If you are going to visit Madrid, write down this list with the five most s
As well as being a great European city, Madrid has its fair share of hustle and bustle, but that doesn't mean it skimps on giving visitors an authentic Spanish experience. The Prado Museum features works by some of Spain's most famous artists, including Velázquez and Goya. The Royal Palace is open to the public and the El Rastro market or the luxury shops of Salamanca offer hours of shopping. But if you're exhausted after a long day of sightseeing, you might want to rest in an outdoor cafe, especially the ones lining the Plaza Mayor. Once your energy is restored, enjoy trying some selected specialties in a tapas bar before heading to the nightclub. Remember that you can money exchange at our Eurochange Madrid exchange house in Plaza de San Miguel.
Plaza Mayor
This square, located in the heart of Madrid, is more a must-experience attraction than a must-see one. Surrounded by cafes and bars, Plaza Mayor practically begs passersby to take a seat, order a coffee or glass of wine (depending on the time of day) and people-watch. Not only do throngs of tourists pass through, but multiple street performers plant their feet here to entertain. The square starts getting busy around 2 p.m. and will grow increasingly busy as night falls. If you find yourself in Madrid during the holidays, locals recommend visiting the holiday markets held in the plaza.
El Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro)
To the east of central Madrid, Parque del Buen Retiro (El Retiro Park) can be translated as "Park of the Pleasant Retreat," and that's what it is – a sprawling swath of lush greenery filled with formal gardens, lakes, cafes, playgrounds and more. This 300-some-acre park previously housed Felipe IV's palace and gardens, and didn't become open to the public until the late 19th century.
Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado)
One of Madrid's most famous museums, the elegant Museo Nacional del Prado is consistently touted by travelers as a must-see. Opened in 1819 at the encouragement of Queen Maria Isabel de Braganza (King Ferdinand VII's wife), the museum contains 8,600 paintings and more than 700 sculptures, featuring Spanish, Italian and Flemish styles of art. Among the most famous works featured include Velazquez's "Las Meninas," Goya's "The Third of May 1808," El Greco's "Adoration of the Shepherds." Travelers note that sometimes it can be difficult to get close to these famous paintings, recommending that visitors come early or late for the best chance of seeing these works without hordes of others.
Gateway of the Sun (Puerta del Sol)
The true center of Madrid – kilometer zero – Puerta del Sol fills with spurting fountains, shops, restaurants and lots of people. If you're looking for a place to rest your feet after a long day of touring, or a quiet place to stay, Sol is not the place. The area is always crowded, especially at night when the city comes alive with people passing through the square looking to party at some of Madrid's hottest bars and nightclubs (many of which are situated in Sol). However, it is the best place to taste Madrid's life and vibrancy, so even if you're going out to dinner, don't pass up the opportunity to walk through and take in the area.
Mercado San Miguel
Mercado de San Miguel, a market built of beautifully ornate glass and cast iron, is a popular stop for tourists to Madrid, especially since it is located right outside of Plaza Mayor. Here, visitors can purchase some wine, grab a cocktail, juice or coffee, snack on a variety of ready-to-eat tapas, or pick up some ingredients for lunch or dinner from the fruit, seafood and meat stalls.
Here you can find our Eurochange Madrid office, a currency exchange house, in the same Market Square, where you can buy or sell your currencies, to be able to enjoy the rich gastronomy offered by the variety of food.
