What to do and see

Spain's capital city is a tourist paradise that has to offer so many historical, cultural and modern attractions and sights. The city is the most crowded European capital at night, so during the day you can visit the museums, galleries and other landmarks, but be sure to save some energy for the evenings and nights, when everything comes to live and becomes revived!

Madrid is famous for its collection of Picasso's works, which is the largest in the world, and it also contains the paintings of many other great artists, housed by generous art galleries. Other cultural sights include museums and palaces, monuments and cathedrals, but there are also other many parks around Madrid city center and places you can visit during your stay in Spain's capital city.

Below is a list of the top attractions around the city center of Madrid, which will certainly increase your interest in visiting the city.

Royal Palace, or Palacio Real de Madrid

It is the biggest palace of the European continent and home of Spain's King, although the king and his family do not actually live there and it is open to public except for State Ceremonies. Its huge surface covers 135.000 square meters and it is located on Bailen Street, in the Western part of Madrid city center and at a distance of about 5 minute walk of most of all central Madrid hotels.

The palace was built in 1738, as a fortress and nowadays it contains works of very well known artists such as Velazquez, Caravaggio, Goya and many more. Moreover, the palace houses the unique complete Stradivarius string quintet and it is decorated with tapestry and porcelain. You can visit the palace from Mon-Sat 09.30 A.M - 5.30 P.M., Sun & Hols: 09.00 A.M - 2.00 P.M.

Almudena Cathedral or Santa Mar?a la Real de La Almudena

Located in front of the Royal Palace, around Madrid city center, and consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993, this Catholic Church is an architectural beauty, comprising a neoclassical exterior and a neo-gothic interior. The construction was begun during King Alfonso XII's reign in 1883 and lasted more than 110 years.

You can visit the church daily between 10.00 A.M. to 7.00 P.M., except for the liturgical celebrations, when it is closed to public.

Museo del Prado or Paseo de Prado

This landmark is both a museum and a gallery, located near most of all central Madrid hotels. It now houses a large collection of Spanish and foreign painting masterpieces (over 7.800 paintings), but also decorative art (around 2000 objects) and over 700 fragments of sculpture, dating from the 12th century to the 19th century.

The huge number of art collections, the architecture and immensity of the building, as well as its history, put Museo del Prado in front of most art museums in the world and a must-see sight in Madrid city center.

Museo THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA

Located near the Museo del Prado, and part of Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, this museum houses an art collection of over 1,000 pieces from the 13th century till today. You can visit the museum from Tue- Sun from 10.00 A.M. - 7.00 P.M.

Museo REINA SOFIA

The museum is definitely a must-see attraction for impressionist art lovers, because it contains a large collection of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso's art works, and it is the third of the Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, together with Museo THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA and Museo del Prado. Different from the other two, this museum contains mainly Spanish art, and only a few foreign artists' works.

Puerta de Alcala or Alcala Gate

Placed in the Independence Square, this neo-classical monument is located near Madrid city center, inaugurated in 1778, as the gate in the city wall. It represents one of the ancient entrances in Madrid and now it serves also as a preferred place for organizing rallies, sporting events and concerts. The other entrance in the city is Puerta de Toledo.

Plaza Cibeles or Cibeles Place

A symbol of Spain's capital city, the square contains also a fountain and it is located near Madrid city center. The square is built in neo-classical style and it has a variety of marble sculptures and fountains. Its name comes from the Greek goddess of fertility, Cybele, and it was constructed during the reign of Charles III. The square is Real Madrid's favorite spot for celebrating triumphs in major competitions.

Plaza Mayor

Built during the reign of Philip III, the Plaza Mayor is the most amazing and largest square in Madrid city center. It covers and area of 129 meters long and 94 meters wide and it has a wide range of shops, restaurants and bars where you can spend your day out in Madrid. The plaza has an equestrian statue of King Philip, right in its center and it is the place where once the trials and executions of the Inquisition were sentenced to death.

El Retiro or Parque del Buen Retiro

The park is the most famous and largest of the city, being located near Madrid city center, close to other main attractions such as Museo del Prado and Puerta de Alcala. Besides the variety of flora and the big lake that the park houses, it is also full of magnificent sculptures and monuments. The park is considered as "Madrid's lungs".

Zoo Aquarium

The uniqueness of this place is the fact that it represents the only European zoo that contains an aquarium, a dolphin and a bird area and a zoo, all gathered in the same place. If you take your family to Madrid's zoo, you can trust leaving your children play in the kids' area, while you have a cold drink or watch the animals, if you are too tired.

Shopping in Madrid

Shopping in Madrid can be both international and traditional. There is a wide range of department store, national and international chains and independent boutiques and shops that can offer souvenirs, antiques and other articles from espadrilles, fabrics to hats and leather goods.

Most of the shopping centers and malls are located around central Madrid hotels, but there are also other options outside Madrid city center. You should know that the majority of stores accept credit cards, but they all require a photo ID, although usually the signature on the card is not verified by the vendors. Below is a list of recommended places to go for some quality shopping.

Sol-Salamanca districts

Famous brands such as Zara, Sephora, Chanel, Versace, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and many others can be found between Sol and Gran Via, close to the city center.

Madrid Markets

When your vacation approaches its end, or just because you want something specific to the great Spanish capital, there are the markets that will provide you with the perfect souvenir or gift for your dear ones. An advantage of the street markets is the fact that they usually are held near many central Madrid hotels, where many tourists can both shop and admire the beautiful surroundings and architectural wonders. For example, there are Madrid Paint & Art Market, located in Plaza Conde de Barajas, right in Madrid city center and open every Sunday; Madrid Majadahonda Market, selling fresh food ingredients and fruit, Madrid Stamp, Numanistic & Militaria Market, right in Plaza Mayor, a paradise for collectors!

El Rastro

It is the biggest flea market in Madrid open only on Sunday mornings and selling mostly homemade goods. The location of the market is between Plaza Mayor, La Latina and Puerta de Toledo, close to Madrid city center. A short presentation of the market can be started at the top of the hill where clothing is sold, then move to the left for art and handcrafts. Further on, in the right, there are some extraordinary antiques and souvenirs, but also second hand articles. When reaching the base of the hill, you can buy books, electronic and electrical goods.

The market is also known for its multitude of pickpockets, so it is very important that you keep your values and handbags close.

ABC Serrano

Located on Serrano, 61 & Paseo de la Castellana, 34, this shopping center is an impressive building consisting of 8 floors divided into fashion shops and leisure centers. Moreover, on the top floor there is a gym and on the other upper floors there are some great places to eat and enjoy the marvelous city views.

Xanadu

The shopping center, located in the south of Madrid, is one of the biggest in the city. Besides the large number of shops, brands, restaurants, in Xanadu is the largest indoor ski slope from all over Europe.

PlazaNorte2

Set in the northern part of the city, the shopping center is famous for its independent supermarkets and hypermarkets, such as Carrefour or Ikea and other 200 more stores.

Sexta Avenida

Easily to reach by bus or train, the shopping complex contains more than 100 shops, and even more, you can relax and have a quiet lunch or dinner it one if its numerous restaurants placed inside the shopping center, all for your convenience and comfort.

Hoss

On 18, Calle Serrano, Hoss is a good opportunity for buying colorful, comfortable clothing. The prices here vary from about €60 for a shirt, to even €200 for a dress.

Events calendar in Madrid

Besides the annual festivals that are organized in Madrid and celebrate different events, there are also the well-known "fiestas", or public holidays, which can be regional or national. Some important aspects to take into consideration during public holidays are the following:

• 1. The public institutions are closed
• 2. Most of the commercial and shopping centers are closed
• 3. The public transport and the medical services are reduced
• 4. The taxi rates become more expensive and they are usually taken by others
• 5.Museums and other attractions, together with restaurants and bars are open and some of them even extended

The public holidays, or fiestas that you should know are the following:

All Saints Day - 1st November

It is the day when usually people go to the graveyards to lay flowers, maintain the place and celebrate their dead relatives or friends.

Feast of the Virgin Almudena - 9th November

On this day, most of Madrid's inhabitants go out in town to eat and participate at a special ceremony held in Almudena Cathedral.

Consitution Day - 6th December

The holiday celebrates the day when Spain became democratic! It is a very important event for the capital city of Spain and its inhabitants, and in the last years marches and political statements have become really popular on this day.

Day of the Immaculate Conception - 8th December

The holiday is based in the conception that Virgin Mary was "immaculate" because she was "filled by God", and it is an opportunity for special and additional church services inside and around Madrid.

Epiphany / King's day - 6th Jan

A holiday when people usually exchange gifts, as it is said that Jesus received gifts from three kings.

Madrid Community day - 2nd May

Right after the Labor's day, this fiesta celebrates the creation of Madrid.

San Isidro / Saint Isidro - 15th May

Maybe the most famous of all Madrid fiestas, this day is the start of a 30-day celebration across the city and around the major central Madrid hotels, where you may be accommodated. The fiesta includes also the popular San Isidro bullfights.

Dia de la Hispanidad / National Day - 12th October

Madrid's and Spain's day, on the date of 12th October, all Spanish people celebrate a unified Spain and the birth of a new nation. The holiday is known for its great military parades along the Paseo de la Castellana.

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