Spain is where you find both modern and medieval gems. Full of historical assets, natural wonders, varied landscapes, and modern living, Spain has always been the favorite of the tourists. Among all, the capital city of Madrid is a great holiday destination. Attractions in Madrid Spain are for all ages and that they range from historical to cultural and to natural ones. So, let’s take a tour of some of the best attractions in Madrid Spain.
Among all the attractions in Madrid Spain, the Prado is the world-renowned attraction. This 213-year-old museum is also among the greatest art galleries on Earth boasting over 7,000 paintings by Fra Angelico, Botticelli, El Bosco, Titian, Rembrandt, and Velazquez. The collection lays emphasis on the works of the Spanish artists, especially Goya. Open from Tuesday to Sunday (9 am to 8 pm), the museum has admission charges of EUR6. For free visit, come between 6 pm and 8 pm.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum ranks second in the ‘golden triangle’ of art museums in the capital. Here, you can explore the private collection of the Thyssen family, over 800 paintings, sculptures, carvings, and tapestries since primitive Flemish works to modern ones. Check out for the works from Renoir, Durer, and Van Eyck. It is accessible from the Banco de Espana station and its visiting hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm. The entry fee is EUR6.
The third rank goes to the Reina Sofia National Art Center Museum that is the beautiful home of the 20th century Spanish art. This is equal to the France’s Pompidou Center and London’s Tate Gallery. Opened in 1986 and contained in the former Hospital de San Carlos, this museum offers the artworks of Juan Gris, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso. The main highlight is Picasso’s controversial Guernica showing the Nazi bombing of the Basque town in 1937. The museum is opened from Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 9 pm and on Sundays between 10 am and 2.30 pm. The admission fee is EUR6, but becomes zero on Saturdays from 2.30 pm to 9 pm.
The Royal Palace is a giant white structure on the Plaza de Oriente that dates back to 1734. With 3,000 rooms, it served as the royal residence and was last the abode of the royal family in 1931. The current king, Juan Carlos, now resides in the Zarzuela Palace that is in the periphery of the city. You can visit most of the rooms as the remaining ones are reserved for state business. Take up a guided English tour of two hours where you can see the reception room, state apartments with art treasures, antiques, and rich Rococo décor, the exciting armory, and the royal pharmacy. Accessible from the Opera station or by bus numbered 3, 25, 39, and 148; the visiting hours are Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm. The admission charge is EUR9.
The Plaza Mayor is the popular central arcaded square since 1619. The statue in the middle is of Philip III who built the square. In the medieval times, it was known as the Plaza de Arrabal where many public spectacles right from knights’ tournaments and festivals were conducted. Now, it is where people gather out of which most are tourists who are seen sipping sangria in the cafes and enjoying unrehearsed music performances and the parade.
The Goya’s Tomb, Panteon de Goya, in the Glorieta de San Antonio de la Florida is the Goya’s Sistine Chapel. Look for the dome, cupola, and a fresco made from sponges in six weeks showing the miracles of St. Anthony. The most alluring feature is the strategically placed mirrors that offer better views of the artwork. It is here that you will find the tomb of the artist too. The visiting time is Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm, while at the weekends; the time is from 10 am to 2 pm. However, you will need to pay EUR2.
The Parque del Buen Retiro is the green central park of 350 acres, which was formerly the private garden of Philip IV. On this extensive green land, there are formal gardens, statuary, fountains, lakes, exhibition halls, children’s playgrounds, and outdoor cafes to leave you with fresh mind. Further, ambling amidst the trees, meditating in the rose garden, and going for a boat ride on the lake are other highlights. Come here at the weekends when buskers, clowns, fortune-tellers, and sidewalk painters are there to amuse you. The park timings are daily from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm.
