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Browsing Madrid
Alción Art Gallery
You can find something far more interesting in here than the ubiquitous posters of Van Gogh, Lautrec and Zurbar changing on student bedsit walls all over the country. This gallery sells high quality oil paintings by promising young artists that are legal copies of famous works by the likes of El Greco, Renoir, Modigliani and Gustav Klimt.
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Aquópolis
Madrid's most famous and popular waterpark offers a wide rage of imaginative ways for children and adults to get wet and have fun at the same time. There are slides, hanging bridges, water mazes, boats, waterfalls, rapids and more. Activities on dry land include children's playgrounds, mini-golf, trampolines, grass to run around on and a picnic area. There are fast food outlets like a pizzeria, a hamburger stall, a fried fish stand, a sandwich shop, a self-service restaurant and an ice cream parlour.
Admission: EUR12.85; children 3-10 years old: EUR8.45; discounts for large groups and schools. Buses leave from Plaza de España. More »
Argentaria
This art collection, managed by the Argentaria Foundation, is spread out among the many branches of the bank. It features paintings, sculptures, engravings, furniture, ceramics and tapestries collected by the Banco Exterior de España since 1929. There's also a series of fans by well-known painters from the 1980s, commissioned by the bank. The Foundation also organizes temporary exhibitions around Madrid.
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Banco de España
The Spanish Central Bank headquarters house a valuable art collection that includes the work of artists like Goya, Salvador Maella, Sorolla and Zuloaga, as well as luxurious wall-hangings and antique furniture. The interior patio is used as a library and the beautiful staircase is made of Carrera marble. It occupies one of the best locations in Madrid, at major crossroads linking Plaza de Cibeles with Calle Alcalá, Gran Vía and the Paseo del Prado. After opening in 1889, it had to be expanded in 1936 and then again in 1975. The three distinct façades display diverse architectural styles. For admission, write to the Servicio de Protocolo (+34 91 338 5365) at the bank's address.
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Barrio de Salamanca
Now one of Madrid's most exclusive residential and commercial neighbourhoods, it's associated with wealth and good taste and is inhabited and frequented by the ultra-conservative upper classes. This is where you'll find the greatest concentration of haute couture outlets, private art galleries and prestigious restaurants. The Marquis of Salamanca invested his money in developing this area of the city between 1860 and 1920 as the capital's population grew significantly.
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Basílica de San Francisco El Grande
One of the capital's largest churches, it's also noted for having a huge and outstanding collection of paintings displayed amongst its seven chapels. You'll see work by Goya, Zurbarán, Alonso Cano, Maella and Casado del Alisal along with marble sculptures by Ricardo Bellver and Mariano Benlliure. The dome and barrel-vaulted ceilings are covered in lovely frescoes and the beautiful stained-glass windows were created by the German firm, Mayer. The church itself is an example of 18th-century classical design and its dome - measuring 33m in diameter - is one of the largest in the world. You'll find it close to the cathedral and the Royal Palace.
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Basílica de San Miguel
The church's convex façade is an example of Italian baroque, and the unique design gives the small area a much greater sense of space. You'll see sculptures by Roberto Michel, Salvador Carmona and Pascual de Mena inside, along with paintings by Ferrant, frescoes by the González Velázquez brothers and altarpieces by Ventura Rodríguez. This diminutive Apostolic Nuncio was designed by Giacomo Bonavía and built between 1739 and 1746.
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Basílica del Valle de los Caídos
A funicular takes you up to the base of this huge 150m cross built on top of General Franco's tomb. The dictator's body lies behind the impressive crypt and transept. The views of the Sierra de Guadarama from up here are magnificent. Transport: Take the train from Madrid or the bus from Moncloa. Admission: EUR5; 5-16 years old: EUR2.50; under-5s: free. Wed: free for EU citizens.
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Biblioteca Nacional
An impressive neoclassical building to one side of Plaza de Colón, it's spectacular façade features three entrance archways with wrought-iron gates and an upper gallery decorated with elaborate carvings and Corinthian columns. Statues of Alfonso X (The Wise) and San Isidoro stand on the grand main staircase. Alongside the main doors, you'll be welcomed by images of Lope de Vega, Cervantes, Antonio de Nebrija and other famous Spanish writers like Santa Teresa, Quevedo and Fray Luis de León. It was built during the reign of Isabel II in the 19th century and contains more than five million books.
Admission: free More »
Bulevares (Los)
Three roundabouts (Ruiz Jiménez, Bilbao and Alonso Martínez) connect these four tree-lined boulevards - Alberto Aguilera, Carranza, Sagasta and Génova - to each other. They correspond to what was the northern part of the old city wall. The northern gate was where the Bilbao roundabout now stands. It's an area that's well worth a visit if you want to really get to know Madrid because it's full of the usual contradictions - it's calm and noisy, elitist and working class - all at the same time. There are lots of good bars around Bilbao and Alonso Martínez for drinks and tapas.
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Calle Princesa
The continuation of Campo de Golf: Club de Golf Olivar de la Hinojosa
This country club has a nine-hole and an 18-hole course open to those with official golfing licences from a recognised federation. You'll need a handicap as well for the longer course. If you just want to find out whether golf is your sort of sport, or if you just want to practice your driving, you can use the driving range, practice holes and putting greens for a small fee. The club has racquetball, squash and tennis courts, sauna, clubhouse, bar, restaurant, shop with equipment rental and car-park. You can also sign up for private lessons or group classes.
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Canal de Isabel II
The original swimming club that gave this place its name no longer exists, but this huge (30000m2) public sports complex still offers a magnificent range of facilities, including swimming pools, seven tennis courts (three clay, three astroturf and one cement), a Pelota court, short tennis court and both indoor and outdoor facilities for football and basketball. The cafeteria serves daily specials and has an a la carte menu. The swimming-pools have the longest summer opening season in Madrid, stretching approximately from May 29 to Sep 26, and the prices are very reasonable.
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Casa de Campo
The capital's largest parkland area attracts thousands of madrileños during sunny weather. It's the nearest some of them get to a day out in the country and a great picnic spot. As for entertainment, there's the Casa de la Panadería
As the Plaza Mayor's first building, it served as a model for the rest. The original had archways that gave people access to the square and its daily market from the main street, or Calle Mayor. It was built for the bakers' guild in 1617 and had a colourfully painted façade that was later destroyed by fire. In the late 1980s, painter Carlos Franco was commissioned to redecorate the façade, which he did with allegorical depictions of time and the horoscope. The building now hosts interesting exhibitions about Madrid.
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Casa de las Siete Chimeneas
One of Madrid's famous legends surrounds this Renaissance-style house with seven chimneys. Apparently, the woman who owned it had a relationship with King Felipe II. After she died, people claimed to see her ghost walking around on the rooftop every night. When the building was converted into a bank in 1880, workmen found the remains of a woman dating from the 16th century along with several coins of the period. It's said that Felipe II himself had the seven chimneys built to represent the seven cardinal sins. The building is now the Ministry of Culture. Benlliure's statue depicting War of Independence hero, lieutenant Ruiz, stands in the square outside.
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Casa de Lope de Vega
Lope de Vega was born in Madrid in 1562 and became one of the 17th century's major dramatists, along with Calderón de la Barca. This is the house where he lived from 1610 until his death in 1635. Those 25 years were a troubled period in the writer's adventurous life. He was banished from Madrid for eight years because he wrote insulting poems about Elena Osorio (the daughter of an important theatrical impresario) with whom he had a five-year relationship. She eventually abandoned him for a wealthy lover. The two-storey house is ironically located in Calle Cervantes and has been arranged to represent the historical period in which the writer lived. It first opened to the public in 1935.
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Casco Antiguo
This store has everything you need to explore the world under water. It sells a wide range of top brand name scuba-diving equipment and accessories. It offers ready-made wetsuits and the company produces their own brand of made-to-measure suits as well. It also has an equipment repair service and organises scuba-diving classes at all levels.
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Casino de Madrid
It's an officially listed building that contains important works of art considered to be national treasures. It has impressive collections of sculpture and paintings as well as a neogothic library, antique glassware and lamps produced by the royal supplier (La Fábrica de Vidrio de la Granja).
It's now a popular venue for cultural events, social events and press conferences. Its facilities include a sauna, gym, swimming-pool, reading room, bars and two restaurants. The Casino is a private club dating from 1910 and public access is restricted to the restaurants only. More »
Casón del Buen Retiro
This building was once the Buen Retiro Palace's ballroom. The palace no longer exists and the ballroom now belongs to the Catedral de la Almudena
Madrid's cathedral took over 100 years to build, due to political conflicts, wars and a lack of financial resources. According to legend, it's named after the Virgen de la Almudena, whose icon was found during the Reconquest hidden in a house that the Arabs called al mudena. The building's exterior is an example of eclectic 19th-century design. The doors are bronze and there's an image of the Virgen (now Madrid's patron saint) on the façade. The interior is full of light, benefitting from the stained-glass windows and multi-coloured ceiling. Its grand Grezing organ gets played on Sundays, holidays and the day before holidays.
Mass: 10am & midday Mon-Fri; 6pm & 7pm Sat & days preceding public holidays; 10.30am, midday, 1.30pm, 6pm & 7pm Sun & hols. More »
Centro Cultural de la Villa
The main stage is used for a wide variety of shows including drama (especially contemporary Spanish), ballet, zarzuela (Spanish opera) and live flamenco and folk concerts. One of the other stages is used for the Children's Puppet Theatre season that runs from autumn to spring with shows every Sunday at 4:45p. It also has a prestigious exhibition space and is considered one of the city's major cultural centres. It's surrounded by impressive fountains, monuments and gardens opposite the Wax Museum. Advance sales: at the box office and by telephone.
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Centro Cultural Islámico (Mezquita)
The so-called "M-30 mosque" (because it stands beside the motorway) is the largest in Europe. It's a beautiful white marble building that contains a college, ritual bath house, gymnasium, cafe and an Arabic restaurant called Zahara. The complex was designed by three Polish architects and is financed by Saudi Arabia. King Juan Carlos I and Prince Salman ben Abdelaziz attended the opening ceremony in 1992. Religious services: Muslims pray five times a day. Consult the mosque´s prayer timetable for exact times.
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Claustro de San Jerónimo el Real (Los Jerónimo)
A church, popularly known as Los Jerónimos, that's full of history - kings and queens sought refuge here, Spanish parliaments were sworn in here, Alfonso XIII was married here and King Juan Carlos I was proclaimed King of Spain in this very building. It dates back to the 16th century, but has been restored several times and only a few external features remain from its early days. Inside, you'll see famous paintings by Carducho and José Méndez along with valuable sculptures like Juan de Mena´s 18th-century Cristo de la Buena Muerte, neo-Gothic lamps and stained-glass windows. It's close to the following museums: Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Ejército (Army), as well as the Ritz and Palace hotels.
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Comunidad Israelita en Madrid
Madrid's only synagogue is the hub of the capital's Jewish community - estimated at some 100000 people - and it also hosts a huge range of cultural activities including exhibitions and lectures. It's located in the city centre. There's a kosher butcher nearby and you can also buy kosher goods at the Corte Inglés department store on Paseo de la Castellana.
Information on the timetable of religious services is not provided for security reasons. More »
Congreso de los Diputados
Spain's democratically elected Diputados (MPs) meet here to discuss matters of state and formulate legislation. Individuals can visit on Saturdays between 10.30a and 12.30p. 50 people are allowed in every 30 minutes. You must bring your DNI (national identification card) or passport. Group visits can be organized by writing to the Protocol Department on Carrera de San Jerónimo with the organization's name, address, phone number, contact person and number of visitors (55 persons maximum). Plenary sessions can also be visited by reserving a place in the Chamber on the Friday before the session at the Calle Zorilla door (6p-8p with your DNI or passport). Admission: free
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Cosmocaixa Madrid
Come along for a spectacular and enjoyable educational journey through the sciences, technology and the laws of the universe. You can actively participate in over 20 different experimental activities relating to physics, chemistry, optics and energy. The permanent exhibition explains the history of the planets and life on earth as well as showing you how to predict the weather and describing how meteorological phenomena like tornadoes occur.
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Cuartel del Conde Duque
A focal point for industrious students, teachers and researchers, this old barracks complex now contains the city's historical archives, the newspaper and periodical library, a video library, two concerts halls and six exhibition spaces. In summer, there's always an interesting programme of live concerts held outdoors in the beautiful courtyard. You can enjoy the music and a relaxing drink in the wonderful surroundings. Pedro de Ribera designed the building, with its attractive baroque façade, during the reign of Felipe V in the 18th century to house the King's Royal Guard.
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Cuesta de Moyano
You can spend an enjoyable Sunday morning browsing among all the stalls on this famous street for old books or discounted new publications. It's a book market whose outdoor stalls remain open all year round and it's named after Claudio Moyano, a politician who reformed the Spanish educational system between 1840 and 1843.
The stalls line one of the outside walls of the
Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida (Panteón de Goya)
In 1798, Goya himself painted the frescoes on the dome in here and the result is charged with his usual expressive detail and originality. Called Milagro de San Antonio de Padua, it represents one of his most important works. The chapel itself is a simple and elegant example of late-18th century neoclassical design and it houses the brilliant artist's tomb. In order to preserve the painting, an identical chapel was built next door in 1928 where mass is now held.
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Escuelas Aguirre
A spectacular and unique example of its kind in Madrid, this neo-mudéjar building of red tiles, red brick and ironwork feautures wonderful Arabic geometrical flourishes that are reminiscent of medieval buildings all over old Castile. You'll find it in the modern district of Salamanca on the corner where Alcalá and O'Donnell streets meet. It was designed by architect Rodríguez Ayuso as a school for the intellectual Lucas Aguirre, and now houses council offices. It is not open to the public.
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Espacio Acción
This organisation offers a wide range of courses in mountain pursuits run by qualified instructors. You can learn how to climb on ice and rocks, learn how to ski on all surfaces, predict the weather and acclimatise to different outdoor weather conditions. Courses can be as short as a few hours, a weekend or even a trip to the Alps. You can sign up for organised tours to mountainous areas all over the world to take part in adventure sports.
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Estación de Atocha
Made of steel and glass, this fine old railway station building was designed by the Basque architect, Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, who was also responsible for the Palacio de Cristal in Retiro Park. It has been stylishly converted into tropical gardens under glass with an elegant first-floor restaurant. There's a permanent display of sculpture in the hall that leads to the new station. In summer you can visit the popular terrace-bar that's set up outside. It was built in 1892 for the Rothschilds who controlled the development of the railways at that time. Admission: free.
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Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
Founded in 1902, the club's teams had to play in a variety of venues throughout the city until this stadium was built in 1947. It holds a capacity crowd of 75342 and has become world famous due to Real's success in international competitions over the years. It is named after the chairman of the Board of Directors, Santiago Bernabéu, who had the vision to borrow the money to buy this plot of land and start building. At that time it was the most modern stadium in the country and it has since undergone various expansion and improvement projects. You can visit the club's museum that is open daily, except Monday, to find out about its history, see the trophy room and tread on the hallowed turf itself.
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Fábrica Museo de la Cerveza
These three venues are called museums but they still function normally as bars and restaurants. In that sense, they are truly interactive. The one on Calle Génova displays a collection of bottles, cans, labels and other beer-related paraphernalia. The Parquesur outlet displays an advert from the suppliers of beer to the Spanish Royal Family, an iron mug that William I of Prussia drank from and an interesting collection of bottles from the US Prohibition period, amongst other things. The third venue is in Heron City leisure park (Las Rozas), 20 kms from Madrid.
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Faro de Moncloa
You might wonder why a city like Madrid—which couldn't be further from the sea—has a lighthouse. This huge, circular, glass-fronted deck on top of a 92m-high steel column is really just an elaborate viewing platform that offers 360-degree vistas of the city and its parks. The route to the top involves a dramatic ride up in an external glass elevator. To get a closer look at something in particular, shove some coins into the floor-mounted binoculars. You will find the tower next to the Museo de América. There are toilet facilities there. Parking spaces are not easy to find in this area.
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Fuente de Neptuno
Neptune's Fountain stands in green and peaceful Plaza Cánovas del Castillo, a totally different atmosphere from the hurly-burly surrounding its sister fountain up the road, Galería Alcolea
This gallery specialises in contemporary and antique oil paintings featuring mainly representational and impressionist landscape art by established painters and newcomers. You'll see principally 20th and 19th-century work although there are also examples from the 18th, 17th and 16th centuries on display. Artists on show normally include Aguilar Moré, Canadells, Isidoro Lázaro, Isidro Cistaré, Manuel Blesa, Joan Martí and Casaus. The admission to this gallery is free.
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Galería Alfama
This gallery specialises in showing works of fantastic realism as well as imaginative representational art in a variety of different formats: drawings, water colours, gouache and collage. It's the only gallery in Madrid to hold an annual exhibition dedicated exclusively to drawing, normally held in February. It also organises two or three open group exhibitions per year that exhibit works ranging from the 19th century up to the latest trends. Admission: free.
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Galería Capa Esculturas
The aim of this gallery is to show and sell as much work possible created by young sculptors. You'll see examples of all facets of sculpture from constructivism to abstraction, realism to figurative. Prices are reasonable because the gallery uses its own foundry to produce workable metals economically. You can choose from works in series or unique and original pieces. The permanent exhibition features Óscar Alvariño, Ignacio Asenjo, Clara Carvajal, José Manuel Bouzas and J. Gil Fernández. The admission to this gallery is free.
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Galeria De Arte Aele - Evelyn Botella
This gallery has been a showcase and a launch pad for contemporary art by artists like Marisa González, Rufo Criado, Eduardo Gruber, Esteban Tranche, Cruz Novillo, Eloisa Sanz and Sofía Madrigal ever since the 1970s. It participates in prestigious international shows such as ARCO, FIAC, Basel Art and Art Cologne and enjoys an enviable world-wide reputation. The admission to this gallery is free.
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Galería de Arte Ángel Romero
One of only two Madrid galleries that concentrates on talented contemporary Cuban artists, you're likely to see work by the likes of José Bedia, Elena Blasco, Carlos Capelán, Ciuco Gutiérrez, Santiago R. del Hoyo, Chema Madoz, Armando Mariño, Isaac Montoya, Carlos Quintana and Bernardí Roig on display here. The gallery opened in 1985 and you'll find it close to the Prado Museum. Admission: free
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Galería de Arte Estiarte
This gallery promotes, edits and exhibits exclusively graphic art by famous names such as Bacon, Barceló, Delaunay, Guinovart, Miró, Palazuelo, Saura, Chillida, Ernst and Picasso. Major exhibitions of work by Picasso, Chillida, Ernst, Henry Moore, Kounellis and André Derain have been organised here. The gallery has also edited the work of G. Rueda, Navarro Baldeweg, J. Teixidor and Juan Uslé. Admission: Free.
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Galería de Arte Metta
A light, spacious and elegant gallery that specialises in showing the latest innovations in the contemporary avant-garde art movement. All forms of expression have a place, including the abstract, surrealism and figurative pop art in forms as diverse as painting, sculpture, photography and installations. You can see work by a range of established artists like Andreu Alfaro, Eduardo Arroyo, Luis Canelo, Juan Giralt, Nacho Criado, Dennis Hopper, Jules Olitski, Edward Ruscha and others. It participates in international art fairs in Chicago and Miami as well as ARCO and FIAC. Admission is free.
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Galería de Arte Moriarty
More of a multidisciplinary arts centre than just an art gallery, this exhibition space concentrates on showing the work of Spanish avant-garde artists like Cristina Barrera, Cosme Churruca, Manolo Dimas, Alberto García-Alix, Julio Jara, Manuel Luca de Tena, Walter Martín and Paloma Muñoz. In addition to representing the artists on display, the staff edit books and magazines, organise poetry readings and audio-visual shows. Admission: free
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Galería del Cisne
This gallery specialises in showing work by Catalan artists or those who trained in Catalonia. You'll see contemporary representational and impressionist work by painters like Julian Grau Santos, Rafael Durán, Bosco Martí, Ortuño, Moscardó, Javier Blanch, Pichot and Gloria Muñoz. It opened in 1960 as an off-shoot of Barcelona's early 20th-century Sala Parés gallery. In honour of its precursor, it also shows some 19th-century paintings. Admission: free
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Galería Egam
You'll see a wide variety of different styles of contemporary art (from abstract to realism) in genre as distinct as painting, sculpture, photography and installations. Regular exhibitors include Alcaín, Almela, Aparicio, Nati Bermejo, Cardenes, Feito, Amparo Garrido, Pedro Morales, Montserrat Gómez-Osuna and Laffón. The gallery has been in business since 1969. Admission is free.
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Galería Elba Benítez
You'll see a range of contemporary art on display in this gallery principally made up of paintings, sculpture and photography by Fernanda Fragateiro, Beatriz Milhazes, Juan Luis Moraza, Ernesto Neto, Ana Prada, Francesc Torres, Darío Urzay, Valentín Vallhonrat, Juan Cruz, Cristina Iglesias and Vik Muniz, among others. It's located close to the Museo Romántico and has been open since 1990. Admission: free
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Galería Helga de Alvear
This gallery promotes the latest trends in international plastic arts by showing the work of outstanding Spanish artists in the fields of video, photography and installations. Amongst others, you'll see creations by Daniel Canogar, Misuo Miura, Christine Davis, Roland Fischer, Karin Sander, Joan Fontcuberta, Frank Thiel and Javier Vallhonrat. Admission: free.
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Galería Jorge Juan
Figurative and impressionist Spanish paintings from the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries are the specialty here. Artists on exhibit include Ángel Cortellini, Agustín Riancho, Ramón, Alvaro Delgado, Eduardo Chicharro, Joaquín Peinado, José Villegas, Mariano Bertuchi and Gabriel Morcillo. You'll find the gallery right beside all the other private exhibitions spaces on Calle Claudio Coello. Admission is free.
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Galería Juana de Aizpuru
Founded in 1970, this gallery has become one of Madrid's best known showcases for new international trends in painting and sculpture. It shows a wide range of Spanish and foreign works of art. The gallery maintains strong links with Austrian, German and British artists. Art and Language, representatives of the new-wave in British conceptual art, are particular favourites. Pilar Albarracín, Mercedes Carbonell, Jordi Colomer, Jiri Dokoupil, Federico Guzmán, Sol LeWitt and Sigfrido Martín Begué are all artists that have been shown here recently. Admission: free.
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Galería Kreisler
This gallery's ambitious aim is to promote contemporary Spanish art both within Spain and abroad. It has a specialist catalogue of avant-garde figurative painting and sculpture. Regular exhibitors include Francisco Cánovas, López Herrera, María Luisa Campoy, Juan Díaz, Lapayese del Río, Manuel Huertas Torrejón and Montserrat Masdeu. The archives hold work by Picasso, Tapies and Miró. It was founded in 1965 and has branched out to open spaces in New York, Barcelona and Miami. The admission to the gallery is free.
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Galería Leandro Navarro
This gallery promotes modern contemporary Spanish painters and sculptors belonging to the Paris School, like Bores, Cossío and Palencia. There's also always space for the works of the popular El Paso group and members of the Madrid School. You're likely to see art by young realist painters of the calibre of Roberto González, César Luengo and Clara Gangutia. Their catalogue includes pieces by famous names (Picasso, María Blanchard, Gutiérrez Solana and Zuloaga) and examples of post-civil war realism, informalism and abstracts by Millares, Lucio Muñoz, Feito and Saura. Admission is free.
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Galería Marlborough
You'll see contemporary US, European and South American artists on display alongside 19th and 20th-century paintings and sculpture as well as even older paintings. Star exhibitors include Chirino, Genovés, Leiro, Antonio López García, Manolo Valdés, Lucio Muñoz and Antonio Saura. This world-famous gallery was founded in London in 1949 and now has branches in New York, Tokyo and Madrid. Admission: free.
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Galería Marta Cervera
After four successful years in New York from 1992, this gallery opened a branch in Madrid especially to focus on abstract and conceptual art in the fields of photography, sculpture and painting. It organises individual exhibitions featuring young artists and it's the only Spanish gallery to make an appearance in NYC's Armory Show. It's also a regular participant in Spain's ARCO festival. You can normally see work by Lara Almarcegui, Pedro Álvarez, J.P. Ballester, Isidro Blasco, Tom Burr, Victoria Gil, Luis Gordillo, Antonio Muntadas and Álvaro Perdices. Admission: free
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Galería Oliva Arauna
Photography, video and sculpture are the three main artistic genre exhibited in this gallery. You'll see an eclectic mixture of art produced by new technologies like computers, light boxes and projectors. There's work by established and up-an-coming artists on display, including Antoni Abad, Chema Alvargónzalez, Per Barclay, Christophe Boutin, José Herrera, Alicia Martín, Christian Philipp Müller, Miguel Río Branco and others. The admission to this gallery is free.
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Galería Paz Feliz
One of Madrid's newest galleries, it specializes in contemporary figurative painting by Spanish and foreign artists, although it also deals in abstract work as well. The majority of artists on display are in their 40s and they include Antonio Llányz, Ramón Moscardó, Muheer, Said Rajabi and Frank Derie. There's an individual exhibition every month and a collective exhibition twice a year, in July and December. Admission: free.
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Galería Rina Bouwen
An unusual gallery that aims to continue with the pioneering spirit of its predecessor, Van Art. It shows the work of young artists using vastly different techniques and totally different styles. You'll see paintings, sculpture, engravings, photographs and other art forms on display. In addition, there's a section exhibiting ceramics, textiles, jewellery and other crafts. Admission: free
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Galería Salvador Díaz
With its reputation for always showing examples of original ideas and expression in the fields of photography and painting, it's worth making your way to this gallery before or after a visit to the nearby Reina Sofía gallery. You'll see some up-to-date modern art by the likes of Josume Amunarriz, José Manuel Ballester, Sylvie Bussières, José Manuel Ciria, David Díaz, Gabriel Díaz, Xavier Grau, Fabián Marcaccio, Juan Mercado, Fernando Pagola, José Sanleón and María Zárraga. Admission: free
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Galería Soledad Lorenzo
You'll see installations, paintings, photography, sculpture, in fact every type of artistic expression within the contemporary framework has a space open to it in this well-known gallery. Just glance at the list of artists on show here and you'll realise how popular it is. Regular exhibitors include Txomin Badiola, Miquel Barceló, Ross Bleckner, Broto, Victoria Civera, Georges Condo, Marta Cárdenas, Eric Fischl, Jorge Galindo, Tàpies and many more. Admission: free
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Golf Park Madrid
Here's a golf course where you don't have to sign up for membership or monthly fees to use the facilities! You can just pay on the day to use the marvellous putting area, or any of the 11 short tennis courts. There is also a floodlit driving range with 110 covered places where you can practice your swing and improve your technique. To make it more real, there are greens, bunkers, and other obstacles to manouevre.
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Gran Vía
This is Madrid's busiest and best-known street. Wide sidewalks, impressive buildings and proximity to the centre make it a most desirable residential neighbourhood. Some of the most historic buildings include Telefónica HQ, the Central bank, Hayedo de Montejo de la Sierra
Montejo is the southernmost beech forest in Europe and it's located on the hilly banks of the river Jarama. Beech trees tend normally to be found only further north. This is a great place to spend an afternoon among the myriad of plant species and the ancient trees. There are two (3km) marked trails in the forest: one runs alongside the river Jarama and the other branches off into other areas of interest. Autumn is the best time to visit and it's worth booking a guided walk well in advance because it can get busy. There is no admission charge.
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Iglesia de la Santa Cruz
This neo-Gothic style church contains remains of the Holy Cross or Lignum Crucis. The small museum (9.30-11am) inside displays works of religious art by Andrés de Calleja and Alonso del Arco as well as some of Salvador de Carmona's sculptures. The church was designed by the Marquis de Cubas and stands within easy walking distance of two major tourist attractions, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Mass: 9a, 11a, noon, 6p & 7p M-Sa, 10a, 11:30a, 1p & 7p Su. Special San Judas mass on the last Wednesday of every month at 9a, 10:30a, 11a, noon, 5p & 7p.
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Iglesia de San Antonio de los Alemanes
This church contains a magnificent collection of frescoes by Lucas Jordán (Luca Giordano), outstanding paintings by Ricci and some beautiful altarpieces. The building has an elliptic base and a classical façade with a vaulted niche to hold the image of San Antonio. The interior is full of light and there's a wonderful spire. It was designed by Pedro Sánchez to serve as a hospital-chapel for the Portuguese passing through Madrid. After Portugal gained its independence, the church was donated to the German members (Alemanes, hence the name) of Mariana Neoburg's entourage. She was Carlos II's second wife. Mass: 9:45a, noon & 7:30p Su
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Iglesia de San Ginés
This church contains valuable paintings by Alonso Cano, El Greco, José Adams, Villabrille and Salvatierra along with an exact copy of a Ricci painting destroyed by fire in 1824. The tower is majestic, the three naves are separated by arches and side chapels and the altarpieces belong to the neoclassical-Romantic school. Famous playwright, Lope de Vega, was baptized here and famous poet, Francisco de Quevedo, was married here. One of the most curious items on display is a stuffed crocodile that's said to have been brought over from the Americas during the reign of Fernando and Isabel. You'll find it by Puerta del Sol.
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Iglesia de San Isidro (Colegiata)
The interior contains some outstanding artwork including an altarpiece by Sebastián Herrera and paintings by Claudio Coello, Herrera and Ricci. The decor is baroque, there are numerous side chapels, barrel vaulting and a huge dome. The façade features large built-in columns, a portico and a vaulted niche containing sculptures by Juan Pascual de Mena. It's also known as the Colegiata de San Isidro, as it was part of a college founded by the Jesuits in the 16th century. The remains of Madrid's patron saint, San Isidro, lie here.
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Iglesia de San Jorge
Devoted English-speaking Catholics can attend Sunday mass in their own language in this parish church in the city centre. The neomudéjar-style building was built in this upmarket residential district in 1992, nextdoor to the Canadian Embassy and two blocks down from Calle Claudio Coello, where all the art galleries are. There are many car-parks and hotels nearby. Mass is held at 8.30a, 10a & 11.15a Su
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Iglesia de San José
This huge church with an ornamental facade has the best collection of religious imagery in Madrid, including works by Michel, Salvador Carmona, Alonso de Mena, Sánchez Barba, González Velázquez, and Bautista Peña. The 19th-century neoclassical-romantic style altarpieces are outstanding. The Santa Teresa chapel is a good example of rococo style with ornate features and frescoes on the dome. It was designed by Pedro de Ribera and built in 1773.
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Iglesia de San Luis de los Franceses
French Catholics can hear mass in their own language in this parish church, every Sunday and on holidays throughout the year. It is situated opposite the Italian Embassy, behind Calle Claudio Coello, where a huge number of art galleries are found clustered in Madrid. It is a central and very commercial area, with a few luxury shops.
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Iglesia de San Nicolás de los Servitas
Madrid's Italian church celebrates mass in Italian if a large enough group of native speakers requests it. The building has a perfectly preserved 12th-century mudéjar tower with lobe and horseshoe arches that was the minaret of a mosque before being turned into a bell tower. The chapels inside contain an interesting collection of paintings and sculptures by Salvatierra, Pedro de Mena and Nicolás de Busy, as well as the most impressive coffered ceilings in Madrid. Apart from the tower, the rest of the church dates from the 15th century and later.
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Iglesia del Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales
You can visit this 16th-century church belonging to the convent with the the greatest art collection in Madrid to see work by Paolo de San Leocadi, Gaspar Becerro and Pompeo Leoni, including the latter's impressive marble funerary monument dedicated to the founder of the convent. The main altar is also well worth a look. It was carved in Rome, transported to Madrid and given added decorative touches by Bellver. The church was designed in classical style by architect Juan Bautista de Toledo with a stone and brick façade. Its interior has been restored several times over the centuries. You'll find the convent and church in the heart of the old town.
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Jardines de las Vistillas
Named after the views over the Casa de Campo and the River Manzanares, these gardens are one of the nicest places in the capital to relax and have a bite to eat. It's especially worth coming for the open-air party during Jardines de Sabatini
You can enjoy a little peace and natural beauty in this little lanscaped garden full of trees, statues and fountains. It's located alongside the north wing of the Jardines del Campo del Moro
This park stands at the foot of what was once an Arab fortress, now the Royal Palace. It was where the Moorish troops set up their war camp and from where they fought furiously against the Christian army during the reconquest of Spain, hence the name—Campo del Moro (Moorish Camp). The simple green space was later converted into a romantic garden, and despite getting rid of many ancient trees to create the lawn, there are still many proud old pines, oaks, yews and a huge redwood. Admission is free.
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La Cibeles
Another majestic work of art commissioned by King Carlos III to ennoble the city. This time his architects chose to create an image in white stone of the goddess Cibeles driving a carriage drawn by lions. Ventura Rodríguez came up with the design while Roberto Michel and Francisco Gutiérrez carried out the work. It's surrounded by some of the city's most important historic buildings and it has become a favourite symbolic landmark for madrileños. The fans of Real Madrid football club gather here to celebrate their team's victories.
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Las Corralas
These communal courtyards are a feature of typical late-19th century Madrid apartment blocks in working class districts. The front door of each apartment opens on to a gallery above the courtyard where neighbours would mix socially. There aren't many of them left nowadays, but they live on in the popular consciousness because they appear so frequently in period literature.
One of the best-preserved examples is in Plaza de Lavapiés, between Calle Sombrerete and Calle Tribulete. You'll find others on Calle Ruda, Ribera de Curtidores, and a modern version on Calle Embajadores, 37. More »
Mercado de Monedas y Sellos
Taking a trip to the Coin and Stamp Collector's Market in Metropolitano
One of the few gyms in Madrid with a boxing ring that's used for classes and public fights. It also has a climbing wall with training on offer. Its indoor swimming-pool is used for swimming classes, competitions and scuba-diving classes. It's spread over four floors, with a huge gymnasium and specialist martial arts lessons in Kung-fu and kick-boxing. Members pay a fixed fee, which they can choose to pay monthly, quarterly or annually.
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Mezquita Central (Asociación Musulmana de España)
This mosque is located in the Spanish Muslim Association building. It is known as the Abu Bakr Centre, in honour of Mohammed's best friend, though it´s also commonly known as the Mezquita de Estrecho after the neighbourhood. It opened in 1987, and apart from religious services, it offers Arabic classes and educational activities and organizes an assistance programme for Muslim immigrants. It is run by Syrians although most of the worshippers are Moroccan. Religious worship: There are five prayer times a day and the timetable changes one minute each day. So, it´s best to call for exact times.
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Monasterio de El Escorial
This historic complex is divided into three parts: the monastery (with Lucas Jordán's frescoes), the royal mausoleum, and the palace. The palace's magnificent rooms are decorated with paintings by Titian, El Greco, and Claudio Coello, as well as wonderful 18th-century furniture. The library contains a fascinating collection of manuscripts and the Museum of Painting and Architecture is worth a look. Felipe II commissioned Juan Bautista de Toledo and Juan de Herrera to build everything between 1563 and 1584 to commemorate Spanish victory in the battle of San Quintín (1557). Transport: 50km by car from Madrid on N-VI then M-505 roads. Regular trains every day from Madrid's railway stations and buses from Moncloa.
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Museo Africano (African Museum)
You can get a glimpse of what life is like in Sub-Saharan African countries such as Zaire, Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan and Cameroon through this museum's displays of everyday objects, including clothing, jewellery, musical instruments, wooden and ivory carvings, masks, weapons, charms and tools. The objects were collected over the years by missionaries led by Daniel Comboni, who was beatified in 1996. Documentary evidence like political and economical statistics, maps, photographs and scale-models are also exhibited in order to put the the collected objects in context. Admission: free (guided visit included)
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Museo Arqueológico
It contains thousands of pre-historic artefacts and remains from the ancient civilizations based in Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Egypt. One of the highlights is the museum's reproduction of the Altamira caves in northern Spain with their fascinating pre-historic cave paintings (open 11a-midday & 5:30-6:30p). There's a research library as well as video and slide-show facilities.
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Museo Casa de la Moneda
Coin and stamp collectors will love the National Mint's museum that describes the history of money and trade since the 7th century BC. There are some real gems among the vast collection of coins, stamps, notes, lottery tickets and franking equipment. In addition, there's a fascinating display of illustrations and drawings relating to the world of stamps and money, as well as a library and souvenir shop. Admission is free.
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Museo de América
Packed full of interesting artefacts relating to North and South America's indigenous cultures, most of the pieces on display at this museum were brought to Spain between the 16th and 17th centuries. Outstanding collections include the 17th-century Mexican pottery, the Quimbayas Treasure, Paracas Mummy, shell paintings of the conquest of Mexico, North American Indian artefacts, and the results of 18th-century scientific expeditions. There are regular temporary exhibitions and organized educational weekend workshops for children. This museum has been open since 1965 in a colonial-style mansion close to the Museo de Antropología
Different ethnic groups and civilizations from around the world are described and explained through displays of their everyday objects, clothes, weapons and ceremonial practices. The collections are divided into geographical areas, with rooms devoted to the Philippines (the most important), Asia (Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic artefacts), Africa (tribal artefacts from north and south) and America (with exhibits collected during the 1862-65 Pacific Expedition). The building itself is an official heritage site.
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Museo de Artes Decorativas
This small 19th-century palace houses an interesting collection of household objects and decorative arts which reflects the history of everyday life in Spain from the 15th-19th centuries. Over 15000 pieces of porcelain, glass, furniture, ivory, ceramics, paintings and sculptures fill the exhibition space. The collection of glass objects shows how things have changed over time. There are examples of textiles dating from the 2nd century to the present day. Fans, wallets, carpets, toys, furniture and tobacco pouches complete the range of fascinating objects on display.
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Museo de Cera
The most famous people and events in Spanish history are displayed in remarkably life-like wax models. The crime section shows gory scenes representing the Expreso de Andalucía train murders. The section devoted to monarchs and heads of state also contain a frightening reproduction of a torture chamber and all the methods of inflicting pain used during the Spanish Inquisition. You'll see scenes from life during the Roman, Visigoth and Arab periods of settlement on the peninsula. And of course, no waxworks would be complete without famous figures from the worlds of art, literature, sports and science. Bullfighters make a special appearance here, because it's Spain. Admission: EUR12; under-10s & over-60s: EUR8.
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Museo de Ciencias Naturales
The main exhibition space displays close to four million different types of preserved animal life, including mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fish and molluscs. Some of the stuffed large predatory animals are spectacular specimens. You'll be impressed by the 1.8 million-year-old Megatherium americanum skeleton found in Argentina in 1788, the reproduction dinosaurs and the fossil and mineral collections. The museum tells the story of the evolution of life on earth with the aid of audio-visual shows and organizes free educational workshops for adults and children on weekends.
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Museo de Escultura al Aire Libre
These examples of Spanish 20th-century avant-garde art blend in so well with their surrounding urban landscape that most people walk past them without noticing. It's worth taking the time to stop and look though, and it's free. You'll see 15 sculptures by artists as famous as Chillida, Subirachs, Torner, Alfaro, Chirino and Miró. Manoeuvering Chillida's piece, Sirena varada (Stranded Siren), into place was a feat of engineering in itself.
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Museo de la Biblioteca Nacional
This museum aims to describe the history of human communication from the advent of writing to the end of the 20th century. All sorts of cutting edge technology is used to bring that history to life. Audiovisual displays, holograms, games and interactive videos show you how craftsmen developed engraving, printing and silkscreen techniques through the centuries. Twenty different multimedia systems are employed to bring the rich archives of the National Library to life for you, including its oldest (4th century) manuscript as well as recordings and diaries made by important figures like Unamuno, Picasso, Miró and Vicente Aleixandre.
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Museo de la Ciudad
You'll get an overall view of the city's history from the very beginning through to the present day. The museum starts with the first pre-historic settlements and details the initial royal projects intended to found a capital. The illustrative models show Madrid's water, electricity, transport and telephone infrastructures in fascinating detail. The 19th and 20th centuries are represented through important historical events (like the May 2 uprising against the French) and important urban developments (like building the Campo de las Naciones, rebuilding Puerta del Sol, altering Gran Vía and constructing the suburbs). The museum organizes seminars, concerts, conferences and other educational events. Admission is free.
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Museo de los Bomberos (Firefighter's Museum)
This museum traces the history of organised fire-fighting in Spain since it began. You'll see examples of old horse-drawn carriages (1898) and the first motor-drawn fire engines (1911) as well as a wide selection of pumps and water-propulsion systems that have been used to extinguish fires through the years. Children can achieve their dreams of joining the Fire Brigade by bringing along a photograph and filling in a form. Their details will be registered in the Service List and they'll receive an official ID card.
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Museo de San Isidro
Learn about the history of Madrid before it became the capital of Spain and seat of the Royal Court in 1561. The results of years of painstaking archeological research are displayed in these attractively designed rooms. You'll see remains of the house where San Isidro (Madrid's patron saint) lived as well as parts of Count Paredes' original palace. Walk through a delightful 16th-century Renaissance-style patio to the 17th-century chapel and you'll pass a well from which San Isidro is said to have saved his own son from drowning. The museum opened in 2000 and has a specialist library. Admission is free.
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Museo de Telefónica (Telecomunicaciones)
It's a bit like a pop art museum and has some real collector's items on display, like the Ericsson models made between 1895 and 1910 as well as telephones made by Siemens and General Electric. It aims to trace the evolution of telecommunications from the early days until the 1960s. You can find out about the history of the Spanish telephone industry and its Telefónica company in particular. Don't miss room five and its replica telephone operator's switchboard. There are regular temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists who work with new technology and the museum owns a collection of contemporary art including names like Picasso, Chillida, Juan Gris, Tàpies and Luis Fernández on show in the Museo del Ferrocarril
This is one of the most popular museums in the city, frequented as much by locals as tourists. The lovely building itself was opened as a railway station in 1880. It's interesting to see - through the steam, diesel and electric engines - how elegant and efficient train travel used to be. Most of the rolling-stock is so valuable that it has been declared of national cultural interest and is protected from destruction by statute. Other interesting items include old clocks, passenger cars, etchings, lamps, tools and much more. Look out for the working scale models, temporary exhibitions and children's activities.
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Museo del Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales (Descalzes Reales Museum)
This convent's museum houses an important collection of paintings, sculpture, tapestries and precious metalwork donated to the order during the reigns of Carlos I and Felipe II. Highlights include paintings by Zurbarán, Rubens and Titian, a sculpted sepulchre of Emperatriz María by Crescenci, Juan de Mena's sculptures and Leoni's marble mausoleum. It first opened to the public in 1960 and won the European Council's special Museum of the Year award in 1987. The 16th-century convent is home to a religious community of Franciscan nuns belonging to the order of St. Clare. Admission: EUR4.20; students, over-65s & under-18s: EUR1.80. Free for EU citizens on Wednesdays.
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Museo del Observatorio Astronómico Nacional
This observatory was built in 1790 in Retiro Park. It's close to Atocha station and the botanical gardens. There's a Gregorian telescope from 1790, two telescopes from 1796 along with other examples of equipment used during this period. Admission: free
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Museo Geominero (Geomineral Museum)
8000 mineral specimens are on display here in over 250 glass cabinets. The mineral collection has samples from every region in Spain including flora, ores and organogeneous rocks. The fossil section contains a selection of vertebrates and invertebrates from Spain and abroad including wild boar, tortoise, crocodile, frogs and bear. Admission: free
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Museo Histórico Minero D. Felipe de Borbón y Grecia
There's lots of interest to see in this museum, located in the School of Mining. The building itself is so impressive it was declared a national historical monument. The beautiful library holds 7000 volumes. There's a fascinating collection of instruments and models relating to the science and industry of mining. Visitors also get the chance to go underground in the garden in the Marcelo Jorissen Mine-Museum (a 50m-deep reproduction of a coal mine). The collection of minerals, fossils and rocks (10000 in total) includes silver from Guadalajara and metallic sulphur from Germany. The fossil collection contains examples of almost every plant and animal found on the planet today. Collectors come from far and wide to visit the public market selling minerals, fossils and gems in the hallway. Admission: free
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Museo Municipal
Pedro Ribera built this old hospice with a spectacular baroque in the 18th century. It was officially declared a national historic monument in 1919. The museum displays the city's history through a combination of archaeological remains, drawings, photos, coins, stamps, postcards, furniture and other decorative objects. The 1830 model of Madrid by Palacio and the reconstruction of writer Serna's office are particularly interesting. The 19th- and 20th-century historical portraits by Madrazo, Sorolla and Eduardo Arroyo along with paintings by Goya, Eugenio Lucas and Luca Giordano all make this place worth visiting to gain an insight into Madrid's history. Admission: (EUR 2); under-18s, students, unemployed, senior citizens & groups of 15 or more: (EUR 1); Wed & Sun: free
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Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
This gallery of modern art features work by some of the 20th-century's most outstanding artists, including Picasso - Guernica has its own special space - Dalí, Tàpies, Chillida, Miró, Gris, Bacon, Le Cobursier, Lipchitz, Schnabel, Numan, and Roberto Matta. There is a library, research centre, bookshop, café, souvenir shop, and restaurant.
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Museo Nacional del Prado (Prado Museum)
Considered one of the world's most important art galleries, it exhibits paintings by Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, Zurbarán, El Greco, Ribera, Titian, Boticelli, Tintoretto, El Bosco, Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin and Durer. The collection of decorative arts features the Tesoro del Delfín. There are displays of classical Greek and Roman sculpture. Carlos III commissioned Juan de Villanueva to design this beautiful building, which was converted into an art gallery in 1819. There is a café, bookshop, souvenir shop, conference room, and reference library. Admission: EUR6; students, EUR3.
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Museo Naval
Charting man's maritime history, this museum starts with the maps used during the discovery of the New World and ends with a display of the most advanced nautical instruments available today. The battles and naval campaigns waged throughout Spanish history are explored and explained. You'll see how nautical, scientific and astronomical instruments developed alongside weapons of war and maps. There are reproductions of ship's cabins, paintings of ships, the personal belongings of well-known sailors, and portraits of kings and navigators as well as a collection of shipwrecked curios.
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Museo Sorolla (Sorolla Museum)
You can embark on a journey through the life and work of Valencian painter, Joaqua Sorolla (1863-1923), in this fascinating museum. It's located in what was his home and studio, donated to the Spanish state by his widow. Some 300 canvasses and thousands of drawings are spread throughout the three floors. The first floor contains his home and the three studios where he worked. The second floor displays most of his paintings and the ground floor is devoted to his drawings. The world according to Sorolla was a calm and peaceful place, and you'll find this museum to be an oasis of tranquillity. He was a master of light and shade and concentrated on painting the female form as well as children and the sea. Admission: (EUR 2.40); students & senior citizens: (EUR 1.20); under-18s, over-65s, unemployed & Sun: free
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Museo Taurino
If you're in any way attracted to the exciting, complicated and colourful world of bullfighting, you'll love this museum, located in the world's most important bullring - Plaza Monumental de las Ventas. It contains a fabulous collection of the "suits of lights" worn by the most famous bullfighters along with portraits of great toreros, like Belmonte and Vicente Pastor painted by Eugenio Lucas and Antonio Carnicero. You'll also see an eclectic selection of taurine memorabilia and the stuffed heads of brave bulls. Admission is free.
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Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
The Thyssen-Bornemisza family collected what became one of the world's finest private art collection over a number of generations. The Spanish state bought it from them in 1993 for $350m and converted the early-19th-century neoclassical Villahermosa Palace into a fabulous art gallery. You will see masterpieces by Van Dyck, Durer, Caravaggio, Rubens, Picasso, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse and Kandinsky among others. The collection follows a chronological order running from the 13th to the 20th century. There is a cafeteria-restaurant, free cloakroom and a conference room. Admission: EUR6; students, senior citizens: EUR4; under-12s: free. Temporary Exhibitions: EUR5; students, senior citizens: EUR4. Combined Admission: EUR9; students, senior citizens: EUR5. Group bookings: taquilla@museothyssen.org, or call +34 91 369 0151.
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Palacio de Comunicaciones / Museo Postal y Telegráfico
The post office headquarters was built in an eclectic style that displays Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance features with a pinch of French detail, American sky-scraper and Spanish Modernism. The result is magical. The Postal and Telegraphic Museum is located inside and describes the development of the Spanish communication system starting with the 18th-century postal service and ending with today's sophisticated reality. There are sections showing the evolution of telegraphy, telephones and new technology as well as historical examples of postmen's transport and equipment and a model of the Hispasat satellite. The collection of Spanish and foreign stamps dating from 1850 is magnificent. Admission: free. Guided visits are available for school groups and clubs.
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Palacio de Cristal
Madrid hosted an exhibition on the Philippine Islands in 1887 and the same architect who created the nearby Palacio de Linares
Headquarters to an organization responsible for improving relations between Spain and South America, this lovely old palace acts as a venue for numerous cultural events throughout the year. It contains a newspaper and magazine library, a video library, several exhibition rooms and an auditorium, as well as a restaurant, shop, museum and bookshop. It's one of the finest examples of neo-baroque design in Spain and was built at the end of the 19th century for the Marquis of Linares. You'll find it amongst all the other architectural masterpieces surrounding Palacio de Santa Cruz
The building most representative of the architectural style popular during the Hapsburg reign has an attractive façade, main entrance, towers and interior patios. It was built as the royal jailhouse in the 17th century and famous personalities like playwright Lope de Vega, bandit Luis Candelas and General Riego were imprisoned here. You'll find it in one of the most characteristic areas of old Madrid close to Plaza Mayor. It's now used as headquarters for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is not open the public.
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Palacio de Velázquez
This palace was originally built as a pavilion for the Mining Exhibition of 1883 and it's now used as an exhibition hall for contemporary art organized by the Museo Reina Sofia;/a>. It's located in front of the famous Artichoke Fountain in Retiro Park. The exterior is a marvellous display of two-tone brickwork and tiles around a metal frame crowned by a dome. The palace is named after the architect who designed and built it, Velằuez Bosco. Admission is free.
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Palacio Gaviria
Once a mid-19th century meeting place for Madrid's high society, this beautiful palace is now a luxurious disco, open to the general public. There is a different special theme every night: Tuesday nights it is salsa, Wednesdays are for tango, and Thursday nights you can enjoy the International Fiesta. Manuel Gaviria, a prominent banker, hired an Italian architect to create the Renaissance-style palace in 1846. Sadly, the neon signs and tacky shops and bars on the busy street level detract more than a little from what must have been a magnificent external appearance.
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Palacio Real
This former royal residence houses a fantastic collection of paintings (Velázquez, Caravaggio and Goya), sculpture, furniture, tapestries, glassware, gold and silverware, medals, porcelain and musical instruments. It is well worth visiting the rooms decorated by Gasparini as well as the Royal Pharmacy, the Library, and the Royal Armoury. King Felipe V commissioned the Italian architect Sabatini to design the palace, and work was carried out betwween 1738-1770.
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Palacio Real de la Granja
The best features of Felipe V's palace and summer retreat are in fact its mountain setting and the glorious gardens and woodland that surround it. Have a wander round the grounds to see the spectacular fountains, sculptures, ornamental gardens and trees. The luxurious rooms in the 18th-century building itself are decorated with frescoes, tapestries, marble, and a wonderful collection of antique French clocks. It is also worth visiting the interesting glass factory in nearby San Ildefonso de La Granja village to see the craftsmen at work. Transport: 77km by car on N-VI + M-601 roads or Linecar bus from Estación del Sur (+34 91 528 7632). Admission: EUR5; children (5-16 yrs), senior citizens and students: EUR2.50. Wed: free for EU citizens.
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Panteón de Hombres Ilustres
The original idea here was to create a mausoleum dedicated to famous figures from Spanish history. In the end the project ran out of steam and only the pantheon and tower were built, forming part of the Basílica de Atocha. Nevertheless, some heavyweight military, political and cultural historical figures are represented. There are 13 in total, including Prim, Ríos Rosas, Cánovas del Castillo, Argüelles and Mendizábal. Valencian sculptor Benlliure contributed some interesting pieces. Admission is free.
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Parque de Atracciones
Young families from Madrid love coming here to visit the six different adventure zones full of activities: Naturaleza (Nature), Maquinismo (Automation), Tranquilidad (Tranquility), Infantil (Infants), Gran Avenida (Grand Avenue) and Trispace Virtual (Virtual World). The children's amusement park offers loads of things to do, including water rides, a house of horror and a puppet theatre. Some of the rides have great names like Rapids, Launch Pad, Fiords, Top Spin and Fantasy. There are musical shows, travelling performers and places to eat.
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Parque del Oeste
This is a park popular among madrileños and tourists alike due to its central location, close to several historic sights. You will find lots of people taking a stroll through here during the day, although it's best to avoid the place at night. You'll enjoy the carefully tended gardens that display a wide range of different plants and a series of monumental sculptures. The most outstanding feature is the beautiful Rosaleda, or rose garden, which hosts an annual international competition. It's also worth visiting the National School of Ceramics and Parque del Retiro
It's known as the "lungs of Madrid" and few cities can boast such a large park (118 hectares) in such a central location. There's a large boating lake and the park has three art galleries (Casa de Vacas, Parque El Capricho
This park was the 18th-century home belonging to one of Madrid's aristocratic families. The main palace houses paintings by Goya and the other buildings worth looking at are the casino, the chapel and the "Old Woman's House". It's located on the east side of the city and features smartly kept groves of poplars and pretty walkways lined with hundred-year-old trees. No dogs allowed. Group admission can be arranged during weekdays in advance. Admission: free.
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Parque Juan Carlos I
With 220 hectares of land in total, this is undoubtedly one of Europe's largest parks. Everything here is on a grand scale. The massive olive grove has a diameter of 1km. The avenues that cross the fields are huge. There is even a 2km-long river where you can sail a catamaran. The most impressive feature, however, is the water-show, accompanied by music and lights that takes place at 10:30pm Thu-Sun between June and September in the auditorium. You can take a cute little train ride round the most important sites, depending on the weather, of course. Admission: free.
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Paseo de la Castellana
Madrid's greatest and grandest avenue runs between Paseo de Recoletos
This is the stretch of Paseo del Pintor Rosales
Elegant, distinguished and attractive are the three adjectives most commonly used to describe this peaceful avenue that runs parallel to Piscinas Municipales
24 of the city's 47 municipal sports centres have swimming-pools that you can use during the summer. The facilities are first-class, well cared for and cheaper than any private swimming club. If you become a member the entrance price is even lower and you can take advantage of the swimming lessons available for adults and children over six. Phone the number above to find out about your nearest municipal sports centre.
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Planetario de Madrid
Lie back on one of the reclining chairs under the huge dome and enjoy spectacular documentaries and visual displays accompanied by the best surround sound system available. You will learn all about the fascinating world of astronomy and see images of the stars and planets as they circulate in their 'natural' orbits. There is a range of exhibitions and video shows to visit, along with interactive educational computer facilities and a souvenir shop. The planetarium is close to the IMAX 3D cinema and has free parking. Admission to video screenings, exhibitions and computer facilities is free.
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Plaza de Colón
Two modern sculptures commemorate the discovery of the Americans in this central square. You'll see Joaquín Vaquero Turcios' chunky cement blocks decorated with inscriptions by philosophers and indigenous leaders on the Calle Serrano side,and a more traditional sculpture of Columbus himself on a pedestal surrounded by historical characters involved in the conquest on the Paseo de la Castellana side. The arts centre - Plaza de España
You just have to look at the number of people lying on the grass alongside the fountains or resting on the park benches to know this is a popular spot. The most prominent feature is the statue dedicated to Spain's most famous writer, Miguel de Cervantes, that depicts his two principal characters - Don Quijote and Sancho Panza. At Christmas time, the area towards Calle Princesa fills with stalls selling all types of gifts and decorative objects. You can't help but notice the two enormous mid-20th century skyscrapers here: El Edificio España and La Torre de Madrid.
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Plaza de la Cebada
This square has become one of the most picturesque and trendy venues in the city over the last few years. It's surrounded by popular tapas bars, pubs and restaurants. There's a great fresh produce market on one side and if you head along Calle Cava Baja, you'll find some excellent restaurants. Look out for Calle Almendro and the famous tavern with the same name. It's not far from Plaza de Cascorro, heart of the popular Sunday street market, or Plaza de la Paja
A remainder of medieval Madrid, it's name comes from its use at that time. This was the square where the Bishop auctioned off the straw (paja) brought from his farmland near Plasencia in the province of Cáceres. You'll find the Capilla del Obispo (Bishop's Chapel) in the next door Plaza de los Carros. Have a look at its outstanding altarpiece, tombs and doors. A stage is set up in Plaza de la Paja during the Paloma festival where people dance in the traditional madrileño style called chotis. There are some good bars and an excellent Russian restaurant (El Cosaco) round here.
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Plaza de la Villa
It's surprising to find such a quiet spot in Madrid. This square doesn't seem to have been affected by the passage of time and it's easy to imagine yourself in a by-gone era. It's surrounded by 15th to 17th-century aristocratic mansions that have been taken over by the Town Hall. The Lujanes tower is one of the oldest buildings in the city and features impressive stone and brickwork and three coats-of-arms decorating the doorway. Benlliure's statue of Álvaro de Bazán, commander of the Spanish Armada, graces the centre of the square. You can take a walk from here through the old town.
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Plaza de la Villa de París
A quiet, elegant square that's always peaceful and traffic-free because it's next door to the High Court where there's a constant police presence. Its statues depict Fernando VI and his wife Bárbara de Braganza the two people who were most influential in making this area of the city important. The busiest place on the square is El Timón, the corner bar that serves excellent tapas and shellfish. The most important buildings are the law courts. You'll find it in between Plaza de Colón and the Glorieta de Alonso Martínez.
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Plaza de Oriente
Located opposite Plaza de Santa Ana
Come here any weekend night and you'll find the place buzzing. It's a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike as it's close to Puerta del Sol and surrounded by nightlife venues. It has a statue of playwright Calderón de la Barca in the centre and garden areas round about. The neoclassical Teatro Español building and the art deco Hotel Victoria (a favourite with bullfighters) are both here. As for drinks, the Cervecería Alemana is a good place for a relaxing chat, and then there's the Villarosa (which featured in Pedro Almodóvar's movie High Heels), once a flamenco dance hall, it's now a trendy bar. The history of the square dates back to the times of Joseph Bonaparte who demolished Santa Ana Convent to open up this space.
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Plaza de Santa Bárbara
This central square has a lovely tree-lined boulevard where bars set up their sidewalk tables in summer. It has become one of the liveliest tapas areas in Madrid, full of locals and office workers at all times of day. The most popular bar is called Santa Bárbara and it serves great beer and prawns. In the square, you'll also see the attractive classical French style Villagonzalo Palace and the unusual Casa de los Lagartos (House of Lizards), named after the stone carved lizards that decorate its upper storey.
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Plaza del Dos de Mayo
This popular square was the scene of glorious historical events during the War of Independence agaist France in the early 19th century. The central arch was the entrance to the Monteleón barracks where the city's defenders rose to arms. The two captains, Daoiz and Velarde, who led the troops are commemorated here with statues. Other heroes of the same war, like Ruiz and Manuela Malasaña, have nearby streets named after them. The square became famous again in the 1980s as part of the movida madrileña (the name given to the explosion of creativity in fashion, theatre, movies and nightlife at that time). Today, it's still full of lively bars, clubs and sidewalk cafés.
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Plaza Mayor
There are many ways to spend your time and money at this attractive central square: stroll around and admire the architecture and the murals or even buy an original watercolor from one of the many pavement artists. During the Middle Ages, merchants congregated here to live and sell their wares. When Felipe II established the Court in Madrid, he decided that this square should be reserved for special occasions, and it started to take its present shape from 1790 onwards. The statue in the centre is that of Felipe III.
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Puente de Segovia
This nine-arched bridge over the River Manzanares connects Calle Segovia with Paseo de Extremadura. It was built in 1582 during the reign of Felipe II by Juan de Herrera, who was also responsible for the Escorial Monastery. The bridge was intended to make the journey to Segovia a little easier. The architect gave it his personal trademark, adding some unmistakeable stone bollards as decoration.
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Puente de Toledo
The baroque shrines holding images of San Isidro and Santa María de la Cabeza make this nine-arched bridge over the River Manzanares the most attractive in Madrid. It's closed to traffic so you can enjoy walking over it in peace. If you head down from the Toledo gate, you'll find it between the Pirámides and Marqués de Vadillo roundabouts. It was built by Pedro de Ribera during the reign of Felipe V.
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Puerta de Alcalá
One of Madrid's enduring symbols, it's made entirely of granite with one central arch and two smaller passageways on each side. Carlos III had his Court architect Sabatini build the gate in 1778 as a monument to himself and to show visiting merchants from Aragon how important the city had become. The ornamental statues are the work of Roberto Michel and Francisco Gutiérrez. It's location is spectacular, as it stands on raised ground opposite another symbol of the city, Puerta de Toledo
This gate was attached to the old city walls and marked the southern limit of the medieval town. It was the start of the old road to Toledo and is now the way out to new residential districts on the other side of the River Manzanares. The modern market with the same name nearby houses a wide variety of shops selling antiques and crafts. The gate is a semicircular arch with smaller rectangular doors on each side, Ionic columns and military coats-of-arms decorating the upper part. It was started during José Bonaparte's reign and finished during the rule of his succesor, Fernando VII.
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Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) is the most popular and commercial area in the old town. Five hundred years ago it was just another city gate with an image of the sun drawn on it, hence its name. Nowadays, the square is famous for being the center of the national road network. The plaque on the pavement outside the old Post Office building denotes 'kilometer 0'. The distance between Madrid and every other part of Spain is measured from here. Thousands of revelers gather in the square once a year to await the chimes of the clock that officially announces the New Year.
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Quinta y Parque de la Fuente del Berro
The royal family's water supply used to come from the well by the old country house in these romantic gardens. This attractive park is an oasis of peace and tranquilty sandwiched between the welter of traffic on the M-30 and the huge television station tower, Torrespaña (or el Pirulí as the locals call it). There's a pretty viewpoint and you'll see statues dedicated to Pushkin (Russian writer) and Bécquer (Spanish poet). The latter is located in the Water Garden alongside little lakes, rivers and waterfalls.
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Rastro
The capital's best-known street market fills up with people to the saturation point after noon, so if you want to wander around all the fascinating stalls in peace, you should arrive by 10a. You can stop for a drink or a bite to eat in neighboring cafes and then head for the Plaza de Cascorro, featuring the statue of Eloy Gonzalo, a Spanish soldier who challenged the Cubans in their war of independence with just a tin of petrol. Everything from clothes, furniture to house wares can be bought at this all encompassing market. No admission fee.
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Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando
Undoubtedly among the oldest and best collections of paintings in Spain, the 17th-century examples stand out above all. The most interesting works include two self-portraits of Goya, canvasses by Ribera, Murillo and Velằuez along with those by foreign painters of the stature of Rubens, Van Dyck and Arcimboldo. There's a room dedicated to Picasso, a room especially for decorative arts, a section for drawings and prints and a valuable series of sculptures by Joselin Regular temporary exhibitions are organized. Access to the research library is restricted. Admission: (EUR 2.40); students, under-18s & over-65s: free. Wed & Dec 6, Oct 12 & May 18: free.
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Real Fábrica de Tapices
It's not every day you get the opportunity to visit a museum where a workforce of up to 50 people produces and restores tapestries using 18th-century techniques. In addition to the worshops, there's a gallery where you can examine the tapestries, rugs and carpets that are made here. The factory opened in 1721 during the reign of Felipe V, and only became a public museum in the mid-1980s. Admission: (EUR 1.80). There are guided tours in Spanish, French and English.
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Real Jardín Botánico
It is a real pleasure to wander around these attractively landscaped gardens. You will see examples of a wide variety of plants from all five continents - 30000 different species in total. They are all labelled with their Latin and Spanish names. Among them are medicinal herbs, sweet-smelling plants and flowers, food-bearing plants, and a collection of roses. There is also a greenhouse with tropical, subtropical and desert plants. The gardens have been open since 1791.
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Real Monasterio de la Encarnación
The outstanding sights in this monastery are the choir area, the main cloister, the bronze and marble sepulchre, the paintings of the Bourbon royal family, and the chapel's frescoes. However, it is best known for the miracle that happens here every July 28, when the congealed blood of Saint Panthaleon that is kept in a small container miraculously becomes liquid. The building is a fine example of post-Herrera baroque architecture (Herrera was also responsible for El Escorial Monastery).
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Reales Sitios de El Pardo
El Pardo palace began life as a royal hunting lodge. It later became General Franco's official residence, and nowadays it is a museum and accommodation for visiting foreign leaders. Its great collection of paintings, textiles, antique furniture, and porcelain is open to the public. Roberto Michel's decorative ceilings and Bayeu y Maella's murals are particularly worth seeing. The prince's palace and the Quinta palace (closed for restoration work) are also part of this complex, 8km away on the outskirts of Madrid. The wooded gardens and restaurants here are popular with locals relaxing at weekends. Take the public bus (El Pardo-Mingorrubio) from Moncloa.
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Residencia de Estudiantes
This student residence is best known because of the five students who lived here and later went on to become famous in different fields: the poets, Federico García Lorca and Miguel Hernández; the painter, Salvador Dalí; the film director, Luis Buñuel and the doctor, Severo Ochoa. Part of the building is now a residence for researchers and the rest belongs to a private foundation that organizes conferences, exhibitions, poetry readings and interdisciplinary forums that are open to the public. You'll find the neo-Mudéjar style building, built in 1911, behind the Natural Science Museum. The hours are 9:30a-2:30p & 4:30p-7p M-F for winter as well as summer.
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Safari Madrid
Come on safari in your own car and you will see ostriches, giraffes, zebus, bucks, zebras, bears, rhinoceroses, monkeys and more. There is a reptile house and a bird park, too, where you can see spectacular birds of prey like golden eagles, falcons, and Griffon vultures. Unfortunately, the only way to get here is by car. Admission: adults, EUR9.61; children aged 3-10, EUR6.01.
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Sociedad General de Autores y Editores (SGAE)
Longoria Palace, as it's also known, is Madrid's finest example of modernist architecture. Take a look at the sinuous forms of its balconies, its windows shaped like leaves, its lovely wrought-iron work and the strikingly original structure itself. It belongs to Spain's General Society of Authors and is normally closed to the public. However, you can gain access on the first Monday in October every year (World Architecture Day) when every building in Madrid opens for free. Once inside you can appreciate the spectacular staircase, its balustrade and the glass-domed ceiling.
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Templo de Debod
Dating from the second century BC, this small Egyptian temple covered in fascinating drawings, hieroglyphics and religious inscriptions was a gift from the Egyptian government to Spain in 1970 in recognition of Spain's assistance in saving historical remains during the construction of the Aswan Dam. You will find it located in a peaceful and pleasant park, but you are advised not to come here after dark.
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Torre Picasso
The capital's tallest building was designed by Japanese architect Minoru Yamasaki, the creator of the Twin Towers in NYC. It's 157.25m tall, has 43 floors and a helipad on the roof. The entire building is controlled by an 'intelligent' computer system and the aluminium façade has been specially treated with fluorine. It's located in the AZCA complex, a financial district designed to imitate New York's 'Wall Street' or London's 'The City'.
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Torres KIO (Puerta de Europa)
Built of granite, glass and metal, the angle at which these towers lean is simply spectacular. They're 27 stories high and a shining example of how dynamic and modern Madrid has become. Their official name is Puerta de Europa (Gateway to Europe), though locals call them the KIO Towers after the business group in charge of their construction. They were eventually completed in 1996 by the banking group Caja Madrid. Architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee (famous for New York's AT&T tower) designed them as office space and they're the most dramatic sight on the skyline as you arrive from the north.
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Viaducto
Built to cross the huge chasm between the Royal Palace and Calle Bailén, this spectacular reinforced concrete bridge with three arches has sadly become a popular venue for suicides. The Town Hall consequently decided to attach transparent protective barriers all the way along its length. This move has attracted public criticism because the barriers are far from attractive and they spoil the tremendous views of the city from the bridge.
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Vicente Calderon Stadium
Originally named "Estadio Manzanares," the stadium's name changed to honor Vicente Calderon, one of the most important presidents in Atletico Madrid Football Club history. The stadium holds up to 55,000 fans eager to see brutal regional, national and international football competitions. Be sure to stop by the 1903 Atletico Madrid Football Megastore between gates 25 and 26 to pick up some official Atletico gear and show your support for the home team.
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Zoo Aquarium de Madrid
"More than 2030 different species of mammals and birds live among the 20 hectares of parkland here. The zoo keeps more than 70 varieties of poisonous snakes, including vipers from Gabon and the black mambo (considered the most dangerous snake in the world). The Dolphinarium is probably the most popular area, as visitors love to watch these intelligent mammals show off their tricks. Dolphins, seals and sea lions give regular performances throughout the day. The aquarium holds two million litres of water and a spectacular tropical fish collection. There is a restaurant, bar, and snack bars. Admission: adults EUR12.75, children (3-7s) EUR10.30, under-3s: free."
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