Madrid, Spain is a unique city and at an altitude of 2100 feet it may be one of Europe’s highest capital cities.  This is the world’s capital of bullfighting and the capital of Spain.  Shop at Europe’s finest shops, party all night, and watch the traditional Flamenco dance. 

Here are some of my favorite places to see in Madrid.

1.  Puerta Del Sol
Start seeing Madrid here.  This is a great place to start.  This is the center and where all of the radial highways begin.  In the central area of Puerta Del Sol you will find a statue of a bear standing against a tree which is based on Madrid’s coat of arms.  There are city maps and tourist offices everywhere so it is hard to get lost in this city.  Choose the type of transportation that fits you best.  The underground metro is very easy to use.  Driving a car is difficult with all of the traffic and traffic jams, especially at rush hours and there seems to be a lot of them.  Get a taxi.  There are thousands of them everywhere you look all over the city.  Take a bus.  The bus service is first class.

2.  Bullfights
Madrid is the home of bullfighting so if you have never seen a bullfight and want to this is the place to see it.  When you have been to a bullfight you either like it or you may hate it and think it very cruel.  Some people never want to go back and others can’t wait to see the next one.  There are some of the best bullfights in Spain in Madrid.  The largest bullfighting ring seats 32,000 people.  This is an activity that goes from March to October each year.

3.  Palacio Real
The Royal Palace is beautiful and a very important place in Madrid.  The public can go to the palace unless official business is taking place.  See the beautiful formal gardens.  You will need a ticket to go inside the palace but it is worth the price.  See the throne room and many of the other rooms in the palace.  There are many wonderful gardens and many statues of past royals outside for you to see.  Included in the ticket price is the Royal Armory that has a very impressive display of armor.  A large gift shop for you to browse is available.

4.  Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is one of the most important museums in the world and without a doubt the pride of Madrid.  In this museum you will find the world’s greatest collection of Spanish paintings.  If you are interested in art this is a must to see.  You could spend days here looking at the art by artists like Goya, El Greco and Picasso and many other artists.  It is closed on Mondays, free on Sundays and inexpensive tickets are available on all other days.  There are many other museums in this city with wonderful treasures in them for you to see.

5.  Plaza Mayor
In 1617 this huge square that was constructed.  It is a marvelous historical site to see.  In the center of the square stands the statue of Philip III on horseback.  The statue was made in 1616 and was placed in the square in 1847.  Access to the square is through one of nine arches and only foot traffic is allowed in the square.  The square has been host to bullfights, fiestas and in the past public executions.  It is surrounded by 136 houses and 437 balconies from which people used to watch the events held there.  At various times events such as concerts and fiestas are staged here.

6.  Parque Del Buen Retiro
This massive park has a central lake, statues, many fountains, and pleasant walkways.  It is a place to get away from the city during the week and meditate or relax for a while.  Go to the lake and hire yourself a boat and float on the lake or enjoy some of the street entertainers that frequent the park.  On the weekends the park comes alive with people and activities.  In years past the park was part of the Palace of Buen Retiro which was constructed in the 17th century by Philip IV.  Today there are two palaces in the park at which many exhibitions are held.

7.  The Gran Via
A must see street if you love architecture.  Many different styles of buildings are seen on this street and are very well preserved.  The first ever Madrid skyscraper, the Telefonica building, was completed in 1929.  There are many important hotels located on this street.  Congestion is the name of the game on this six-lane road.

8.  Puerta De Alcala
This is the most important and longest street in Madrid.  It is found in the center of the Plaza de la Independencia on Calle de Alcala.  There are buildings such as the Church of the Calatravas, the Church of San Jose, Fine Arts Museum and the Casino.

9.  Estacion De Atocha
There are two railway stations in Madrid and this is the main one.  A beautiful tropical garden graces the main hall.  The station is huge.  It is very well organized and easy to use.  This is where you catch all of the national high speed trains.  If you are hungry or want to shop you will find many shops and cafes for your use. 

10.  Plaza Colon
Several monuments of Columbus and his men dating back to 1885 are found here.  In the center of the square are The Gardens of Discovery.  Big blocks of stone have details inscribed on them about the travels of Columbus.  Underneath the square is the Cultural Center.  In the center is a theater, concert hall and exhibition rooms.  The center is hidden from view by a wall of water.

There are many other wonderful things to see in Madrid, but these are some of my favorites. 

Have a Great Trip!

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