Madrid

City of monuments and crossroads

The geographical location and capital status of Madrid grant it its cosmopolitan character. It is the centre of the cultural and social scene, the place where people of all kinds and backgrounds that make up its history have gathered.

You cannot miss it

A good starting point to tour the city is kilometre zero of Puerta del Sol. This square has a few characteristic elements, such as the clock of the Royal Post Office that announces the beginning of each year with its bells or the statue of the Bear and the Arbutus.

In its surroundings, you will find emblematic places, such as Cibeles Fountain, the Puerta de Alcalá, the Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Spain, Callao, the Cathedral of La Almudena or the Plaza de Oriente, with its Theatre and Royal Palace.

Want to know more?

You will be surprised when you stroll around Madrid, wherever you look. The Gran Via is a good example, with its many cinemas, theatres and shops; you can look up to discover the sculptures of Roman and Greek gods that watch you from the rooftops.

Look where you step, it's also a good idea in the neighbourhood of Las Letras, where you can read quotes from great writers of the Spanish Golden Age who lived on these streets, such as Cervantes or Lope de Vega.

Madrid offers countless options at any time of the year. Culture with internationally renowned museums, such as the Prado or Reina Sofía. Nature with parks and stately gardens, highlighting the Retiro and the Casa de Campo, and of course, leisure at all hours in the city that never sleeps.

Give yourself a treat

Become one of Madrid's citizens by getting lost in such genuine neighbourhoods as Lavapiés and La Latina, and eat a typical Madrid stew or a squid sandwich.

If you want to show off a unique find, take a photo and savour a traditional steak dish at Casa Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness World Records.

If you want to taste gourmet bites from Madrid and all over Spain, visit the Mercado de San Miguel, a wonderful modernist glazed iron structure.

Seasonal plans

• Summer in Madrid is synonymous of outdoor culture, thanks to the Veranos de la Villa. This festival that lasts over two months, from the end of June, bringing endless activities to the public spaces of Madrid. Dance at the Plaza de Oriente, watch a film in a park or let yourself be surprised by listening to a zarzuela in the gardens of Sabatini.
• Si disfrutas de la música, te encantarán los conciertos en las calles y los festivales de todo tipo.
• In August, the nights are dressed in the traditional open-air dances, with the consecutive festivities of San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and La Paloma. Stroll around La Latina and Lavapiés to dance a chotis, imitating the chulapos.
• It doesn't matter if summer comes to an end, the party and good food will continue to go on in this area of Madrid with the Tapapiés culinary festival.

Además, en octubre tendrás la oportunidad de visitar edificios e instituciones emblemáticas que se abren al público con motivo de la Semana de la Arquitectura.