City Info

Begin your explorations in the old part of the city - the area between Paseo del Prado and Palacio Real. Stroll through the Puerta del Sol - the old city gate - to the impressive Plaza Mayor, the real heart of Madrid. The surrounding streets play host to a lively mix of restaurants, cafés and bars. Don’t miss the Museo del Prado - one of the world’s greatest art galleries. It features some of the best Spanish, Flemish and Italian art of the 15th to 19th centuries with Goya, Velazquez and El Greco well represented. Check out the Museo de la Escultura Abstracta for a good collection of abstracts by Miro and Chillida and the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia for an excellent collection of 20th century art which includes Picasso’s Guernica.

Tip:
Except for certain seaside resorts, the schedules for meals are different from those of the rest of Europe and the U.S.. Lunch time is from 13.30 to 16.00.; Dinner time is from 21.00 to 23.00. As for night clubs, some do not start to be animated until 3.00 in the morning. Some shops close for a pause in the middle of the day from 14.00 to 16.00 or 17.00.