Plaza del Sol is one of the most vibrant squares of Madrid. The name of the square refers to the port in the middle ages on the eastern side of the square. On the square are 2 statues: a statue of King Carlos III and a statue of a bear who savours of a fruit tree. King Carlos III looks at the former main post office (Casa de Correos), a very beautiful building with red bricks.

Tip: If you are in Madrid on new year’s Eve, go to Plaza del Sol. A lot of people come to the square on that day to count down to midnight. Everyone eats 12 grapes after midnight, this should have to bring luck for the new year. Of course also the Spanish champagne, cava.

Calla Montera 7-9, 28013 Madrid

In the heart of the city is the Plaza Mayor. The square is in comparison with the busy city very quiet because there is no motorized traffic allowed.

Plaza Mayor has survived 3 fires to the ground every time it burned down. The architect Juan de Villanueva renovated the square completely after the last fire. Around the square you see porticoes, shops, restaurants and bars and in the square there are daily street musicians and portrait artists to work.

Tip: Sunday morning there is always a postage stamp and coin market and around Christmas time, there is a large Christmas market.

Plaza Mayor, 28012 Madrid

The Temple of Debod is an Egyptian Temple that was built in the second century BC. This was in the 70s from Egypt transferred to Madrid. The temple is dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis (the symbol of fertility). Recommended for evening or in the afternoon to visit the temple. When it gets dark, the lights go on in and around the temple. This reflects on the surrounding water and that is a beautiful sight!

Calle Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid

On the opposite the Royal Palace is the Cathedral of Madrid. The Cathedral is very large and impressive and built in neo-classical style. It is an important religious building, even consecrated by the Pope! The Cathedral is very special and decorated with different images. It will be fun to combine your visit of the Royal Palace and the Cathedral.

Calle de Bailén, 10, 28013 Madrid

Football fan? Be sure to bring a visit to the stadium of Real Madrid. During your tour you start at the roof from where you have a panoramic view on the playing field, then you will visit the Presidential Box, locker rooms, players tunnel, the bank and as a nice ending you may enter the field.

Av de Concha Espina, 1, 28036 Madrid

Would you like a nice overview about the city? Then the Faro de Madrid is thé place where you need to be. The Faro is a 92 m high tower and a fine example of modern architecture. The tower was designed by Perez Arroyo and is outside the Centre of Madrid.

The elevator takes you to the viewing platform, from where you have a breathtaking view over the city. To you easy-to-position, it is sufficient to go to the floor. There is indicated where the main attractions are located. Tip: visit the Faro on a clear day, you can even almost 100 km far to the peaks of the Guadarramas.

Av de los Reyes Catolicos, s/n 28040 Madrid

Gran Vía (literally: big street) is a large well-known shopping street and traffic artery in the Centre of Madrid. The street is one of the most popular shopping areas of Madrid. Also there is a large number of hotels and cinemas. Gran Vía goes from Plaza de Cibeles to Plaza de España.

Gran Via, Madrid

One of the most beautiful squares in Madrid is Plaza de la Cibeles. On the square is the fountain La Cibeles, this is a representation of the goddess of fertility. The goddess is on a chariot pulled by two lions.

What the square also makes so beautiful, the buildings around the square:
– The Palacio de Communicaciones, popularly the ‘ wedding cake ‘: in this building is a postal and Telegraph museum.
– The headquarters of the Spanish Bank: this bank is the Gold 30 m below ground in a cellar.
– The Baroque Palacio de Linares: this is on the East side of the square, it was built in the late 19th century by a wealthy banker.

Plaza de Cibeles‎, 28014 Madrid

Time to relax! Behind the Prado Museum is the most popular attraction in the city, El Retiro. This park is almost entirely in French style including a rose garden and a lot of pictures. On Sunday the people of Madrid visit this park to relax. You can go hiking, look at the street artists or play a game of Bocce. At the heart of the park is a large lake where you can rent rowing boats. Next to the Lake is a Colonnade.

Plaza de la Independencia 7, 28001 Madrid