Tips 1 - 10 of 10 Madrid Things to Do
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Puerta del Sol was the first place that I headed to after checking into my hotel.
I arrived by Metro, and the first thing that I saw on walking up the metro steps was the famous Tio Pepe advertising board
It was Saturday afternoon, and the place was buzzing with locals and tourists. As it was a month to Christmas, workmen were busy installing the Christmas lights and decorations. In front of me was a large Christmas tree.
The Puerta del Sol was one of the gates into the city - its most eastern point. As the city expanded, it is now considered the centre of Madrid city.
Around the square and on the many streets that lead off Sol like bicycle spokes, are many bars, restaurants and shops.
In the square were post card and souvenir stands, street artists, buskers, hawkers, locals queueing for lotto tickets, and a few beggars.
Probably one of the best times to visit this square is New Years Eve, when the citizens of Madrid pack tightly into the square, facing the clock above the Casa de Correos. It is tradition that a grape is eaten on each of the 12 chimes at midnight to bring good luck for the following Year. The celebrations are televised nationwide.
I passed through Sol a few times during my weekend break, and it was always busy both day and night. It never felt threatening though - I felt quite safe.
Part of the square is hidden by hoardings, this is where a new rail line and station are being constructed- it's work has been delayed due to unearthing archaeological sites.
Leave a Comment
Address: The "center" of Madrid
Directions: METRO -SOL
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Visiting Madrid? Read reviews about Madrid Hotels Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On the pavement, near the kerb edge, In front of the Casa de Correos is a plaque marking the spot Kilometre Zero.
This is allegedly the centre of Spain, and all measurements of distance from Madrid are taken from this point. House/ shop numbers in Madrid also start from this point.
It's a popular spot for people to take photos of each other in various poses on the sign- If You want a photo of the plaque without someones foot on it, You might have to wait a while! So when You get the chance, Stand on it and pose!
Leave a Comment
Address: The "centre" of Madrid
Directions: In front of the clock tower - Casa de Correas - just look on the pavement near the road kerbing - Or spot the group posing for photos - it's there by their feet!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This attractive statue in bronze and concrete of a bear and madrona (strawberry )tree was installed in 1967. It is the badge or symbol of the city, and it weighs 20 tons!
I was a bit confused about a strawberry tree -as far as I was aware, strawberries grew on plants. I now realise that Medrona or Arbutus is a species of tree, whose fruit slightly resembles a strawberry!
Look out for this coat of arms on manhole covers, taxi cabs etc around the city.
Another popular place for a rendezvous, or watching people taking photos of each other posing against the statue.
Leave a Comment
Address: The "centre" of Madrid
Directions: from the Sol metro stop, alight into the square. With your back towards the Town Hall (The building with the clock tower) this statue is at the opposite side of the square.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plaza Mayor, or Major Square is one of Madrids popular sights. This square is surrounded by arcaded buildings, which house bars, cafes and restaurants.
The centre of the square is dominated by a large equestrian statue of Felippe 111 (Philip 3rd), who planned this area in the 17th century.
Originally the site of a fairground, the plaza was designed by Juan Gomez de Mora. The plaza has undergone many renovations and re buildings, mainly as a result of at least 3 fires.
Through the centuries the square has been used for bull fights, markets, public gatherings, and even public executions.
Today there are still markets held - During my 1st visit, stalls were being erected for what looked like a Christmas market. There were a few people gathered around eating bocadilloes or drinking coffee from disposable cartons under the ornate lampstands. Apparently these depict scenes from the squares past history.
The ornate frescoes adorning the facade of the Casa de la Panaderia were added as recently as the late 20th Century.
Leading off the square are many narrow streets with interesting shop fronts. The bars and cafes around the square are worth visiting to try a tasty snack such as squid sandwiches (Bocadillo Calamari)- a speciality of this area.
Apparently, the square is a favourite haunt of pick-pockets and scammers- so as always, keep your valuables safely hidden, and be aware of people getting too close, causing diversions etc. As a solo female, I felt completely safe at both of my visits here though.
The Tourist Information Office in the Square has daily guided walks around various sights. I joined one for a few hours, which was very interesting. (tip to follow later)
Leave a Comment
Address: Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Directions: Nearest Metro - Sol & Opera
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Things To Do: Palacio de Deportes
|
Tip Rating:   |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
One of Madrids main concert and indoor sports venues. It can seat up-to 16,000+
This is where I came to see Bruce Springsteen and The E- Street Band play on 25th November 2007! Originally this was the site of a market garden, then later a bullring, who's foundation stone was laid 29.10.1872, opening 2 years later in September 1874.
Its architectural style was the pattern for other bull rings in Spain. This bullring was demolished in October 1934, a day after the last bull fight. The site was empty for many years.
In 1969 a sports stadium was completed with basketball, cycling, athletics and hockey facilities.
In 1985, the Madrid Regional Government took over this stadium, with further renovation and improvements to the structure and acoustics. However, a fire in 2001 destroyed the stadium.
28th June 2005 saw the opening of the latest Palacio Deportes, as a venue for Sports, music, leisure and recreation, becoming one of the leading venues in Europe.
I thought it was a great concert venue!
I finally got a ticket and entered the stadium. All the staff were friendly and helpful. I managed to get drinks - small beer and bottle of water and a bocadillo - ( ham and cheese), which was tasty and fresh, before the show started.
I also bought a T-shirt, but the service wasn't that great -I thought I'd become invisible!! This probably wasn't a fault of the venue though.
I booked my hotel Ayre Gran Hotel Colon, as it was near to the venue - see my hotel tips for more info.
Leave a Comment
Phone: 91 258 60 16
Address: Ave Felipe11, s/n 28009 Madrid
Directions: Salamanco District
Metro - Goya or O'Donnell
Website: www.palaciodedeportes.com
Other Contact: fax 91 258 60 17
|
|
|
|
|
|
Visiting Madrid? Read reviews about Madrid Hotels Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
|
|
|
Things To Do: Banco Espanol de Credito SA
|
Tip Rating: [Not enough ratings yet] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banesto, or Banco Espanol is the first American Bank in Spain. Its interest is that its outside walls have stone carvings of elephants heads!
I haven't been able to find out why this building has the elephant heads - Would be pleased to know why - Can anyone help?
Leave a Comment
Address: Calle de Alcala, Madrid
Directions: Metro SEVILLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Plaza is where Real Madrid fans celebrate their teams big wins, (Athletico Madrid fans head to the nearby Neptune fountain for their big celebrations) also a site for political demos. This was once known as The Plaza of Madrid
The centre of the plaza is a traffic roundabout formed around the impressive fountain and statue of Cybele, or Ceres (The Great Mother, or Mother of The Gods, Roman goddess of fertility and nature) riding a chariot pulled by 2 lions. She holds a sceptre in one hand, and in the other the keys to the city.
The legend is that these lions are the lovers Hippomenes and Atalanta, who had been brought together by Aphrodite. Apparently, they upset Cybele, presumably 'going a bit too far' in her Temple, so she had them changed into lions and made to pull her chariot. Aphrodite had engineered this, as she was slighted by the lovers ingratitude to her!
Created by Ventura Rodriguez between 1777 and 1782.
It is quite a busy roundabout, with enough traffic whizzing by to stop you getting clear photos. The Paseo del Prado ends here, then continues northwards as the Paseo de los Recoletos. From West to East Calle de Alcala cuts across.
Leave a Comment
Address: Where Alcala street crosses Paseo del Prado
Directions: Metro - BANCO DE ESPANA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Things To Do: Plaza De Neptuno
|
Tip Rating: [Not enough ratings yet] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plaza De Neptuno, is probably less famous, than its 'sister' Plaza de la Cibeles ( both are linked by the Paseo de Prado), but it has an equally impressive statue and fountain, and is equally busy with traffic circling the central island.
When Atletico de Madrid win an important game, their fans celebrate here. (Real Madrid fans celebrate at Plaza de la Cibeles)
This is in one of Madrids most prestigious areas, as it is surrounded by The Prado and Museo Thyssen - Bornemisza - 2 of Madrids 'Big 3' museums, as well as The Westin Palace and The Ritz - Recognised as Madrids classiest hotels.
Worth a diversion on the way to or from the museums.
The 18th century sculptured statue is of Neptune - God of the Seas. It was created by Juan Pascual de Mena, who died before he could finish this artwork. It is thought that Jose Arias completed the project.
The statue has a rock base. Neptunes chariot is shell shaped, and is pulled by 2 horses or Hippocampuses. Apparently it is intended to convey a storm or rough seas.
Near to this Plaza, on the Paseo del Prado, is the interesting shop front of Objetos de Arte Toledano, with its life size costumed figures posing from the balconies above the street
Leave a Comment
Address: Plaza de Neptuno
Directions: METRO - BANCO DE ESPANA or ANTON MARTIN
Follow the signs for The Prado Museum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Things To Do: Objetos de Arte Toledano
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
I was quite entranced by this shop front, and spent quite a while admiring the life like figures displayed on the balconies of this shop. So did many others, while I was there.
A pedestrian crossing is in front of this shop, and I witnessed some daring (stupid) people trying to get their photos, while standing on the crossing!
Apparently, this shop is renowned for its quality and quantity of fine porcelain, which is displayed on one whole floor
It specialises in the crafts and arts of Toledo, the nearby medieval city.
Leather work, fans, paintings etc can all be purchased here.
I didn't put this in the shopping tips, as I didn't enter the shop, or buy anything from here, but was interested in its exterior
Open Hours
9:30-20.00 hrs Mon -Saturday
Leave a Comment
Phone: +34 91 429 5000/ 6646
Address: Paseo del Prado 10+ 12, Madrid 28014
Website: www.artetoledano.com
Other Contact: info@artetoledano.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wandering along Ave Alcala, I came across this unusual church facade of red brick and stone carvings. The church was closed. I stood admiring the exterior for quite a while. I especially liked the 4 stone carvings of arabic looking mens faces (see photo 2 below)
It was designed by Pedro de Ribera, and built in 1773. It stands on the site of the convent of San Hermanegaldo. This is considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Madrid
Apparently inside is some of Madrids best examples or religious artwork by artists such as Michel, Salvador Carmona, Alonso de Mena, Sánchez Barba, González Velázquez, and Bautista Peña. It is also recognised for its acoustics - holding musical performances.
The 19th-century neoclassical-romantic style altarpieces its outstanding feature. The Santa Teresa chapel is a good example of rococo style with ornate features and frescoes on the dome.
The Festival of San Jose is 19th March
Leave a Comment
Phone: +3491 522 6784
Address: Calle Alcala 43, Madrid 28014
Directions: METRO - BANCO ESPANOLE Near junction of Calle Alcala and Gran Via
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join a Discussion Wine tasting
(1 replies, Sunday, Jul 5, 2009, 8:30 AM UTC) toledo day trip suggestions ?
(5 replies, Sunday, Jul 5, 2009, 8:18 PM UTC) Hotel Ganivet, how is it ?
(1 replies, Sunday, Jul 5, 2009, 9:14 AM UTC) Be the first to reply to these questions Madrid July 2009
(no replies yet, Saturday, Jul 4, 2009, 12:09 AM UTC) mwpadams @btmail.com
(no replies yet, Monday, Jul 21, 2008, 8:40 PM UTC) Train travel from Madrid to AlicanteTo Barcelona
(no replies yet, Sunday, May 4, 2008, 12:04 AM UTC) » All Madrid Posts
» Ask about Madrid
- Hotel Condesa de Chinchon
Avda de Valdelaparra 2, Madrid
- Praga
C/ Antonio López 65, Madrid
- Hotel El Coloso
Leganitos 13-17, Madrid
- Antiguo Convento
Calle de las Monjas Boadilla de Monte, Madrid
- Apartam. Eurobuilding-2
Orense 69, Madrid
- Abba Aramo (Paseo Santa Maria De La Cabeza.)
Paseo Santa MarÃa de la Cabeza, 73 (formerly Abba Aramo), Madrid
- Aristos
Avenida Pio XII 34, Madrid
- AC Hotel Aitana Madrid
Paseo de la Castellana 152, Madrid
- Sercotel Princesa De Eboli
C/ Pablo Picasso 10, Madrid
- Opera Hotel Madrid
Cuesta de Santo Domingo, 2, Madrid
- NH Alberto Aguilera Hotel Madrid
Calle de Alberto Aguilera 18, Madrid
- Barcelo Torre Arias
Julian Camarillo 19-21, Madrid
- Nh Principe De Vergara
Principe de Vergara 92, Madrid
- Tryp Diana Hotel
Galeon 27, Madrid
- Silken Puerta America
Avenida de América 41, Madrid
Destinations near Madrid- Hortaleza, 8.52 km / 5.29 miles
- Aravaca, 10.12 km / 6.29 miles
- Leganés, 10.85 km / 6.74 miles
- Getafe, 11.46 km / 7.12 miles
- Barajas de Madrid, 12.53 km / 7.79 miles
- Alcorcón, 13.86 km / 8.61 miles
- El Pardo, 16.4 km / 10.19 miles
- Mejorada del Campo, 16.92 km / 10.51 miles
- Torrejón de Ardoz, 17.8 km / 11.06 miles
- Las Rozas de Madrid, 18.05 km / 11.22 miles
» See all locations nearby» Popular Comunidad de Madrid locations» Popular Spain locations» Popular Europe locations |
 Comments for suvanki about Madrid | | | | |
VeronicaG Mon Feb 16, 2009 17:44 UTC
We'll be flying into Madrid in September for about 1 1/2 days before flying to Barcelona. I'm already preparing for our trip and marking off places we'll want to see, many of which you visited....your restaurants look like good choices, too. | jumpingnorman Sat Jan 24, 2009 20:22 UTC
Oooooooh...I love prawns...this tip is making me hungry! | angiebabe Sat Mar 8, 2008 22:29 UTC
Excellent page Sue, and excellent read of you story of your upfront experience with the Bruce and the E street guys! | SWFC_Fan Wed Jan 2, 2008 21:39 UTC
Happy New Year, Sue! :-) Wonderful Madrid tips - looks like a great place to spend a long weekend seeing the sights and enjoying the culinary delights! I'd probably try to see Real Madrid too...to see if they can match SWFC's performances! ;-) |
|
Best Madrid Travel Deals
Custom Tours of Spain
Custom itineraries & private guides from Nat'l Geographic Top Outfitter
Madrid Travel Card
Buy 1, 2, 3, 5, 0r 7 Day Card. Get Unlimited Public Tranportation…
Hostels madrid
30€ per person, per night. Find hotels near the main attractions!
Sponsored Links |
email me
add as friend
