Spain’s capital and largest city is known for its rich culture, beautiful cuisine and thriving nightlife. From parks to paintings, here are five must-see attractions on your trip to Madrid:
Buen Retiro Park
Parque del Buen Retiro is Madrid’s version of Central Park. While it was once a recreation area for the royal family, and a prime spot for taking a break from court life, today it is open for everyone to enjoy. According to the Madrid Visitors and Convention Bureau’s official site, the Buen Retiro has the only monument to the devil; El Angel Caído depicting Lucifer falling from Heaven. While there, you can rent a boat and paddle around the pond. Don’t miss the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal), which was built in the 19th century for an exhibition if Philippine tropical plants. The Puerta de Alcalá (Alcalá Gate) stands in the Plaza de la Independencia near the park’s main entrance.
El Prado / Reina Sofia National Art Museum
The Museo Nacional del Prado (Prado Museum) is one of Europe’s most famous and prestigious art museums and houses the most comprehensive collection of Spanish painting in the world. According to Fodors, the works of El Greco, Francisco Goya and Diego Velázquez are the “jewels” of the museum. Must-see artwork includes Velázquez’s “Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor),” Goya’s “The 2nd of May” and its companion piece “The 3rd of May,” and El Greco’s “The Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest.”
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid’s modern art museum, is home to works from three of Spain’s most influential artists: Salvador Dalí, Joan Muró and Pablo Picasso. “Guernica,” Picasso’s huge black and white masterpiece, is prominently displayed and should not be missed. The museum’s works are broken down into three collections: The Irruption of the 20th Century. Utopia and Conflict (1900-1945), Is the War Over? Art in a Divided World (1945-1968), and From Revolt to Postmodernity (1962-1982).
Plaza Mayor
This public square, one of the largest in Europe, has seen centuries of action. Once a colorful market, Plaza Mayor was also home to “autos de fé” during the Spanish Inquisition, bullfights, beatifications and coronations. After a fire devastated the square in 1790, architect Juan de Villanueva redesigned the square, including the nine entrance arcs. The most well-known of these is the Arco de los Cuchilleros, which features steep steps leading to the square. Another distinguishing feature is the statue of King Philip III on horseback that stands in the center. Today, it is a popular tourist stop and features shops and restaurants.
Puerta del Sol
Southwest of the Plaza Mayor lies the Puerta del Sol,the heart of Madrid. Puerta del Sol is known as “kilometer zero” it is the starting point from which all distances in Spain’s road network are measured. The area features a statue of King Carlos III, also known as the best mayor of Madrid, on horseback as well as a bronze statue of a bear with a strawberry tree (madroño). The Royal Post Office (Real Casa de Correos), which now serves as a regional government office is also located in Puerta del Sol.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
If you are a die-hard Real Madrid fan, a trip to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in a Madrid must. The tour takes you through VIP boxes and the visiting team’s changing room, along with the trophy room. You are lead down to the playing field and the benches where you can admire, but not step foot on, the grass.
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