Capital of Spain and largest city in the country, Madrid is lively and cosmopolitan.
Each of its neighborhoods reflects the different faces of local society.
We cultivate ourselves at the Prado Museum, we feast in Chueca, we walk in the green Retiro Park or the vast Casa de Campo, and we stroll in the picturesque alleys of Lavapiés.
Finally, a Madrid day would not be complete without attending a Real Madrid match at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
To discover
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Around Sol, the beating heart of Madrid
The nerve center of the capital, the Puerto del Sol is the meeting point of several pedestrian shopping streets.
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When you set foot in the Sol district, which owes its name to the Puerta del Sol square, you can fully feel the energy of the city.
The nerve center of the capital, it is the meeting point of historic streets such as Kilometer Zero and is very close to the unmissable Gran Via and its plethora of shops.
There are also cultural sites such as the Statue of the Bear and the Arbutus and the Casa de Correos, seat of the regional government.
A few meters further, we linger on the Plaza Mayor where we take the time to taste chocolate churros while admiring its typically Castilian architecture.
For the lunch break, we browse the emblematic Mercado de San Miguel, a market with succulent tapas.
MADRID FREE TOUR
Immersion in the Madrid of yesteryear
The sublime Almudena Cathedral is a must-visit during your stay in Madrid.
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Palacio and the royal quarters
Madrid's history can be discovered by walking through the quiet districts of Argüelles and Palacio, which are full of treasures.
The walk begins with the Plaza de Oriente, which covers the Royal Palace, former home of the Spanish monarchy, and the Almudena Cathedral, built in the 20th century.
We offer ourselves a place for the biggest opera shows in the country at the Teatro Real.
Then, we go to the Plaza de España, where the Tower of Madrid and the statue of the novelist Miguel de Cervantes stand.
To enjoy a superb view and discover the temple of Amun, we continue the walk to the West Park.
GUIDED TOUR OF THE ROYAL PALACE
The literary district of Madrid
Admittedly small, the
Barrio de las Letras
is a compendium of charm;
it retraces the history of Spain's most famous writers.
We discover the residences of great names in literature such as Lope de Vega, Quevedo y Villegas and Cervantes, as well as the Teatro Corral de Comedias, one of the oldest theaters in Europe.
While strolling in the alleys, one notices quotes in gold engraved on the pavement and one stops in a local bistro to taste the delicious patatas bravas.
La Latina, the authentic neighborhood
La Latina is the oldest neighborhood in the city.
Here, we immerse ourselves in the authenticity of Madrid, we get lost in the streets of medieval origin like the Cava Baja and its multitude of bars and restaurants.
We hunt in the second-hand shops and we take advantage of the warm atmosphere that reigns in the taverns.
On Sundays, it is all the more fun to browse it at Mercado El Rastro, the most important flea market in the city.
DISCOVER MADRID BY BIKE
Refined Madrid, between museums and gardens
In the heart of Madrid, Retiro Park has a pond, botanical gardens, rose garden, fountains and cafes.
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El Retiro, the green district
Unmissable during a stay in Madrid, the Retiro Park is its green lung.
We walk there to enjoy its gardens, its pond, its fountains, its statues and its majestic Crystal Palace, all in glass.
This is also where the Royal Botanical Garden is located.
Leaving the park to the south, we stop at the Atocha train station, which has an astonishing greenhouse in its heart.
SEGWAY RIDE
Paseo del Arte, the golden triangle
A few steps from the Retiro and the superb Plaza de Cibeles, where one marvels at the central post office established in an old palace, is the Paseo del Prado boulevard.
It includes the Paseo del Arte which concentrates the most beautiful museums of the capital.
We naturally start with the Prado Museum (closed on Tuesdays) with one of the finest collections of paintings in the world.
Then, we continue with the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, devoted to arts from the 13th to the 20th century.
Finally, contemporary history can be seen at the Reina Sofía Museum (closed on Tuesdays), with works by Dalí, Miró and Picasso, including the famous Guernica.
VISIT THE PRADO MUSEUM
Salamanca, the chic neighborhood
In the streets of classical architecture in the Salamanca and Chamberí districts, there is a concentration of prestigious boutiques and some of the most popular gourmet restaurants in the capital.
Nicknamed
milla de oro
, or golden mile, Calle Serrano is a must for shopaholics.
Trendy and alternative Madrid
Lavapiés is a popular district with an atmosphere worthy of an Almodóvar.
Alberto Giron
Malasaña and Chueca, the bohemian and festive neighborhoods
Popular with local youth, Malasaña and Chueca are two neighboring neighborhoods with a very festive and modern atmosphere.
During the day, we walk on Calle Fuencarral, we unearth nuggets in vintage shops or concept stores, and we admire the street-art on the walls.
In the evening, let yourself go in the energy of the Madrid night and explore the alternative bars of the Plaza del Dos de Mayo.
SEE A FLAMENCO SHOW
Lavapiés, the popular district
Walking through Lavapies, you get involved in the authentic daily life of the people of Madrid.
We walk through the steep streets of this working-class district with an atmosphere worthy of an Almodóvar, we admire the mural frescoes and we stop in one of the art galleries on Calle del Doctor Fourquet.
The most curious will discover the Ciné Doré cinematheque, as well as the Biblioteca Escuelas Pias, with stone walls similar to a church.
Without forgetting the Corrala de Sombrerete, a charming and typical pink building immortalized many times.
Finally, we end in style at the San Fernando Market to taste a traditional tortilla to accompany a craft beer.
STREET ART TOUR