Spain’s capital and largest city has a wealth of attractions to delight the tourist. It is centrally located and provides convenient access to a number of delightful cities and towns in the surrounding region as well. Thus, plan to spend four or five days here with some of those days spent in day long excursions.
Plaza Mayor is the main square and gathering place. It is a huge square and has had many uses over the years. The architecture is grand and fitting for so important a space.
Plaza Mayor
Just below the square is Madrid’s most famous restaurant, Casa Botin, which Hemingway described as the “best in the world.”
Casa Botin
Not far from the plaza is the Royal Palace (Palacio Real), a Versailles-like residence.
Palacio Real
Be sure to see a bullfight while in Madrid. The Plaza de Toros de las Ventas is one of the most famous bull rings in the world.
Madrids Bull Ring
On the other side of the city are several more must-sees. The Prado is one of the world’s greatest Art museums and should not be missed.
The Prado
My favorite painting is Bosch’s “Garden of Earthly Delights.”
Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch
Near the Prado is one of the most beautiful fountains in all of Spain. The Plaza de Cibeles contains this glorious fountain with a stately architectural backdrop, which, if you can believe it, is a Post Office.
Plaza de Cibeles
The Alcala Gate is also in the vicinity.
Alcala Gate
Also on this side of the city is Madrid’s largest and most popular city park, Retiro Park, once the playground of Spain’s royalty.
Crystal Palace, Retiro Park
