What to see in Madrid, what to do: from the Prado Museum to the Puerta del Sol

Madrid it is the third most populous municipality in the European Union (around 6,5 million inhabitants between the metropolitan area and suburbs); first financial center and largest city in the Spain , largest center in southern Europe. Madrid it is first ever in terms of domestic tourism and fourth in Europe.

Madrid it is without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most globalized cities on the planet, which alongside an ultra-modern profile has however managed to preserve its ancient heart, offering visitors streets, neighbourhoods, buildings, gardens and museums that tell its history and traditions. It has a lively cultural and social life, which belies the cliché that, to savor the movida, we must necessarily go to Barcelona. Madrid in two days, three days or a week, it's a matter of choice. The Spanish capital is full of places of interest, museums, attractions and clubs. Therefore, if you have the time, it is advisable to see it not only in one day but also for what to see in Madrid in three days is a question with many answers.

Madrid what to see

What to see in Madrid. Despite the extent and biorhythm of large capital, Madrid knows how to please even the laziest tourist, concentrating some of the most prestigious museums and art galleries (and which alone are worth the trip) within a very short distance of each other. This is the case, for example, of the Museo del Prado, where you can admire the masterpieces of Italian, Spanish and Flemish masters between the 400th and 800th centuries; of the Reina Sofia Art Center, which houses, among many, the famous painting Guernica by Pablo Picasso. And from the collection Thyssen Bornemitza moved a few years ago from Luganoin Switzerland. All within a few minutes walk, along the Paseo del Prado.

Madrid Puerta del Sol

Those who, on the other hand, do not let themselves be influenced by distances and are comfortable with public transport, can visit Madrid easily ranging between Royal Palace and Dump, with the imposing monastery and the sumptuous royal residence; between Retiro Park , Home, Christmas of the great Miguel Cervantes; Between Plaza Mayor , Puerta del Sol, where on New Year's Eve, the people of Madrid meet to celebrate the arrival of the new year: tradition dictates that one must eat a grape for each of the strokes of midnight and it is a capital that can also be visited at low cost.

Madrid places of interest

1 Prado Museum Madrid

Along the Paseo del Prado there is one of the most famous museums in the world: the Museo del Prado. Its origins date back to 1819 and was founded at the behest of the queen Isabella of Braganza who wanted a public art museum in Spain based on the Louvre. Inside the art gallery there are seven centuries of art history (8.600 paintings and over 700 sculptures). It is practically impossible to visit the Prado Museum in a few hours, given the wealth of works on display. We recommend a return visit or, alternatively, choosing the era or artists you don't want to miss anything about.

Madrid del Prado Museum: opening times and prices

From Monday to Saturday from 10,00 to 20,00. On Sundays and all public holidays, from 10,00 to 19,00. Last entry half an hour before closing. The museum is closed on January 25st, May 16st and December 8th. The price of tickets varies from 18 euros (full) to 25 euros (reduced). Disabled people, minors (under XNUMX) and students up to XNUMX enter for free.

At certain times of the year there may be a long queue to purchase tickets. The good news is that you can skip the line by purchasing the online tickets that also allow you to choose guided tours of the Prado Museum.

Things to see in Madrid

2 Madrid Royal Palace

Il Royal Palace is located in Calle Bailen and is currently the representative seat of the monarchs who stayed here until 1931. Following a fire in 1734 the Royal Palace of Madrid it was wanted majestic and much larger than the previous one, from Philip V. The project was not completely carried out but an impressive building was still built. Inside the Royal Palace can be visited: the Throne room, Hall of Columns, Halberdiers Hall, apartments of Charles III with the attached pharmacy and the Royal Armoury. The Royal Palace is surrounded by gardens "the Campo del Moro” in English style.

Royal Palace: opening times and useful information

From October to March

Monday-Saturday: from 9,30 to 17,00; Sunday: from 9,00 to 14,00.

From April to September

Monday-Saturday: from 9,00 to 18,00; Sunday: from 9,00 to 15,00.

Gardens “Il campo di Moro”

From October to March

Monday-Saturday: from 10,00 to 18,00; Sunday: from 9,00 to 18,00.

From April to September

Monday-Saturday: from 10,00 to 20,00; Sunday: from 9,00 to 20,00.

Skip the line tickets to the Royal Palace of Madrid.

What to visit in Madrid

3 Plaza Mayor Madrid

Madrid Spain. Plaza Mayor of Madrid is a square surrounded by beautiful buildings with porticoes among which the Palazzo de la Panederia, an old oven. In the eighteenth century it was completely renovated due to a fire. In the center of the square stands the equestrian statue of Philip III. TO Plaza Mayor, as can easily be understood, various important streets of the city arrive as Main Street, Calle Toledo, Calle Segovia.

4 Plaza Santa Anna Madrid

Santa Ana Square in Madrid it can be reached by metro, Anton Martin stop. It is one of the most famous squares in the Spanish capital and has undergone several restorations over time. It is the heart of the Bario de Ios Literatos and is a very lively place in the city. Plaza Santa Ana is a very popular place in Madrid and is full of bars, restaurants, hotels and theatres. Here is the House Museum of Lope de Vega, which can be visited from Tuesday to Friday (9,30am-14,00pm) and on Saturdays with free admission (10,00am-14,00pm).

5 Plaza de la Villa Madrid

In Plaza de la Villa in Madrid stands the town hall of Madrid known as theTown Hall. It consists of towers and rooms frescoed by Francis Goya. In the square there is also the Tower of the Lujanes and in the center, the statue of Alvaro de Bazán protagonist of battle of Lepanto.

6 Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas Madrid

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid it is the square of the bullfighting arena. Built in the 30s it became animated during the Feria de San Isidro (patron saint of the city), between the months of May and June. Inside there is the Museum with free entry. Hours: from March to October, from Tuesday to Friday from 9,300am to 14,30pm; on Sundays and bullfight days from 9,00 to 13,00. From November to February, from Monday to Friday, from 9,30am to 14,30pm.

7 Monastery of the Descalzas Reales Madrid

Monastery of las Descalzas Reales in Madrid is a convent dating back to the XNUMXth century, built for blue-blooded nuns. It is rich in tapestries, fabrics and utensils of excellent workmanship. It can be reached by Metro Sol. Guided tours on even days from 10,30am to 12,45pm and from 16,00pm to 17,45pm. On Fridays from 10,30am to 12,45pm. On Sundays and all holidays from 11,00 to 13,45.

8 Monastery of El Escorial

The Monasterio de El Escolarial in Madrid was built by Philip II, has been declared a World Heritage SiteUnesco and is considered a true temple of the art of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Seat of the sovereigns of Spain. It was built by Tiziano , Giordano, El Greek, Velazquez. The complex features a library, museums, the Palace. It is located in Calle de Juan de Borbon y Battemberg a San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Madrid to see

9 Madrid museums not to be missed

In addition to Father's Museum that makes the trip worthwhile, there are other interesting museums in the Spanish capital.

1. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: rich in collection of Western art spanning over eight centuries. It is completed with the Prado museum and is recommended for Western art enthusiasts. It is located in Paseo del Prado at number 8. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10,00 to 19,00.
2. Lazaro Galdiano Museum: wanted by the writer José Lazaro Galdiano, brings together a collection of ivories and enamels from the 10,00th century and several canvases by international artists (from the 16,30th to the 122th century). It is open every day except Tuesday, from XNUMX to XNUMX, and is located in Calle Serrano XNUMX.
3. Reina Sofia Museum Madrid Art Center: next to the note Atocha station, now enriched by many shops, bars and restaurants, is this museum built in an old hospital. The Reina Sofia Art Center Museum contains a rich collection of XNUMXth century art. Works by Dalì, Mirò, Picasso, Braque, among others. It is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10,00 to 21,00 while on Sundays the museum closes at 14,30. It is located in Saint Elizabeth, 52.
4. archaeological Museum: located in Calle Serrano 13, the archaeological museum of Madrid preserves thousand-year-old finds from Spain. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9,30 to 20,30 and on Sunday from 9,30 to 15,00.
5. Museum of the Real Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando: located in Calle Alcalà at number 13, this museum contains works by Italian, Spanish and Flemish painters from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Stands out above all Francis Goya. The museum remains open, from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9,00 to 15,00; on Sunday it closes half an hour earlier, at 14,30pm.

10 Markets Madrid: El Rastro, the flea market

Every Sunday morning, south of the Plaza Mayor, between neighborhoods of la Latina and Lavapies, the well-known flea market in Madrid is held: The Trail. On the stalls you can find everything from new and used clothing to souvenirs. The area is a working-class area and tanners once lived here. Even today the neighborhood is very popular and prey to pickpockets. It is important to keep an eye on your bag or wallet. The danger could be lurking even if, with the right caution, a visit is recommended.

11 Parque del retreat Madrid

Il Retreat Park it is much loved by the people of Madrid. Located west of the Museo del Prado, the park is made up of gardens, lakes, monumental fountains, groves, rose gardens. Here is the sculpture of “theFallen Angel” (Fallen Angel) which represents the devil falling from heaven. Two very important palaces overlook the gardens: the Palacio de Velazques and Crystal Palace. Also worth visiting is theForest of the Disappeared” born in memory of the victims of the 2004 attacks. The Retreat Park it is found at Plaza of Independence and is open from 6,00 to 22,00, in winter and until midnight, during the summer.

12 How to get around Madrid Barajas airport

Madrid airport and Madrid Card

Madrid Barajas. THEMadrid International Airport it is located about 15 km north-east of the capital. Madrid flights. From Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the airport Madrid Barajas is the Madrid airport, from which you can reach the city center. In particular; the number 200 goes to A. de America, the n. 101 al Canilejas and 214 at Av. de Amarica (from Terminal 4).  madrid metroThe cost of the metro is the same as the bus But Metrobus tickets are available for both. A taxi to the city center, which stops at the arrivals station, costs around 25 euros on average.

Per move to Madrid it is possible to use different means of transport: metro, bus, taxi, train. Thanks to Madrid Card, Furthermore, it is possible to travel around the Spanish capital at low cost.

What to do in Madrid

13 Where to eat in Madrid

In Madrid you can eat anywhere. In particular in central Madrid and the Santa Ana Square but also to Plaza Mayor, there are several refreshment points. However, it is always best to avoid those in the square itself or those that are too touristy. In the capital there are several tapas bars. The best and cheapest can be found at La Latina and Laavapies. The Cafe de Chinitas it is one of the best restaurants with flamenco show. It is certainly a tourist place but it is worth eating here at least once. At the Palacio Gaviria, near the Porta de So, you can take part in cabaret shows or dance to dance music. The starred restaurant in Madrid is the santceloni. It is located on the Paseo de la Castellana, at number 57, inside a cellar. The restaurant offers fish. The Chilky, instead, a 24 Main Street, offers traditional dishes Madrid. Among these, the inevitable paella, tapas main course Grill.

14 Madrid where to sleep

As far as hospitality is concerned, the Spanish capital has different offers. Madrid hotels. There are not many hotels of a certain charm. However, the Spanish capital is suitable for all budgets but not ears, given that Madrid is very noisy. The advice is always to book in advance also to take advantage of flash offers but on Booking there is a wide choice of hotels.

15 Madrid weather

Madrid climate.  In the Spanish capital the climate is approaching Continental, with a dry climate and no excessive rainfall during the year, very hot summers and cold winters. Madrid temperatures. Below is the temperature in Madrid today, tomorrow and over the next seven days.