Because it's a tradition and other Madrid, Spain Things to Do Tips

I wanted to see a bullfight once in my life and I figured I couldn't go to Spain and not see one. Surprisingly, I was able to focus on the "show" part of it. So I was able to enjoy it, but I wouldn't go see another one.

You have to remember you can't walk in during a fight and when you do go in, you have to sit down very fast - my mother stood there looking for our seats and they tried to kick us out when the fight started because they thought we wanted to remain standing.

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...but if you're not that much of a fan, you might think three floors of paintings is a little over the top.

The Prado is a beautiful place and it contains an impressive number of works. However, for me, who doesn't know that much about art, it was a little too much.

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This is a very interesting and cheap museum. For 3 euros, you can wander the three floors and easily spend over 2 hours there, learning about the evolution of human life since the beginning of times until today.

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The Retiro is the biggest park I've ever seen and at the same time, certainly the most beautiful. You'll find many fountains and statues as well as the Palacio de Velásquez and the Palacio de Cristal. You have to remove your shoes and put on socks to go inside the Palacio de Cristal, of which the floor is covered with mirrors.

There is also a very nice rosery in the park, which we found while trying to find the Palacio de Cristal. The rosery wasn't mentioned in any guide we read so I figure I should talk about it here!

We rented a row boat (4,25 euros for 45 minutes) to go onto the artificial lake that lies right in front of a huge monument near the entrance on Alcalá (can't remember the exact name of the person to whom it is dedicated at the moment...!).

Although we were expecting to see street artists and fortune-tellers there, we were surprised to see many people dressed as Mickey Mouse or Bart Simpson!

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In the Parque del Oeste, you'll find this egyptian temple. Pretty weird, huh? I personally enjoy confusing people by telling them I visited an egyptian temple in Spain. ;)

Seriously, this is an extremely interesting stop: seeing an actual temple is nothing like seeing pictures of it. Inside the temple (two very small floors), you can see the drawings engraved in the rock all over the walls, with explanatory blurbs. On the second floor, an animation shows the construction of the temple.

This is obviously not about Spanish culture, but I strongly recommend you don't miss it. After all, it's free ;)

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The teleférico is located in the Casa de Campo. The ride takes only minutes and allows you to get a panoramic view of Madrid.

It closes during siesta, though, so make your plans accordingly.

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This was a cheap attraction (2 euros) but it was nonetheless disapointing.

Maybe because we were at the beginning of July, most flowers and a lot of plants were faded already.

So if you're in another time of the year, try it; otherwise, I'd skip it.

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This really is a must-see: ex-tra-or-di-na-ry.

You'll be able to see various armours that were worn by different kings and their family: they are all beautifully and carefully crafted - very impressive.

The palace in itself is what's most interesting and takes the most time to see, especially if you choose a guided visit.

Do not miss this attraction - make sure to arrive pretty early: when we got out, there was a huge line-up to get in.

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Address: Former King's Residence

The Plaza de Cibeles is amazing, architecture wise. There is a fountain in the middle of the Plaza and the buildings (such as the Palacio de communicaciones) around it are incredible.

Definitely worth a look.

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Address: Where Alcala street crosses Paseo del Prado

This is the main square of Madrid. It is pretty quiet in the morning (as you can see from the picture) but it gets quite busy in the afternoon, with talented street artists, young boys playing soccer and street salespersons.

If you want to soak up Madrid atmosphere, this is the place.

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Address: Main square of Madrid
Directions: Metro Sol & Opera