Madrid in a flash: Discovering Spain’s charming capital

Spain, the land of siestas, sun, good food and the most relaxed attitude to life you’ll ever encounter. There’s no way a short hop to it’s capital, Madrid, shouldn’t be on your list of cities to visit. But if you go there, what to visit? Get yourself some tapas and read along.

Getting around in Madrid

Whether you arrive by plane or by train in Madrid, you’ll be pleased to know that moving around in the city is fairly easy and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg either. For tourists there’s a special tourist pass. A three day pass covering zone A will set you back around 18 euros. With it you can take all metros, busses and even trains for as many times as you want – I do recommend this because a lot of interesting places are spread out all over Madrid. If you don’t plan on using the public transport system a lot, you can consider the pay-per-ride-tickets. Unlike the tourist pass, you can share these with your travel companions. Just be aware that these are a little bit less flexible, you can’t use these for both the Renfe (light trains) and the metro. So you’d need two cards if you plan on using both. For current prices of the tourist pass; check out this handy page by esmadrid.com.

Planning which metro, bus or train to take can be a little daunting, luckily in this age of wondrous technology there is an app for that. Aside from the usual suspect Google Maps, you could use the official metro app (Android/Apple/WebApp). I particularly liked this app, because of a nifty features called ‘the tourist map’. It shows you the highlights of the city on an easily understandable map. An alternative is the tourist bus in Madrid, the so called hop-on hop-off buss offers you a pay-per-day ticket and within the chosen days you can use it as much as you want. It passes the most important tourist bits, handy if your hotel is right in the city centre.

What to do

We spent just short of three days in Madrid, in that time the city didn’t bore us for a sec. That’s long enough to give you a solid impression of Spain’s bustling capital and enjoy the best of Madrid. However if you like taking your time to visit everything and spend hours in the exquisite museums then that’s a bit short so consider staying a tad longer.

Puerta del Sol

Renovations of this bustling semi-circular square (is that a thing?) concluded in the spring of 2023.It is one of the busiest and most famous plazas in Madrid. If you happen to be here on new year’s eve, you’ll notice one of Madrid’s peculiar traditions: To welcome the new year people across the country eat twelve grapes, one for each chime of the midnight bell struck by the clock in the Casa de Correos building. In front of the building (you can’t miss it); there’s a slab, indicating Spain’s kilometre zero, where all major radial roads in Spain start from.

The equestrian statue depicts King Charles III who grew up in the city. During his reign from 1759 until his death in 1788, he introduced progressive, far-reaching, reforms and undertook a remarkable transformation of the city. The legacy he left behind gave him the nickname el Mejor Alcalde de Madrid, you can translate that as Madrid’s best mayor. There’s also a ‘cuddly’ statue on this square; the Oso y Madroño, it’s a statue inspired by the city’s official symbol: a bear inspecting a hackberry tree. The origins of this symbol are shrouded in mystery and if you look around long enough, you’ll find a few different interpretations.

Museo del Prado

If you say Madrid, the Prado museum immediately comes to mind. The commitment of Charles III to invest in science and scientific explorations and his plan to Urbanize the city came together in the Prado. Originally it housed the Natural History Cabinet; it was only in 1819 that his grandson king Ferdinand VII repurposed it as an art gallery which was open to the public. Nowadays, the Prado Museum is a world-renowned cultural gem, attracting art enthusiasts from all around the globe. Its impressive collection includes masterpieces from celebrated Spanish artists such as Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez, and El Greco. But also art of former Spanish territories such as Belgium and the Netherlands, you can see paintings made by Hieronymus Bosch, Peter Paul Rubens and a Rembrandt. Although there are older pieces in the collection, most of it dates from the 12th century onwards. During a visit to the Prado you can see how the European culture evolved. The rich history of Spanish and European art, exploring the museum’s diverse array of genres and styles, making it an absolute must-visit for any art lover. Best of all: if you enter two hours before closing time, entrance is free. Just be prepared to wait in a queue outside.

Did anyone say chocolate?

According to legend it was the Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés who brought chocolate to Europe in 1528. Whilst on an expedition to find silver and gold, the man got a surprise cocoa cup from the Aztec emperor and probably thought to himself “this is much better than gold, I’ll bring this home”. Whatever the guy thought or didn’t thought aside, we have to face a simple fact, we’re all chocoholics. Even to such an extent that we don’t even trust people who don’t like the good brown stuff. So when you’re walking around in Madrid and have a sudden craving for something sweet, just go to the San Ginés Chocolateria at Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Whilst you’re enjoying your churros, you could play a fun pop-quiz game with your travelling companions. The interior is full of pictures of the rich and famous enjoying a sweet treat.

The Almudena Cathedral

Construction of the Santa María la Real de La Almudena started in 1883, and it took over a hundred years for the building to be finally consecrated. The cathedral is dedicated the Virgin Mary who also happens to be the patron saint of Madrid. This cathedral is well worth a visit and can easily combined with a visit to the Royal Palace which is right in front of it. You can visit the cathedral free of charge, though there’s a one euro gratuity. Being completed in the 20th century, this cathedral has a surprisingly modern interior – although it’s not to everyone’s taste.

The Royal Palace of Madrid

Madrid is home to numerous impressive buildings, but none quite match the grandeur of the Royal Palace. As the largest royal palace in the world, it stands on a vast area of 135,000 square meters. The current palace was constructed on the site where the Alcázar once stood. That original castle in Madrid was consumed by flames on Christmas Eve in 1734. It had its origins in the ninth century and was initially part of a fortress built by Emir Muhammad I of Córdoba.

A visit to the Royal Palace is a must for anyone exploring Madrid’s rich history and architectural wonders. The palace’s architecture showcases intricate details and fine craftsmanship, serving as a testament to Spain’s royal heritage. Each room breathes wealth, transporting visitors back to a bygone era of kings and queens. With 3,418 rooms it is impossible to fully explore the palace in a single day. However, visitors are offered a carefully curated route that changes every now and then. Admire the remarkable collection of art, including masterpieces by esteemed Spanish painters such as Velázquez and Goya. For a glimpse into Spain’s military history, the Royal Armory showcases an impressive array of weaponry and armor.

While entry to the palace can be obtained for free by joining the queue two hours before closing time, those seeking a more leisurely experience can purchase tickets.

Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor in Madrid is an iconic and historic square that really shows the grandeur of the Spanish capital. Located in the heart of the city, this plaza has been a focal point of social, cultural, and commercial activities for centuries. Dating back to the 17th century, the Plaza Mayor showcases stunning architecture with its elegant symmetrical facades and prominent arcades. The square’s distinctive red-brick buildings adorned with ornate balconies and wrought-iron details create a picturesque setting that will take you back in time (or at least give you the feeling). The square has witnessed numerous significant events throughout its history, including royal coronations, bullfights, markets, and even public executions. Today, it serves as a bustling hub of social gatherings, performances, and celebrations. It is also home to a myriad of charming cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it the ideal place to kick back and relax.

One of the highlights on this square is the iconic Casa de la Panaderia (the bakery house), the original goes back to the early 17th century, though there have been numerous remodellings since then. The frescoes on the facade were part of a public contest and won by Carlos Franco and depict mythological references to the Frysian godess Cybele’s wedding to Attis.

Don Quichote

In the heart of Madrid, on the Plaza de España, stands an impressive statue that pays tribute to the legendary character Don Quixote and the author – Miguel de Cervantes – who wrote this masterpiece. This striking sculpture depicts the valiant knight astride his loyal horse, Rocinante, with his faithful companion Sancho Panza by his side. The statue serves as a symbol of courage, idealism, and the enduring spirit of adventure. The Don Quixote statue on Plaza de España is not only a beloved landmark but also a reminder of the power of imagination and the timeless impact of literature on the human spirit. It stands as a testament to Madrid’s rich cultural heritage and invites all who encounter it to embrace their own inner hero and embark on their own extraordinary journey (whether that includes fighting windmills or not, I’ll leave that up to you).

Parque del Retiro

Parque del Retiro, located in the heart of Madrid, is a must-see for tourists exploring the vibrant capital city of Spain. Steeped in history and encompassing a vast area of approximately 350 acres, this iconic park offers a delightful escape from the bustling city streets. Originally built as a retreat for royalty in the 17th century, Parque del Retiro is a testament to its regal origins. Within its expansive grounds, visitors can revel in a myriad of activities such as strolling along the charming pathways, picnicking on the lush lawns, and renting row boats to leisurely paddle on the serene lake. One of the park’s most breathtaking highlights is the Glass Palace (Palacio de Cristal), a stunning architectural masterpiece constructed entirely of glass and iron. This enchanting structure provides a captivating setting for art exhibitions and adds an extra touch of elegance to the already mesmerizing park. With its rich history, extensive green spaces, and captivating attractions like the Glass Palace, Parque del Retiro is an unmissable gem for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience in Madrid.

The royal botanical garden

Right next to the Parque del Retiro you’ll find the much smaller royal botanical garden, this green oasis will let you escape the mid-day sun in the lush shadow areas. Access to this park is paying, but in return you get to see a myriad of flowers and trees. The vast collection contains over 5500 plant specimens, ranging from humble roses to more exotic plants. Small information panels explain to you the origin of the plant and what it is used for and where it natively grows.

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