Travel Guides Created with Real Tips from Over 2 Million Travelers. Madrid Is the Capital of Spain and the Country’S Political, ﬁnancial and Cultural Heart

Discover Madrid

Travel guides created with real tips from over 2 million travelers. Madrid is the capital of Spain and the country’s political, financial and cultural heart. It’s city in a perpetual state of renewal, where baroque palaces sit side by side with cutting-edge arts centers and historic tapas bars share the corner with trendy gastropubs. It’s classy in its architecture yet boisterous in its nightlife, traditional in its atmosphere yet forward-thinking its in cultural calendar. Madrid is a city that’s to be enjoyed with all five senses and, as you’ll soon find out, is also one that knows how to give visitors a warm welcome.

“Madrid is "e ci# of li$rature.” Francisco Umbral.

By European standards, Madrid is a modern city, with roots rarely dating back farther than the 17th century. Still, the narrow streets and plazas of the Madrid de Las Austrias district are enough to keep even the most enthusiastic history hounds busy for days. The Plaza del Oriente is the heart of historic Madrid and houses the Almudena Cathedral, the Opera and the Royal Palace, one of the largest on the continent. The nearby Plaza Mayor and the old-school La Latina neighborhood round out the historic center and are full of historic churches and street names that recall the days when the area was a Moorish settlement. Crossing the Puerta del Sol, the Barrio de las Letras oﬀers a glimpse into Madrid’s considerable literary history while the Paseo de Recoletos provides an architectural feast with iconic buildings like the Cibeles Palace or the Puerta de Alcalá.

Madrid’s cultural scene is centered around its museum district: the Golden Triangle of Art. This stretch of the Paseo del Prado is home to the Prado, Reina Soﬁa and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums whose collections span the entire history of Spanish art, from Velázquez and Goya to Picasso and Salvador Dalí. While these world-famous institutions merit a place on any art-lover’s to-do list, Madrid locals are more likely to spend their time at the city’s contemporary arts centers. The Caixa Forum, Centro Conde Duque and the Fundación Mapfre oﬀer world-class traveling exhibits throughout the year, while the Matadero, the city’s historic slaughterhouse-cum-cultural-center, hosts concerts, events, and markets seven days a week.

More than sightseeing, what most deﬁnes Madrid is its thriving restaurant scene and nightlife. Eating and drinking into the early hours is a national pastime in Spain, and nowhere does it better than the capital. If you want to take a crash-course in Spanish cuisine, head to the Mercado de San Miguel and hop from stall to stall sampling everything from Galician-style octopus to hand-cut slices of jamón iberico. Or try a tapas crawl along Cava Baja, a lively street in La Latina that’s home to many of the city’s most storied culinary institutions. To get a taste of Spain’s boundary-pushing modern cuisine, head to Platea, Yakitoro or the Michelin-starred BiBo Dani García. Of course, no trip to Madrid is complete without tucking into its most classic dish: cocido madrileño. Taberna La Bola, just a few steps from the Royal Palace, has been serving this local delicacy for over 150 years.

For evening drinks, try one of the city’s trendy rooftop bars like the Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes or ME Madrid Reina Victoria, or enjoy a gin and tonic (forget sangria, this is Spain’s real national drink) at Del Diego, Macera Taller Bar or Salmon Guru. For a more raucous time, head to the retro rock bars of Malasaña or go for an all-nighter at Joy Eslava, Teatro Barceló or Fortuny Restaurant Club, three of the capital’s most iconic nightclubs. Madrid is also Spain’s shopping capital and it’s not unusual to ﬁnd people from neighboring regions spending the entire weekend shopping until they drop in the city center. Gran Vía, Calle Arenal and the Puerta del Sol are downtown’s most popular shopping areas and home to big international brands like Primark, Apple and H&M, as well as Spain’s leading department store, El Corte Inglés. Nearby Calle Fuencarral oﬀers a more stylish alternative while the adjacent Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods are lined with hip boutiques selling everything from retro furnishing to limited-edition sneakers. For a more upscale experience, head to Calle Serrano, nicknamed the ‘Golden Mile’ for its concentration of luxury designer brands, or make a day trip the Las Rozas Village luxury outlet to stock up items on Burburry, Coach or Jimmy Choo at unbeatable prices.

Madrid may be a densely urban city, but it’s also one of Europe’s greenest capitals and years of local demand has left it with an array of parks and gardens perfect for escaping the city’s hustle and bustle. Retiro Park is the city’s most famous urban escape and its shady meadows are a popular Sunday hang-out for tourists and locals alike. A more recent addition is Madrid Río, a sprawling park along the Manzanares River that has quickly become the city’s go-to park for jogging, cycling and roller-skating. Its refreshing fountains also oﬀer the closest thing the Spanish capital has to a beach.

Finally, the Spanish capital has no shortage of family-friendly attractions to entertain even the smallest of travelers. The National Museum of Natural Sciences and the National Archaeological Museum offer interesting collections ranging from dinosaur bones to Egyptian mummies while the city zoo and the Faunia animal park are ideal for getting up close with some of Mother Nature’s most amazing species. In Casa del Campo, you'll find the Parque de Atracciones, Madrid's most popular theme park, while further afield the Parque Warner offers exhilarating roller-coasters and the chance to meet all of your favorite cartoon characters. For bigger kids (and adults), don't miss the chance to catch a Real Madrid match at the world- famous Santiago Bernabeú Stadium.

And that's just the start. The possibilities of the Spanish capital are endless and, as any local will tell you, it's a city that needs to be lived, not just visited. For the next days, Madrid will be your home. We welcome you with open arms!

LOCAL TIME PEAK SEASON GMT+2 Autumn

POPULATION SIZE 3,223,334 605 km²

GETTING AROUND HOLIDAYS Metro May Bus Local Train Taxi 43

37 18 44

27 29 32 20 28 48 28 33 52 50 51 27 49 22 10 26 16 17 15 1 9 31 13 41 8 36 21 24 14 7 19 34 1 23 6 3 46 35 11 42 30 4

12 5

47 25

Things to do in Madrid 2 La Puerta del Sol

1 Gran Vía

5 Museo Nacional Reina Sofía 3 Parque del Retiro

4 Prado Museum

6 Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

7 Royal Palace of Madrid 8 Royal Theater

9 Plaza de Oriente 10 Templo de Debod

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 04 11 Almudena Cathedral

12 Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid

15 Plaza de Callao

13 La Puerta de Alcalá 14 Cibeles Palace

18 Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

16 Plaza de España de Madrid 17 Plaza de Cibeles

19 Fountain of Neptune 20 Wanda Metropolitano Stadium

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 05 22 Plaza de Colón

21 Plaza Mayor

25 Matadero Madrid 23 Plaza de Santa Ana

24 Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes

26 The National Archaeological Museum

27 National Museum of Natural Sciences 28 Sorolla Museum

29 Museum of the Americas 30 Lope de Vega House Museum

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 06 31 Ediﬁcio Metrópolis

32 Faro de La Moncloa

35 Sala La Riviera

33 Las Ventas Bullring 34 Palacio de Gaviria

38 Quinta de los Molinos Park

36 Plaza de la Villa 37 Capricho Park

39 Cerro del Tío Pío Park 40 Madrid Río

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 07 42 Jardín del Príncipe de Anglona

41 Sabatini Gardens

45 Parque Warner 43 Circuito del Jarama

44 Real Madrid Museum

46 Parque de Atracciones de Madrid

47 Planetario Madrid - Imax 48 ABC Serrano Shopping Center

49 Loewe 52 Louis Vuitton

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 08 1 Gran Vía Excellent

Widely considered one of the most beautiful and important avenues in all of Europe. It's a Streets Category symbol of Madrid's modern economic might as well as its traditional elegance and all down its sidewalks you'll ﬁnd lovely turn-of-the-century buildings, restaurants, historic cinemas, Calle Gran Vía, Madrid Address José Ramón musicals and, of course, lots of shopping. Sorribas Pozo

2 La Puerta del Sol One of the most iconic places in all of Madrid and full of life day and night. Most people come for the excellent shopping along Calle Preciados but it's also a popular meeting spot Squares for locals going to the bars and restaurants in downtown. On a more curious note, it's also Category city's kilometer zero from which they calculate the distances to the rest of the Spanish cities. Plaza de la Puerta del Sol, Madrid Guanche Address

3 Parque del Retiro Unbeatable location in the heart of the city and an ideal escape from all the concrete and cars. It's a park with its own personality and one of my favorite places to go for a walk, have Outdoors a picnic, read or watch the leaves change in autumn. Category Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid Ignacio Address Izquierdo

4 Prado Museum Excellent

Located in the heart of the Paseo del Prado, surrounded by tree-lined avenues, historic Museums Category monuments and many of the most iconic spots in the city. The Prado Museum is one of the most famous museums in the country and a must for any visitor the Madrid. Its collection is +34 913 30 28 00 Telephone Madrid Ciudad a mix of Spanish, Italian and Flemish masterpieces. Paseo del Prado, s/n, 28014 Madrid Address

5 Museo Nacional Reina Sofía Excellent

Of the three museums that make up the Triangle of Art, the Reina Sofia is the best if you Museums Category want to see 20th century Spanish modernists. Completely renovated in 2005, the museum is now airy and light with the permanent collection housed in the beautiful Sabatini +34 917 74 10 00 Telephone Madrid Cool Buildings (famous for its panoramic lifts). Picasso's 'Guernica' is the definite highlight, but Blog don't miss the exhibit of Picasso's first drafts, the numerous works of Salvador Dalí, or the Calle de Santa Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid collection of some of Spain's more famous contemporary artists like Luis Gordillo, Pablo Address Palazuelo or Equipo Crónica. Don't leave without visiting the terrace to take in the views of Atocha Station and the Lavapies neighborhood.

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 09 6 Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Great

Museums Spectacular museum oﬀering what's basically a full retrospective of European art, from the Category Gothic period all the way up to the modern day. The layout is superb and lets you see the +34 917 91 13 70 evolution of values and styles as you move one genre and era to another. The sequence of Telephone Rocío galleries is planned in a logical way so that each work is preceded and followed by others which help put the original work into its appropriate historical and artistic context. Paseo del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid Address There are some museums where you basically enter, have a look about for 15 minutes or so, and then leave. The Thyssen is deﬁnitely not one of those museums. You could spend hours here.

7 Royal Palace of Madrid Great

Palaces Located in the heart of the city, the Royal Palace is packed with history and simply Category gargantuan in scale. It's one of the most beautiful European royal palaces, not only for its +34 914 54 87 00 towering white facade and historic rooms, but also for the lovely gardens that surround it. Telephone Pedro Jareño Oddly enough, a surprising number of locals have never visited the palace, but I'd consider it a must-see for anyone passing through the city. You absolutely cannot miss it. Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid Address

8 Royal Theater Great

Theatres The Royal Theatre (known locally as just "El Real") is the Madrid opera house and, along with Category the opera of Barcelona, one of the most important theatres in Spain. It's a stately and +34 902 24 48 48 elegant building which overlooks the Royal Palace, but the best part is the interior, Telephone Naxos especially the ornate balconies of the main hall. It's quite impressive to behold. Plaza de Isabel II, s/n, 28013 Madrid Address

9 Plaza de Oriente The Plaza de Oriente has quite possibly the most beautiful sunsets in all of Madrid. As the sun goes down, the white stone of the palace seems to almost glow and the views out over Squares the Casa de Campo are simply breathtaking. Category Plaza de Oriente, 28013 Madrid SerViajera Address

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 10 10 Templo de Debod One of the best places in Madrid to enjoy the sunset. It's located atop a small hill in the city center so there's nothing to block the view except for the occasional cloud which, I must Monuments admit, is a rather rare thing in Madrid! Category Calle de Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid The highlight of the park is the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple originally from Ignacio Address Izquierdo Lower Nubia. The building of the Aswan Dam threatened a lot of ancient Egyptian ruins and when UNESCO put out an international call for help in the 1962 and again in 2968, Spain answered with a team of archaeologists. As a token of gratitude, Egypt gave Spain the temple which was brought to Madrid and rebuilt in 1972. Needless to say, it's the only ancient Egyptian temple in Spain.

11 Almudena Cathedral The Almudena Cathedral is a modern cathedral and honestly does not stand out from the outside. However, the interior is very much worth visiting, especially to see the vibrantly Cathedrals colored paintings which decorate the roof. It’s unlike any cathedral I’ve ever seen. Category +34 915 422 200 It’s deﬁnitely worth a visit if you’re in the Spanish capital. Telephone Efraim Romero Calle de Bailén, 10, 28013 Madrid Sacarrera Address

12 Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid Madrid has no shortage of beautiful places to visit, but my personal favorite is the Real Jardín Botánico. Even though it's located just a short walk from El Retiro Park, it offers Outdoors visitors something which can't be found in busy Retiro: stillness and quiet. Category +34 914 20 30 17 The garden itself is quite large, with lots of flowers that rotate with the seasons, and a Telephone Laura Terciado number of trickling fountains with shaded benches where you can rest your legs. There's a Plaza de Murillo, 2, 28014 small pond which attracts ducks and geese and the butterflies in the springtime are just Madrid Address lovely.

13 La Puerta de Alcalá The Puerta de Alcalá is a true icon of the city and perhaps the one most loved by the citizens of Madrid. I've lived here for years and I still feel a special something inside when I pass by Monuments it. I'd especially recommend visiting at night when it's beautifully lit up or during special Category events like the Noche en Blanco when they put on a colorful lights show. Plaza de la Independencia, s/ n, 28001 Madrid Alejandra Address Fernández

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 11 14 Cibeles Palace Excellent

I think I can safely say that Cibeles Palace is the most beautiful building in Madrid. Walking Monuments Category down to the Paseo de Recoletos from the Puerta de Alcalá and coming across such a breathtaking monument is one of the many small pleasures you'll ﬁnd just wandering the Plaza Cibeles, 1, 28014 Madrid Address Sertxu Sanchez city.

Aﬀectionately known as ‘Our Lady of Communications’ for its almost cathedral-like façade, it’s one of the most iconic monuments in the city and a must for any traveler.

15 Plaza de Callao Bordering the Gran Vía, the Plaza de Callao is one of the busiest and most popular squares in the city. It's also one of the best examples of the Chicago school architecture which swept Squares the Spanish capital in the 1920's, with the Cines Callao being a prime example. It's got its Category own unique personality and wouldn't be out of place in a city like New York or Chicago. Plaza del Callao, 28013 Madrid Address Reconquista

16 Plaza de España de Madrid The Plaza de España is, in a way, the gateway to Old Madrid as it’s just a short walk to from the main avenues of the city center like Gran Vía, Calle Princesa or Calle Ferraz. It has a Squares lovely little park which is something of an oasis amidst all the buildings, cars and movement, Category and is a popular hangout for tourists and madrileños alike. +34 902 350 235 Telephone Pedro Jareño Plaza de España, 28008 Madrid Address

17 Plaza de Cibeles The Plaza de Cibeles is one of the wonders of Madrid, both for its beautiful fountain (now a symbol of the Real Madrid football team) and its spectacular surroundings. Squares Category

It's located at intersection of the Paseo de Recoletos and Calle de Alcalá and is surrounded Plaza Cibeles, 28014 Madrid Address María Alba by many of the most important monuments in the city like the Cibeles Palace and the Bank of Spain.

If you head down the Paseo de Recoletos towards Atocha, you'll ﬁnd the Thyssen-Bornemiza Museum, the Prado Museum and the city's most luxurious hotels like the Palace and the Ritz.

If you head up Calle Alcalá, you'll reach the Puerta de Alcalá and El Retiro Park.

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 12 18 Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is the home ﬁeld of Real Madrid and a veritable temple to Spanish football. It's a must for all lovers of sports and sports-history, regardless of whether Estadios you're a Real Madrid fan. Category +34 913 98 43 00 It's worth taking the tour to visit see the museum and trophy room and visit the pitch and Telephone Oliver locker rooms. You’ll want to bring a camera. Of course, nothing compares to the experience Av. de Concha Espina, 1, 28036 of actually going to a match. Madrid Address

It can hold up to 80,000 people, which makes it one of the largest stadiums in the world.

19 Fountain of Neptune This fountain is located in the Plaza Cánovas del Castillo and, like the more famous Cibeles Fountain, is surrounded by a lot important sights like the Thyssen-Bornemizsa Museum as Monuments well as high-end hotels like the Ritz or the Palace. Category Plaza Canovas del Castillo, s/ n, 28014 Madrid The fountain by created by Ventura Rodríguez, the same hand behind Cibeles Fountain, with Rodrigo Nieto Address the help of other artists like Juan Pascual de Mena y José Arias.

20 Wanda Metropolitano Stadium While it’s somewhat controversial among madrileños, it’s hard to deny that Wanda

Metropolitano is not only one of the best stadiums in Spain, but in the world. Estadios Category

Built over the old La Peineta stadium, Wanda Metropolitano can hold over 70,000 spectators +34 902 26 04 03 and, technology-wise, is one of the most cutting-edge stadiums I’ve ever seen. The seats are, Telephone Alex Olaz of course, all red (no white and blue here) and the acoustics make the roars of the crowd Av. de Luis Aragonés, 4, 28022 something to behold. Madrid Address

21 Plaza Mayor The Plaza Mayor is one of the most enchanting places in Madrid, at least for me. It's a lovely place to just go for a walk and get lost among the side streets. Squares Category

If the weather permits, it's a great place for a drink out on a terrace. And you do need to try Plaza Mayor, 28012 Madrid a fried squid sandwich from one of the local restaurants - they're to die for. Address María Alba

At Christmas, they set up a pleasant little market where you can but ornaments, toys, and other treats.

22 Plaza de Colón Plaza de Colón manages the brilliant feat of being one of Madrid's busiest roundabouts as well as a relaxing place to take a walk. It's named after the giant statue of Christopher Squares Columbus (Cristobál Colón in Spanish) and there's a huge fountain that ends in a waterfall. Category You should take the stairs that lead below the falls, the sound is absolutely amazing. Plaza de Colón, 28001 Madrid Address Camille

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 13 23 Plaza de Santa Ana The Plaza de Santa Ana is the heart of Madrid's historic Barrio de las Letras. A short walk from Sol and the popular Calle Huertas, it's surrounded by a lot of interesting sights like the Squares Hotel Reina Soﬁa, the Plaza de Matute, Café Central and the Spanish Theater. Category Plaza de Sta. Ana, 28012 Madrid The square is lined with breweries, taverns and tapas bars, almost all of which are good. If SerViajera Address you can secure an outdoor table when the weather is nice, it's one of the best places to just sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

24 Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes Without a doubt one of the best places for amazing views over Madrid. The location is perfect, with vistas of both the Gran Vía as well as the Plaza de Cibeles. Rooftops Category

+34 915 30 17 61 From the rooftop, you can see all the way to the 4 Tours at the far end of the Paseo de la Telephone Castellana and even Retiro Park behind Cibeles Palace. Ignacio Calle del Marqués de Casa Izquierdo Riera, 2, 28004 Madrid Address

25 Matadero The Matadero is a symbol of Madrid's renewal and its emphasis on free expression, unabashed modernity and cultural exploration is a ﬁtting match for the city's personality. Museums Formerly the municipal slaughterhouse, the complex has been completely renovated and Category now hosts a variety of cultural events and exhibits featuring both famous artists as well as +34 913 18 46 70 local up-and-comers. Telephone Pedro Jareño Plaza de Legazpi, 8, 28045 In summer, it's also a great place to have an al-fresco drink. Madrid Address

26 The National Archaeological Museum Over the course of 34 galleries, The National Archaeological Museum oﬀers a complete journey through the history of the Iberian Peninsula, from the Phoenicians and the Romans Museums up through the Visigoths and the Moors. It also houses an interesting collection of artefacts Category from Ancient Egypt and Classical Greece. +34 915 77 79 12 Telephone Madrid Calle de Serrano, 13, 28001 Ciudad Madrid Address

27 National Museum of Natural Sciences The National Museum of Natural Sciences is located in a magniﬁcent building in a very privileged area of Madrid. It has an interesting collection of animals and a wing dedicated to Museums geology. Category +34 914 11 13 28 It's an ideal place to visit with children who'll love the animals and interactive exhibits. Check Telephone Chaimae the calendar as they also organize regular activities and events. Calle de José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid Address

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 14 28 Sorolla Museum Excellent

The Sorolla Museum is without a doubt one of my favourite museums in Madrid. Firstly, the Museums Category museum itself is beautiful. It's maintained and furnished just as it was when the artist lived there so visiting is like taking a trip back in time. The paintings themselves are hung +34 913 10 15 84 Telephone Isalatrendi throughout the rooms of the house and you can visit Sorolla's studio to see where the artist worked. The Andalusian-style gardens are free to the public and are worth the visit alone. Paseo del General Martínez Campos, 37, 28010 Madrid Address

29 Museum of the Americas The Museum of the Americas has an extensive collection of over 25,000 artefacts from various New World cultures and civilizations. There are wings dedicated to pre-Colombian Museums history, anthropology and the colonial period. In fact, it has one of the largest collections of Category colonial-period art in the country. +34 913 10 15 84 Telephone Madrid Paseo del General Martínez Ciudad Campos, 37, 28010 Madrid Address

30 Lope de Vega House Museum Hidden behind an unassuming facade in the Barrio de las Letras, the Lope de Vega House Museum oﬀers an interesting trip back to Madrid's literary roots. The interior has been Museums meticulously decorated with original furniture and is exactly how it was back in the 17th Category century. The famous Spanish playwright spent the last 25 years of his life within these walls +34 914 29 92 16 and it was where he penned many of his most famous works like 'La Dorotea.' Telephone Aierim Calle de Cervantes, 11, 28014 Madrid Address

31 Ediﬁcio Metrópolis The Metropolis Building is probably one of the most beautiful and photographed buildings in Madrid. It appears on countless postcards and is recognizable even to many who've never Monuments stepped foot in the city. Home of the Metropolis insurance company since 1972, it's an icon Category of the Gran Vía and a symbol of the city Calle de Alcalá, 42, 28014 Madrid Aierim Address

32 Faro de La Moncloa There are a number of ways to enjoy Madrid's undeniable charms. Many choose to explore the streets of its historic neighbourhoods, but I'd suggest a more….exhilarating option. If Observation decks you can overcome your fear of heights, I assure you it's worth it. Let's call it high-altitude Category sightseeing! +34 915 50 12 51 Telephone María Zorita Av. de la Memoria, 2, 28040 Madrid Address

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 15 33 Las Ventas Bullring Architecturally, the Las Ventas Bullring is beautiful and the surrounding square is full of interesting little statues and monuments. Even if you don't approve of bullﬁghting, the tour Monuments is worthwhile for its cultural value at least. It also serves as a concert venue and hosts Category events throughout the year. +34 913 56 22 00 Telephone Carol La Roca Calle de Alcalá, 237, 28028 Madrid Address

34 Palacio de Gaviria Excellent

This was the former residence of the wealthy Marquis de Gaviria in the 19th century. The Museums Category interior is in a great state of conservation and features Renaissance-style decor and lovely frescos. Calle del Arenal, 9, 28013 Madrid Madrid Ciudad Address

35 Sala La Riviera Sala La Riviera is one of Madrid's best concert halls. It's located right on the banks of the Manzanares River and due to its circular shape you get great views of the stage from just Nightclubs about anywhere. They hold all kinds of concerts with local and international acts from a Category wide variety of genres. +34 913 65 24 15 Telephone Madrid Ciudad Paseo Bajo de la Virgen del Puerto, s/n, 28005 Madrid Address 36 Plaza de la Villa Set just oﬀ the Calle Mayor, the Plaza de la Villa is one of the most enchanting areas of Old Madrid and, for me, a must for any visitor to the city. Many pass by without noticing it, but Squares I'd suggest taking a moment to enjoy it. You won't regret it. Category Plaza de la Villa, s/n, 28005 Madrid Fran Address Domenech

37 Capricho Park I had the opportunity to visit these beautiful 18th-century landscaped gardens just a few days ago. The gardens themselves are quite whimsical are as you walk about you’ll ﬁnd a lot Outdoors of historic buildings including a small palace, the old beekeeper's house and even a Spanish Category Civil War bunker. I didn't get a chance to visit the bunker as it’s only accessible via Paseo de la Alameda de reservation, but from what I've heard it's pretty extensive. The way the gardens are Osuna, 25, 28042 Madrid Javier landscaped, you wouldn't even know it was there. Address

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 16 38 Quinta de los Molinos Park Quinta de los Molinos is a pleasant park any time of year, but if you're visiting in March it should put it at the top of your list. That's when the park’s 6,000 almond trees come into Outdoors bloom, covering the entire park in a blanket of delicate white and pink blossoms. There are Category lots of benches and picnic tables scattered about, and a sort of impromptu festival occurs Calle de Alcalá, 527, 28027 when the almonds ﬁnally bloom. Madrid Claudia Address Rodríguez

39 Cerro del Tío Pío Park In Madrid, this park is known by the rather naughty nickname "las tetas de Vallecas" (literally, the 'tits of Vallecas'). These small hills rising above the southern Outdoors neighbourhood of Vallecas oﬀer one of the most stunning views of Madrid - you can Category basically see the entire city and make out many of the city centre’s most famous buildings in Calle de Benjamín Palencia, 2, the distance. If you can, visit at sunset...it's pretty spectacular. 28038 Madrid Ignacio Address Izquierdo

40 Madrid Río The Madrid Río park runs from the Puente de los Franceses to the Matadero and is one of the city's best places for walking, running and cycling. Outdoors Category

I did a bike tour along the river and was really impressed by the layout. I especially liked the Paseo de la Ermita del Santo, 14, 16, 28011 Madrid little fountains every few meters – a great way to beat the Madrid heat! Pedro Jareño Address

41 Sabatini Gardens The Sabatini gardens owe their name to Francisco Sabatini, the Italian architect who originally designed them. They're located on the north side of the Royal Palace and are Outdoors absolutely delightful to visit. It's decorated with a lot of sculptures and a reﬂecting pool, so it Category makes for a lovely and quite romantic walk if you're out and about in the palace area. On Calle de Bailén, 2, 28013 weekends, they often use it to hold free events like dances or small classical music recitals. Madrid David Esteban Address

42 Jardín del Príncipe de Anglona Just oﬀ the Plaza de la Paja, in the heart of medieval Madrid, there's a secret garden few visitors know about: the Jardín del Príncipe de Anglona. It's easy to miss as it's surrounded Outdoors by a big wall, but if you go in you'll ﬁnd a quiet classical garden with a few Spanish-Arabic Category touches. Plaza de la Paja, 6, 28005 Madrid Chaimae Address It's a little oasis of peace and quiet in the center of the city. Like I said, not many people know about it. When you visit, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 17 43 Circuito del Jarama Magniﬁcent track that’s been thoroughly renovated and has just the right mix of classic and modern. The facilities are enough to hand the crowds and the seats are quite comfy. It has Racetracks also has a pretty good restaurant with decent prices. Category +34 916 57 08 75 Telephone Antonio Zulueta Vía de Servicio A-1, km 28, 28700 San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid Address

44 Real Madrid Museum Located in Santiago Bernabeú Stadium, the Real Madrid Museum is one of the most popular museums in the city among tourists and locals alike. Surprisingly, it’s also one of Museums Madrid’s most visited museums with over 650,000 visitors per year. Category

+34 913 98 43 70 Telephone Madrid Ciudad Paseo de la Castellana, 142, 28036 Madrid Address

45 Parque Warner From the glamour of Hollywood to the hideouts of famous villains, you can ﬁnd everything at Parque Warner. The rides are great but what are even better are the sets, especially Theme parks Cartoon Village with its hyper-realistic details. It's something you'd expect to ﬁnd in Anaheim Category or Orlando, not in Madrid. I'd especially recommend the Superman ride or The Riddler's +34 912 00 07 92 Revenge, which has a free-fall of over 100 meters. Telephone Dani Danish M-506, 28330 San Martín de la Vega, Madrid Address

46 Parque de Atracciones de Madrid Excellent

The Parque de Atracciones is Madrid’s classic theme park and a place that’s full of nostalgia Theme parks Category for anyone who spent their childhood in the city. It still has many of the classic rides that people know and love, but it’s been thoroughly updated to include modern rollercoasters +34 912 00 07 95 Telephone Fany and rides that you’d ﬁnd at any major theme park. If you’re not easily frightened, don’t miss the Walking Dead Experience. Casa de Campo, s/n, 28011 Madrid Address

47 Planetario Madrid - Imax Tierno Galván Park is home to wide green spaces, relics from the Roman era and an IMAX theatre which, for me, is one of the better places in Madrid to catch a ﬁlm or documentary. Cinemas They have the usual 3D oﬀerings, but also a unique spherical screen which makes for a fun Category experience. The Madrid Planetarium is also located in the same complex. While it’s +34 914 67 34 61 surprisingly unknown by many locals, it's a great place to learn about the cosmos and has Telephone Iván Mata exhibits, courses, lectures and a recreational space that brings out the fun in sky-watching. Parque Tierno Galván, Av. del Planetario, 16, 28045 Madrid Address

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 18 48 ABC Serrano Shopping Center ABC Serrano is a shopping centre located in a beautiful 19th-century Neo-mudejar building which was the former headquarters of the ABC newspaper. It's located in the posh Shopping Centers Salamanca district and is one of the most popular shopping spots in the area. Category +34 915 77 50 31 Telephone Madrid Ciudad Calle Serrano, 61, 28006 Madrid Address

49 Loewe Loewe is an excellent place for high-end leather goods and one of my personal favourites in Madrid. Their ﬂagship shop on Gran Vía is pretty spectacular and has an exhibit on the top Shops ﬂoor with all kinds of luxurious items. A must-see. Category

+34 915 22 68 15 Telephone Alí Cordero Calle Gran Vía, 8, 28013 Madrid Address

Hermés Shops 50 Category This is the Madrid branch of the world-famous Hermés fashion house. Since 1837, the +34 915 78 30 41 French company has been making purses, handbags shoes and jackets for women of Telephone sophisticated tastes. Their collection is obviously of the highest quality and is made by Calle de José Ortega y Gasset, specially-trained craftsmen who undergo years of preparation. 12, 28006 Madrid Address Madrid Ciudad

Chanel Shops 51 Category Excellent +34 914 31 30 36 Telephone The Chanel shop is located on one of Madrid’s most beautiful and famous streets. Daring Calle de José Ortega y Gasset, and even revolutionary, Chanel made its name by ‘masculinizing’ the female wardrobe and 16, 28006 Madrid pioneering now-common items like female jackets. They’ve always been adept at Address Madrid Ciudad anticipating the needs and tastes of the women of the future.

52 Louis Vuitton With its conceptual stained-glass windows, the Louis Vuitton shop on Calle Serrano is one of the most striking stores in the ritzy Salamanca district. The collection is, of course, top-notch Shops and the service is very personal and friendly. Category +34 915 75 13 08 Telephone

María José Calle Serrano, 66, 28001 Morr Madrid Address

Things to do in Madrid | Pg. 19 13

14 7

10 4 15

2 8 6 3 9

1 5

Restaurants in Madrid Mercado De San Miguel Markets 1 Category Excellent +34 915 42 49 36 Telephone One of the best places in Madrid to sample high-end tapas. The stalls of this historic market are packed with everything from fresh fruits and meats to Russian caviar and premium gin. Plaza de San Miguel, 5, 28005 Madrid The sheer variety and quality of products on oﬀer is matched by few markets in the world. Address Víctor Gómez - machbel The Mercado de San Miguel is also an excellent place to go for tapas. There are several tapas bars throughout the market where you can grab a plate of paella, fresh empanadas, croquettes, desserts and more.

Museo Chicote Cocktail Bars 2 Category For me, the décor and the music are unbeatable. The ambiance at Museo Chicote is +34 915 32 67 37 diﬀerent depending on what time you go, but it's always casual and relaxed. A good place Telephone for dinner, drinks, dessert or dancing the night away. Calle Gran Vía, 12, 28013 Madrid Address Alberto Jiménez

Chocolatería San Ginés Chocolaterías 3 Category I love this place. I've ended many a long night at Chocolatería San Ginés and it's somewhere +34 913 65 65 46 I stop by every time I come to Spain. The best time to go is right around 10:00 in the Telephone morning, right after the breakfast rush has ﬁnished. The hot chocolate is sweet and creamy, Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, the orange juice is fresh-squeezed and the churros are to die for, but what's even better is 28013 Madrid Address that the prices haven't skyrocketed along with San Ginés’ fame. Like I said, it's my place in David Esteban Madrid and one I'd deﬁnitely recommend to anyone visiting the city.

Amazónico Restaurante Restaurants 4 Category If you walk along the left-hand corridor, you'll get an amazing look into the kitchens. In the +34 915 15 43 32 first one you'll see skewers of fish being grilled over an open flame, then the meat section Telephone and finally the juicy slow-roasted pineapples. To the right, you have the jungle-colonial- Calle Jorge Juan, 20, 28001 themed bar, one of my favorites in the city for a good cocktail (seriously, they're like nothing Madrid Address I've tried anywhere else). Beatriz Zaera

Cava Baja Streets 5 Category Cava Baja is one of the main streets in the La Latina quarter and it's a tapas Mecca among Calle de la Cava Baja, 28005 locals for its numerous taverns and historic restaurants. It's an especially popular spot on Madrid Sundays as the Rastro market winds down. There are tons of diﬀerent bars and tapas joints, Address but one of the most famous is Casa Lucio (Cava Baja, 45) which opened its doors in 1974 and is legendary among madrileños for its 'huevos estrellados.' Reconquista

Restaurants in Madrid | Pg. 21 Yakitoro Restaurants 6 Category Yakitoro, run by Spanish celebrity chef Alberto Chicote, oﬀers an original take on traditional +34 917 37 14 41 Japanese yakitori by incorporating fresh ingredients from around Spain. The glass-enclosed Telephone dining hall also makes you feel like you're immersed in city life. Calle de la Reina, 41, 28004 Madrid Address Helen López Vásquez

BIBO Madrid de Dani García Restaurants 7 Category Wow! That's how I'd describe my experience at BIBO. We went there shortly after it opened +34 918 05 25 56 and couldn't have been more impressed by the kitchen and the wait staﬀ. The quality of the Telephone dishes is stellar and the prices are great considering what you get. Paseo de la Castellana, 52, 28046 Madrid Address Manu Guedes

Del Diego Cocktail Bar Cocktail Bars 8 Category Excellent +34 915 23 31 06 Telephone Del Diego is one of Madrid's classic cocktail bars and a must for anyone looking for a quality Calle de la Reina, 12, 28004 drink. It's located just oﬀ Plaza Vázquez de Mella and is widely considered to serve Madrid's Madrid best mixed drinks. When you walk in, you're greeted by the pleasant aroma of freshly- Address Gonzalo Moreno squeezed lime and an extensive cocktail list is waiting at your table. If only I had the time (or liver) to order one of each!

Jardín Secreto de Salvador Bachiller Restaurantes 9 Category There's an enchanted garden on the roof of the Salvador Bachiller shop on Calle Montera. +34 914 31 08 11 Just go into the shop and take the lift to the top ﬂoor. It's a perfect place to have a drink and Telephone enjoy a break from the rush of the city. Calle de la Montera, 37, 28013 Madrid Address Paula García

Macera Taller Bar Cocktail Bars 10 Category Macera Taller Bar is quickly becoming one of my favorite cocktail bars in Madrid. While most +34 910 11 58 10 other bars think the secret to success is trying to ﬁt as many bottles of “premium” gin Telephone behind the bar as possible, Macera Taller Bar takes a diﬀerent route and creates its own Calle de San Mateo, 21, 28004 infused spirits which it then expertly blends into incredibly original cocktails. Madrid Address Chris Pearrow

Restaurants in Madrid | Pg. 22 Restaurante El Paraguas Restaurants 11 Category Excellent +34 914 31 59 50 Telephone El Paraguas is run by the same team behind Ten with Ten and Quentin, two of Madrid's best Calle de Jorge Juan, 16, 28001 restaurants. It's a more classy and formal aﬀair than its siblings and, for me, it’s perfect for a Madrid special occasion or a quiet romantic dinner. They put a premium on top-quality ingredients Address Rocío like farm-fresh produce and fresh ﬁsh. A traditional stew called ‘verdinas’ is the house specialty.

Boom Room Cocktail Bars 12 Category The Boom Room is one of Madrid's most elegant and exclusive cocktail bars and a great +34 914 48 19 19 alternative for a more mature public. The cocktail list is very good and, as far as music goes, Telephone they usually begin with pop and r&b and then move on to house sessions later on in the Calle de Padre Damián, 23, evening. 28036 Madrid Address Kampaii

Restaurante Filandón Restaurants 13 Category Spacious and surrounded by lovely gardens, Filandón is a perfect place for family +34 917 34 38 26 celebrations and, for me, one of the best restaurants in Madrid. The food is exquisite, Telephone especially the meat and ﬁsh dishes. Carr. de el Pardo a Fuencarral, Km. 1.9, 28049 Madrid Address Rocío

Fortuny Restaurant Club Restaurants 14 Category Fortuny Restaurant Club is one of Madrid’s most glamorous nightspots and a frequent +34 913 19 26 51 hang-out for Spanish TV and ﬁlm stars. It's located in an old palace in the classy Chamberí Telephone area and has a restaurant, an outdoor terrace and a garden distributed over three levels. Calle de Fortuny, 34, 28010 Madrid Address Madrid Ciudad

Platea Madrid Markets 15 Category Excellent +34 915 77 00 25 Telephone Don’t miss Platea if you’re visiting Madrid. It’s a gourmet market housed in an old movie theatre and there are 12 diﬀerent bars and restaurants, each with its own specialty and Calle de Goya, 5, 7, 28001 Madrid atmosphere. Highly recommended for lunch or dinner. For me, a solid 10. Address Inma Sanchis Oltra

Restaurants in Madrid | Pg. 23 The Roof – Hotel ME Madrid Cocktail Bars 16 Category The Roof is a great cocktail bar on the roof of the Hotel ME Madrid. It’s located on Plaza +34 912 76 47 47 Santa Ana in the heart of Madrid’s cosmopolitan Barrio de las Letras. The atmosphere is Telephone young, trendy and casual and it’s an unbeatable place for evening cocktails and good music. Plaza de Sta. Ana, 14, 28012 Deﬁnitely one of the most fashionable places in the city. Madrid Address Madrid Ciudad

Restaurants in Madrid | Pg. 24 7 15 13

8 4

9 11

16 18 2 14 17 12 5

1 3

Hotels in Madrid

ME Madrid Reina Victoria 1 +34 912 76 47 47 Plaza de Sta. Ana, 14, 28012 Madrid "Excellent bar" "Stunning views" "Great dinner"

Hotel Madrid Centro managed by Melia 2 +34 912 76 47 47 Calle Gran Vía, 72, 28013 Madrid "Spotless rooms" "Excellent location" "Great shopping nearby"

Tryp Madrid Atocha Hotel 3 +34 912 76 47 47 Calle de Atocha, 83, 28012 Madrid "Excellent location" "Spotless rooms" "Professional staﬀ"

Hotel TRYP Madrid Airport Suites 4 +34 912 76 47 47 Calle de Lola Flores, 4-17, 28022 Madrid "Amazing pool" "Spacious rooms" "Spotless rooms"

Hotel Madrid Gran Vía 25 managed by Melia 5 +34 912 76 47 47 Calle Gran Vía, 25, 28013 Madrid "Delicious breakfast" "Excellent location" "Great shopping nearby"

Meliá Castilla 6 +34 912 76 47 47 Calle del Poeta Joan Maragall, 43, 28020 Madrid "Amazing pool" "Quick check-in" "Great dinner"

Hotels in Madrid | Pg. 25 Hotel Madrid Chamartín Managed by Melia Hotels International 7 +34 917 33 34 00 Calle Mauricio Ravel, 10, 28046 Madrid "Amazing pool" "Delicious food" "Spotless rooms"

Meliá Avenida América 8 +34 914 23 24 00 Calle de Juan Ignacio Luca de Tena, 36, 28027 Madrid "Excellent bar" "Delicious breakfast" "Spotless rooms"

Tryp Madrid Chamberí Hotel 9 +34 914 47 40 00 Calle de José Abascal, 8, 28003 Madrid "Spotless rooms" "Excellent location" "Professional staﬀ"

TRYP Madrid Leganés Hotel 10 +34 912 76 47 47 Av. de la Universidad, 7, 28911 Leganés, Madrid "Professional staﬀ" "Spotless rooms" "Excellent location"

Meliá Madrid Serrano 11 +34 912 76 47 47 Calle de Claudio Coello, 139, 28006 Madrid "Delicious breakfast" "Great shopping nearby" "Excellent location"

Tryp Madrid Cibeles Hotel 12 +34 912 76 47 47 Calle de Mesonero Romanos, 13, 28013 Madrid "Great shopping nearby" "Stunning views" "Excellent location"

Tryp Madrid Alameda Aeropuerto Hotel 13 +34 912 76 47 47 Av. de Logroño, 100, 28042 Madrid "Comfy beds" "Delicious breakfast" "Spotless rooms"

Madrid Plaza España Hotel Managed by Meliá 14 +34 912 76 47 47 Calle Gran Vía, 72, 28013 Madrid "Free internet" "Delicious breakfast" "Spotless rooms"

Meliá Barajas 15 +34 912 76 47 47 Av. de Logroño, 305, 28042 Madrid "Amazing pool" "Excellent bar" "Spotless rooms"

Meliá Madrid Princesa 16 +34 912 76 47 47 Calle de la Princesa, 27, 28008 Madrid "Wonderful bathtub" "Stunning views" "Quick check-in"

Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques 17 +34 912 76 47 47 Cuesta de Santo Domingo, 5, 28013 Madrid "Amazing pool" "Stunning views" "Excellent bar"

Gran Meliá Fénix 18 +34 912 76 47 47 Calle de Hermosilla, 2, 28001 Madrid "Great shopping nearby" "Stunning views" "Excellent bar"

Hotels in Madrid | Pg. 26 created by

How many have you visited?

Review your favorite places on the free minube app.

Share your opinions and help future visitors to Madrid.