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 Great views from above the city |
Paseo del Pintor Rosales, s/n (esquina Marqués de Urquijo) Madrid, Madrid 28008 Spain +34 91 541 7450 http://www.teleferico.com |
The cable car offers spectacular views of the western part of the city. Its cabins pass over the River Manzanares, Rosaleda (rose gardens), and Parque del Oeste. The best view of all is the cityscape immortalized in Goya's paintings that includes the Royal Palace, San Francisco Church, and the cathedral. You will eventually arrive at Casa de Campo park where you can have a picnic, feed the ducks, relax, or row a boat around the lake. Check website for admission prices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sarah Kernohan |
 Photo: Catherine |
 Photo: Andrew Robertson |
 Photo: Fiona Silk |
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Unique masterpiece |
San Lorenzo de El Escorial Madrid, Madrid 28200 Spain +34 91 890 5902 http://www.patrimonionacional.es/ |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Johannes Marosi |
 Photo: Maradentro_  |
 Photo: Dirk Auerbach |
 Photo: herman VANDEWIELE |
 Photo: individuart |
 Photo: Miguel Angel Alvarez |
 Photo: William Heaven |
 Photo: Nils Appel |
 Photo: Renato Saavedra |
 Photo: Leandro López |
 Photo: filiperspoa |
 Photo: Iñigo López Díez |
 Photo: Marco Masip |
 Photo: jose_miguel |
 Photo: Sid Wray |
 Photo: besia |
 Photo: Alvaro Oporto |
 Photo: Rafael Zurita |
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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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See the moon and the stars |
Avenida del Planetario 16 Madrid, Madrid 28045 Spain +34 91 467 3461 http://www.planetmad.es |
Come along for a closer look at the moon and you might even witness a meteor shower. You'll also get a pretty good view of southern Madrid by night. The Planetarium and Madrid's Astronomy Group organize this traditional night out in the park to watch the stars and the planets. They also provide the equipment and experienced staff. Everyone is welcome to do some stargazing, and access to the telescopes is on a first-come-first-served basis. Bring warm clothing and binoculars. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
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With views over the old town |
Calle de Bailén 6 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 588 2900 (Tourism Office) |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michelle Olivieri |
 Photo: Rafael Cortijo Santurino |
 Photo: David Navarro |
 Panoramic view of Madrid |
Segovia Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 588 2900 (Tourism Office) |
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 fiestas de San Isidro. It's also worth taking a walk around the narrow old streets of the adjacent medieval quarter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Diego Urdiales |
 Photo: Omar Moreno Melcón |
 Photo: Elena Andreani |