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Welcome to Madrid, the
 Madrid's most elegant neighbourhood |
Near Maria de Molina and Serrano Streets Madrid, Madrid 28006 Spain |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: El Hombre de Tasmania  |
 Photo: H.Calleja Kempin |
 Photo: Nacho Piédrola |
 1800 hectares of parkland |
Calle del Campo Madrid, Madrid 28041 Spain |
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 Zoo Aquarium, an amusement park, a boating lake and a cable car. You'll find some good restaurants here, and the trade centre usually has some sort of exhibition going on. To get to the park, head down Cuesta San Vicente from Plaza de España and cross Puente del Rey. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: WonderFool |
 Photo: jmtomasena |
 Photo: Juan Diego Bueno |
 Photo: fayu |
 Photo: Javier Sánchez |
 Photo: Fernando Prado |
 Photo: Calacarbon |
 Photo: jacqueline steck |
 Photo: Javier Cuervo |
 Photo: Oscar Ballabriga |
 Photo: David Colado Gutiérrez |
 Photo: Ismael Viejo |
 Photo: José María Flores |
 Photo: Laurent Phélep |
 Photo: Karine Charbonneau |
 Photo: Anlene Souza |
 Photo: Marina Tellechea |
 Photo: Ervin Sarkisov/SPA |
 Photo: Jorge Benayas |
 Photo: Ruben M. Ruiz Caja |
 Photo: Lina Ardila |
 Photo: Rubén Algarra |
 Photo: Nicolas Born |
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Striking building |
Alcalá, 15 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 521 8700 http://www.casinodemadrid.es/en/ |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: emd2 |
 Photo: Aldeana |
 Photo: Ricardo Morales |
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Patron saint of Madrid |
Calle de Bailén Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 542 2200 http://www.archimadrid.es/prin... |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: duimdog |
 Photo: Robert Reichle |
 Photo: Maximiliano Corredor |
 Photo: José María Sotomayor |
 Photo: Dani Toscano |
 Photo: Saúl Trabanca |
 Photo: David Rodriguez Vega |
 Photo: Tomomi Sasaki |
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Spanish Parliament |
Carrera de San Jerónimo, Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 390 6296 http://www.congreso.es |
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 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cuca |
 Photo: Courtney S. |
 Photo: Antonio Casas |
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Romantic-style palace in Retiro park |
Paseo Duque de Fernán Núñez, s/n Parque del Retiro Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 574 6614 |
Madrid hosted an exhibition on the Philippine Islands in 1887 and the same architect who created the nearby Palacio de Velázquez was hired to design this greenhouse to hold all the flowers brought over from the islands. It's an attractive steel and glass design that now houses temporary exhibitions of contemporary art organized by the Museo Reina Sofía. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Miguel |
 Photo: Nick |
 Photo: Will Vaughan |
 Photo: Steve Silverman |
 Photo: Jose Manuel Cruz |
 Photo: Jack Christfield |
 Photo: Benjamin Spencer |
 Photo: will roberts |
 Photo: Michael Leftwich |
 Photo: Dawn McGalliard |
 Photo: Paul Mason |
 Photo: Filippo Rosa |
 Photo: Donna Long |
 Photo: Markus Gabriel |
 Photo: Opal in the sky with diamonds |
 Photo: Bill Hansen |
 Photo: Amy Rooimans |
 Photo: Thomas Stellmach |
 Photo: Fred Kass |
 Photo: L. & M. Phillips |
 Photo: Amelia Baker |
 Photo: Phil Busch |
 Photo: Laney H. |
 Photo: PJ Librojo |
 Photo: Gary Sawchuk |
 Photo: jamie walvisch |
 Photo: Chris Pruitt |
 Photo: Amy Sample Ward |
 Photo: Mark Huser |
 Photo: iconeb |
 Photo: Mrs. Belk |
 Photo: martin_john_green |
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 Photo: melchor acevedo |
 Lose yourself among the bookshelves |
Preciados, 28 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 (0)91 595 6200 / +34 (0)91 595 6100 http://www.fnac.es/ |
An authentic cultural megastore with four floors selling the latest new releases in literature and music along with a selection of photographic equipment, music systems and PCs. The store organizes regular events like live concerts, conferences, film screenings and book signing sessions. It's well worth coming here to buy your books as the choice is enormous and there's a permanent 5% discount (the maximum allowed by law) on all stock. You can order any amount of books from anywhere in Spain, France, the UK or the US. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Álvaro Ibáñez |
 Photo: Álvaro Ibáñez |
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Royal Palace's gardens |
Virgen del Puerto, s/n Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 588 2900 (Tourism Office) |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: chriechers |
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Leaning towers of Madrid |
Plaza de Castilla, s/n Madrid, Madrid 28046 Spain |
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. They are not open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Milton Correa |
 Photo: Arnoldo Lara Giménez |
 Photo: Lola L. Falantes |
 Photo: Paco Vila |
 Photo: Iker Irazola |
 Photo: Martin Holland |
 Photo: Rubén Pérez |
 Photo: Flavio Quattrone |
 Photo: Cesar Miramontes Campoy |
 Photo: annye76 |
 Photo: J. Cortade |
 Photo: Razvan Coste |
 Photo: Canditrece |
 Photo: albjimenez |
 Photo: MarceFX (Granada) |
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The best views bar none |
Calle de la Princessa Madrid, Madrid 28015 Spain +34 91 588 2900 (Tourism Office) |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: cemepé |
 Photo: Pedro Alamo |
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Promoting Latin American culture |
Paseo de Recoletos, 2 Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain +34 91 595 4800 http://www.casamerica.es/insti... |
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 Cibeles Fountain. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Sanz |
 Photo: Israel Antonio |
 Photo: FRANCISCO TERRON |
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Visions of the universe |
Avenida del Planetario, 16 Madrid, Madrid 28045 Spain +34 91 467 3461 / +34 91 467 3898 http://www.planetmad.es/ |
Lie back on one of the reclining chairs located 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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: igece |
 Photo: Damian Vila |
 Coin and stamp collectors' paradise |
Plaza Mayor Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 540 4010 |
Taking a trip to the Coin and Stamp Collector's Market in Plaza Mayor is a perfect excuse to get to know the area and visit the sites around the plaza. On Sunday mornings, the square is lined with stalls selling coins and stamps for collectors and enthusiasts alike. This square was once a venue for bullfights as well as trials and executions during the Inquisition and now hosts concerts in summer and a Christmas Market in December. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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16th and 17th-century works of art |
Plaza de las Descalzas 3 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 521 2779 |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Guillermo Hernán Góm |
 Photo: Eliézer M. Fonseca |
 Photo: Ray Yeung |
 The history of Spanish astronomy |
Calle De Alfonso XII 3 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 527 0107 |
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 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ebifry |
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An impressive national library |
Paseo de Recoletos, 20 Madrid, Madrid 28071 Spain +34 91 580 7800 / +34 91 580 7823 http://www.bne.es |
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 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: chriechers |
 Photo: Fernando Aurelio Ramírez Martínez |
 Photo: Ibontxo |
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Tallest building in Madrid |
Paseo de la Castellana (Azca) Madrid, Madrid 28046 Spain http://www.per-gestora.com/ |
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'. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rafael Gil |
 Photo: cabezadeturco |
 Photo: Xabier Martínez |
 Photo: Andrea B. |
 Photo: Raul Luna |
 Photo: Ian |
 Photo: Simon Carrie |
 Photo: Rafa Llano |
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Spain's railway history |
Paseo de las Delicias, 61 Madrid, Madrid 28045 Spain +34 902 22 8822 http://www.ffe.es/vilanova/el_... |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ramón Durán |
 Photo: Colin Churcher |
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Impressive collection of furniture and paintings |
Calle de Bailén Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 547 5350 http://www.patrimonionacional.... |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jill Foster, Blue Mo |
 Photo: Ruth Lozano |
 Photo: Leon Wong |
 Photo: Daniel Cyr |
 Photo: Wendi Brown |
 Photo: Tina Modesto |
 Photo: Hernan Gonzalez |
 Photo: ruben lopez-pulido |
 Photo: Craig Stephen |
 Photo: Cannnela |
 Photo: Tim Sargent |
 Photo: Ruben Seabra |
 Photo: King Coyote |
 Photo: Nikki Smith |
 Photo: Mardee Sherman |
 Photo: John Paasonen |
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 Photo: Janko Bosch |
 Photo: Louis Parks |
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 Photo: Shawna Rice |
 Photo: Diana Sr. |
 Photo: Elisa Popi |
 Photo: Bruno Felício |
 Photo: Nazli Deniz Ödevoğlu |
 Photo: Juan Antonio Sánchez |
 Photo: Max Shevyakov |
 Photo: Honda Wang |
 Photo: DEJP |
 Photo: Cameron Boulton |
 Photo: Philippe Chandless |
 Photo: Fernando Belo |
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A gift from Egypt |
Jardines del Paseo del Pintor Rosales Madrid, Madrid 28008 Spain +34 91 366 7415 http://www.munimadrid.es/templ... |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Gómez |
 Photo: Cesar Tardaguila |
 Photo: Tarrask |
 Photo: Carlos |
 Photo: maytevidri |
 Photo: Pete Gibson |
 Photo: Catherine Farman |
 Photo: clouddreamer |
 Photo: pdmbamford |
 Photo: Jessica Dooley |
 Photo: madriguera |
 Photo: Shahnaz Kimi |
 Photo: ALBERTO GIRON |
 Photo: Chuck Stewart |
 Photo: D. Taylor Hendrixson |
 Photo: Markus Bina |
 Photo: Marc Svenby |
 Photo: C. Mario del Río |
 Photo: Michaelangelo CRG |
 Photo: Antonio Román |
 Photo: Raj Bhatt |
 Photo: Paris-Texass |