Attractions

Madrid is a worldly city where culture, history and architecture come together in graceful harmony. Its public squares, art museums, historic palaces, ancient monuments and more modern areas make for an overwhelming atmosphere that stirs the city and all who travel through it. Madrid is also a city of distinct neighbourhoods (barrios) dotted with parks, where economic growth is balanced with intelligent urban planning.

An important artery in central Madrid, Paseo del Prado features some of the city's most interesting buildings and parks, like the Real Jardín Botánico, with its 30,000 plant species, and the Parque del Buen Retiro, a huge green space replete with ancient monuments, small art galleries and a winter garden that stands under a "crystal palace". Art aficionados will delight in the sprawling Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, one of Europe's most important art museums. No less fascinating is the Museo del Prado, also located on Paseo del Prado. Set up in the old Palacio de Villanueva, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, this magnificent museum opened in 1819 and its superb collections feature some 7,000 works of art. South of Paseo del Prado stands the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, a modern art museum that was built on the remains of an 18th century hospital. It boasts some superb 20th century Spanish works, including Picasso's famous Guernica and works by Dalí, Miró, Buñuel and García Lorca.

Paseo del Prado stretches further north where it becomes Paseo de los Recoletos, which is home to the Biblioteca Nacional, one of Madrid's more remarkable 19th century edifices. A must-see for book lovers, the library features the innovative Museo del Libro, which presents important historical texts and illuminated manuscripts. The Museo Arqueológico Nacional can be found behind the library. Its vast archaeological collection covers everything from prehistoric Europe and the ancient civilizations of the Balearic and Canary islands to Mudejar artworks.

Extending northeast of Paseo de los Recoletos, the well-to-do neighbourhood of Salamanca flaunts its luxurious dwellings and refined shops. The Museo de la Escultura Abstracta, Salamanca's open-air museum, features some 20 sculptures by such great Spanish artists as Joan Miró. A visit to Madrid would not be complete without a stop at the Plaza de Toros, the world's pre-eminent bullring, which can seat 25,000 spectators; it houses the Museo Taurino, where toreador costumes and vintage photos are displayed.

Southwest of Salamanca is the Chueca neighbourhood, where stands the sumptuous building that houses the Sociedad General de Autores y Editores, directly inspired by the works of great Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí.

The city's first tourist office was built at the turn of the last century a few streets further west. In 1924, the building became the Museo Romántico, a small museum that features decorative objects and 19th century works of art. West of the Museo Romántico is the Museo Municipal and its magnificent baroque entrance that dates from 1721. The museum traces Madrid's history up to present times through period paintings, a scale model of the city as it appeared in 1830 and more recent works.

The daily pulse of Madrid can be taken in the refreshing Plaza Major, which spreads out in the centre of Madrid and is surrounded by coffee shop terraces. Northeast of the Plaza Mayor is the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, where Dalí and Picasso studied as youngsters. It includes works that span many different periods. The Plaza de la Villa is located west of Plaza Mayor. The seat of the city's first municipal government, the square is surrounded by several elegant buildings, including the superb 17th century town hall. Still further west is the sumptuous Palacio Real, a mammoth Italianate baroque structure which includes ballrooms, works of art and some 2,800 rooms. The palace's exterior features gardens and a drill-ground.

Going Out

A good time to visit Madrid is during one of the many lively festivals that are held within the city proper or in its surroundings. The capital comes to life almost every weekend, be it during the February carnival or during the various neighbourhood celebrations that are held in August. Culture lovers will delight in the diversity of entertainment options that can be enjoyed in Madrid's concert halls and theatres: flamenco, dance, ballet, theatre, classical music and opera shows all attract crowds, not to mention the many movies and international rock or jazz artists that can be seen in Madrid.

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