Madrid Spain
Madrid Unveiled: A Journey Through Spain's Capital - Culture, Cuisine, and More
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 4/13/2025
After departing Nice, France (on our 2018 Europe Adventure) we flew to Madrid, Spain and found that the "Madrid Challenge" bicycle racing event was taking place on the Paseo del Prado. As our hotel was located a short distance off the intersection of the Plaza de las Cortes & the Paseo del Prado, our taxi driver (after repeated attempts) finally told us that he could not get us to our desired destination. The bicycle racing event barriers were effectively blocking crossing access (cars & pedestrians), requiring pedestrians to walk to the Estacion del Arte circle, and then walk back up the Paseo del Prado to our hotel - a bit of a hike.
With tens of thousands of people watching the bicycle race, we quickly realized that we were not going to be able to walk on the Paseo del Prado while rolling our suitcases behind us! Celeste fired up her cell phone mapping Application, and found us a "back street" route to reach the hotel.
Even though it wasn't exactly the arrival we had anticipated, we were glad to arrive and start our Madrid exploration. The back street route wound up revealing some interesting pubs & restaurants, so it was useful information for use later.
Paseo del Prado Race View
We decided to stop and watch (since we could not yet determine how to cross over) the bicycle racers, you can see how crowded it was, bicycle racing in Europe is widely followed. Click this image to see a video we took from this location on the Paseo del Prado.
We finally asked a policeman how to get to the Hilton Hotel and he told us to walk to the Réplica de la Fuente de la Alcachofa ("Fountain of the Artichoke") traffic circle where we could cross over. As you can see in this video, the bike racers are on the Paseo del Prado headed north, and the Hilton Hotel is on the other side of that boulevard.
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Interesting Facts about Madrid
- Madrid is Europe’s Highest Capital City - Madrid lies at the highest altitude of any capital in Europe at 2,188 feet.
- The Retiro Park in Madrid has the only statue dedicated to the fallen angel Lucifer - The statue is at the Fuente del Angel Caído in the park and has gargoyles which spit water at the base.
- How did Madrid get it's name? - There are various explanations as to how Madrid got its name, but the most trusted explanation is that it’s over 2,000 years old according to Arabic records, 'Mayrit' or 'Magerit' were the old names of Madrid which mean 'place of abundant water' which then evolved to the Madrid we know now.
- Does Madrid have the largest palace in the world? - Yes, the Palacio Real is the largest royal palace in Europe by floor area and although it’s the official residency of the Spanish Royal Family it is only used for state ceremonies. King Felipe VI and the Royal Family actually live in the Palace of Zarzuela on the outskirts of Madrid.
- Madrid is One of the Greenest Capitals in Europe – Known for its parks and green spaces, Madrid has the most green space per inhabitant in the world, encompassing 35% of the city’s total area.
- Home to the World’s Oldest Operating Lighthouse – The Torre de la Vega, built in the 9th century, is still in use, though it is now a watchtower rather than a lighthouse.
- The Oldest Restaurant in the World - According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest working restaurant in the world is Sobrino de Botín in Madrid.
- One of the Largest Royal Palaces in Europe - Madrid’s Royal Palace is the Largest in Western Europe - Palacio Real has 3,418 rooms and is larger than Buckingham Palace or Versailles.
- A Massive Metro System - The Madrid Metro is one of the largest in the world, with over 300 stations and 294 km (183 miles) of track.
Where is Madrid Located? Map
Click the image above to view a larger Google Map
Madrid lies on the River Manzanares in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula. It is the Capital city of both Spain (almost without interruption since 1561) and the surrounding autonomous community of Madrid (since 1983), it is also the political, economic and cultural centre of the country. The city is situated on an elevated plain about 300 kilometres (190 mi) from the closest seaside location.
We flew into the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport from Nice, France. It is the second largest airport in Europe, and it is located approximately 30 kilometers outside the center of Madrid where our hotel is located.
Click the above map link to view a Google Map of Madrid.
Madrid Hotels
As of 9/13/2024 Google says there are over 1,154 accommodations in Madrid. Below are the top five most popular hotels in Madrid based upon the "guest rating", click here to view the full Google Search Results list for all Madrid accommodations.. Keep in mind that there is a wide range of accommodations in Madrid, you will find everything from hostels to 2, 3, 4 or 5 star rated some with great amenities and some with none. Research is important!
- ARTIEM Madrid: Off the A-2 autovía and a 6-minute walk from a metro station, this modern wellness 4 star hotel is 5 km from soccer matches at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, home of the Real Madrid FC, and 15 km from the Royal Palace of Madrid. (4.8 guest rating)
- Room Mate Alba Hotel: On a pedestrianized street in the lively Huertas neighborhood, this fashionable 4 star hotel is 3 minutes away on foot from the nearest metro station, and an 8-minute walk from Plaza Mayor, a vast public square lined with cafes and restaurants. (4.8 guest rating)
- Atocha Hotel Madrid, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: This upscale 4 star hotel is a 3-minute walk from a metro station, a 6-minute walk from the CaixaForum Madrid and 9 minutes on foot from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. (4.8 guest rating)
- Mandarin Oriental Ritz: Set in a grand building built in 1910, this plush luxury hotel is a 4-minute walk from the Museo del Prado and 15 km from Madrid-Barajas Airport. (4.7 guest rating)
- Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá: Set in a former 19th-century palace, this genteel 5 star hotel is a 2-minute walk from the Teatro Real opera house and a 5-minute walk from the Royal Palace of Madrid. (4.7 guest rating)
During our trip planning, we had researched VRBO for a Madrid rental that would give us quick downtown access, and be close to the places we wanted to see, near enough to allow us to walk because we did not plan to rent a car for this portion of our trip.
Not finding anything that fitted our requirements exactly, we decided to stay at the Hilton DoubleTree Madrid-Prado. We made that decision because the hotel is very nicely located, and within easy walking distance of most of the Madrid sites we planned to visit.
Here are examples of how well located this hotel is; a number of art museums are located within three blocks, the Royal Palace area is a 1.7 kilometer walk and the Paseo del Prado (a major Madrid street) can take you from one end of Madrid to the other.
The hotel images are the property of Hilton Hotels
Royal Palace of Spain Map
Royal Palace Entry Ticket Line
Royal Palace of Spain
Plaza de la ArmeríaThis was our first adventure goal, and the Hotel warned us that it is a popular destination and to try and arrive there as early as possible. So we rode a taxi (early in the morning) there expecting to find a short line. Didn't quite work out that way.
As you can see, tourists and other visitors are already lined up to gain entry. The good news for us is that these people are waiting to buy tickets, and we had obtained our tickets online and were therefore able to walk right in.
Quick History Lesson
The Royal Palace is located on the site of a 9th-century Alcázar ("Muslim-era fortress") , near the town of Magerit, constructed as an outpost by Muhammad I of Córdoba and inherited after 1036 by the independent Moorish Taifa of Toledo. After Madrid fell to King Alfonso VI of Castile in 1083, the edifice was only rarely used by the kings of Castile. In 1329, King Alfonso XI of Castile convened the cortes of Madrid for the first time. King Felipe II moved his court to Madrid in 1561.
The old Alcázar was built on the location in the 16th century. After it burned 24 December 1734, King Felipe V ordered a new palace built on the same site. Construction spanned the years 1738 to 1755 and followed a Berniniesque design by Filippo Juvarra and Giovanni Battista Sacchetti in cooperation with Ventura Rodríguez, Francesco Sabatini, and Martín Sarmiento. King Carlos III first occupied the new palace in 1764.
The last monarch who lived continuously in the palace was King Alfonso XIII, although Manuel Azaña, president of the Second Republic, also inhabited it, making him the last head of state to do so. During that period the palace was known as "Palacio Nacional". There is still a room next to the Real Capilla, which is known by the name "Office of Azaña".
See that line in the picture above? We were there early and the line was already getting lengthy - so get your Royal Palace entrance tickets online. We got our tickets online at Patrimonio Nacional and had them delivered via email so we entered with our cell phone.
More Info for the The Royal Palace of Madrid
Image Credits:
All the above images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Plaza de la Armería & Palace Entry
Plaza de la Armería
Plaza de la Armería
Plaza de la ArmeríaFrom the visitor's Palace entrance, you have to walk across the Plaza de la Armería court yard and then walk to the entrance area - which is to my right below the flag.
The entrance to the Palace is in the center of image # 2, and the walled area on the left overlooks the Campo del Mora gardens.
The entire Royal Palace complex is in really excellent condition, and considering it's construction was completed in 1755, it is in amazing condition.
Philip IV of Spain Map
The bronze baroque statue of Felipe IV (Philip IV of Spain) stands proudly at the center of Plaza de Oriente, directly across from the Royal Palace, on the Calle de Bailén. This magnificent statue is one of the most iconic pieces of public art in Madrid, capturing the grandeur of Spain’s 17th-century monarchy.
The statue was commissioned by King Felipe IV himself in 1634, although its completion coincided with his death in 1665. Designed by the renowned sculptor Pietro Tacca, this remarkable equestrian statue is notable not only for its size but also for the innovative technique used. It was one of the first equestrian statues in history to depict the rider in a posture where he is seemingly in motion, challenging the traditional representation of stationary riders. This dynamic stance gives the impression of movement and power, reflecting the king's strength and authority.
The statue is part of a larger, intricate fountain composition, making it the focal point of the Plaza de Oriente and a key feature of the Royal Palace's facade. Its strategic placement enhances the visual harmony between the palace and the surrounding gardens. The statue’s artistic and historical significance continues to make it a symbol of both the monarchy and the artistic achievements of the Spanish Baroque era.
NOTE: Image # 2 is the property of Alvesgaspar via Wikimedia. All other images, unless otherwise noted, are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Quick History Lesson for the Plaza de Oriente
This monument to Philip IV of Spain (1605–1665) is at the Plaza de Oriente, a square beside the Royal Palace, and was inaugurated in 1843. The bronze equestrian statue was made between 1634 and 1640 by Pietro Tacca (1577–1640), who requested Galileo Galilei's advice to achieve its stability: rear part is solid and front is hollow. The statue was initially in the Buen Retiro Palace.
Click here to view the full Wikipedia Plaza de Oriente Article.
Plaza de la Armería History
The Plaza de la Armería, as it stands today, was designed in 1892 by architect Enrique María Repullés, although its history dates back much earlier. In 1553, Philip II ordered the construction of a building to house the royal stables, marking the square's early significance as a center for military and royal activities. Over the centuries, the square evolved into a prominent location within the royal complex.
Located just south of the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Plaza de la Armería serves as a grand space that connects the palace with the surrounding historic landmarks. It is flanked by impressive structures, including the Almudena Cathedral (officially known as the Royal Cathedral of St. Mary of the Almudena), which stands adjacent to the palace complex.
Quick History Lesson for the Plaza de la Armería
The origins of the plaza date back to the early 19th century when King Joseph Bonaparte initiated the demolition of the old medieval neighborhood to create a grand entrance for the palace. However, its final design was completed under King Alfonso XII in the late 19th century.
The plaza’s name, "Armería" (Armory), refers to the Royal Armory housed nearby, a collection of weapons and armor from Spain’s military history. The square became a ceremonial space used for official events and royal processions. Its neoclassical design, with symmetrical layout and elegant balustrades, emphasizes the grandeur of the surrounding architecture.
More Info for the Plaza de la Armería
Image Credits
- Image # 2 is the property of Elena F D via Wikimedia.
- All the above images, unless otherwise noted, are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Royal Palace Interior
Our interior tour of the palace was self-guided (though a guided tour is available), allowing us the freedom to explore at our own pace and focus on the rooms that captured our interest the most. This flexibility made the experience even more personal and enjoyable. Needless to say, the entire interior feels like a living museum, brimming with history, artistry, and grandeur.
Inside, the palace showcases an opulent array of materials, including Spanish marble, intricately molded stucco, and finely crafted mahogany doors and windows. The walls and ceilings are adorned with extraordinary works of art, particularly frescoes created by some of the era's most renowned artists, such as Giaquinto, Tiepolo, Mengs, and their Spanish contemporaries, Bayeu and Maella. Each room reflects the elegance and artistry of its time, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the palace's history and the cultural significance of its design.
Quick History Lesson of the Royal Palace
The official residence of the Spanish Royal Family was built in 1738 and the palace contains 135,000 square metres (1,450,000 sq ft) of floor space and contains 3,418 rooms. This is the largest royal palace in Europe by floor area.
Click the Wikipedia link below to go to the page where this information came from.
More Info for the Royal Palace of Madrid
Image Credits
- Image # 3 is the property of xiquinhosilva via Wikimedia Commons and the CC BY 2.0 license.
- All the above images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC unless otherwise noted.
Parque del Oeste Map
After we completed our tour of the Royal Palace, we decided to walk north into the Parque del Oeste and find a place for a quick lunch. We wanted "quick" because we were on our way to the Teleférico de Madrid, which is a cable car from the park to the Casa de Campo. This isn't a long walk, and you will pass through a couple of nice parks along the way.
More Info for the Parque del Oeste
Image Credits:
All the above images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
On our way to Casa de Campo via Cable Car Map
Covering 1,535.52 hectares, this wonderful natural space to the west of the city is Madrid’s largest public park and the largest public urban park in Spain. Its history dates back to the mid-16th century when King Philip II decided to move his court to Madrid. He created an estate that extended from the Royal Palace to El Pardo hunting ground, acquiring farms and fields in the area. Used exclusively by the royal family for centuries, in the 1930s it was finally opened to the public.
King Ferdinand VI declared it a Royal Forest, and King Charles III chose to devote some of it to agricultural use and livestock farming. But with the arrival of the Second Spanish Republic, the new government ceded ownership of the property to Madrid City Council on 1 May 1931, and it has been public property ever since. During the Spanish Civil War it was extensively damaged, like many other sites in the city, but it also saw the construction of military structures that are still visible today.
Views from the Casa de Campo Cable Car Map
View of Madrid from Cable Car
Estación de Príncipe Pío
View of Madrid from Cable Car
View of Casa de Campo from Cable CarThe views of Madrid and the Royal Palace from the Teleférico de Madrid are simply unparalleled, offering a perspective of the city that is impossible to replicate elsewhere. The aerial tramway ride provides a unique opportunity to see Madrid from above, with panoramic vistas of the Casa de Campo, a vast green parkland that stretches across the western part of the city. The tranquil, bird’s-eye view offers a refreshing break from the bustling streets below, making it a must-do experience for anyone visiting the Spanish capital.
On the day of our visit, the weather was quite warm, but the elevation of the cable car allowed us to catch a cool breeze, providing a welcome respite from the heat. As we glided over the landscape, we marveled at the sprawling urban area, with the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral standing out against the city skyline. The Teleférico de Madrid ride is not just a mode of transport—it’s an unforgettable way to take in the city’s beauty and get a fresh perspective on the landmarks that make Madrid so special. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this experience is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip.
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum Map
Thyssen-Bornemisza National MuseumWe had decided that the plan for our next day was to visit some of the nearby museums. We tried to obtain tickets for the del Prado, but it was "sold out" that day. So we decided to visit the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza which was only several blocks north of our hotel on the Paseo del Prado.
The art collection in this museum is quite large, that can be found on display, click here to view a list of the artists. Or click here to view an overview of the art collection contents.
Unfortunately, no photography was allowed inside the Museum but they have a really good collection of art works and it is nicely laid out for visitors (HINT: Click the Google Images link below for a look inside the Museum). What sets the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum apart is its unique ability to complement the collections of other renowned Madrid art institutions, the Prado Museum, and the Reina Sofia National Museum. This triumvirate of museums forms the city's "Golden Triangle of Art," offering visitors an unparalleled and enriching artistic experience. Whether one is an art connoisseur or a casual admirer, the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum is a must-visit destination that showcases the splendor and diversity of human creativity.
After the Museum, we we looked for a lunch spot by walking along the Calle de Antonio Maura to the Puerta de España. This is considered to be the entrance to El Retiro Park.
More Info for the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
- Image Credit: The above image is the property of Kyle Magnuson via Wikimedia Commons using the CC BY 2.0 license. All other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC unless otherwise noted.
- Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum Wikipedia Article: Here is the link to the Wikipedia Article..
- Google Images set for Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum: Here is a link to that Images Set.
- Google Reviews for the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Parque del Buen Retiro (El Retiro Park) Map
Retiro Pond
This is the Estanque Grande del Retiro in the El Retiro Park, a beautiful lake surrounded by a huge number of trees and flowers everywhere! The park is an excellent place to enjoy nature, get some shade, or just stroll along admiring the park's natural beauty.
Retiro Walkways
This walkway in the park gives you some idea of how well kept and how beautiful the entire park is. The major paths and walkways are used by families, runners, bikers and rollerbladers, and the circular route through the park is approximately 1.9 miles in length.
Retiro Rose Garden
This view is looking west toward the Prado Museum, as we were headed back to our hotel. You can see a few of the more than 4,000 rosebushes in the garden.
Churros at Las Farolas
We had read a number of people's reviews about Madrid, and many of those stated that one must absolutely try the chocolate churros at Las Farolas.
The Churreria-Chocolateria Las Farolas restaurant has been in business for over 100 years, and they have several other locations scattered about Spain.
If you are ever in Madrid, we would suggest that you consider stopping at Churreria-Chocolateria Las Farolas. The best churros & chocolate we have ever had! They are located at Calle Mayor, 11, 28012, Madrid, Spain at the intersection of Calle Mayor and Calle de San Cristobal.
Flamenco at La Taberna de Mister Pinkleton
One of our goals while in Madrid, was to experience a "real" Flamenco show, so
we attended one at La Taberna de Mister Pinkleton. The
singers & dancers were very good and the flamenco guitarist was excellent.
NOTE: Post Edit 1/20/2022 - Mister Pinkleton appears to have permanently closed.
Image # 2 was during a break in the Flamenco show, the musicians and dancers were changing costumes, so we ordered another round of sangrias - which by the way, were quite good.
You can acquire your tickets online at Viator in advance of the show, highly recommended, as we saw a lengthy line waiting to purchase tickets at the door when we entered with our reservations.
La Taberna de Mister Pinkleton serves drinks & food as well as dinner if you so choose. We don't have any flamenco experience, but we thoroughly enjoyed the show.
Tapas at La Meripepa
One evening, we decided to enjoy some tapas at La Meripepa in Madrid, a highly recommended restaurant just a few blocks away from our hotel. It was the perfect spot for a relaxed and authentic dining experience, with a charming ambiance that made it feel like a true local gem. We were greeted with a great selection of beers on tap, which made the evening even more enjoyable.
As for the food, we ordered a few tapas, expecting them to be light "small plates," but what arrived exceeded our expectations. Each dish was delicious, and the portions were far more generous than we anticipated, turning what we thought would be a casual snack into a full, satisfying meal. The variety of flavors and textures—from savory chorizo to crispy patatas bravas—kept us coming back for more. The combination of the fantastic food, refreshing drinks, and warm atmosphere made for a wonderful dining experience, and we left feeling completely content and already planning our next visit. If you’re ever in Madrid and craving delicious tapas, La Meripepa is definitely a spot not to be missed!
Exploring Toledo
The Tagus River flowing around ToledoThis was a day trip we took while we were in Madrid, Spain because we had read about Toledo and how interesting an area it is. Nestled atop a hill overlooking the vast expanse of the Tagus River, Toledo stands as a living testament to Spain's rich history, cultural diversity, and architectural brilliance.
We took a Viator Bus Tour as it is only 87 kilometers from Madrid to Toledo, and using this method was a good solution for us
as we did not want to rent a
car while we were in Spain. Plus the tour was "guided", they spoke excellent english and they knew their way around Toledo.
This was an interesting day trip to a very historic city, click here to view our Toledo Spain page and learn why it is called the "City of Three Cultures" because it uniquely showcases the coexistence of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritages.
Madrid Street Performers
Madrid Street PerformerWe had just exited Jardines del Cabo Noval (park near the Royal Palace) and had entered the Teatro Real area when we saw this street performer. Yes they are pan-handling, but you have to admit that it was a unique costume!
I should mention that it was a warm day, and we were wondering how this street performer could remain still for such long periods of time without hydration?
In Madrid, Spain, street performers, particularly those who want to perform in popular areas like the Plaza Mayor or the Puerta del Sol, must pass a test and obtain a license. This regulation was introduced by the Madrid City Council to improve the quality of street performances and to ensure that public spaces are used in an organized manner.
The process requires aspiring street performers to demonstrate their talent to a panel, which assesses the artistic merit of the performance. This can include musicians, magicians, living statues, and other types of performers. Once they pass the test, they receive a license that allows them to perform legally in designated areas of the city. The performers are also assigned time slots to avoid overcrowding and ensure everyone gets a fair chance.
Additionally, the license system helps maintain a certain level of professionalism among street artists, ensuring that the performances enhance the cultural atmosphere of Madrid. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or being prohibited from performing in public spaces
Click here to read the story on NPR about street performer licenses in Madrid.
Dinner at the Fogg Bar Birras & Cheese
For our final dinner in Madrid, we decided to venture out a bit from our hotel and found ourselves at Fogg Bar Birras & Cheese, located on the charming Calle de Moratín, about 1.5 kilometers away. This cozy, craft-focused eatery turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The dish featured in Image #1 is the Spanish take on nachos, generously layered with melted cheese and topped with a smooth, flavorful guacamole sauce—it was absolutely delicious and disappeared quickly from our table. Fogg Bar impressed us not only with its creative food but also with its excellent selection of draft beers, which we thoroughly enjoyed sampling throughout the meal.
Despite what the name might suggest, this wasn’t just another casual pub. The atmosphere was relaxed yet lively, and the food far exceeded our expectations. By the time we were halfway through our dinner, the restaurant had filled up with a mix of locals and visitors, a clear ign of its growing popularity. If you’re looking for a spot in Madrid that offers a great mix of comfort food, local flavor, and excellent beer in a laid-back environment, Fogg Bar Birras & Cheese is a hidden gem well worth the walk.
More Info for the Fogg Bar Birras & Cheese
Image Credits:
All the above images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Some Useful Links for Madrid
- Just Traveling Thru European Travel Tips
- Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
- Things to do & see in Madrid on the "Crazy Tourist" site
- Britannica Madrid Information
- Google Search Results list for "places to eat in Madrid"
- Google Search Results list for "accommodations in Madrid"
- Madrid Travel Guide on 'Travel & Leisure' Site
- Madrid on the "Wikipedia" site (good history article)
- Google Image Gallery for Madrid
- Youtube Search Results list for "Madrid Spain"
- Visit our Youtube Channel
- Madrid Royal Palace Tour on the "Get Your Guide" site
- Our Image Gallery for Madrid
- Wikipedia Article for Madrid
- Google Reviews for Madrid, Spain
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