Madrid, the capital of Spain, is home to a wide variety of historical sites, art museums, and relaxing parks and gardens. Our list of the top Madrid attractions and things to do might help you learn more about the greatest places to visit and things to do in Madrid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Museo Nacional del Prado<\/strong> Buen Retiro Park and the Crystal Palace<\/strong> Royal Palace and Gardens<\/strong> Wander through the Plaza Mayor<\/strong> Puerta del Sol: The Heart of the City<\/strong> Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sof\u00eda<\/strong> Fuente de Cibeles and Gran Via<\/strong>
The Museo Nacional del Prado is a museum of the highest calibre, housing about 8,000 artworks and 700 sculptures. Many classics, including acclaimed paintings that stand up to the most well-known pieces at the Louvre Museum in Paris, are included in its wide range of artworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the centre of Madrid, the Buen Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro) is a tranquil haven. This verdant, immaculately kept park provides a respite from the bustle of the city. Over 15,000 trees provide shade for the park’s more than 125 hectares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The palace’s Royal Armory (La Real Armera), which houses 3,000 artefacts from the Middle Ages, is a must-see for history buffs. The armour and weapons that the kings of Spain have wielded over the years are on display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Chocolatera San Gin\u00e9s (5 Pasadizo San Gin\u00e9s) is close to the Plaza Mayor and is well-known for its chocolate con churros (hot chocolate with deep-fried pastries), which has been a specialty since 1894. This welcoming chocolate shop and caf\u00e9 has elegant furnishings, including marble tables. The Chocolatera San Gin\u00e9s is open till late every day, as is customary for a caf\u00e9 in Madrid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Spanish uprising against Napoleon on May 2nd, 1808, and the proclamation of the Second Republic in 1931 both took place at the Puerta del Sol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Madrid’s avant-garde centre for contemporary art, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofa, was founded by Queen Sofia in 1986. The three glass towers that house the building’s outside elevators atop the sleek, contemporary structure designed by architect Antonio Fern\u00e1ndez Alba are reminiscent of the Pompidou Center in Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Fuente de Cibeles (Cybele’s Fountain), one of Madrid’s most famous structures, is situated at a busy intersection. Roman Goddess Cybele is portrayed in lifelike statues driving a chariot driven by lions. With the intended intention of providing water for public use, Francisco Guti\u00e9rrez and Roberto Michel built the fountain in 1782.<\/p>\n\n\n\n