Visit Centro to experience the downtown heart of Madrid, a thrilling place that has some of the city’s most important cultural attractions, dazzling examples of contemporary and ancient architecture and attractive, wide-open spaces. Head to the heart of the Spanish capital for its palaces, plazas, parks, museums and galleries.
Situated right in the center of the city is the Puerta del Sol. This large semi-circular square on the site of an old city gate is one of Madrid’s busiest places. After a fortifying coffee and tostada at a café, investigate the plaza’s landmark sites. Photograph the large bronze statue ofThe Bear and the Strawberry Tree. Look up at the clock on top of the 18th-century Royal House of the Post Office building. On New Year's Eve, thousands flock here to hear its clock chime in the New Year and live footage is televised all over the country. Nearby is the Kilometer Zero floor plaque that marks the origin of six national radial roads stemming from Madrid.
If you've come to the city to shop, explore Calle Preciados which leads off the Puerta del Sol and is Madrid’s main shopping street. Browse for designer and high street fashions, music, books, shoes, technology and much more. On Sundays and public holidays browse El Rastro, a centuries-old, open-air flea market in the La Latina neighborhood.
Culture lovers will enjoy the Golden Triangle of Art, three leading art museums that lie close to each other. These are the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
Also worth a visit is the Royal Palace of Madrid. Tour gilded salons and stately rooms of the official residence of the Spanish royal family.
After sightseeing, relax in El Retiro Park, the city center’s 350-acre (142-hectare) green playground. Row a boat on the Great Pond and follow tree-lined paths that lead to the Rose Garden and the Calvo Cypress. This is the oldest tree in Madrid, believed to be more than 400 years old.
With its charm, beauty and historic buildings, Madrid’s Centro district is best explored on foot. You can also travel around by bus, metro or taxi.
