Guidebook for Madrid
Arts & Culture
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
52 C. de Sta. IsabelMuseo Nacional del Prado
23 C. de Ruiz de AlarcónThyssen-Bornemisza Museum
8 P.º del PradoFundación Juan March
77 Calle de CastellóSala Bárbara de Braganza - Fundación MAPFRE
13 C/ de Bárbara de BraganzaCaixaForum Madrid
36 P.º del PradoMuseo Cerralbo
17 C. de Ventura RodríguezFundacion Canal
2 C. Mateo InurriaMuseo Sorolla station
Museo de Historia de Madrid
78 Calle de FuencarralNational Archaeological Museum
13 Calle de SerranoMuseo Ciencias Naturales station
Railway Museum
61 Paseo de las DeliciasParks & Nature
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
On 25 July 2021, El Retiro Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with Paseo del Prado. The selection of this urban development project in Madrid, called the Landscape of Light, recognises the importance of the union of nature, culture and science in an urban setting. It was a union which, back in the 16th century, made Madrid Europe's first sustainable capital city.
All of this gives the Landscape of Light exceptional universal value that has been recognised by UNESCO and distinguishes it as a unique model of singular town planning that was ahead of its time and gained prominence beyond Spain’s borders, the reflection of a utopian vision of a new society. It’s a rich, diverse, evolving and dynamic urban cultural landscape that was carefully designed for recreation and the education of citizens in contact with nature.
Covering over 125 hectares and comprising more than 15,000 trees, El Retiro Park is a green oasis in the heart of the city. In it you’ll find all kinds of interesting monuments and gardens, including the Jardín de Vivaces, the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (Andalusian-inspired classicistic gardens), the Jardines del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios, the Rosaleda rose garden and the Parterre Francés, which holds a Mexican conifer that is nearly 400 years old and is believed to be Madrid’s oldest tree.
In addition to its role as one of the city’s green lungs, it is also a popular spot among Madrileños who like to go there for a stroll, to do some sport, visit an exhibition or take the kids to a puppet show. The park is home to a large artificial lake, where you can rent a rowing boat, and to the Velázquez Palace and Glass Palace which are both currently used as exhibition halls by the Reina Sofía Museum. The latter is a beautiful glass pavilion built in 1887 to house exotic plants for an exhibition on the Philippines. It is one the finest examples of cast-iron architecture in Spain.
Un parque enorme en el centro de la ciudad y muy bonito, donde puedes admirar un precioso Palacio de Cristal, un estanque con barcas muy relajante, atender a un teatro de marionetas para niños, actividades musicales y un paseo extraordinario lejos del ruido de la ciudad.
2341 locals recommend
El Retiro Madrid
7 Plaza de la Independencia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
On 25 July 2021, El Retiro Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with Paseo del Prado. The selection of this urban development project in Madrid, called the Landscape of Light, recognises the importance of the union of nature, culture and science in an urban setting. It was a union which, back in the 16th century, made Madrid Europe's first sustainable capital city.
All of this gives the Landscape of Light exceptional universal value that has been recognised by UNESCO and distinguishes it as a unique model of singular town planning that was ahead of its time and gained prominence beyond Spain’s borders, the reflection of a utopian vision of a new society. It’s a rich, diverse, evolving and dynamic urban cultural landscape that was carefully designed for recreation and the education of citizens in contact with nature.
Covering over 125 hectares and comprising more than 15,000 trees, El Retiro Park is a green oasis in the heart of the city. In it you’ll find all kinds of interesting monuments and gardens, including the Jardín de Vivaces, the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (Andalusian-inspired classicistic gardens), the Jardines del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios, the Rosaleda rose garden and the Parterre Francés, which holds a Mexican conifer that is nearly 400 years old and is believed to be Madrid’s oldest tree.
In addition to its role as one of the city’s green lungs, it is also a popular spot among Madrileños who like to go there for a stroll, to do some sport, visit an exhibition or take the kids to a puppet show. The park is home to a large artificial lake, where you can rent a rowing boat, and to the Velázquez Palace and Glass Palace which are both currently used as exhibition halls by the Reina Sofía Museum. The latter is a beautiful glass pavilion built in 1887 to house exotic plants for an exhibition on the Philippines. It is one the finest examples of cast-iron architecture in Spain.
Un parque enorme en el centro de la ciudad y muy bonito, donde puedes admirar un precioso Palacio de Cristal, un estanque con barcas muy relajante, atender a un teatro de marionetas para niños, actividades musicales y un paseo extraordinario lejos del ruido de la ciudad.
Declared an Artistic Garden in 1942, its collections include an outstanding herbarium with more than a million entries, the library and the archive - with nearly 10,000 drawings - as well as the exhibition of 5,000 species of live plants.
Guided tours are offered in order to know the multitude of species that inhabit this green corner of the city centre, from onions or roses to the most exotic plants. The route through the garden and its greenhouses combines general botanic content, curiosities, history, the singularity of its examples, uses of the plants and their importance in our lives.
The Botanical Garden’s current location is not coincidental. Rather, it is the result of the enlightened monarch Carlos III’s wish to create a complex dedicated to the natural sciences in Madrid. That is why it is next to what is now the Prado Museum, which was built in the late 18th century to house the Museum of Natural History. Its scientific spirit is still alive, as the garden is currently managed by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (Spain’s National Scientific Research Council), which organises all kinds of educational activities such as conferences and exhibitions.
Un bello escenario que cuenta buena parte de la historia de la botánica del viejo y nuevo mundo. Los espacios de inmersión son fascinantes y conocer especies de todo el mundo es realmente maravilloso.
390 locals recommend
Real Jardín Botánico
2 Plaza de MurilloDeclared an Artistic Garden in 1942, its collections include an outstanding herbarium with more than a million entries, the library and the archive - with nearly 10,000 drawings - as well as the exhibition of 5,000 species of live plants.
Guided tours are offered in order to know the multitude of species that inhabit this green corner of the city centre, from onions or roses to the most exotic plants. The route through the garden and its greenhouses combines general botanic content, curiosities, history, the singularity of its examples, uses of the plants and their importance in our lives.
The Botanical Garden’s current location is not coincidental. Rather, it is the result of the enlightened monarch Carlos III’s wish to create a complex dedicated to the natural sciences in Madrid. That is why it is next to what is now the Prado Museum, which was built in the late 18th century to house the Museum of Natural History. Its scientific spirit is still alive, as the garden is currently managed by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (Spain’s National Scientific Research Council), which organises all kinds of educational activities such as conferences and exhibitions.
Un bello escenario que cuenta buena parte de la historia de la botánica del viejo y nuevo mundo. Los espacios de inmersión son fascinantes y conocer especies de todo el mundo es realmente maravilloso.
Madrid Río is a vast leisure and cultural spot parallel to the River Manzanares, which, thanks to its restoration, has recovered its surprising fauna. Historic monuments and leisure and culture facilities alongside the riverbed that has recovered its biodiversity in giant leaps.
From the playful viewpoint of the new system on the bank of the Manzanares, it provides the perfect recipe for a good time with family. Children will have fun in the 17 play areas found along the Salón de Pinos, all with swings made from sustainable, natural materials such as wood and hemp rope, forming webs, hammocks, hanging bridges or climbing vines. Each zone has different characteristics according to age, so there are areas dedicated for younger and older children based on skill, balance and strength.What everyone agrees on, children and adults alike, is that Madrid Río Beach and jets of water are ideal to cool down in summer.
But it is also a place where adults can enjoy a great cultural offering. From all of the cultural activities (exhibitions, musical festivals, theatre plays...) held at Matadero Madrid, as well as the beautifully built new bridges, such as the monumental Arganzuela Bridge or Perrault Bridge.
It is worth mentioning the new restaurant, Café Naves, designed by the architect, Paula López Barba and decorated by the British designers, Morag Myerscough & Luke Morgan. It forms part of the set of Naves del Español spaces for the performing arts at Matadero and boasts a café-restaurant and a stage for café-theatre performances.
Madrid Río is also home to the Puente del Rey Esplanade, where the Spanish national football side celebrated its victory in the South Africa World Cup in 2010. If the plan for the day is to go shopping, you must visit the impressive Plaza Río 2 Shopping Centre.
Following the course of the Manzanares River, the area of Madrid Río, as it passes between Usera and Vallecas, takes you to the Manzanares Linear Park, an area for walking and leisure activities designed by the architect Ricardo Bofill, and built in 2003, where you can find playgrounds, green areas, an amphitheatre, two viewing points (one of which is crowned by Manuel Valdés's sculpture The Lady of Manzanares) and Caja Mágica, the High Performance Tennis Centre designed by Dominique Perrault.
77 locals recommend
Madrid Río Park
14 P.º de la Ermita del SantoMadrid Río is a vast leisure and cultural spot parallel to the River Manzanares, which, thanks to its restoration, has recovered its surprising fauna. Historic monuments and leisure and culture facilities alongside the riverbed that has recovered its biodiversity in giant leaps.
From the playful viewpoint of the new system on the bank of the Manzanares, it provides the perfect recipe for a good time with family. Children will have fun in the 17 play areas found along the Salón de Pinos, all with swings made from sustainable, natural materials such as wood and hemp rope, forming webs, hammocks, hanging bridges or climbing vines. Each zone has different characteristics according to age, so there are areas dedicated for younger and older children based on skill, balance and strength.What everyone agrees on, children and adults alike, is that Madrid Río Beach and jets of water are ideal to cool down in summer.
But it is also a place where adults can enjoy a great cultural offering. From all of the cultural activities (exhibitions, musical festivals, theatre plays...) held at Matadero Madrid, as well as the beautifully built new bridges, such as the monumental Arganzuela Bridge or Perrault Bridge.
It is worth mentioning the new restaurant, Café Naves, designed by the architect, Paula López Barba and decorated by the British designers, Morag Myerscough & Luke Morgan. It forms part of the set of Naves del Español spaces for the performing arts at Matadero and boasts a café-restaurant and a stage for café-theatre performances.
Madrid Río is also home to the Puente del Rey Esplanade, where the Spanish national football side celebrated its victory in the South Africa World Cup in 2010. If the plan for the day is to go shopping, you must visit the impressive Plaza Río 2 Shopping Centre.
Following the course of the Manzanares River, the area of Madrid Río, as it passes between Usera and Vallecas, takes you to the Manzanares Linear Park, an area for walking and leisure activities designed by the architect Ricardo Bofill, and built in 2003, where you can find playgrounds, green areas, an amphitheatre, two viewing points (one of which is crowned by Manuel Valdés's sculpture The Lady of Manzanares) and Caja Mágica, the High Performance Tennis Centre designed by Dominique Perrault.
The Sabatini Gardens are currently closed due to renovation work being done in Plaza de España
These Classical-style gardens were built in the 1930s on the site of the former stables. Located in front of the north façade of the Royal Palace, the gardens, whose construction began during the Second Republic, were completed after the Civil War.
Their architectural and ornamental styling as an extension of the Royal Palace were enhanced on account of the exhibition of several sculptures that were originally planned to decorate the cornice of the palace. Their geometric design and fortunate location make them some of the most beautiful gardens in Madrid de los Austrias (Hapsburg Madrid).
Although they look spectacular at any time of the day, at dusk they are truly magnificent, as it is one of the best sites in Madrid from which to watch the sunset. From the large rectangular pond in the centre of the garden, surrounded by fountains, trees, and white marble sculptures, the visitor can contemplate how the yellow and red tones alter the colouring of the gray stones of the Palace, and watch the sunset from the perspective of the Casa de Campo.
198 locals recommend
Sabatini Gardens
2 C. de BailénThe Sabatini Gardens are currently closed due to renovation work being done in Plaza de España
These Classical-style gardens were built in the 1930s on the site of the former stables. Located in front of the north façade of the Royal Palace, the gardens, whose construction began during the Second Republic, were completed after the Civil War.
Their architectural and ornamental styling as an extension of the Royal Palace were enhanced on account of the exhibition of several sculptures that were originally planned to decorate the cornice of the palace. Their geometric design and fortunate location make them some of the most beautiful gardens in Madrid de los Austrias (Hapsburg Madrid).
Although they look spectacular at any time of the day, at dusk they are truly magnificent, as it is one of the best sites in Madrid from which to watch the sunset. From the large rectangular pond in the centre of the garden, surrounded by fountains, trees, and white marble sculptures, the visitor can contemplate how the yellow and red tones alter the colouring of the gray stones of the Palace, and watch the sunset from the perspective of the Casa de Campo.
Entertainment & Activities
En pleno centro de Madrid, un restaurante con olor y sabor flamenco. Se puede comer y/o cenar de carta o picoteo. Especialidad en rabo de toro, vermut de grifo. Ideal para grupos de amigos y familiares. En el interior hay una sala donde podrás disfrutar del arte flamenco más autentico. Todas las semanas hay nueva programación.
Una Institución que proyecta el Arte Flamenco allende las fronteras.
152 locals recommend
Casa Patas
10 Calle de los CañizaresEn pleno centro de Madrid, un restaurante con olor y sabor flamenco. Se puede comer y/o cenar de carta o picoteo. Especialidad en rabo de toro, vermut de grifo. Ideal para grupos de amigos y familiares. En el interior hay una sala donde podrás disfrutar del arte flamenco más autentico. Todas las semanas hay nueva programación.
Una Institución que proyecta el Arte Flamenco allende las fronteras.
Food Scene
Sobrino de Botin
17 Calle de CuchillerosUno de los mejores "Cocidos Madrileños" de la capital.
Restaurante de estampa andaluza y comida diferente. Para pasar una velada informal en un grato ambiente y otra forma de comer. Acostumbran a tener cada día un plato de cuchara, que suele ser un guiso tradicional como patatas con chocos, etc.
Lo más típico de su cocina, son las raciones de fritura andaluza, servidas en cucuruchos de papel, de muy buena calidad.
Ambiente muy agradable. Servicio correcto.
41 locals recommend
La Caleta Taberna Gaditana
38 C. de Sta. IsabelRestaurante de estampa andaluza y comida diferente. Para pasar una velada informal en un grato ambiente y otra forma de comer. Acostumbran a tener cada día un plato de cuchara, que suele ser un guiso tradicional como patatas con chocos, etc.
Lo más típico de su cocina, son las raciones de fritura andaluza, servidas en cucuruchos de papel, de muy buena calidad.
Ambiente muy agradable. Servicio correcto.
La opción más económica para patear por el clásico Madrid y reponer fuerzas en un santiamén. El bocata de calamares. El de toda la vida. Todo un clásico en el centro de Madrid (Plaza Mayor). Cocinados delante de ti.
12 locals recommend
Bar La Ideal
4 C. de BotonerasLa opción más económica para patear por el clásico Madrid y reponer fuerzas en un santiamén. El bocata de calamares. El de toda la vida. Todo un clásico en el centro de Madrid (Plaza Mayor). Cocinados delante de ti.