top-picks | sights-sightseeing

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11 March 2004 Memorial

The memorial stands in honour of the victims who had to face the adversities of the world terrorist attack in Europe. The glass tower of this monument is best when seen from below. Things you can look out for here, include a glass panel with the names of the martyrs as well as condolence messages inscribed on an airy perspex-and-glass tower by well-wishers.

Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Lots and lots of attractions here, the top call card being Picasso's "Guernica", the other's include works of Vassily Kandinsky, Joan Miro and Salvador Dali.The Centro de Arte Reina Sofía houses Madrid's best collection of Spanish art which dates back to the 1980's.

Highlight:: Spanish Art

El Rastro Market

Looking for a place to enjoy Madrid's diversity? Put on your walking shoes and get to the El Rastro market on a Sunday morning. You can even think of bargaining with the rest of the Madridians here. An experience you will treasure for your lifetime.

A word of caution to tourists out there who are likely to be drifted away while shopping.Pick-pockets crawl around the place. Take care of your belongings as well as have a eye on your easy-to-reach pockets.

Museo Arqueológico Nacional

The Museo Arqueológico Nacional was set up by the royal degree back in the latter half of the 19th century.It is one bag filled to the brim with royal goodies from the Roman, Egyptian and Greece empires. Things that are worth checking out here include the Lady of Elche, the Aljafería arch , Amemenhat and Recesvinto's crown.

Museo del Prado

Home to more than 7000 works. A feast to the eyes to anyone who loves artistic collections. Once a natural history museum, today the Museo del Prado is considered to be one of the most important art galleries around the world. The gallery serves as your door to the Spanish history.

A don't miss on your Madrid city break.Best picks here are the royal paintings of Velázquez and the paintings resembling Ribera, Goya and Velázquez. A trip to Padro and spending some time in this Spanish repository of art on your city break, never disappoints!

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

Though not the biggest,the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza often remains the favourite art gallery among visitors to the place. Houses a great private collection of European art which comes in a wide-ranging variety across its three floors. Looking out for any big names like Pissarro, Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Degas, Constable,Van Gogh and Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza? You will probably bump into one here.

Parque del Buen Retiro

Beautiful gardens with landscaped lawns, artificial lake, monuments made of marble and elegant buildings which you can spot occasionally littered around the place. Parque del Buen Retiro has so much greenery about the place and is ideal for contemplating. Weekends can however get a bit crowded. The sphinx-laden Egyptian fountain and the massive mausoleum of Alfonso XII are top calling cards.

Spend a few beautiful moments at the lovely rose garden here, "La Rosaleda". The staue of El Ángel Caído which stands here is believed to be the first statue constructed in honor of the dark lord.

Teleférico

The Teleférico takes name as one among the world's most horizontal cable cars. It is not more than 40m from the ground but offers you a delightful experience. Out from the slopes of La Rosaleda, across the Casa de Campo, the Teleférico travels for about 2.5km. Its green everywhere here!

La Pedriza

A marvellous natural park. It gets filled fast. So take care to go early. Summer is the best time to be here. What you will actually see is a mountain river cascading to form beautiful pools, some deep, others shallow. A plunge in the waters here and it can turn out to one of the most refreshing summer experience you can have!

Barrio de Salamanca

Look up and you can see the beauty of Madrid. I am not joking. The buildings in Barrio de Salamanca stands proof to this fact.

Teleférico/cable car

You want THAT best view of Madrid take the teleférico/cable car that traverses between Plaza de España/Palacio Real to the park Casa de Campo. The views from the West end are the best.

Lookout Tower, Moncloa

Halt at Moncloa where you can get to see the striking edifice of the Air Force headquarters and also the “lookout tower” which gifts you a great view of the city.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Yes, I agree that you can find the fabled Prado and Sofia galleries in close proximity. But if you are looking forward to a state-of-the-art art collection, then the “Thyssen” is your answer. The impressionist and the post-impressionist works here are worth taking a look at. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum was done up keeping a great design in mind and it did reflect on the result. One of the best museums in Spain and one among the most popular attractions in Madrid.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday

Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real)

Believe it or not! But, there are over 2000 lavishly gilded rooms in this luxurious palace or rather living museum. Check out even the ceilings because they come beautifully decorated. If possible it is always wise you get hold of a guide which elaborates on the particulars and history weaving behind the rooms. And if you are tired of walking around the place, look towards west and a beautiful view awaits you there. You can find an armoury museum attached to the place. Also halt by the nearby church and the crypt under it. A must see attraction in Madrid!