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Tours in Madrid |
Sightseeing Overview
Madrid is best known for its ‘Golden Triangle' of art museums - Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornomisza. The celebrated Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) links all three.
The city's focal point remains the Puerta del Sol - the eastern puerta (gate) of the city during the 15th century. The monument of the bear and madroño (strawberry tree), in the centre of the square, symbolises Madrid.
The Calle Mayor leads west from Sol, to the Plaza Mayor, which evokes the splendour of Spain's 17th-century Golden Age.
The Calle de Alcalá, a grandiose thoroughfare constructed in the reign of Charles III, leads east of Sol, towards Plaza de Cibeles. The fountain, with its statue of a Greco-Roman fertility goddess astride a lion-drawn chariot, is a landmark instantly recognisable to all Spaniards. Visitors might be less impressed with the crazy merry-go-round of traffic encircling her. Overlooking Plaza de Cibeles is the imposing Palacio de Comunicaciones - the main post office, dating from 1904.
The Madrid cityscape is softened by numerous green spaces - lovely squares, such as the Plaza de Oriente, in front of the Royal Palace, and parks, most obviously the landscaped Parque del Buen Retiro and Jardín Botánico (Botanical Gardens) near the Prado.
Further west is the wilder Casa de Campo, which also contains the Parque de Atracciones funfair and leisure grounds. More unusual is the greenhouse in the Atocha Station (entrance at concourse, gate 14), popular with Madrileños and visitors alike.
The city's focal point remains the Puerta del Sol - the eastern puerta (gate) of the city during the 15th century. The monument of the bear and madroño (strawberry tree), in the centre of the square, symbolises Madrid.
The Calle Mayor leads west from Sol, to the Plaza Mayor, which evokes the splendour of Spain's 17th-century Golden Age.
The Calle de Alcalá, a grandiose thoroughfare constructed in the reign of Charles III, leads east of Sol, towards Plaza de Cibeles. The fountain, with its statue of a Greco-Roman fertility goddess astride a lion-drawn chariot, is a landmark instantly recognisable to all Spaniards. Visitors might be less impressed with the crazy merry-go-round of traffic encircling her. Overlooking Plaza de Cibeles is the imposing Palacio de Comunicaciones - the main post office, dating from 1904.
The Madrid cityscape is softened by numerous green spaces - lovely squares, such as the Plaza de Oriente, in front of the Royal Palace, and parks, most obviously the landscaped Parque del Buen Retiro and Jardín Botánico (Botanical Gardens) near the Prado.
Further west is the wilder Casa de Campo, which also contains the Parque de Atracciones funfair and leisure grounds. More unusual is the greenhouse in the Atocha Station (entrance at concourse, gate 14), popular with Madrileños and visitors alike.
Tourist Information
Oficina Municipal de Turismo
Plaza Mayor 27
Tel: (91) 588 1636 or 902 100 007.
Website: www.munimadrid.es or www.descubremadrid.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000-2000, Sun and bank holidays 1000-1500.
There are also branches in: Conde Duque de Medinacelli 2 (tel: (91) 429 4951; open Mon-Sat 0900-1900, Sun 0900-1500), Mercado Puerta de Toledo 2 (tel: (91) 364 1876; open Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Sat 0900-1500), Aeropuerto de Barajas Terminal 1 (tel: (91) 305 8656; open Mon-Sun 0800-2000), Estacion de Chamartin (tel: (91) 315 9976; open Mon-Sat 0800-2000, Sun 0800-1500) and Estacion de Atocha (tel: (902) 100 007; open daily 0900-2100).
There is also the Patronato Municipal de Turismo, Mayor 69 (tel: (91) 588 2900; open Mon-Thur 0800-1500 and 1600-1800, Fri 0800-1500).
Plaza Mayor 27
Tel: (91) 588 1636 or 902 100 007.
Website: www.munimadrid.es or www.descubremadrid.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000-2000, Sun and bank holidays 1000-1500.
There are also branches in: Conde Duque de Medinacelli 2 (tel: (91) 429 4951; open Mon-Sat 0900-1900, Sun 0900-1500), Mercado Puerta de Toledo 2 (tel: (91) 364 1876; open Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Sat 0900-1500), Aeropuerto de Barajas Terminal 1 (tel: (91) 305 8656; open Mon-Sun 0800-2000), Estacion de Chamartin (tel: (91) 315 9976; open Mon-Sat 0800-2000, Sun 0800-1500) and Estacion de Atocha (tel: (902) 100 007; open daily 0900-2100).
There is also the Patronato Municipal de Turismo, Mayor 69 (tel: (91) 588 2900; open Mon-Thur 0800-1500 and 1600-1800, Fri 0800-1500).
Passes
The Madrid Card, valid for one, two or three days, gives visitors free admission to 43 major museums, Madrid Vision bus tour (see Tours of the City), all visits which are part of the Discover Madrid Programme, as well as discounts in selected shops, restaurants, theatres and more. The cards can be purchased from main tourist offices or online (website: www.madridcard.com).
View Our Airport Guides for Madrid:
Madrid Barajas Airport
