Madrid - Spain

Madrid is the tthird largest city in the European Union, second only to London and Berlin. See some suggestions for unmissable tours in Madrid to enhance your tour of the sSpanish capital.

Royal Palace gardens

The Royal Palace has two gardens: Campo del Moro and Sabatini Gardens. The first is located at the back and has a privileged view of the Palace. The second is right next door and has small labyrinths formed by plants. Admission to both is free.

If you don't have time for both, I advise you to go to Campo del Moro. Separate the morning from your day, when the weather is cooler, and take a walk around the garden, which is surrounded by blue peacocks.

Enjoy the view of the Palace, sit on one of the surrounding benches to read a book, walk to the lake to feed the ducklings, take lots of pictures showing the golden fountains and flowers that adorn the landscapes!

Getting to the gardens is easy: the entrance to the Sabatini Gardens is right next to the Palace and Campo del Moro is another 15-minute walk in the same block.

Royal palace

After exploring the gardens, be sure to visit the Royal Palace. You will surely be surprised by its super luxurious interior and full of details, in addition to the imposing construction of the 13th century.

Its facade is wonderful and it is located at a point where you have a beautiful view of the city (if you have it in the late afternoon, take the opportunity to see the sunset from Plaza de La Armería – right at the entrance to the Palace). Inside, there's a huge patio where you can take lots of pictures!

An important historical curiosity is that, in the 18th century, the former Royal Palace called Real Alcázar de Madrid was destroyed by a fire that lasted 3 days. To prevent the episode from happening again, the current Palace was built with concrete blocks, something not very common at that time.

It's such a luxurious place and rich in details. Among clocks, china, crystal chandeliers and hand-painted ceilings, what caught my attention the most was the royal banquet table. Not to mention the millions of details in gold.

Madrid tapas

Tapas are typical Spanish appetizers that you've probably heard of. In almost every restaurant you can find a tapa, but I recommend trying it at the Lateral restaurant in Plaza Santa Ana.

Plaza Santa Ana is beautiful and pleasant, surrounded by restaurants, close to the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum and Paseo del Prado street, where the Cibeles fountain is located. It is an ideal place for lunch or dinner and at night it tends to get quite busy!

If you have time to spare, you can even take advantage of a special tour of Madrid tapas. In addition to tasting this delicacy, you will also learn all about the history and visit 3 specialized bars.

Palace of Cibeles (Palace of Communications)

Close to Plaza Santa Ana is the Palacio de Cibeles, where the City Council is located. It hosts cultural activities such as exhibitions, workshops, conferences and concerts, which are open to the public.

The Palace stands out for being one of the first examples of Spanish modernist architecture. If you're feeling excited, you can go up to its rooftop for a drink and enjoy the view. Right in front of the Palace there is the Cibeles Fountain, which is beautiful and a good stop to take pictures.

Curiosity: Real Madrid titles are celebrated in the extensive square in front of the Palace.

Plaza Mayor

Perhaps the most important square and sought after by tourists. Before Madrid became the capital, with large avenues and wide streets, there was a square called Plaza de Arrabal in place of Plaza Mayor. In this square was the popular market of Madrid.

It was only at the end of the 15th century, when the court of Felipe II moved to the current capital of Spain, that the square began to grow and take on the shape of Plaza Mayor, becoming the target of historical manifestations.

Today, there are many typical restaurants and it is very common to see people eating bocadillo (sandwich) of fried squid there. You can sit in one of them to eat or walk around the nearby shops.

San Miguel Market

The Mercado de San Miguel, located in the historic center of Madrid (next to the Plaza Mayor), is a good option for eating. Inside its iron structure, there are small “gourmet” restaurants with many options for tapas, snacks, sweets and typical drinks. You will find cheeses, olives, seafood, beers, wines, juices and much more!

The market is usually crowded and very touristy, which may not be very pleasant for a good experience. My tip is to visit it on a less tiring day. Also, be prepared to leave a few euros there. Everything is a bit pricey, but it's worth it to taste a world of hitherto unknown flavors.

It operates in two schedules: Monday to Wednesday and Sundays from 10am to midnight; from Thursday to Saturday, from 10 am to 2 am. There's no excuse not to go!

Puerta del Sol

Considered the central point of Madrid, in its surroundings are several of the most historic and busiest streets in the city, such as Calle Mayor, Arenal, Alcalá, Preciados and various emblematic elements of Madrid.

One of them is the famous clock at Casa dos Correios, responsible for the New Year's strikes, where a crowd gathers at its feet to eat the traditional twelve raisins and watch a ceremony that is broadcast on TV.

There is also the famous sculpture of El Oso y El Madroño or, translated, The Bear and Strawberry Tree, official symbol of the city. A good tip is the free walking tours (guided and free tours) that depart daily from the square.

Gran Via

300 meters north of Puerta del Sol is A Gran Vía, Madrid's best known avenue. Thanks to its construction it was possible to connect the center of Madrid (Calle Alcalá) to the northwest side of the city (Plaza de España).

Here you can find the main stores in Europe such as the fast fashion Primark, H&M, Zara and El Corte Inglés, a huge department store. If you've never been to one, I suggest you check it out. In addition, you will find restaurants and cinemas.

One the best place to shop in Madrid with a lively atmosphere at any time of the day.

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