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.
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.
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.
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.
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.