Incredible Things To Do If You Only Have One Day In Madrid
By SANJAY SURANA
There is plenty of art in Madrid, from intimate galleries to globally renowned museums, and the National Prado Museum should top any visitor's list.
Get Artsy
Designed in the late 1700s, it houses centuries-old paintings, ancient works of sculpture and decorative items, and a comprehensive selection of prints and drawings.
Behind the Prado Museum is the gorgeous Buen Retiro Park, with a serene lake, a monument to a king, a rose garden, and some venerable trees.
The Greenery
One of the park's most astonishing structures is the Crystal Palace, modeled after a similar building in south London and shaped like a cross.
At times when you find your energy flagging, churros and hot chocolate are the perfect pick-me-ups and are available at many spots around the city.
Sweeten The Deal
Local favorites include Chocolatería San Ginés, which has been operating since the late 1800s, and La Antigua Churrería's hot chocolate and loop-shaped churros are real lures.
Puerta del Sol is a key gathering spot ringed with historic buildings. As the heart of the city, it's the starting point of many essential roads in Madrid.
Grand Dames
King Ferdinand VII was crowned in the square in 1812. Nearby, Plaza Mayor officially opened in 1620, with a statue of King Phillip II as one of its focal points.
Pillars and arches create an arcade along the edges of the plaza. Visitors will find shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and other diversions in these recesses.
Just a 10-minute walk from Plaza Mayor is the royal palace built in 1764, which features spacious courtyards and sweeping staircases.
A Regal Affair
Columns, arched window lintels, and wraparound balconies on the roof characterize the facades. Visitors can view the Hall of Mirrors or a room for the Royal Guards.
Art lovers will be incredibly excited to spend time in the palace's room made for King Charles III, which features works by El Greco, Rubens, Velázquez, and Goya.