»
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Why go: To the east of central Madrid, Parque del Buen Retiro (Retiro Park) can be translated ... read more»
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Why go: This square, located in the heart of Madrid, is more a must-experience attraction than ... read more»
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Why go: The true center of Madrid -- kilometer zero -- Puerta del Sol fills with spurting fountains, shops ... read more»
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Why go: This former home of the Spanish royalty is an opulent palace with nearly 3,000 ... read more»
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Why go: The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, named for the family from which the collection was bought (for $350 ... read more»
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Why go: The Monasterio de El Escorial is located about an hour's train ride northwest of ... read more»
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Why go: Right next to the Prado Museum is the Real Jardín Botánico. For a small fee ... read more»
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Why go: Of Madrid's three famous museums, the elegant Museo Nacional del Prado is the most ... read more»
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Why go: The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, located north of central Madrid, is the city's main football ... read more»
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Why go: Exit the La Latina metro station and wander over to the notorious flea market known ... read more»
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Why go: The Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is Madrid's modern art gallery, and along with ... read more»
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Why go: Head to up-market Calle de Serrano in the Salamanca neighborhood for some retail therapy. Strolling ... read more»
