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What makes Madrid a captivating destination?
- A beguiling and golden metropolis in the colorful nation of Spain, Madrid is a city that really knows how to live.
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Why do visitors keep returning to Madrid?
- It’s the sheer energy of the city’s atmosphere that keeps avid visitors coming back for more of this breathtaking destination.
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1. Museo Nacional del Prado
Easily making the list for the world’s top and most popular art museums, the Museo Nacional del Prado is, without a doubt, a must-see when exploring the best that Madrid has to offer. The museum is home to a staggering number of masterpieces by baroque and renaissance masters. Some of the names that grace their overwhelming collection of art include Velázquez, El Greco, Breughel, Rembrandt, Rubens, and van Dyck. The museum even boasts of works like Caravaggio’s David with Head of Goliath and the Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch. Trust us, you don’t have to be an art aficionado to fully appreciate the greatness of this world class museum.
23 Calle Ruiz de Alarcon, Madrid, Spain 28014, Phone: +3-49-02-10-70-77
2. Buen Retiro Park
Looking for a change of pace after your trip to the Museum del Prado? Just a short walk to the east will bring you to Buen Retiro Park, a wonderland of gorgeous, elegant gardens, and greenery in the heart of Madrid. Before being opened to the public at the end of the 19th century, Buen Retiro Park was property of Spain’s royal family. As such, a visit to the park guarantees impeccable taste and sophistication. Some of the must-see areas of the park include the iron and glass pavilion, the iron fence-guarded Montezuma Cypress planted in 1633, and the monument of Alfonso XII. You can even take a paddle boat out to the center of the Grand Pond for a leisurely afternoon.
7 Plaza de la Independencia, Madrid, Spain 28001, Phone: +3-49-14-00-87-40
3. Royal Palace of Madrid
When in Madrid, there’s no place more opulent or more luxurious to visit than the Royal Palace of Madrid. The largest royal palace in western Europe, the Royal Palace of Madrid was built during the mid-1700s to replace the Moorish Alcázar fortress-palace after it burned down in the fire of 1734. Built for the use of King Philip V, the best way to fully appreciate the palace is to step into its halls. Royal collections and frescoes adorning the palace walls are nothing short of sublime, and works by geniuses like Caravaggio, Goya and Velázquez can also be found there. The palace is also the only place in the world to see a string quartet of Stradivarius instruments in addition to a spectacular display of tapestries, porcelain, watches, and silverware. You can even gaze upon the Royal Armory, which houses Charles V’s personal weapons.
Calle Bailen, Madrid, Spain 28071, Phone: +3-49-14-54-88-00
4. National Archaeological Museum of Spain
Take a trip through Spain’s magnificent and rich history at the National Archaeological Museum of Spain. Home to invaluable pieces of Spain’s heritage, the items on display at the museum have been gathered from all over the nation to present visitors with the most complete picture of the country’s history possible. Many of the museum’s main draws are over 2,500 years old and yet have been kept so well and restored so fantastically that they look almost brand new. Predating the Roman period, these Iberian treasures and sculptures are bound to draw a gasp of amazement from all those who see them. Make sure to see the Lady of Elche, a beautiful bust that features a detailed headdress and coils, and the Treasure of Guarrazar, an incredible Visigothic set of votive crowns and crosses that date back to the 600s.
13 Calle Serrano, Madrid, Spain 28001, Phone: +3-49-15-77-79-12
5. Puerta del Sol
Undoubtedly the most famous and central of all of Madrid’s squares, the Puerta del Sol is just a short walk away from the Plaza Mayor. It was named after the city gate that previously stood at the location, which had the image of the sun on it. Aside from being a popular meeting point in the city, the grand square holds a special place in the heart of locals due to its rich history and heritage. Some of the must-see landmarks of the square include the Casa de Correos, the main post office building in the city, and the Casa de Correos clock tower. Another huge draw at the Puerto del Sol is the El Oso y El Madroño statue, which has been a symbol of Madrid since the Middle Ages.
Calle Mayor and Calle Alcala, Madrid, Spain 28013, Phone: +3-49-15-32-64-90
6. Plaza Mayor
Handsome, colorful, and absolutely breathtaking, the Plaza Mayor is a lovely renaissance square and another one of Madrid’s huge tourist draws. Conceived and laid out in the early years of the 1600s, the Plaza Mayor is fully sequestered by famous and opulent three-story residential buildings. Soak up the stunning architecture of the square as you check out the nine entrances to the squares and explore the buildings’ porticoes or simply sit and people watch for a while at one of the square’s quaint outdoor cafes. When you’ve had your fill of people watching or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere that the Plaza Mayor has to offer, make sure to get an up close look at the awe-inspiring 400-year-old statue of King Philip III.
4 Calle Gerona, Madrid, Spain 38012
7. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art
If you’ve already stopped by the Museo Nacional del Prado but still have an appetite for more of Madrid’s fantastic art, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art is arguably the only logical choice to see next. The museum is known for being a stop in the “Golden Triangle of Art” of Madrid and features artwork and objects that actually complement other museums like the Prado. Since the Thyssen-Bornemisza covers periods and schools of art that are not featured in the Prado, you can rest assured that you will see pieces that are unique. Some of the artists featured in this museum included English and German masters like Albrect Dürer, Hans Holbein and Hans Baldung Grien. You can also look forward to finding pieces by renaissance masters such as Rembrandt, Tintoretto, and van Dyck.
8 Paseo Prado, Madrid, Spain 28014, Phone: +3-49-17-91-13-70
8. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
The third museum of Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art” is the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (or the Queen Reina Museum for short). The Reina’s main focus is showcasing Spanish art, and it delves more into modern art than the Thyssen-Normisza and the Prado. What makes the Reina Sofia so special is that it proudly showcases fantastic pieces by the 20th-century artists Dalí and Picasso. While many may think that three art museums in one trip is probably overkill, we assure you that the Reina isn’t to be missed as it showcases gorgeous masterpieces like Picasso’s Guernica. Visitors can also look forward to examining works by the famed abstract sculptor Eduardo Chillida and other Spanish greats like Juan Gris and Joan Miró.
52 Calle Santa Isabel, Madrid, Spain, Phone: +3-49-17-74-10-00
9. Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales
The Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, or the Mueum of Natural Sciences, is a popular destination for local families and touring families alike. Some of the features of the museum’s permanent exhibit include ever-popular dinosaur skeletons, fossils of an array of animals both large and small, as well as beautiful rocks and minerals. Exhibits on the wonders of human evolution as well as biodiversity are also on display at the museum, making it both an inspiring and educational visit for all those who enter. What’s amazing about the collection at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales is that it has actually existed for over 200 years. As such, this collection is the oldest in the world for natural history.
2 Calle de José Gutierrez Abascal, Madrid, Spain, Phone: +3-19-14-11-13-28
10. Cybele Palace
A landmark of Madrid and a colossal architectural beauty, the Cybele Palace is a must visit for true traveling enthusiasts. This former communications palace was designed and built by Joaquin Otamendi and Antonio Palacios and was used as the headquarters of the Spanish Post Office and Telegraphic Company upon its inauguration in 1909. Today, it’s the home of the Madric City Council’s offices. Visitors can enjoy the Gothic Revival architectural style of the building alongside regional styles of Spanish architecture. There is also a large courtyard that leads to the palace for public enjoyment and consumption. Truly, the Cibeles Palace, or Cybele Palaca, is a sight that must be seen in person.
1 Plaza de la Cibeles, Madrid, Spain 28014, Phone: +3-49-14-80-00-08
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