DK Travel - Top 10 Madrid

Clockwise from top: View from Palacio de Cibeles; Old Madrid caf; Catedrale de la Almudena; park with almond blossoms; Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofa; bridge over Rio Manzanares

Located right in the heart of Spain, Madrids attractions include world-class art, a lavish royal palace, glorious gardens and showpiece squares. Its a place that fizzes with energy and creativity, yet preserves plenty of old-fashioned appeal. Contemporary art, dance and theatre thrive, while traditional festivals bring Madrile os out in droves. With Eyewitness Top 10 Madrid, its yours to explore.

For all Madrids big-city bustle, it still feels surprisingly intimate, thanks to the appeal of its different districts, and the friendliness of its inhabitants. Swanky Salamanca has the fanciest restaurants and fashion boutiques, while La Latina boasts the fantastic El Rastro flea market and atmospheric tapas bars. Gritty Lavapis is great for vintage stores and underground bars, while boho-chic Chuecas cocktail bars and cafs feature regularly in glossy magazines.

You can walk in the footsteps of great writers in the Barrio de las Letras; visit a convent for blue-blooded nuns, the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales; picnic under the cherry blossom in the Parque Quinto de los Molinos; or watch the sun set over the Guadarrama mountains. Shiver at Goyas Black Paintings in the Prado, or Picassos Guernica in the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofa, and try to interpret the enigmatic smile of the Lady of Elche in the Archaeological Museum. Once night falls, dont forget that Madrileos arent known as gatos (cats) for nothing: youll dine and party late in this city that never sleeps.

Whether you are visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide is designed to bring together the best of everything the city can offer. It gives you tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus nine easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to combine a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Madrid.

Madrid packs in a fantastic array of museums and monuments, parks and gardens, plus great shopping, dining and nightlife. Youll be spoiled for choice for things to do, whatever your interests and however long you spend in the city. Here are some ideas for two and four days of sightseeing and fun in beautiful Madrid.

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Two Days in Madrid

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Day 1

Morning

Enjoy a coffee on the . Theres too much to see in one visit, so select some highlights.

Plaza Mayor is the citys grandest and most famous square.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to to see Spains premier collection of modern art.

Day 2

Morning

Take a guided tour of the for lunch.

Afternoon

Sip a coffee on the handsome , one of the largest palaces in Europe.

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Four Days in Madrid

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Day 1

Morning

Head out early to Madrids biggest attraction, the . Spend the morning admiring one of the worlds finest collections of European artworks, and dont miss Goyas Black Paintings, or Las Meninas by Velzquez.

Afternoon

Amble through the narrow streets of Madrids historic heart to the elegant .

Day 2

Morning

Spend a morning with the enigmatic Lady of Elche and other archaeo-logical gems at the .

Parque del Retiro offers a leafy escape from the bustle of the city, with a boating lake, formal gardens and entertainment for all generations.

Afternoon

The serene early Italian Madonnas and works by the French Impressionists provide soothing company at the , and the garden caf is an idyllic spot for refreshment and a rest afterwards.

Day 3

Morning

If youre in Madrid on a Sunday, make an early visit to the , whose gilded salons are decorated with exquisite paintings and tapestries.

Afternoon

Visit the to admire Picassos masterpiece, Guernica, along with works by Dal, Mir, Gris, and contemporary artists including Eduardo Arroyo and Miquel Barcel.

Day 4

Morning and Afternoon

Spend the whole day at the splendid royal monastery, basilica and palace complex of .

El Escorial is a magnificent complex of royal palace, basilica and monastery.

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Top 10 Madrid Highlights

Boating lake and monument to Alfonso XII at Parque del Retiro

Top 10 Madrid Highlights

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PALACIO REAL

Madrids fabulous Royal Palace is one of Europes outstanding architectural monuments. More than half of the state apartments are open to the public, sumptuously decorated with silk wall hangings, frescoes and gilded stucco, and crammed with priceless objets dart. The palaces setting is equally breathtaking: beyond the main courtyard (Plaza de la Armera) lies an uninterrupted vista of park and woodland, stretching to the majestic peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama.

NEED TO KNOW

Calle Bailn 914 54 88 00 www.patrimonionacional.es Open AprSep: 10am8pm daily; OctMar: 10am6pm daily; 24 & 31 Dec: 10am 2pm closed 18, 29 & 30 Nov, 25 Dec DA Adm 11, 6 (concessions), additional 4 for guided tour and 3 for audio guide, free Mon & Thu (AprSep: 68pm; OctMar: 46pm) for EU citizens and Ibero-Americans