Add plans to your travel guide Community of Madrid
Click on "add plan" to expand your leisure options in your travel guide.
Tourist guide: what to do and see in Community of Madrid
Madrid and Its Surrounding Region: Much More Than the Capital
The 6 million inhabitants of the Autonomous Cummunity of Madrid may live mostly in the big, bustling capital city, but the community's other cities and towns offer extraordinary history, architecture, culture, and dining, as well - along with breathtaking nature and adventure options in the countryside.
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
Reina Sofía Museum
The great names of 20th-century art are well represented, with Picasso's Guernica being the jewel in the crown. Oh, and it's haunted.
Spain's most visited museum, a contemporary-art extravaganza.
Named after Spain's current Queen Mother, Queen Sofía, one of Europe's most prominent modern art museums opened its doors in 1990 and is the country's most visited museum in Spain (and the 12th most visited in the world). The permanent collection is comprised of some 20,000 works dating from the end of the 19th century to the present day, with pride of place given to modern masters such as Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Francis Bacon and Pablo Picasso. The crown jewel in the Reina Sofía collection is the huge and searing painting Guernica by Picasso, its subject a terrible aerial bombardment during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s. The museum actually has several sites; the main one, the former Hospital General de Madrid at Calle Santa Isabel 52, is also famous, by the way, for its supposed ghosts, poltergeists and other paranormal activity. The three others are the Nouvel building on Ronda de Atocha and two in Retiro Park (Palacio de Cristal and Palacio Velázquez). There are excellent temporary exhibitions here all the time, as well. Note that unlike most other museums, they are closed on Tuesdays instead of Mondays.
Thyssen-Bornemizsa Museum
An extraordinarily wide-ranging collection from the Middle Ages through to the 20th century. Booking is highly recommended!
We have a flight attendant to thank.
Founded in 1992 in the Villahermosa Palace at Paseo del Prado 8 in central Madrid, Spain's fifth most visited museum provides a perfect complement to the two other great national art museums, the Prado and the Reina Sofía. It rotates an exceptional collection of more than a thousand works from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. These were donated by a now deceased Swiss-Dutch billionaire baron and his Spanish flight attendant wife who is still involved (hence its location in Madrid). The household names on display are too numerous to list, but just to mention a few: Cézanne, Rubens, Liechtenstein, Van Gogh, Picasso, Hopper, Rembrandt, and Dürer. It's very popular so buying tickets in advance via www.MuseoThyssen.org is an excellent idea.
San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts
The Spanish master Goya is best represented, but so are many others, from Rubens to Picasso.
If you love Europe's old masters, you won't want to miss this collection.
Of Spain's eight royal academies, this is the oldest, founded in 1752 with the goal of promoting art and its preservation and study. Its main branch is located in a neoclassical-style downtown Madrid building at Calle Alcalá 13. The museum here boasts an important permanent collection spanning four centuries, concentrating on not just Spanish but also Italian and Flemish artists. Top billing goes to Francisco de Goya, with 13 paintings, but other major names include the likes of Zurbarán, Picasso, Rubens, and Bellini.
Picasso-Eugenio Arias Museum (Buitrago de Lozoya)
An unlikely friendship gave rise to a museum devoted to the works of one of the 20th century's foremost artists, here in a small, pretty Castilian town.
The amazing legacy of Pablo Picasso's barber.
Funny story. A native of the town of Buitrago de Lozoya, Eugenio Arias, also just so happened to be the barber, friend, and confidant of Pablo Picasso, with him in France from 1948 to 1975 - as well as the recipient of some 75 paintings, posters, ceramic works, and more. In 1982 Arias decided to donate these works to the Community of Madrid, whereupon this museum was built in his hometown to house them.
Cervantino Museum - Cervantes Birthplace (Alcalá de Henares)
You will travel to the Spanish golden age thanks to the brilliant recreation of what was the house of Cervantes.
Cervantes in its purest form.
Have you ever dreamed of entering the painting of Las Meninas by Velázquez or some other painter from the Spanish Golden Age? Well, when you step on the Cervantes museum you have that feeling, since it recreates in meticulous detail the house where Miguel de Cervantes was born and spent his first years of life. It belonged to a family that did not have economic problems, precisely, as we can verify by visiting each of the dependencies. Such is the perfection of the recreation that when looking at the sheets on the bed they appear to be still warm. In this way, the objective of the museum is achieved: to show its visitors the uses and customs of that golden age. The museum was inaugurated in 1956 and is located on Calle Mayor in Alcalá de Henares, in the heart of the historic center of a city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The museum houses different editions of Don Quixote, in several languages. One of 1605 from Lisbon stands out. In addition, a multitude of activities are organized for all audiences.
Dos de Mayo Art Centre in Móstoles (CA2M)
This centre, recently constructed to raise the profile of the town of Móstoles, has already become an important stop on the modern-art circuit.
One of Spain's foremost venues for contemporary art.
The second largest city in the Madrid region is home to this contemporary art collection inaugurated in 2008. Comprising more than 1,500 works displayed in an ongoing series of carefully curated temporary exhibitions (in addition to other temporary shows devoted to single or multiple artists), the museum was actually not universally welcomed by some artists at first because of its location. The idea in creating it was to reinforce the relevance of outlying, lesser known cities such as Móstoles, but the artists wanted a space in the capital itself. Visit the museum's website www.ca2m.org for exhibitions, visiting hours and admission fees.
Nuevo Baztán Historic-Artistic Complex
Just 45 kilometres (28 miles) from Madrid, a small but magnificent Baroque settlement.
An 18th-century gem of a town.
Surprising though it might seem, the town of Nuevo Baztán, 45 kilometres (28 miles) outside the city of Madrid, is essentially a little chunk of Spain's northern region of Navarre. Its history is linked to 18th-century entrepreneur Juan de Goyeneche, who in 1709 charged architect José Benito Churriguera with building a settlement to house his glass factory and the workers in it. He named it New Baztán after the Navarra valley he originally came from. Nowadays, the town has 6,000 inhabitants, which rises considerably in the summer tourist season . Its atmospheric Baroque old quarter was declared a Historic Artistic Monument in 1941, its main components being a palace, a church, and two plazas.
Plaza and Castle of the Counts of Chinchón
Exploring Chinchón and its Plaza Mayor makes a lovely excursion especially on a sunny autumn/winter day.
One of Spain's most beautiful city plazas.
Located between the River Tajuña and the River Tagus, 45 kilometres (28 miles) outside the city of Madrid, Chinchón is especially perfect for a visit on a sunny winter day. Its old town square, the Plaza Mayor, is considered one of Spain's prettiest. It is nearly round in shape and is ringed by wooden buildings and arcades. It dates back to 1499 and over the centuries has seen a lot of use as a venue for celebrations, meetings, open-air markets, and theatrical performances, among other things (at one point, it was even used as a jail). Nearby, the 15th-century Castle of the Counts, still today owned by the Counts of Chinchón, is fairly well preserved despite suffering damage in fires, wars, and other vicissitudes of history (it was even, at one point in the 20th century, used as a liquor factory). Unfortunately, the interior is not open to the public, but the castle does provide a vantage point for some amazing views out over the surrounding valley (and even as far as some of the skyscrapers of Madrid in the distance).
Monastery of Santa María de El Paular
The main attraction here is the church, with its altarpiece, grille and dozens of paintings.
Another of the great, historic monasteries of Spain.
In the high valley of Lozoya, in the town of Rascafría, this monastic complex was occupied by Carthusian monks for over 400 years, then later by Benedictines. Its most notable feature is the church, for two main reasons: the altarpiece and the grille which separated the monks from the other worshippers. Also of note are the 54 17th-century Baroque paintings occupying nooks in the courtyard. For years these paintings were scattered across Spain, but since July 2011 they have been reunited here except for two which were burned during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s. The palace was a luxury hotel for over 70 years (known as a favourite of renowned film director Luis Buñuel for relaxing between filming), but it was closed in 2014.
Alcalá de Henares University
As well as being a lively working university, it has many impressive, historic spaces for visitors to explore.
A plateresque masterpiece dating back to 1499.
The most important university of Spain's "Golden Age" (and during that time one of the most important in the world), the Colegio Mayor de San Ildelfonso was founded in 1499 thanks to Grand Inquisitor Cardinal Cisneros. Plateresque in style, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 but by the 19th century, like many sites owned by the Catholic Church, it had fallen into decay and abandonment, and the university was rescued by a private preservation society and revived as the University of Alcalá. Parts not to miss are the Philosophers' Courtyard and the Courtyard of St Thomas of Villanueva; in the Colegio Menor de San Jerónimo (also known as the "Trilingual") you'll find another lovely courtyard. The most renowned feature of all, though, is no doubt the auditorium - also the venue where on 23 of April every year Spain's most prestigious literary prize, the Cervantes de Literatura, is awarded.
Manzanares El Real Castle
Another worthwhile excursion from Madrid rewards the visitor with an imposing Gothic castle/fortress - and if you brave the narrow steps to the top, spectacular views.
A charming town with an impressive 15th-century castle.
To the north-east of the Community of Madrid, 50 kilometres (31 miles) outside the capital is the town of Manzanares El Real. Its main claim to fame is the 15th-century castle-fortress once belonging to the Mendoza family and declared a Historic Artistic Monument in 1931. The building, in Isabelline Gothic style, has six floors as well as a basement and patio with huge windows between semicircular arches. It's like travelling back to the Middle Ages as you visit the Santillana Hall, the vestibule, the bedchamber, the oratory, and a very pretty gallery. From the upper floors you can enjoy some stupendous views out over the Santillana Reservoir (if you make it up the narrow stairways). The castle has been restored on various occasions, most recently in 2005, which has allowed it to host a number of events such as concerts, expositions, and conventions.
Walled Enclosure of Buitrago
Just 74 kilometres (46 miles) outside the capital, a remarkable time capsule dating back to the 9th century.
A unique fortress dating back to Islamic Al-Andalus.
At the foot of the mountains surrounding Madrid, 74 kilometres (46 miles) out, you can visit an old walled town which is the most complete and best preserved in the capital region. Buitrago de Lozoya was built by Muslims between the 4th and 11th centuries with the aim of halting the advance of Christian forces; the wall was then later modified after the Reconquest by the Crown of Castile. With a characteristic triangular shape and a perimeter of 800 metres (half a mile), one side runs along the Lozoya River, which acts as as natural moat. There are two distinct sections, the upper allure (wall-walk) and the lower allure, and other distinctive elements include the clock tower and other towers, the main gate, the ramparts, the coracha (a double wall to protect the water supply), and the castle in the corner (built much later than the wall, in the 15th century, and also worth a visit). It was declared a National Monument in 1931.
Royal Palace of Aranjuez, its orchard and gardens
Not only is it worth visiting the interior, walking and enjoying its gardens is a unique and beautiful experience.
Incredible landscape.
During the Spanish golden age, the kings chose Aranjuez as the place par excellence to enjoy nature. Between the Tagus and Jarama rivers, Felipe II ordered the construction of the royal site. The work was undergoing modifications for two centuries until it was completed in 1775, when Carlos III reigned. Its interior houses surprising spaces such as the music antechamber, the billiard room, Elizabeth II's bedroom, the throne room and the impressive main staircase. The palace is surrounded by four gardens: the Parterre garden, the Island garden, the Prince's garden and the Elizabeth II garden. Each of the fountains and sculptures in these gardens evoke a different story. You can visit a minor palace known as La Real Casa del Labrador. In 2001 UNESCO declared it "Cultural Landscape Heritage of Humanity".
San Lorenzo de El Escorial
The main attraction is a truly immense monastery unlike any you've ever seen.
An absolute stunner.
To the north-west of the Community of Madrid, 47 kilometres (29 miles) from the capital city, El Escorial is the perfect place to seek relaxation, peace, and quiet. The centrepiece here is, of course, the colossal monastery built by order of Phillip II to commemorate Spain's victory over the French in the Battle of Saint-Quentin in 1557, which occurred on the feast day of St Lawrence (San Lorenzo in Spanish). The sheer grandeur of the place, both inside and out, as well as its striking natural setting and other factors led to its inclusion in UNESCO's World Heritage list in 1984. The construction was carried out by Juan Bautista de Toledo, then finished by his disciple Juan de Herrera in 1584. In addition to taking in the monastery, a walk along the two-kilometre (1¼-mile) Luis Ceballos Arboretum trail is also highly recommended to experience some of the nature in these mountains (other great trails include the Senda de la Herrería and the Senda La Silla de Felipe II. Crossing the local peaks is another highlight - especially on the Feast of St. Lawrence (10 August), when more than a thousand participants make the Abantos summit amid a festive atmosphere.
Pop-Up Street Markets
Madrid's flair for a variety of super cool temporary street markets - and not all of them around Christmastime.
Pop! Goes the Market.
Pop-up street markets and fairs - setting up temporary shop with exclusive and limited-edition merchandise - have become popular in Madrid in recent years; they arrive, set up, sell, and break down, and are used by some brands to test products in certain markets before expanding distribution. These pop-ups also include not just shops, but food and performances, and some can provide enough entertainment to last the whole livelong day. In Madrid these are especially popular around the holidays, sure-fire options for finding an original gift or two. Madrid's most notable pop-ups include the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market, Mercado de Motores, Mercado de las Ranas, Adelita Market, Nómada Market, Feria La Boca, Molly Market, Mercadillo de los Minerales, Rave Market, the Antique Toy Market and La Ermita Toy Market.
Ecological and Artisan Market of Hoyo del Manzanares
It is increasingly clear that "we are what we eat". If you agree, don't miss this Ecological Market.
Never better said.
"We are what we eat". This famous inspirational phrase from countless articles dedicated to our food reflects the intention this market had when it was first organized in 2005. It was such a success that it is now held once a month. Specifically, the 2nd Sunday. And always in the same place: in the town's main square. In this market, vegetables, fruits, vegetables, free-range eggs, honey, yogurt are sold... All of them 100% organic and from Hoyo del Manzanares, in the Sierra de Guadarrama. You will also find organic products from other regions with certificates that guarantee it. But there is not only food. Also wooden crafts, clay, natural soaps, handmade clothes, etc. Thus, thanks to the organization of this type of market, the traditional trades behind the production of each product have been preserved. Going here is also a way to get together with the locals, chat with the shopkeepers, find out how their products are made, learn and, ultimately, spend a pleasant morning.
Navacerrada Antiques Street Market
A monthly market in a charming town with some of the best antiques and collectibles in the Community of Madrid.
Well worth the jaunt! Visit this mountain town for an original shopping experience.
Up in the mountains north of the capital, the town of Navacerrada is known, among other things, for its antique market on the first Sunday of each month from 10AM to 3PM. The Rastro here is not unlike the famous antique market in Madrid, but does boast one big difference: the lovely natural surroundings. Here you can find some truly unique treasures if you know how and where to look. The antiques run the gamut from household objects and furnishings to old books, even farm tools and items from the Spanish Civil War. There are also collectibles from all over the world - India, Egypt, Vietnam, and more. It's located on Avenida de los Españoles, just beyond the local bullring. If you get there early you can leave your car in the secure car park. Finally, keep in mind that, as is customary in these kinds of markets, you should be halfway decent at bargaining and negotiating in order to nab your treasures at the best possible prices.
Las Rozas Village
Easily accessible by train just half an hour north of Madrid, chic Spanish and international brands at irresistible prices.
Upmarket outlet stores in elegant surroundings.
If you think "chic outlets" are an oxymoron, well, welcome to Las Rozas Village, a shopping centre half an hour outside the city with more than 100 outlet shops from famous Spanish and international brands and designers. Furthermore, this is no standard covered megamall, but rather a gracious outdoor village that feels almost like a film set, with neoclassical architecture and tree-lined cobblestone lanes leading past charming boutiques, along with cafés, restaurants and play areas for the little ones. You can get here by bus, commuter train (every 15 minutes from Atocha Station) and of course by car (via the A-6 motorway, direction A Coruña; leave at exit 19 and follow signs; if you're driving here heading in the direction of Madrid, look for exit 24).
Crafts and Antiques in Madrid's Outdoor Markets
Madrid's world-famous Rastro is just one of its stupendous street markets. And don't forget the hippies!
Hitting the streets to unearth some major treasures.
Madrid just wouldn't be Madrid without its street markets. Some are world famous, such as the Rastro, which brings together a cast of thousands - both local and visiting - every Sunday as well as holidays, as a multitude of stalls line the streets around Ribera de Curtidor from 9AM to 3PM. They hawk just about anything you can think of, from household goods to jewellery, crafts, artwork, and of course antiques. Best Metro stops are Latina, Puerta de Toledo and Tirso de Molina. On Saturdays, head to Plaza Dos de Mayo for a street market that specialises in second-hand treasures (including vinyl records) with some crafts mixed in. But perhaps the street market of choice is the Mercadillo de Goya, a so-called "hippie market" (word: "los hippies de Goya", they're dubbed) right in the middle of the ritzy Salamanca neighbourhood. Goya's been here for more than 30 years, open daily except Sundays till 9:30PM, and while it's not huge (just 20 stalls), it offers good quality at good prices for clothing, crafts, jewellery and accessories.
Madrid's Triball District
A triangle of cool in central Madrid, where up-and-coming designers meet performance art meet United Nations dining.
Madrid's "it" neighbourhood for funkier fashions and more.
Dubbed the Soho of Madrid, this section of the Maravillas district near the Gran Vía has for several years now been the capital's "it" destination for cool, original shopping. Triangular in shape (hence the name Triball, from Triángulo de Ballesta, one of its streets), it includes other streets such as Valverde, Desengaño, Corredera Baja de San Pablo and Barco, as well as Madre Soledad Torres Acosta Square. Scattered amid old-time shops, eateries, and landmarks like the Lara Theatre and the churches of San Martín and San Ildefonso, you'll find boutiques featuring funky fashions and talented up-and-coming designers. Triball is more than fashion, too; here you'll find no shortage of gyms and hairdressers as well as cultural spots and eateries (Mediterranean, Mexican, Ecuadorian, Argentine, Lebanese, etc.). There are even places where you can, say, buy a pair of jeans, sip a pint and take in a short theatre performance.
Madrid's 'Golden Mile'
World-class retail therapy in Salamanca, Madrid's upmarket district. What are we waiting for?
Give your gold card a workout (or just window-shop).
The district of Salamanca in central Madrid is famous for being one of the capital's (and the entire country's) most chic, and the concentration of upmarket shopping here has been dubbed the 'Milla de Oro' (Golden Mile), including streets such as Ortega y Gasset, Claudio Coello, Serrano, and Velázquez, along with Lagasca, Ramón de la Cruz, and Juan Bravo. This is where you'll find all the most prestigious national and international designers and brands, and where shiny gold and platinum credit cards are the order of the day. Not just fashion, but bling, as well - you will be astonished by some of the rocks in these jewellery-shop windows. In addition to individual shops, there are also a couple of luxury shopping centres, ABC Serrano and Jardín de Serrano. There are also, of course, plenty of restaurants for a snack or a drink along the way. Even if retail therapy here is a bit overly posh for your purse, the Golden Mile is still quite an experience from the sightseeing point of view. Metro stops: Colón, Velázquez, Serrano, Goya, Príncipe de Vergara, and Núñez de Balboa.
Skiing in Madrid
A quartet of mountain meccas for snow sports - plus one venue where you can ski/snowboard even in August!
The mountains of Spain offer great skiing, and those around Madrid are no exception.
Spain boasts some very good skiing, and even here in the mountains near Madrid there's some pretty decent action, both downhill and cross-country. There are four ski stations near the capital which belong to the central mountain system, two of them in the Community of Madrid itself: Puerto de Navacerrada and Valdesquí. A little farther afield, you'll find Segovia's La Pinilla and the Sierra de Béjar-La Covatilla in Salamanca. The largest of these is Valdesquí, with 22.4 kilometres (nearly 14 miles) of pistes, while the most compact is Navacerrada (11.5 km/just over 7 miles). Not visiting in wintertime? No worries - Snowzone Madrid boasts one of Europe's biggest indoor ski slopes. It is located at a shopping centre called Xanadú in the town of Arroyomolinos (exit 22 off the A-5 motorway), it has two slopes, one 250 metres (820 feet) long and the other a 100-metre (328-foot) beginner's slope. It's especially cool for children but also fun for any skier who feels like hitting the slopes even in warm weather.
Birdwatching in the Sierra Oeste Mountains
Eagles, falcons, vultures, and bustards are among the dozens of species which make the Community of Madrid a bona-fide birder's bonanza.
Watch the birdie!
Birders ahoy! The Community of Madrid abounds in avian riches, with areas of particular interest including the Sierra Norte, the Guadarrama Mountains, the Cuenta Alta del Manzanares, the Cuenca del Guadalix, the Curso Medio del Guadarrama, Campiñas de Jarama y Henares, the Sierra Oeste, Alcarria Madrileña y Sureste, and even a number of parks and other areas within Madrid city limits. As every good birdwatcher knows, vital equipment includes a good pair of binoculars, a decent camera, comfy shoes, and for the sun, a hat and high-SPF lotion. You also want to take some water, snacks and a bag or container for your rubbish. Plan your route in advance, taking into account the time it will take to complete, and print out a map of the area you're visiting. The site MadridBirdwatching.es/en is an extremely useful resource for planning, learning about regulations, and finding well-annotated birding maps to print; there's even a section for children, including games and a downloadable field notebook.
Paintball & Barbecue in Valdemorillo
Let off some steam amid pine woods a short hop from Madrid in war games where you try to dye, not die!
Blam! Splat! Ya got me!
For a change of pace (and to let off steam), the town of Valdemorillo, 22 kilometres (14 miles) outside the city of Madrid on Route M-600, is home to the Valdeaventura's 13,000-square-metre (3-acre) paintball park. You can come and let loose with up to 100 other paintballers in a truly exhilarating rumble in the jungle. Then afterwards, wind down with a very tasty outdoor barbecue. The outing begins at 11AM and runs till 8PM and if you have an interested group, night-time parties are also an option (they're especially popular for stag parties). Facilities include showers to wash off all that paint and a covered area in case of rain.
Rascafría
Another favoured rural escape for Madrileños, the El Paular Valley and its capital Rascafría.
Two charming towns, mushrooms, a glacier, a monastery, and more.
Rascafría is a favourite with Madrid city slickers in search of fresh air and nature. It is the capital of the lovely El Paular Valley in the Guadarrama Mountains north of the capital (94 kilometres/58 miles via Routes A1 and M-604); the other main town up here is Oteruelo del Valle. You'll be treated to an attractive mix of hiking trails through the verdant valley and fascinating cultural landmarks such as the El Paular Monastery (est. 1390). This region includes the well-known Peñalara Natural Park whose highlight is Peñalara Peak, nearly 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) high and featuring a glacier. There are also various mountain trails throughout the area. If you come in the autumn, one popular local pastime that might interest you is mushroom picking; it's fun, and the only cost is to hire a local expert to come with and steer you away from the poisonous ones.
El Atazar Reservoir
Six charming villages and a lake in a "Museum Territory" increasingly popular for agritourism.
Playing around on the largest reservoir in the Community of Madrid.
In the mountains north of Madrid, the region's largest reservoir is found in the Bajo de Lozoya valley. Created in 1972, the El Atazar holds 46 percent of the Community of Madrid's reservoir water and makes a great recreational weekend escape as well. Six municipalities surround it (El Atazar, El Berrueco, Cervera de Buitrago, Patones, Puentes Viejas, and Robledillo de la Jara) which make up the so-called Commonwealth of El Atazar, where rural and agritourism have become quite the thing. Each of these towns also has a museum, thanks to a "Museum Territory" initiative designed to boost local tourism. One of the best ways to get to know the area is via the Senda del Genaro, a 70-kilometre (43-mile) trail skirting the reservoir and linking all six towns. You can find great additional information and planning resources in English at www.EmbalsedelAtazar.es/tourism.
La Pedriza del Manzanares - Biosphere Reserve
The fusion of hiking and landscape works. If we add to that the stamp, the plan is unbeatable.
Protected spaces.
It is located in the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Regional Park, recognized as a biosphere reserve in 1992. The park occupies more than 40,000 hectares and covers up to 18 municipalities. It is located northwest of the community of Madrid and borders the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. It is the oldest protected space in the Community of Madrid. Given its extension, there are several ways to get there: by the A6, by the M-608, the M-618 and the M-607. The most visited area is La Pedriza, declared a Natural Site of National Interest in 1930 and, although you can access it with your car without problems, it is better to go early, because traffic is regulated in the La Camorza area. When 375 vehicles enter, they close it. If this happens to you, don't worry, you can access it on a bus that they have enabled for it and thus you can enjoy the landscape carefree. The place is especially suitable for hiking. The best-known route is perhaps the Senda de Las Formas, which has two variants, depending on the difficulty. The easy one is only a kilometer and a half and lasts approximately 30 minutes, ideal if you go with small children.
Canoeing Lozoya Reservoir
Beat the heat paddling around this reservoir an hour from Madrid.
Grab a paddle…
Lozoya's Pinilla Reservoir, just an hour outside Madrid, is perfect for canoeing, whether you’re an old hand or are just learning (and there's definitely a bit of a learning curve, especially when it comes to maintaining balance, though wider canoes carrying up to 3 people are also available). Out here you can rent a canoe and have it on your own, or if you're a newbie you have the option, for a few extra euros, of having someone to accompany you. Since 2009 when the Lozoya Town Hall made 30 canoeing and 15 sailing licences available, the only company that rents and teaches so far is Meridiano Raid, which also offers additional adventure options in the area that can make for an entire day of outdoor fun. The boating season here runs from March to October, but the best time to go is summer. One caveat: in order to go canoeing here you must know how to swim.
Horseback Riding
Horseback rides are available all over the Community of Madrid, but a top spot is the Guadarrama Mountains National Park.
Equestrian adventuring for all abilities.
In the Guadarrama National Park, in the mountains north of Madrid, there are quite a few tour operators offering excursions on horseback (there are also nearly 50 other horse trails recognised by the Community of Madrid in other areas of the region). A ride in a gorgeous place like this will totally enthrall you and make you want to do it again - and by the way, it doesn't matter if you're an old horsey hand or a total newbie. There are hour-long rides (around 10 euros) or you can spend two or four hours out on the trails - even an entire day or weekend (the last of which includes accommodation in a country hotel). Children older than 8 are also welcome to ride (and for the younger ones, there are pony rides which are usually a half hour long). In summertime, there's also the option of moonlit night-time rides - you'll feel like you're in a movie!
Paragliding & Ultralights
Not for the faint of heart, but definitely for the soaring of spirit - the Community of Madrid has some of the best spots in Spain for paragliding and ultralights.
Flying in its purest form.
If you could choose between the superpowers of being invisible or being able to fly, which would it be? If flight's your fancy, then this lofty adventure is for you. There are many places in Spain where you can arrange flights in ultralight aircraft or paragliders, but the Community of Madrid, thanks to local weather and conditions, is one of the most ideal. Ultralight aircraft are small aircraft up to 450 kilos (just under 1,000 pounds) which can reach speeds of 300 kilometres an hour (186 mph) and arranging a 15-minute "baptism of flight" will cost you about 70 euros (100 euros for 30 minutes) - a mere pittance for a unique, possibly even life-changing experience. Another option is a paraglider, which in many ways is experiencing flying at its purest - you'll hear only the sound of the winds rushing by and feel, literally, free as a bird. Hiring one of these costs 110 euros for a flight lasting around 15 minutes (depending on weather conditions). What do you think - are you up to it and up for it?
Port of Somosierra
If you arrive at Somosierra, it would be a sin to leave without knowing its giant natural waterfall. You have been warned.
For the hot flashes of summer.
perfect plan for a summer day is to go to the port of Somosierra. Specifically to see La Chorrera de los Litueros. It is the largest natural waterfall in the community and very easily accessible. It is reached through a route of just a kilometer and a half. The estimated time is half an hour walking and with a very low level of difficulty. There are other mountain routes, with a little more difficulty, such as the climb to Peña Cebollera or Tres Provincias. Let us not forget that the port of Somosierra, located at an altitude of 1,444 metres, is the natural division between the two Castillas, the separation between Castilla y León and Madrid. It is currently crossed by the famous A1 tunnel, although it does not pass through its highest point. The town of Somosierra has just 77 inhabitants and is surrounded by abundant pine trees. It has a hermitage dedicated to the Virgin of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad that is worth visiting.
Tajuña Greenway
A charming mixture of culture, exercise and fresh air.
Excellent nature hikes outside Madrid.
How about a hike in nature right near Madrid (as in, easily reachable via Metro line 9)? The Tajuña Greenway is a track 49 kilometres (30 miles) long which links the towns of Arganda del Rey and Morata de Tajuña along an old railway line. From Arganda there are two points of entry - the 3-kilometre (2-mile) stretch from the old La Poveda Sugar Mill level crossing or from Avenida del Ejército, one of Arganda's main streets. The way is marked in red, so it's hard to get lost and it's great for biking, skating - and even for people with more limited mobility. Along the way you'll find a great mix of nature and culture, as well, with heritage landmarks such as the the two towns' historic churches, the Arganda Railway Museum and the ruins of Perales Castle. Metro stops: La Poveda and Arganda del Rey.
Kid-friendly Restaurants
To make eating out enjoyable for both parents and children, eateries like Restaulandia are just the ticket.
Places where dining en famille doesn't have to be a trial.
Going out to eat with your children can at times turn into a huge hassle - and yet you still want to take them at least every once in a while so they learn how to appreciate all types of food as well as how to behave in public. Fed up with this dilemma, one Madrid couple decided to launch Restaulandia, a weekends-only space in the north of the city (Calle Manuel Tovar 25) which blends an eatery (good Spanish food, good children's menus) with cool ctivities, shows and a mini-disco. Open on Saturdays for lunch and dinner, on Sundays for lunch only. Another good Sunday option is the Hotel Silken Puerta de América which offers a buffet for the entire family as well as family entertainment, a bounce house and face painters. Yet other child-friendly restaurants in Madrid include Kilómetros de Pizza, La Familiar, El Calsot, Restaurante Noah and La Burguesita.
Denomination of Origin Delicacies
Delicacies like Campo Real olives and Chinchón anisette - prepared in a manner so distinctive as to merit their own "Geographical Denomination".
Foodstuffs indelibly linked to where they're produced.
One of Spain's most famous comestibles (or in this case, potables) is Anisette of Chinchón, awarded geographical denomination in 1991. What many people do not know is that it comes in many types - sweet, dry, extra-dry, and "special dry", with different concentrations of alcohol. Other denomination-protected comestibles include the olives of Campo Real - a variety called manzanilla, comprising 75 percent of the table olives produced in the Community of Madrid; the differences arise in the seasoning used by each individual producer. Another is Sierra de Guadarrama meat, which comes in three types: veal, yearling calf, and steer. Finally, there's Madrid D.O. olive oil, bottled under a mark of quality and distinguished by its high content of oleic fatty acid, up to 79 percent. Also standing out by their high consumption (40 percent) are products bottled under the label “Certified Ecological Products”.
Wines of Madrid
Wine lovers, find time to visit a couple of the Madrid area wineries awarded special "Denomination of Origin" status.
The wine made around Madrid is so good, it merits its own appellation.
Spread among three main areas, there are 44 wineries which have been granted the Madrid Wines Denomination of Protected Origin. Of those, 21 open their doors to visitors, the majority of which give guided tours of their facilities and sometimes vineyards which explain the entire winemaking process and include tastings (a few go even further, with workshops and courses). Some are organic wineries whose family owners work the land hemselves and sometimes operate restaurants on the premises. The San Martín de Valdeiglesias area has 12 wineries, the Navalcarnero area five, and the rest in the southeastern area of Arganda. One of the most prominent in Arganda is the Bodega Real Cortijo de San Isidro, property of the Spanish crown for more than a century and designated a national historic-artistic landmark. It receives visitors every Sunday.
Brunch in Madrid
Brunch spots from affordable to seriously upmarket. Huevos benedict, anyone?
An imported custom that has caught on big-time in Madrid.
It may have originated in English-speaking countries, but brunch fits the lifestyle of many Spaniards perfectly. After all, who hasn't slept in on a Sunday morning after a night of partying, then got up and attacked whatever was in the refrigerator? Sweet, salty, hearty, light - whatever; I'm hungry and I don't care what time it is. That captures the spirit of brunch. There are various options in Madrid depending on your style and tastes. On the more chic side, the Hotel Palace has a brunch for 75 euros a head, while another good one that's far more economical is the one at Carmencita Bar in Malasaña (just 10 euros). Other options include Café Oliver, a Madrid brunch pioneer, and well known brunches at La Candelita and the Hotel Intecontinental.
The Tapas Trail
Spain's favourite nibbles are ubiquitous across Madrid. Here are some of the better bets - but wait, what's this about flies?
Madrid's top tapas districts.
Did you know that tapas originated as small plates placed on top of drinks to keep flies away? Some proprietors started adding slices of bread on the plates, and little by little that evolved into a tasty tradition now universal throughout Spain (and these days, increasingly common beyond its borders). In Madrid you can find tapas almost anywhere, and while no one spot can be said to be "the best", there are a few areas which loom larger for tapas-bar-hoppers. They include the Plaza Mayor and surrounding areas such as Calle de Cava Baja and Plaza de Cebada, packed with bars to enjoy good tapas and good wine (perhaps the most touristic area). Madrileños - especially middle-aged and with a taste for quality wine - flock to the Plaza de Santa Ana-Huerta. And in recent years the Retiro area has become a major tapas destination thanks to various young entrepreneurs who have opened quality establishments with appealing ambiance. Chamberí welcomes both locals and visitors, right in the middle of the so-called Neighbourhood of Letters. Buzzing downtown Chueca has evolved beyond merely restaurants and drinking spots to develop a good tapas-and-wine scene as well. You'll also find companies which offer ready-made tapas tours - a little on the pricy side usually, but a good option if you've got no local friends to steer you to the right places.
Historic Restaurants
The top tradiitonal eateries with history and pedigree - with Café Gijón front and centre.
A dozen of Madrid's top historic restaurants.
Madrid has no shortage of restaurants with plenty of history, but only 12 of them are members of the Association of Historic Restaurants and Taverns of Madrid. These are: Bodega de la Ardosa, Botín, Café Gijón, Casa Alberto, Casa Ciriaco, Casa Labra, Casa Pedro, La Casa del Abuelo, La Posada de la Villa, Lhardy, Taberna Antonio Sánchez and Taberna Malacatín. One thing they have in common is hard work and sacrifice from generation to generation, and their goal is to preserve the art of good eating and time-honoured dishes, as well as to recount the city's history through those dishes. Of the 12 mentioned above, perhaps one merits special mention: Café Gijón, founded in 1888 by Gumersindo García, nostalgic for his native Asturias, has become a Madrid icon, changing management over the years but never losing its essence. It became something of a salon for writers and artists throughout the 20th century and is considered Spain's most famous café, as well as an internationally prestigious one.
Markets of Madrid
A trio of updated traditional markets in central Madrid which are foodie heaven.
Gourmet grocery shopping and nifty noshing.
A fun and colourful option both for food shopping and eating, Madrid's best-known food markets may not usually be the cheapest options in town, but they are a delightful luxury - to browse the sights, colours, and textures of their stalls, and perhaps sip a vermouth in one of their bars. One of the oldest is the Mercado de la Paz at Calle Ayala 28 in the Salamanca neighbourhood (which sometimes also features live performances). In Plaza San Miguel near the Plaza Mayor, the Mercado de San Miguel is an artistic monument in itself, declared a national Landmark of Cultural Interest (open 10AM-midnight, weekends until 2am). Then over in the Chueca district on Calle Augusto Figueroa is the Mercado de San Antón, in operation since 1945, with its lights and its shadows (now, thanks to its 2002 inclusion in the Community of Madrid's modernisation and promotion, it's right up there with the other two; a highlight is the restaurant La Cocina de San Antón, where you choose the market products you want to eat, and they cook it up for you - pretty cool!).
Michelin-starred restaurants
In and around the city, those seeking gourmet experiences have a wealth of world-class options.
If Michelin is your bible, Madrid is your oyster.
At the time of writing, Spain has eight restaurants with three Michelin stars; the one in Madrid is DiverXO, helmed by "it" chef David Muñoz, who also happens to be one of the country's youngest, serving up a fantastic Mediterranean-Asian fusion. Two-star restaurants include Club Allard (three original menus depending on your mood; reservations necessary); La Terraza del Casino (creative cuisine coupled with impressive views); Ramón Freixa Madrid (new recipes to "make people happy"); Santceloni (chef Óscar Velasco's highly refined take on Spanish cuisine); the reknowned Sergi Arola's restaurant (menus rotating on a monthly basis with the chef's latest and greatest creations). One-stars are DSTAgE (chef Diego Guerrero); Kabuki and Kabuki Wellington (very upmarket Japanese); La Cabra (seasonal Spanish by chef Javier Aranda in the Chamberí neighbourhood); Punto MX (exquisite Mexican); and Álbora (right in the fashionable Salamanca district). Then, there are also several worthy one-stars outside the city: Casa José en Aranjuez; Coque in Humanes de Madrid; Montia in San Lorenzo de El Escorial; and Chirón en Valdemoro.
Platea
In this enormous one-time theatre, food stalls intermingle with Michelin-starred restaurants. A foodie must!
A fab new upmarket food hall in central Madrid.
Platea, opened in June 2014, is a grandiose food hall with 6,000 square metres (more than 65,000 square feet) of gastronomic abundance, more than 21 individual eateries and capacity for 1,100 people. Located on the Plaza de Colón (entrances on Calle Goya, Calle Hermosilla and Calle Marqués de Zurgena), this 60-million-euro gourmet-plaza has kept a fair bit of the structure of the cinema it used to be. At street level is El Patio, with stalls slinging a variety of cuisines as well as tables in the centre, organised around an open area which leads to the level below. This is set up the same way with Italian, Mexican, Peruvian and Japanese dining options. One that deserves special mention is Sinergias, created by a trio of chefs (Paco Roncero, Pepe Solla, and Marcos Morán) who between them boast six Michelin stars. The upper levels are the three stalls areas from which the food hall takes its name. One holds Ramón Freixa's two-Michelin-starred Arriba, the only restaurant with its own table service; another has El Palco, a cocktail bar known for its innovative “medias copas”; the third is occupied by El Club de Platea, with a multifunction space and a stage with a parade of varying musical acts. On the whole, quite a sight to see (not to mention taste!).
La Cúpula (Alcalá de Henares)
It may be that Alcalá's most distinctive restaurant used to be a Baroque house of worship - some find this fun, it makes others uncomfortable. What about you?
Bread and wine in a church, but not as you'd expect.
Ever dined in a church? Here in Alcalá de Henares there's one dating back to 1618, once part of a now vanished Baroque convent, which today serves "Castillian cuisine in unmatched surroundings", as the management of La Cúpula describes it. At Calle Santiago 18 next to the Complutense University and the Cervantes Theatre, it's not exactly cheap, but the top-quality meat and fish dishes served here are worth every euro. And besides, you can always opt for the set menus which start at €28 per person (two-person minimum). Some may find La Cúpula a bit irreverent, but many others cherish it as a marvelous spot particularly for a special celebration. Come and decide for yourself!
Casa de Campo Cable Car
Madrid's cable car delivers a thrilling bird's eye view over some of the city's landmarks.
Up, up, and away!
The laws of physics your child studies at secondary school may not catch his or her attention but the applied physics you will all find in the cable car over Madrid's huge Casa de Campo park should inspire a lot more excitement. More than just a means of transport, it's a cool ride up to 40 metres (131 feet) above ground from Paseo del Pintor Rosales (Metro Argüelles) over the Manzanares River to the Casa de Campo where there is a restaurant and children's play area. You can also make your way from here to Casa de Campo attractions such as the Madrid Amusement Park and the city zoo. The cable car runs during daylight hours daily except between October and December when it's open at weekends and holidays only. Pets in carriers, baby prams and even bicycles are allowed as well. A truly extraordinary adventure to experience Madrid from a bird's eye view.
Warner Park, Amusement Park, Zoo and Faunia
You sign up? Leisure for the whole family at the Warner, the amusement park or Faunia.
Time to have fun!
Parque Warner is a “movie theme park”. It is 29 km. from Madrid, at exit 22 of the A4. It has nothing to envy to other parks of its category in Europe. Designed for all audiences, you can spend a heart-stopping day with attractions such as "The Enigma's Revenge", the highest shuttle in Europe, or enjoy watching your children laugh for hours and hours. Of course there are shows and theme restaurants. There is a pass called "correcaminos" thanks to which you avoid queues. Be aware that children under 1 meter tall have very limited access to the attractions. On the other hand, the Madrid Amusement Park is also designed for all ages, until recently the typical place to go with school. But it is also ideal for young children, under 7 years of age who, at Nickelodeon Land, will find attractions featuring their favorite characters such as Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants and the Ninja Turtles. It is in the Casa de Campo and metro line 10 (Batán stop) leaves you just 50 meters from the entrance. Online tickets are very well priced. Finally, the Madrid Zoo and Faunia are two other tourist attractions to spend a day with the family. If you want your child to learn and enjoy nature, either of these two plans is perfect. In Faunia there are a series of interactions with animals. Have you ever dreamed of touching a dolphin?
Soccer tradition. Museum of Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid and other teams.
Spain loves soccer. Madrid is the mecca of great teams. Visiting their fields can be a good plan.
Penalty!
In any corner of Spain you always find someone playing soccer. Like it or not, soccer is the king of sports in this country. The city of Madrid is also known for this sport, especially outside our borders. The teams that are brand ambassadors are two: Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid. From the same city, yes, but that's the only thing they have in common. So, if you are passionate about football, regardless of the team you are, it is worth going to the Real Madrid stadium, the Santiago Bernabéu, on Paseo de la Castellana. With little time or money, all you have to do is admire it from the outside and entering the cafeteria you will be able to see part of the field through a viewpoint. There is also a tour. Tickets are sold at box office 10 and with them you have a free way to visit the changing rooms, the tunnel, the pitch, the benches, the press room, etc. On Paseo Virgen del Puerto, 67, in the Arganzuela district, stands the Atlético de Madrid stadium, the Vicente Calderón (Pirámides and Marqués de Vadillo metro). You can also visit inside. There is a space designed for children where birthdays can be celebrated. Other teams from the city that have been in the first division are Rayo Vallecano and Getafe.
Community of Madrid Theatre Network
This network of theatres throughout the Community of Madrid is responsible for a whopping 700 performances each year.
A cultural initiative yielding a wealth of theatrical performances every year.
The Community of Madrid is truly a theatre-lover's dream, with more than 700 musical, dramatic, and comedic performances annually. This is due in no small part to a regional government initiative of the past quarter century which covers more than 60 theatres in 62 municipalities, pooling resources between the larger, wealthier theatres and the smaller ones to ensure quality programming throughout the year. The Community of Madrid website includes a link to the network's programming, organised by type and location, as well as a section aimed at families, listing child-friendly works as well as music and dance performances.
Corral de Comedias Theatre, Alcalá de Henares
Dating back to the early 17th century, this outwardly unassuming Alcalá theatre has seen some amazing history.
On the boards at Spain's oldest working theatre.
It may not look like all that much from the outside but the interior of this restored and working theatre on Alcala's main plaza is very much worth a visit; it is both Spain's oldest theatre and one of the oldest in Europe. Designed by Francisco Sánchez and built in 1601-02, the Corral de Comedias has undergone various changes over the centuries: a roof was added in the 18th century, in the 19th century theatre boxes were installed and during the 20th century it was used as a cinema. It was then closed for more than 20 years until its restoration and rebirth as a theatre/museum. Some of its productions are even of interest to non-Spanish speakers and guided tours are open to all).
Don Juan Tenorio
A dramatic month-long theatrical tradition indeed, each and every November.
The Don Juan of literary history makes a move on Alcalá.
From October 31, All Hallow's Eve, through November, all the historic downtown's a stage in the city of Alcalá de Henares, with a long-running presentation of José Zorrilla's classic 1844 version of the Don Juan story. There are usually two performances, on October 31st and November 1st, both at 7PM in the Bishop's Orchard of the grandiose Archbishop's Palace. Officially declared a "Celebration of Regional Touristic Interest", the event has been staged since 1984 and nowadays attracts some 40,000 spectators. In addition, the Alcalá city government continues the cultural-theatrical vibe with "Nights of Don Juan", tours of the old quarter incorporating actors and passages from the play - a unique way of getting to know this fascinating little Castillian city and its landmarks, customs and cuisine.
Visits to wineries in Chinchón: Mesón Cuevas del Vino
Whether Welles or Alberti have eaten here says it all. Gastronomy of ten for this restaurant in Chinchón.
The favorite of celebrities.
If there is a mythical and tourist restaurant par excellence in the Community of Madrid, that is the Mesón Cuevas del Vino, located in the town of Chinchón, in a farmhouse that is over 300 years old. It opened its doors in 1964 and since then many diners have enjoyed traditional Castilian food. Some of those famous visitors, like Orson Welles, Rafael Alberti or Yul Brynner. It has also been the scene of several films from which funny anecdotes emerge. Museum-restaurant, we cannot forget what we are going to: to eat. It is a place for meat lovers and you cannot miss trying its hearty migas, its Iberian croquettes, its particular black pudding, the suckling lamb and, of course, the suckling pig. They have a tasting menu and a children's menu. Its value for money is acceptable. All kinds of events are also organized with flamenco performances included.
Casino Gran Madrid
A classy casino right in the heart of Madrid, with elegant décor and drinking spots.
Ladies and gentlemen, place your bets!
Spaniards do love casinos - but until fairly recently residents of Madrid had to travel half an hour north to the Gran Casino Madrid in the town of Torrelodones. That changed in 2013 when the company opened a four-storey, 4,100-square-metre (44,000-square-foot) branch in the capital's downtown (Paseo de Recoletos 37) with natural lighting (unique in Europe) and a varied, sophisticated mix of gambling options - table games, slots, the works. The décor is rather impressive, including elements such as lush interior gardens (one of them vertical) and a pair of giant Murano glass mosaics. There are also a trio of bars, serving terrific tapas and some of Madrid's best cocktails (one of them, Rhum & Rum, boasts 40 types of rum from around the world). Hours are 11PM to 5AM (till 6AM at the weekend), and you can get your first visit free with a pass from the casino's website, www.CasinoGranMadrid.es.
Museums for Kids
From the science museum/planetarium to a mouse playing tooth fairy, the little nippers will have a field day.
Madrid's most child-friendly museums - plus a toothy find.
One of Spain's favourite kids' traditions is Ratoncito Pérez, a loveable little mouse who, like the tooth fairy in English-speaking countries, exchanges kids' fallen-out baby teeth for coins. He was created in 1894 by a Jesuit friar inventing a tale for a young royal heir of the day. The Casa-Museo Ratoncito Pérez at Calle Arenal 8 (right near the central Plaza Mayor) is a cute homage - and if you've ever had a hankering to see the milk teeth of Beethoven, Isaac Newton and Beatrix Potter, you're in luck! There are also many other Madrid museums with areas and activities aimed at youngsters, including for example the National Museum of Natural Sciences and the Madrid Planetarium. The Prado and the Reina Sofía also offer family visits, while in the National Archaeological Museum there are workshops and activities for kids age 7 and up (booking required). Other great museums for families include the Museum of America, Caixa-Forum Madrid, the Museo de Cera (Wax Museum), the Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint Museum) and the Railway Museum.
Espacio Mínimo Gallery
"Minimum Space" exhibits some of the most cutting-edge (and yes, sometimes uncomfortable) art from Europe and the Americas.
A top gallery on a street known for contemporary art.
The Lavapiés neighbourhood street Calle Doctor Fourquet, a paintbrush's throw from the Reina Sofía Museum, has become quite the centre of contemporary art. And one of its most interesting galleries, the "Minimum Space" of José Martínez Calvo and Luis Valverde Espejo at number 17, has been showcasing "artists who make us uncomfortable and depict problems which disturb us" since 1992. They started out in a 14-square-metre (150-square-foot) space - hence the name "Minimum" - in the southern city of Murcia, and now continue their work in this Madrid gallery which is 10 times larger. Artists featured here include London-based Susan Collis, Argentine Liliana Porter and Gipuzkoa-born (deep breath) Manu Muniategiandikoetxea.
Lope de Vega House-Museum
An interesting window into the 17th century at the home of a legendary dramatist who was also a drama queen.
Second only to Cervantes in literary terms, poet/playwright Lope de Vega is given his due here.
The great playwright/poet Félix Lope de Vega (1562-1635) was one of the most celebrated literary immortals of Spain's "Golden Age", penning more than 2,000 works and living quite the colourful life: he had 17 children by various lovers, was prone to confronting rivals and at one point was even jailed, then exiled from Castile for two years. In central Madrid just west of the Prado Museum, at Calle Cervantes 13 (Calle Lope de Vega is just a block away) you can visit the house where he lived for 25 years. This is also the site of dramatic events such as the loss of a daughter at age 7, the death of his wife in childbirth, as well as that of one of his more prominent lovers, Marta de Nevares. One catch: the 35-minute tour must be done in a group (maximum of 10) and reserved in advance.
National Archaeological Museum
In addition to the expected fare from ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, some truly astonishing relics from ancient Iberia.
New, high-tech accommodation for astounding ancient treasures.
The Museo Arqueológico Nacional (now often referred to simply as MAN) is a huge treasure house containing the history of the Iberian Peninsula going back millennia. It was created by order of Queen Isabella II back in 1867, imitating other European countries which were setting up institutions to preserve and curate the continent's impressive antiquities and distant heritage. It took 30 years to build. Several years ago, it underwent a major renovation and modernisation, re-opening in 2014 as a splendid hybrid of old and new, using cutting-edge technology to present ancient treasures. Highlights include a replica of Altamira Cave with its Neolithic painting; the Visigothic crowns and crosses known as the Treasure of Guarrazar; and perhaps most famously the Lady of Elche, the stone bust dating back to the Iberian peoples of the 4th century BC.
Museum of Romanticism
A collection devoted to the 19th-century romantic aesthetic, furnishings of the period and a wonderfully peaceful garden.
Hope in Madrid for hopeless romantics.
The Museo del Romanticismo, located at Calle San Mateo 13, near the Tribunal Metro station, was inaugurated back in 1924 by the Marquis de Vega-Inclán to educate the public about Spain's 19th-century era of romanticism. This movement was characterised by a greater degree of passion and emotion especially in the arts and literature. (It is interesting to note that during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s, its director was the famed left-wing poet Rafael Alberti). Magical, evocative, and often even surprising, it houses a wealth of paintings, prints, miniatures, photos, drawings, decorative arts, and furnishings. Before or after your visit, stop for coffee and/or a pastry at its Garden Café, a lovely oasis of peace in bustling Madrid. Many, by the way, still know this as the "Romantic Museum", as that was its name up until a renovation in 2009.
Sorolla House-Museum
Valencia-born but a long-time Madrileño, Joaquín Sorolla still astonishes us with the luminosity of his work.
Various paintings by Spain's 19th-century master, and the house just as he lived in it.
This state-owned museum is located at Paseo General Martínez Campos 37 in the Almagro district of central Madrid, just off the Paseo de la Castellana. It is devoted to one of Spain's most important painters, Valencia-born Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1923), known especially for his ability to so evocatively capture the Mediterranean Sea, shores, and sunlight. This is also where Sorolla spent the last few years of his life, and thus includes his studio and a collection of the artist's belongings, as well as a delightful garden and some lovely period furnishings. It is closed on Mondays; there is no admission charge on Sundays and Saturdays after 2PM.
Prado Museum
Many of the most famous paintings and artists in Spain (indeed, in Europe) live here - in fact, too many to view in one day.
Spain's most iconic art museum is a feast for culture vultures.
Spain's most famous art museum of all (and one of the greats of the world), the Prado is, of course, a must when visiting Madrid. And if you want to take in the entire collection, just one day will not suffice (come to think of it, neither will two, or even three). The museum helps you manage your visits more effectively by proposing three itineraries which allow you to take in the highlights of the one-time royal art collection depending on the time you have available. These highlights - many frankly just breathtaking - include Fra Angelico's Annunciation, Tintoretto's Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet, Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights, Maids of Honour by Diego Velázquez (a statue of whom is right outside the building), and several masterpieces by Goya including The Nude Maja (the clothed version, too!) and The Second of May 1808. All the works are housed in an impressive building designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785. Despite its huge size, it was given an underground extension designed by Priztker Prize-winning Spanish architect Rafael Moneo in 2007.
Find your trip to Community of Madrid
Documents for travelling as a tourist to Community of Madrid
Check the documents you need for your trip.