VI
EN
1. Reina Sofia Museum
The Reina Sofia is the national museum of 20th-century art. Originally built as a hospital, the museum was expanded in 2005 by French architect Jean Nouvel. A highlight of the museum is the works of two outstanding Spanish painters: Picasso and Salvador Dali, with Picasso's Guernica being the most valuable. It also houses over 100,000 books, 3,500 sound recordings, and nearly 1,000 videos of various kinds.
2. Mercado de San Miguel
Originally an abandoned art building constructed in 1916, it was renovated in 2009 and is now a vibrant food court with stalls, restaurants, and cafes right in the heart of the city. Visitors can find everything they need and enjoy the country's signature drinks and tapas.
3. Debod Temple
This ancient temple, located in southern Egypt, very close to the first great waterfall of the Nile River, was dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple was dismantled and reassembled in one of Madrid's most beautiful parks as a reward from the Egyptian government for the Spanish efforts in preserving the Abu Simbel site, further enhancing the value of the Debod Temple.
4. Plaza de Cibeles
Cibeles Square is home to some of Spain's most famous sculptures and fountains, once considered a symbol of Madrid, featuring the statue of the goddess Cibeles (the earth goddess in Greek mythology) seated on a lion-drawn chariot. Cibeles Square also marks the beginning of Madrid's largest avenue – Paseo del Prado, a favorite spot for Madrid residents at sunset. It also boasts the "golden triangle of art," with three world-class museums: Thyssen-Bornemisza, Reina Sofia, and El Prado.
5. Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol (also known as the Gate of the Sun) attracts many tourists, especially on New Year's Eve. On Puerta del Sol, one can see a clock hanging on a tower. According to locals, every New Year's Eve, the clock chimes 12 times to start the new year, and after each chime, Spaniards eat a grape. They eat the grape while praying for good fortune and blessings in the new year.
6.Gran Via
Another must-see location is Gran Vía, also Madrid's main street, home to numerous cinemas and theaters. Gran Vía shares many similarities with New York's Times Square in its glitz and glamour, a place where people can party all night long and admire hundreds of historic high-rise buildings with their exquisitely carved and sculpted facades.
7. Retiro Park
Take time to stroll through El Retiro Park and admire its monuments and sculptures, from the semicircular columns of King Alfonso XII and the beautiful fountains to the statues lining the Paseo de la Argentina. In the northwest corner of the park stands the massive gate that once protected the city.
8. Prado Museum
The Prado, one of the world's largest museums, is renowned for its paintings and sculptures by masters of Spanish and international art, set amidst lush greenery. Instead of the curves common in Gothic architecture, the building is characterized by straight lines and numerous colossal columns. However, the vast space of the museum is far from monotonous, adorned with exquisite sculptures. Visitors to the Prado will find it difficult to find another place with such a comprehensive collection of over 700 sculptures.
9. Mayor's Square
Plaza Mayor, with a capacity of 50,000 people, is one of the plazas...
The most beautiful school in Europe, featuring a statue of King Philip III on horseback. Here, there are numerous street performances to attract tourists, and bustling outdoor eateries where people sit and enjoy bright red sangria cocktails in the midday sun. Churches with distinctive architecture also draw many groups of tourists.
10. Palacio Real
The magnificent Royal Palace (Palacio Real), resplendent at night and spacious with lush gardens for visitors to stroll freely during the day, is the next must-see destination. Burned down on Christmas Day 1734, it took 26 years to rebuild a new palace with 2,800 lavishly decorated rooms, serving as a place for royal audiences, diplomatic receptions, royal residence, library, and museum. The palace also houses a gallery displaying the armor and combat equipment of the former royal guards and a royal pharmacy. Outside the palace is an area called Campo del Moro, with forests, fountains, and parks. To the south of the palace is the Royal Cathedral. To the west is Plaza de Oriente, a meticulously manicured flower garden with a statue of King Philip II on horseback in the center.
