LANDMARKS
Estanque Grande del Retiro
Natural Beauty
MUST TO SEE
ABOUT
The Estanque Grande (Great Pond) had a practical function as a water reserve, but it was also a tempting place to while away the time. During the 17th century, the pond was used for mock naval battles with scaled-down ships and -apparently- performances on top of a floating theatre.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
LOCATION
La Latina
Region / Quarter
MUST TO SEE
ABOUT
La Latina, a large area located in the Central District of Madrid seems lively at any time of the day, especially during sunny mornings and afternoons, when its terraces and tapas bars are full of activity. For many people, this is just the start of the fun to be had here, which continues late into the night in its many bars, clubs and flamenco 'tablao' venues.
The two main streets that are home to the majority of bars and restaurants are Cava Alta and Cava Baja.
The squares are La Latina's hidden treasures: The most well-known is, without a doubt, Plaza de La Cebada, but it’s worth a time to seek out others, like Plaza de La Paja, Plaza del Humilladero, Plaza de San Andrés and Plaza de Puerta Cerrada. The best time to go exploring is on a weekday morning when there isn’t much going on rather than the weekends when they're filled with locals and visitors.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
LOCATION
Museo Cerralbo
House / Ethnography Museum
Museo Nacional del Prado
Modern / Art Museum
Museo Naval
Concept Museum
Museo Reina Sofia
Modern / Art Museum
Museo Sorolla
House / Ethnography Museum
MUST TO SEE
ABOUT
The museum was inaugurated in 1932 under the charge of the late artist's widow, which ceded the building to the state and made a generous donation for the creation of a museum in memory of her husband.
The museum will provide an insight into Joaquín Sorolla's evolution as a painter. Visitors can see the artist's different stylistic and thematic periods, such as his paintings on social criticism, family portraits, works depicting typical local customs, and self-portraits.
The Impressionist landscapes are the key works in the artist's colourist period. Besides these, there are other items on display, including sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, old photographs and an important archive containing his private correspondence.
There are also important works by other artists such as Benlliure, Rodin and Bloy.
ACCESS
3 EUR
Free: SAT 14:30-20:00 / SUN 10:00-15:00
REVIEW
LOCATION
Museo del Romanticismo
House / Ethnography Museum
MUST TO SEE
ABOUT
Situated in the neo-classical palace once owned by the Marquis of Matallana, the Museum of Romanticism (Museo del Romanticismo) is a house museum that reflects the city life of the gentry of Madrid during the Romantic period.
The most surprising and appealing part of the house is the ball room, the living space packed with beautiful and flashy antiques and works of art. Large mirrors reflect the soft walls lined with gold-colored silk and the chandeliers highlight the heavily decorated ceiling.
ACCESS
3 EUR
Free: SAT 14:00-18:30 / SUN 14:00-15:00
REVIEW
LOCATION
Plaza Mayor
Square / Fountain
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Modern / Art Museum
Atocha Renfe
Historical Building
Basilica San Francisco El Grande
Religious Building
Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena
Religious Building
El Rastro
Bazaar / Gift / Flea Market
Mercado Anton Martin
Farmers Market
Mercado de San Anton
Food Hall / Court
NICE TO SEE
ABOUT
In the heart of Chueca, this market is full of surprises and is well worth a visit. Although it originally dates back to the 19th century, after it was knocked down it was rebuilt in 2011 to create a modern building with areas to buy food and also restaurants.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
LOCATION
Mercado de San Miguel
Food Hall / Court
Metropolis Building
Historical Building
Museo de Historia de Madrid
Concept Museum
Museo del Ferrocarril de Madrid
Concept Museum
Palacio Real de Madrid
Historical Building
Palacio de Cibeles
Historical Building
Palacio de Cristal
Historical Building
Palacio de Gaviria
Modern / Art Museum
Plaza de Cibeles
Square / Fountain
Plaza de Espana
Square / Fountain
Plaza de Oriente
Square / Fountain
Plaza de Santa Ana
Square / Fountain
Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas
Historical Building
Puerta de Alcala
Historical Building
Puerta del Sol
Square / Fountain
Salamanca
Region / Quarter
NICE TO SEE
ABOUT
Barrio de Salamanca is quite peculiar, both for its layout and for the neighbours whose homes used to sit in this most desirable area of Madrid.
The neighbourhood was developed in the second half of the nineteenth century as an expansion planned under Queen Isabella II's rule. The designer was Malaga-born Jose de Salamanca y Mayol, Marquis of Salamanca. He wanted to have an area for the exclusive residence of Madrid’s aristocracy and bourgeoisie. Barrio de Salamanca follows a regular grid pattern with parallel and perpendicular crossing streets. The carefully designed buildings here feature beautiful frontages that’ll catch your eye.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
LOCATION
Sobrino de Botin
Worth To See
Templo de Debod
Historical Building
CaixaForum Madrid
Concept Museum
Casa Museo Lope de Vega
House / Ethnography Museum
Museo Arqueologico Nacional
History / Archeology Museum
Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales
History / Archeology Museum
Museo de America
Concept Museum
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
The items in the Museum of America are the antique collections of American Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Archaeological Museum, which had previously belonged to the Museum of Natural Sciences, as well as acquisitions from donations, storage, and new works. Its themes cover an extensive period from American Prehistory to the present, with special emphasis in pre-Columbian Archaeology, Ethnography, and Colonial Art.
ACCESS
3 EUR
Free: SUN
REVIEW
LOCATION
Museo de Escultura al Aire Libre
Modern / Art Museum
Palacio de las Cortes
Historical Building
Panteon de Espana
Historical Building
Parroquia San Antonio de la Florida
Religious Building