Madrid is one of the many famous European cities that are very hard to describe because of its uniqueness and diversity. There are wide arrays of places to visit in Madrid that is full of life and rich tradition. The city houses world-class museums that display work of arts from the Renaissance period. Everything that is inside the city whether a simple café or a huge museum you will find that they hold a treasure that makes it extra special.
1. The Prado
Prado is a world-class Madrid museum because of its wide variety of art collection that comes from the Renaissance period and Baroque style. The famous piece of artwork by world-renowned artists such as Rembrandt, El Greco, Brueghel, and Velázquez are inside. Tourists who have witnessed the place recommend Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights.
2. Retiro Park
After a walk through the Prado, there is a luscious green park that is private property but made available for the public during the 19th century. If you are traveling with kids, then one of the best things to do in Madrid Park is to paddle on its Grand Pond. There are swamp trees around the ponds that turn into golden brown during summertime. Montezuma Cypress that was planted way back 1633 is the oldest tree in town.
3. Royal Palace
The palace experienced great damage because of a huge fire in 1734, it is the home built for King Philip V and considered as the largest among other palaces in Western Europe. The entire architectural design comes from Baroque and the neo-classical period. To make the most of what to do in Madrid, then you should enter the palace to see the royal collection up close and personal. Inside is the string quartet of Stradivarius instruments that is only one in the world, also take a look at the Royal Armoury of Charles V.
4. Plaza Mayor
This is the main square and the heart of Madrid that is made of cobblestones and an important part of history. Aside from the classical feels as you go around the square, there are various foods to enjoy such as bocadillo de calamares or a calamari sandwich.
5. Bernabeu Stadium
It houses the most popular football team in Madrid the Real Madrid with a record-breaking of 11 European Cup won. This is one of the best places to visit in Madrid if you are a fan and be amazed because of its 85,000 seating capacity.
6. National Archaeological Museum
This Madrid museum holds the largest collection of rich history that comes from the oldest Roman Empire. You will be amazed to see well-preserved sculptures and treasure from the Iberian culture that look very new despite being 2,500 years old.
7. Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is a square that is close to the Casa de Correos or the Post Office Building of the city. Locals boast it clock that sits on top of the Casa de Correos as it serves as the mark of New Year’s Eve during the yearly televised countdown. This is something that you should not miss on your list of what to do in Madrid especially if your trip happens to be on the day before New Year’s Eve.
8. Gran Via
One of the best things to do in Madrid if you like to feel the vibe of the city is to start your journey from the Gran Via. It is the center of Madrid’s culture, entertainment, and shopping a venue where both locals and tourists visit every day from day until midnight. During day time you will find shoppers strolling around and at night people usually steps out of the cinema after watching a musical event.
9. Temple of Debod
Many other great places to visit in Madrid are historically related spots like this only Egyptian Temple in town that comes from Egypt and given to the country. It was moved from Egypt to Madrid piece by piece way back 1970. Aside from its history, people choose to visit the place to witness the stunning sunset.
10. Kio Towers
Excitement and adventure are what to do in Madrid inside the Kio Towers as it is very first 15 degrees leaning skyscraper in the world. It is situated in the Financial District so it is very easy to navigate from other attractions going to this one.