HOW TO SPEND YOUR DAYS IN MADRID
1. The Royal Palace
Though it’s the official residence of the royal family, they don’t actually live here anymore, and the palace is only used for official state functions. You can walk through the palace (both self-guided and guided tours are available) starting at the grand stairway and wander through lavishly decorated staterooms. My favorites are the green porcelain room and the dining room. There’s also the Royal Armory, which houses a collection of medieval weapons and armor. Audio guides and pamphlets are not included in the admission price. The palace is free on Wednesdays.
2. Plaza Mayor
The most famous in the city and the starting point for most tours, this plaza was once host to bullfights, markets, symphonies, tournaments, and even executions. Now it’s ringed with tourist shops, cafés, and restaurants. It’s a good place from which to indulge in some people-watching, offers some good (though overpriced) bars, and occasionally has concerts and events.
3. Mercado de San Miguel
Near Plaza Mayor is this indoor market that used to be a big central market before it fell into disrepair. Bought by a foodie and turned into a hip spot with lots of restaurants and stalls, the food here is delicious and surprisingly cheap considering its downtown location. I left full for less than 10 euros. At night, it’s busy with locals seeking after-work drinks and tapas. You’ll visit this location on your food tour, but it’s worth coming back to.
4. The Naval Museum
This interesting museum provides a detailed history of Spain’s historic naval prowess (and not so prowess). There’s a detailed section on the Spanish Armada’s defeat by the English.
5. The Prado Museum
The Prado is considered one of the best museums on the planet. There are works from Spanish (El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya), Flemish and Dutch (Rubens, van Dyck, and Brueghel), Italian (Botticelli, Tintoretto, Titian, Caravaggio, and Veronese), and German (Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach, and Baldung Grien) artists. I love the Prado and the tree-lined boulevard that leads to it. You can get free admission from Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm to 8pm, or Sundays from 5pm to 8pm.
6. Royal Botanical Garden
Built between 1797 and 1839, this park is right across from the Prado and boasts lakes, labyrinths, squares, fountains, and lots of flowers. There’s even a little veggie garden during the summer months. While a beautiful place, the pollen really made my allergies go wild, so for people with similar afflictions, I’d take an Allegra (and some tissues) before heading in.
Source by : http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/four-days-in-madrid/
No comments:
Post a Comment