A Quick View Of Madrid For The Tourist
If you are in a rush for time, you can still enjoy Madrid in that short period. Sightseeing really starts and ends at the same place – central Madrid. This is where you can find the Royal Palace setting the boundary on the west with Plaza de España while Retiro Park and Plaza de Toros set their places on the east.
The Rastro flea market occupies the south with Atocha railway station and the limit is up north, where you can go as far as you want up Paseo de Castellana.
Madrid’s official center is the Puerta Del Sol where the locals celebrate New Year’s Eve with a local tradition when the clock tower chimes.
Plaza Mayor is situated southwest after many arches from Calle Mayor. This is a pedestrian square that is paved with stones and surrounded by arcaded passages. It was built between 1590 and 1619 but was burned down in a fire. It was built again in 1790.
The 1630 City Hall lies west of Calle Mayor; the building is open to visitors on Mondays. Further west is the 1879 Almudena Cathedral which only finished building in 1993. The Royal Palace shares a courtyard after it was converted from the burnt Moorish alcazar in mid 1700s.
The city offers the ornate buildings and impressive hotels with winding streets leading to beautiful parks and museums such as the Prado Museum which is just next to the Royal Botanical Garden. There is a beautiful tropical garden in Atocha Railway Station that is built of glass and wrought-iron that one must view. The plentiful churches and the city’s interesting convents are along the path of discovery as you walk through the city.
Guided city tours
Alternatively, you can discover Madrid’s beauty with a guided city tour. The prices are reasonable for an hour and a half tour at a few Euros. Some tours are organized by private establishments like the Wellington Society. You can hop on to MadridVision’s double-decker sightseeing buses for a quick city tour of Madrid too.
There are two routes of operation
from the historic center and to the Real Madrid’s football club stadium – the Bernabeu Stadium. You can hop on and off these buses to enjoy the sights anytime.
You can also visit neighboring cities from Madrid if you have a little more time. Another interesting way to sightsee Madrid is through the use of Madsegs, which uses a Segway scooter to take you around the city in 3 hours. It will be a breeze and adventure for the tourist on such a ride.