Madrid is one of the most lively cities in Europe. It is a monumental city because its museums and a shopcity by excelence. But it is also a must walk around its narrow streets and small squares full of magic.

On a touristic bus:
Because a weekend is not enough to see everything we recommend to sightsee Madrid from a touristic bus to get a first impression. There are 3 different routes: Monumental, Historical and Modern. A ticket for one day cost €10,60 for adults, children and older than 65 years get discount and children under 7 doesn't have to paid.
The Monumental and Historical routes goes through Plaza Oriente, Sol, Neptuno, Goya, Cibeles, Gran Via, Plaza España, etc. The Modern route goes through Castellana and stop in Salamanca quarter. On Sundays, tickets are €1,20 more expensive.
More information and online tickets:

Discovering with children:
There are many different ways to enjoy Madrid with children. The classic visits to The Zoo: or the Fun Park Parque de Atracciones:
But it is also nice to go up to Faro de Moncloa and have a look to Madrid from 92 meters high (Avenida Arco de la Victoria). Take them to Cosmacaixa, a interactive science museum, nice for children and parents (Calle Pintor Velazquez). Also the ThemaParkFaunia: and the Fun Park Warner Bros: (out of Madrid city)

A walk around Madrid de los Austrias:
Madrid de los Austrias - Walk around this historic district, named after the Austrian Hapsburgs, and lose yourself amongst the cobbled winding alleys, iron balconies and leaning old buildings. It's easy to imagine you're back in the 18th century, especially at night when the street lamps give the place a romantic feel. Visit the Royal Palace, the Opera House and the Plaza Mayor. Enjoy dinner or a drink at one of the great Basque restaurants and elegant cafés.

Chueca, viva el descaro:
For some years now, Calle Fuencarral and the Chueca neighbourhood in Madrid have become reference points for Spanish modernity. The trendiest shops, hair salons and tattoo/piercing parlours have given the area a very active life during the day. Restaurants, bars and clubs with innovative décor liven Madrid’s night, accommodating a varied clientele.

The excellent location of this area has allowed it to become an urban catwalk for independent fashion where trendies, skaters, rappers, indie kids and grunge lovers coincide in a neighbourhood where the tolerant environment acts like a magnet for all types of people.

Five minutes from the Puerta del Sol and running perpendicular to Gran Vía, the streets Fuencarral and Hortaleza have gradually seen the establishment of alternative shops, tattoo and piercing parlours, gay libraries, gay venues, delicate restaurants and trend-setting hair salons.

Madrid is one of the major cultural centres of the world. In this section you will be able to explore the possibilities in the city, ranging from concise but sometimes unknown aspects of our larger museums to visits to other museums, smaller but fascinating, as well as art galleries, theatres, auditoriums, foundations… All so that you know where to find culture.

THE PRADO MUSEUM
From its privileged location surrounded by trees and some of Madrid´s greatest monuments, the National Museum of the Prado is one of the most visited attractions in the capital. The museum is home to the most important Spanish painting collection in the world.
THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA MUSEUM
The Thyssen-Bornemisza, with almost 1,000 works of art, is extraordinarily located in a cultural and artistic itinerary that is unique in the world. Come to the museum and enjoy a privileged tour of seven centuries of European painting, from its origins in the 13th century to the end of the 20th.
REINA SOFÍA MUSEUM
The Guernica, by Pablo Ruiz Picasso, is the most important gem in this museum, which holds the new tendencies of contemporary art. The recent extension to the museum, by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, enhances the original building’s facilities and services, and adds two new exhibition rooms, a library and an auditorium.

The city holds thousands of restaurants spanning every price range and style: from Asian gastronomy to typical Madrilenian dishes, from tastes of America to those of any Spanish region, from innovative cuisine to traditional Spanish food…
STAR-STUDDED RESTAURANTS
There are around 3,100 culinary establishments in Madrid, but only La Broche, Santceloni, La Terraza del Casino, El Chaflán, Zalacaín, Casa d´a Troya and Zaranda are among the chosen few. Their claim is backed up by well prepared dishes, a painstaking service and a select atmosphere .

La Movida:
Madrid, at the end of the 70s and beginning of the 80s. Someone described it as the most fun city in the world. And they had a reason for saying it. The new atmosphere of freedom brought with it an explosion of creativity which that no youthful spirit could avoid. Madrid became the centre of a cultural movement that was difficult to define because it had no limits and drew on thousands of sources of inspiration, absorbing tradition and turning it on its head…

Madrid exported the "movida" to the world through its music, films, painting, photography, nightlife... It was a bold cultural tidal wave that took place in a million dive bars, private homes, artist's studios, theatres... even television. Many of those emerging young artists are now well established and it would be impossible to understand Spanish culture in the 21st Century without them: Pedro Almodóvar, Olvido Gara ‘Alaska’, Guillermo Pérez Villalta, Alberto García Alix, Luis Antonio de Villena, Ouka Lele, Ceesepe, Antonio Vega… Others, such as Costus, Carlos Berlanga and Tino Casal, passed along the way.

A Flea Market Celebration
A mixture of modernity and traditionalism, Madrid's world-renowned flea market sets up for business around the Plaza de Cascorro. Dating back to mediaeval times, El Rastro is one of the oldest markets in Europe, yet also one of the most modern. Throngs of sellers and buyers, natives and tourists, have made El Rastro one of the most popular places in the city, a must-see in all guide books.

In order to get the full experience, it is best to wander up and down its streets, to get lost in the crowds, to practice the art of haggling and to soak up the atmosphere. Afterwards don't forget to have an aperitif in one of the local bars. It will be an unforgettable Sunday morning.

Transport:
Forget about the auto for a couple of days in Madrid, the traffic is heavy at evening and night. During the day time it is possible to park it at the street in same areas (from €0,40). The Metro (Underground) and bus are the best options. Buy a metrobus for €5,35 (10 trips) in every metrostation. Other option is Madrid Vision.