Visit the Prado Museum
Lovers of culture will find collections at the Prado that are as rare as they are extraordinary. Located right in the heart of Madrid and opened almost 200 years ago, the National Art Museum is one of the world's leading museums. It houses some 8,600 pictorial masterpieces by Spanish, Flemish, German, French and Italian painters. Visiting the Prado also means being able to contemplate almost a thousand sculptures, most of them Greco-Roman.
>>> See our slideshow Madrid in 10 must-do activities
Shopping on La Gran Via
The Gran Via was created at the beginning of the 20th century, when the need for a thoroughfare between the historic centre and the north-west of the city became essential. Today, this avenue is one of Madrid's most popular shopping thoroughfares. Walking along it is a matter of course. It's a great place to shop for luxury brands and international fashion labels. At the same time, the Gran Via is full of good addresses for cinemas, theatres, restaurants and hotels.
Discover the Royal Palace
Built in the 18th century, the Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in Western Europe. Known as the "Palacio Real" in Spanish, it is one of Madrid's landmarks. And although the Royal Palace is no longer the residence of the royal couple, it still hosts a number of official ceremonies. Today, it is above all a huge monument open to the public, partly converted into an art gallery, where collections of paintings by Goya and Rubens take pride of place.
The atmosphere of Puerta del Sol
No visitor will want to miss a trip to Puerta del Sol, the most important square in the Spanish capital. A popular spot, it is particularly famous for its Clock Tower, hoisted to the top of the Casa de Correos, towards which all the inhabitants of the city and the country, including television viewers, have their eyes riveted at New Year's Eve. The Puerta del Sol also symbolises kilometre zero on the Spanish road network. A plaque on the ground, on which tourists like to have their photo taken, symbolises this status.
Enjoy El Retiro Park
Renowned for its beauty, the Parc El Retiro is a lungful of greenery, a paradise for sport, music and family walks. Established on 118 hectares in the heart of the capital since the early 17th century, Madrid's park boasts 15,000 trees, sumptuous gardens and a rose garden. It is also an eye-catcher thanks to its dozen statues, including that of the Fallen Angel, its pond, its fountains and its two palaces, including the Crystal Palace, topped by an immense glass roof.
Getting to La Casa Botin
Authenticated as the oldest restaurant in the world, La Casa Botin was founded in 1725 on Calle Cuchilleros. It takes its name from a French chef, Jean Botin, who chose to settle in Madrid with his wife. Her nephew then opened a small inn. A convivial place, where people came to cook in the wood-fired oven the meats and dishes they had brought themselves. This is where the term "Spanish inn" comes from... Three hundred years later, Casa Botin is a genuine restaurant, one of Madrid's must-visit addresses, famous for its signature dish, suckling pig.
Experience the Santiago Bernabeu
It's difficult, if not impossible, to come to Madrid without being tempted by football. Without succumbing to the call of the legendary Santiago Bernabeu stadium, home to the flamboyant Real Madrid team, one of the best in the world. Built in 1944 on the Avenida Concha Espina, Santiago Bernabeu is a colourful 81,000-seat complex that brings incomparable sensations of jubilation to all football fans.
Enjoy tapas in Malasana or La Latina
What better way to start a festive evening or night out on the streets of Madrid than with a tapas bar? The Malasana district, like La Latina, is full of these welcoming establishments, where you can meet up with friends to nibble on all sorts of bites and specialities, cold meats or fried fish, over patatas bravas and a glass of homemade sangria.
Shopping day on El Rastro
Every Sunday morning on the Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores is packed with people. And with good reason. It's here, in the Lavapies district, that El Rastro, Madrid's main flea market, takes place. Leather goods, copperware, porcelain, bronze statues, as well as jewellery, old cameras and clothing stalls are all on display for several hours. It's a chance to find that rare pearl, and to take your time, lulled by the violin notes of street musicians.
Stroll around the Plaza Mayor
Just a few minutes' walk from the Puerta del Sol, visitors come face to face with the Plaza Mayor, a historic cobbled square with colourful facades dating back to the early 17th century. Its architecture is characterised by large arcades that lead to the bustling neighbouring streets. This popular meeting place is bustling with activity, and the café terraces offer the perfect view of improbable artistic performances.
Read also:
⋙ What to do in Barcelona when it rains
⋙ 10 good reasons to visit Malaga
⋙ PHOTOS - 10 must-do activities in Mallorca
