See and Do in Madrid
There’s more than enough for expats to see and do in Madrid.
One must-see attraction is the ‘Golden Triangle’, three world-class art museums located in the Paseo del Prado: Museo Nacional del Prado, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Centro Nacional de Arte Reina Sofía.
Otherwise, stop at Puerto del Sol to admire the equestrian statue of King Carlos III, and see Goya's tomb at the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida. The essence of medieval Madrid can still be felt in areas such as Calle and Plaza Mayor.
Recommended sightseeing in Madrid
The Prado (Museo Nacional del Prado)
The Prado Museum is one of the world's principal art galleries, housing more than 7,000 paintings, including those crafted by
Botticelli, Titian and Rembrandt.
Tel: 91 330 2800
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is located in the 18th century Palacio de Villahermosa and home to a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, carvings and tapestries by artists such as Renoir, Durer and Van Eyck.
Tel: 91 369 0151
Reina Sofia National Art Centre Museum
The Reina Sofia museum, designed to rival London’s Tate Gallery, has a great collection of 20th century Spanish art for expats to view.
Tel: 91 774 1000
Plaza Mayor
Dating back to 1619, the Plaza Mayor square is a must-see for any expat in Madrid. Once the scene of knights' tournaments and medieval rituals, the centrally-located arcade is now home to cafés and spontaneous music performances.
Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida (Goya’s Tomb)
Referred to as Goya's Sistine Chapel, the
Referred to as Goya's Sistine Chapel, the
Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida is the final resting place of the famed artist. The ceiling was painted and the frescoes designed by Goya.
Tel: 91 542 0722
Parque del Buen Retiro
Originally the private garden of Philip IV, this central park is now a wonderful spot for expats and locals alike to enjoy the fountains, lakes and play areas, or relax at one of the many outdoor cafés.
Corral de la Morería Flamenco
To get a true taste of Madrid expats should head to Corral de la Morería, the world-renown tablao flamenco (flamenco show restaurant).
Tel: 91 365 8446, 365 1137
Puerta del Sol
The Puerta del Sol plaza is a pivotal Madrid attraction for expats and home to iconic landmarks such as the Spanish clock tower that heralds the New Year, and the symbolic El Oso y El Madroño bear statue.
National Archaeological Museum of Spain
Founded in 1867, the National Archaeological Museum of Spain is a must-see attraction for any history-loving expat in Madrid.
Tel: 91 577 7912
Sorolla Museum
Joaquín Sorolla was a celebrated Impressionist painter, and today his former home is a museum exhibiting a fantastic collection of his work, as well as paintbrushes, furniture and other personal belongings.
museosorolla.mcu.es
Tel: 91 310 1584
Tel: 91 310 1584
