Things To Do In Madrid

Here we explore some activities which can be done during different time of the day in Madrid. Tour the Prado Museum and see the works of great Spanish painters such as Goya, Velazquez, Murillo, and El Greco. It is one of the first galleries in the world with over 1,300 pictures of the world’s master painters. Do not miss the museum’s expansion by architect Rafael Moneo in the cloisters of the Jeronimos Church.

Then you can proceed to the Parque del Retiro, a major entertainment venue for locals and visitors and a beautiful green retreat within the city.

Afternoon:

Walk the Alcala Street, in one way a more commercial, in another a more lively presentation of life in Madrid. You will then reach the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas. In May the people of Madrid celebrate the Feria de San Isidro, the most important festival of the year. Try a real specialty such as taurine oxtail stew in Los Galayos or Casa Pedro during the festival.

Not far from here is Goya Street in the neighborhood of Salamanca, where you can enjoy an afternoon of shopping. Rest over coffee near the Plaza de Colón and take some pictures of the gardens of Discovery with the National Library in the background.

Night:

You can go to the nearby Alonso Martinez area, ideal for dining in a fashionable way. You can also have a mojito on the terrace or in one of the more progressive bars in the area. Then retire for the evening for a good night’s sleep.

Leaving the city:

There are many alternatives for leaving the city of Madrid. Using a rented car is the best way to travel or you can travel by bus. At the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama is San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a town that combines nature and history, so on your way home, whether you travel by car or bus, do not miss the majestic monastery and the Basilica.

A few miles away is the Valley of the Fallen where the remains of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco are located. You can eat in any of the restaurants in town. Another option is to visit Alcalá de Henares, a city full of history and tradition which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Do not miss the University and the house that gave birth to one of the most famous Spanish writers, Miguel de Cervantes.

You can also go to Aranjuez to visit its unique gardens and the Royal Palace or go to Chinchón, a municipality that has a unique picturesque Plaza Mayor. Did you know that Buitrago de Lozoya has an interesting collection of works by Picasso? This is a heaven for art lovers.