The city of Madrid is located in the center of Spain. This city has many cultural centers, museums and plazas with terraces that serve tapas.
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Visit the city’s many museums.
Many of those who visit Madrid choose to explore the city’s many museums. The city’s main art museums are the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum. These three museums form the Golden Triangle of Museums and are located near the Paseo del Prado, a wide boulevard next to the Atocha train station. A short walk away visitors will find the Naval Museum. The cultural center of La Caixa, which organizes scientific exhibitions, is located in this area.
Enjoy a drink in one of the city’s centric plazas.
In the historic city center visitors will find many traditional plazas. Many plazas are cobblestoned squares with views towards several historic building. The Plaza de Sol is a large plaza where the City Hall and the Bear and Madroño Tree statue are located.
A short walk away is another large plaza, the Plaza Mayor. This rectangular plaza is located in the city’s Old Town and was built in a neoclassical style. The square has several statues and terraces where visitors will be able to enjoy a coffee. Several fairs and markets are organized on the square, including the Stamp and Coin Market and several art markets.
The Plaza de España is located near the main Gran Via street. This street is known for its many bars and shops, and the square has a fountain with the statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, a small park with benches and many restaurants.
See the bullring.
Located a short subway ride away from the city center, the Ventas bullring is another one of the city’s landmarks. The ancient bullring is a large red structure. Bullfights and concerts are organized in this bullring, which has a museum dedicated to famous bulls and toreros bullfighters.
Taste some tapas.
After an afternoon exploring the city museums, parks and shops visitors will be able to enjoy some tapas. Tapas are local appetizers served with each drink. Typical tapas include local cheese, cured ham, olives and potatoes served with alioli sauce. A large and more filling version of tapas are the raciones, dishes that can be shared. Tapas can be found in most of the city’s bars.
There is a large variety of bars in the La Latina district, located next to the Old Town. In the nearby Lavapies visitors will find many ethnic restaurants. In the centric Barrio de las Letras there are bars, clubs and restaurants, and the barrio’s main square, the Santa Ana square, has several popular terraces.
Take a trip.
A short distance away from the city visitors will find several historical towns, including the town of Segovia, known for its ancient Roman aqueduct. In the northern sierra of Guadarrama visitors will find the town of El Escorial, known for its ancient monastery. The monastery and palace is a large granite building with several cloisters, a mausoleum and more than four thousand rooms. This town has views towards the mountains of Navacerrada.
