Madrid Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Madrid

The current Royal Palace, commissioned by Felipe V, was constructed after the Moorish Alcázar fortress, which was built in the 9th century and made of wood, was destroyed by fire in 1734. Taking inspiration from the opulent surroundings of Versailles, where he had been raised, the Bourbon monarch saw an opportunity to replace it with a much grander structure in the French-Italian style, using stone and granite. However, he did not live to see its completion, and it was not until the reign of Carlos III in 1764 that the palace became habitable. Nowadays, it is primarily used for ceremonial purposes, as the current royal family prefers the more modest Zarzuela Palace, located 15 kilometers northwest of the city. The exterior of the palace may lack ostentation, but the interior more than compensates for it with its lavish marble floors, celestial frescoes, and opulent gold furnishings. It is a flamboyant display of wealth and power, which contrasted with Spain's declining status at the time.

Notable highlights to look out for include the magnificent Throne Room ("Salón del Trono"), where Tiepolo painted the ceiling with an allegory of the Majesty of Spain, the stunning oriental-style Gasparini Room ("Salón de Gasparini"), adorned with silver silk embroidered walls and a mesmerizing marble mosaic floor, and the marvelous Porcelain Room ("Sala de Porcelana"), decorated with a thousand interlocking pieces of gold, green, and white porcelain. The palace also includes additional buildings and annexes, such as the Royal Armory ("Armería Real"), which houses a fascinating collection of guns, swords, and armor. There is also an 18th-century pharmacy resembling a laboratory and a Painting Gallery ("Galería de Pinturas") that showcases works by Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Goya, and hosts temporary exhibitions.

Why You Should Visit:
Touring this palace is like stepping into one of the world's finest art galleries, showcasing a wealth of masterpieces including paintings, frescoes, porcelain, furniture, silverware, and other historically significant artistic treasures. One noteworthy highlight is the presence of the only complete set of Stradivarius string quintet instruments.
Spots along the tour include the Royal Library and the Royal Armory. The latter, in particular, is renowned as one of the world's premier collections, featuring artifacts dating back to the 13th century. In the Crown Room, you'll have the opportunity to behold Charles III's crown, throne, and scepter.

Tips:
The palace is so large that tours are seldom the same. The route is changed every few months, with different areas and rooms highlighted. So, even if you have visited before, another visit may reveal new sights and experiences.
Keep in mind that the palace is extensive, with sprawling grounds and numerous attractions to explore. Plan to allocate at least three hours or more for a comprehensive tour. Guided tours are available, or you can opt for an audio self-guided tour. To avoid long queues and crowds, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance online.

Planned centuries ago, Madrid's Nuestra Señora de la Almudena Cathedral had a tumultuous history, facing financial constraints, bombing during the Civil War, and ultimately opening its doors in 1993. The cathedral showcases a captivating blend of architectural styles, with a neoclassical exterior enveloping a neo-Gothic interior, a design conceived in the 1940s. Inside, the space is illuminated by the soft glow of rose windows, while the Latin-cross transept is crowned by a striking dome. The vibrant ceiling designs and the 16th-century altarpiece in the Almudena chapel are particularly awe-inspiring.

Adjacent to the main facade, a small museum displays some of the cathedral's treasures. However, the primary reason to visit is to ascend to the dome, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, as well as the opportunity to see at close proximity the oversized statues of saints perched on top. Access to the immense crypt, adorned with neo-Romanesque capitals, stained-glass windows, and the figure of the Virgin of the Almudena, is located on Calle Mayor.

Tip:
After visiting the crypt, cross the road to witness remnants of the walls built by the Moors in the 9th century and the Christians in the 12th century. These remnants now form part of the Emir Mohammed I park, occasionally hosting concerts.

If you're seeking tranquility amidst the bustling streets of Madrid, the ideal destination is the Town Hall Square, situated just off Calle Mayor and not far from the Town Square ("Plaza Mayor"). This charming medieval square, one of the city's best-preserved historical monuments, is encircled by beautiful buildings, each with its own unique story, showcasing the architectural evolution of Spain over three centuries. One notable structure is the old Town Hall, known as "Casa de la Villa", an emblem of Habsburg Madrid. Finished in 1696, it is renowned for its elegant stained glass windows and frescoes by Antonio Palomino. Connected by an archway is the Cisneros House ("Casa de Cisneros"), an early Spanish Renaissance palace built in 1537 that boasts a rare and intricate Plateresque facade and houses an exceptional collection of fine tapestries.

Adjacent to the Town Hall, you'll find the Lujanes House and Tower, reputedly the oldest buildings in the city. The tower dates back to the early 15th century and is steeped in history. Legend has it that King Charles I imprisoned King Francis I of France here following the Battle of Pavia in 1525. The imprisonment was a consequence of the French king's refusal to show respect and bow his head to his captor. Consequently, King Charles ordered the tower's entrance to be lowered, compelling Francis to bow his head every time he entered or exited the building. This gave the impression that the French monarch was indeed bowing to the Spanish king.

At the center of the square, you'll encounter a statue of Álvaro de Bazán, the Spanish admiral who remarkably never suffered a single defeat during his illustrious 50-year-long career. The statue was inaugurated in 1891 to commemorate the three-hundredth anniversary of the Admiral's passing.

Although there are larger markets in Madrid, San Miguel is a remarkable testament to the city's history, as it is the sole surviving iron marketplace. Constructed in 1914-15, this distinctive single-level market is enclosed in glass and served as a neighborhood market for nearly a century. In 2009, it underwent a transformation into a gastronomic hub, which proved to be an immediate success and set the stage for the proliferation of gourmet markets not only in Madrid but throughout Spain.

Built on the grounds of a former church, demolished in 1810 during the reign of Joseph Bonaparte, the market now houses an array of exceptional food stalls that prepare and serve delectable dishes from various regions of Spain. If you're unsure about what to order, don't hesitate to request a sample to help you make your choice.

In addition to the food stalls, the market features a wine bar, a vermouth bar, and a flamenco venue, and it frequently hosts live music performances, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Tip:
When you approach the main entrance, be sure to look up and admire the fallen angel statue known as "Accidente Aereo". While not as well-known as the one in Retiro Park ("Parque del Retiro"), it is equally spectacular.
If you plan to use the restroom facilities, hold onto a receipt from one of your purchases to avoid any charges.

The grand and dramatic Town Square ("Plaza Mayor"), was originally conceived by Felipe II, who in the late 16th century envisioned a more prestigious focal point for his new capital. The oldest building in the square is the Bakery House ("Casa de la Panadería"), dating back to 1590, but like much of the plaza, it underwent reconstruction after fires in the 17th and 18th centuries. The elaborate frescoes adorning its facade were added as recently as 1992. Today, the building houses the municipal tourist office (daily: 9:30am–8:30pm).

With a capacity of up to fifty thousand people, the square was historically used for beatifications, coronations, public trials of heretics followed by the burning of the victims, theatrical performances, and bullfights. It has now become a popular destination for tourists, boasting expensive outdoor cafés and restaurants. Despite its transformation, the square retains an air of grandeur and continues to host public events, including outdoor theater, music performances, Christmas fairs, and a Sunday market for stamps and coins.

The central bronze equestrian statue depicts Felipe III and dates back to 1616.

Why You Should Visit:
The square is always a hub of activity, serving as a focal point for numerous open-air special events, ceremonies, and celebrations.

****FOOD WALK***
While many of the restaurants in the square tend to be a bit on the pricey side and often crowded with tourists, the ambiance of the place itself is truly delightful, making it a perfect spot to relax and indulge in a glass of fine Spanish wine accompanied by delicious tapas. One particularly noteworthy culinary delight is the calamari sandwich, a signature dish of Madrid, consisting of crispy battered calamari served in a bun, which pairs perfectly with an ice-cold beer.

Among the numerous gastronomic gems surrounding the square, you'll find the renowned Los Galayos historic restaurant. Open from 10am to 11:30pm every day, this establishment has been serving traditional Madrid recipes since 1894. Their specialty lies in the succulent beef tenderloin cooked on a sizzling hot stone block. With several dining rooms and two outdoor terraces, Los Galayos caters to those looking for a leisurely meal or a quick snack of tapas. Another hidden gem worth exploring is Casa Revuelta (Tue-Sat: 10:30am–4pm, 8–11pm; Sun: 10:30am–4pm), a charming and unpretentious bar tucked away in a nearby alley just south of the square. Here, you can savor their mouthwatering signature tapa of "bacalao frito", which features perfectly battered and fried cod that simply melts in your mouth.

Furthermore, on nearby Calle de Cuchilleros street, you'll find Restaurante Botín (1–4pm, 8–11:30pm daily), the world's oldest restaurant, founded in 1725, which has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Located on the northern side of the Town Square ("Plaza Mayor"), the historic High Street, or Calle Mayor, one of the oldest streets in the city, used to be the path for religious processions from the Royal Palace to the Monastery of Los Jerónimos. It also was the place where the guilds of silversmiths and jewelers concentrated. Nowadays, a trip down Calle Mayor offers a quintessential Madrid experience.

The street is lined with a diverse range of restaurants, bars, pubs, and shops, accompanied by the captivating facades of significant buildings. Notably, at number 88, a historic event unfolded in 1906 when an anarchist named Mateo Morral attempted to assassinate King Alfonso XIII and his bride by throwing a bomb from the top balcony of this building. Although innocent bystanders lost their lives in the explosion, the royal couple remained unharmed. To honor the victims, a monument now stands opposite the house.

For those who admire Cervantes, his birthplace at 48 Calle Mayor is a must-visit. Here, the Cervantes Birthplace Museum ("Museo Casa Natal de Cervantes"; Tue-Fri: 10am–5:30pm; Sat, Sun: 10am–6:30pm) showcases exhibitions dedicated to the celebrated author.

One of the city's most popular gathering spots, the Gate of the Sun is alive with constant chatter and a lively atmosphere. This square marks the historic location of the original eastern entrance to the city, where a gatehouse and castle once stood. Over time, these structures disappeared, giving way to a series of churches. In the late 19th century, the area was transformed into a square, becoming the vibrant center of café culture.

Today, the square takes the shape of a half-moon, with a modern glass train station facing the statue of Carlos III. On the southern side, an austere red-brick building houses the regional government, while the buildings opposite form a semicircle and house contemporary shops and cafés. Originally serving as the city's post office, the regional government building was constructed during the reign of Carlos III in the 1760s. In 1847, it became the headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior, and the distinctive clocktower was added in 1866. Notably, during the Franco regime, the police cells beneath the building were infamous for human rights abuses.

The Gate of the Sun itself has witnessed significant historical events. On May 2, 1808, the uprising against the French occupation began here, although the rebellion was ultimately crushed. In 1912, liberal prime minister José Canalejas was assassinated in the square, and in 1931, the proclamation of the Second Republic took place from the balcony of the Ministry of the Interior.

Today, the square continues to be a focal point for festive celebrations, bringing together locals and visitors alike. On New Year's Eve, at the stroke of midnight, the square is filled with people eating grapes, a tradition believed to bring good luck for the coming year.

Tips:
Beneath the square lies Madrid's hub of public transportation. The underground Metro lines 1, 2, and 3 conveniently serve the area, providing easy connections to the city's commuter rail system and the major train stations at Chamartín and Atocha.
Surrounding the square, the side streets are predominantly residential, offering a vibrant nightlife and an array of entertainment options. Street music is a common sight here, adding to the lively atmosphere. Many bars and clubs in the area don't open their doors until after midnight, ensuring a vibrant and late-night social scene.

****FOOD WALK****
While at the Gate of the Sun, you can have a chance to eat like a true Madrileño in the number of family-run restaurants, authentic taverns and tapas bars abounding the area. Known to the locals for decades, these eateries are quite close by yet remarkably away from the trodden tourist paths. One such hidden gem is called La Mallorquina (8:30am–9pm daily), renowned for its pastries, particularly the "roscón de reyes" (special ring-shaped cake for King's Day) and the "napolitanas" (cream slices), which you can savor in the upstairs salon overlooking the square.

The Gran Vía, or Great Way, constructed in multiple phases at the turn of the 20th century, stands as a symbol of Spain's emergence into the modern era. Built during a period of economic prosperity resulting from the country's neutrality in World War I, the Gran Vía serves as a dividing line between the historic southern part of the city and the newer districts in the north. It showcases a wide range of architectural styles, from Modernist to Neo-Rococo. Bustling with traffic, shoppers, and tourists, this vibrant thoroughfare serves as the commercial heart of the city, featuring grandiose banks and office buildings that are architectural marvels in their own right. In addition, the area is home to several museums and beautiful churches, providing further incentive for exploration.

The most impressive section of the Great Way is its earliest segment, constructed between 1910 and 1924, spanning from Calle Alcalá to the Telefónica skyscraper. Notable landmarks include the Metropolis Building ("Edificio Metrópolis"), characterized by its cylindrical facade, white stone sculptures, zinc-tiled roof, and golden garlands, as well as the nearby Grassy Building. The towering Telefónica building, reaching a height of 81 meters, stands as Spain's first skyscraper. During the Civil War, it served as a reference point for Franco's forces to carry out bombings in the area.

As you venture down towards Callao Square ("Plaza de Callao"), you'll encounter a lively stretch filled with shops, cafes, and cinemas. The square itself serves as the entrance to the shopper's paradise of Calle Preciados. Positioned on the corner is the iconic Art Deco Capitol Building, adorned with eye-catching neon signs. As you descend towards Spain Square ("Plaza de España"), be sure to look up and admire the assortment of statues and decorative elements adorning the rooftops of the buildings, creating a captivating skyline.

Why You Should Visit:
A great place to stroll and take in the sights, particularly the skyline and the frontage of many old buildings lining the street.

Tip:
Early evening is probably the best time to walk this walk, particularly on hot summer days.

With its evident French influence, this iconic building positioned at the intersection of Alcalá Street ("Calle Alcalá") and the Great Way ("Gran Vía") is a notable feature of Madrid's cityscape. Constructed in 1911, it was specifically designed by Jules and Raymond Février for the Union and Fenix ("Unión y el Fenix Español") insurance company.

The building boasts an understated ground level that gives way to elaborately adorned upper floors, characterized by a series of colonnades. Each pair of columns serves as a base for allegorical statues symbolizing Commerce, Mining, Industry and Agriculture. At the rounded corner of the structure, a tower rises, topped by a double-layered dome made of dark slate embellished with gilded ornaments.

Originally, the building housed the symbol of the Union and Fenix company – a bronze statue depicting the mythical Phoenix, with a human figure representing Ganymede astride it. In the early 1970s, the company sold the building to the Metrópolis insurers. Controversially, they decided to relocate the statue – a well-known element of Madrid's skyline – to their new headquarters on the Castellana Boulevard ("Paseo de la Castellana"). Eventually, a new statue, portraying Winged Victory, was installed in its place, while the original statue now resides in the garden of the Union and Fenix building.

Tip:
For a small fee, you can enjoy a great view of the Metropolis Building from the rooftop of the Circle of Fine Arts ("Círculo de Bellas Artes") building just across the street.

Located on one corner of Cibeles Square ("Plaza de Cibeles"), this remarkable structure was originally built as the headquarters of Spain's postal service. Designed by the by the prolific architect partnership of Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi, the building's white façade with its tall pinnacles has often been compared to a wedding cake. In 2011, a magnificent glass dome was added to the central courtyard, enhancing its grandeur.

By the main entrance, you can still spot the traditional brass letterboxes embedded in the wall, labeled with the names of different Spanish cities and provinces. Today, the building serves as the offices of the Mayor of Madrid and the City Council, while also housing CentroCentro, a vibrant cultural center offering a diverse range of workshops, exhibitions, and concerts that celebrate Madrid. The center features a lively lounge area by the entrance hall, overlooking Cibeles Square, providing a trendy spot to unwind. For breathtaking panoramic views of Madrid, head to the viewpoint/terrace on the top floor, which has become a popular gathering place, especially during the early evening.

During special occasions like Christmas, the building serves as a stunning backdrop for dazzling illuminations and projected images.

This monumental gateway, one of the most iconic landmarks in Madrid, stands as a testament to the ambitious urban improvements led by Carlos III in the eastern part of the city. Created by the architect Francesco Sabatini to commemorate the king's first two decades on the throne, it replaced a smaller Baroque gateway that Felipe III had constructed for his wife's entry into Madrid.

Construction of this colossal city gate, the largest in Europe at the time, began in 1769 and spanned nine years. Crafted from granite in the Neo-Classical style, it features an imposing pediment adorned with sculpted angels and boasts five arches—three central and two outer rectangular ones.

Once serving as the easternmost boundary of the city, the gateway now stands isolated on a small island within the bustling Independence Square ("Plaza de la Independencia"). To fully appreciate its magnificence, visit at night when it is illuminated, casting a radiant glow upon its architectural splendor.

The origins of the enchanting Retiro Park can be traced back to the early 17th century when King Felipe IV envisioned a new palace and French-style gardens, known as the Buen Retiro or "Good Retreat". While most of the original buildings are no longer standing, the ballroom, known as the Casón del Buen Retiro, and the Hall of Realms ("Salón de Reinos"), still remain.

Spanning across 330 acres, the park offers a multitude of activities such as jogging, rollerblading, cycling, picnicking, rowing on the lake, fortune-telling, and most importantly, strolling. Sundays are particularly busy, as half of Madrid flocks to the park for the traditional promenade. Besides leisurely walks, there is always something happening here, including concerts at the Music Pavilion ("Quiosco de Música"), performances by South American pan-piping musicians near the lake, and puppet shows near the Alcalá Gate ("Puerta de Alcalá") entrance during summer weekends.

The graceful Velázquez Palace, hosting travelling art exhibitions (daily: Apr–Sept 10am–10pm; Oct–Mar 10am–6pm; free admission), and the splendid Crystal Palace (same hours, but closed in rainy weather), are worth a visit. The Casa de Vacas Cultural Centre regularly showcases shows, concerts, and plays.

Don't miss the grandiose statue of Alfonso XII by the lake and the "Ángel Caído", believed to be the world's only public statue of Lucifer, located in the park's southern part. Nearby, you'll find the Grove of the Absent ("Bosque de los Ausentes"), comprising 192 olive trees and cypresses planted in memory of those who tragically lost their lives in the train bombings at the nearby Atocha station on March 11, 2004.

Why You Should Visit:
This park is a work of art; a tribute to the joy of outdoor exploration and the splendor of nature. Spanning over 1.4 square kilometers, it boasts a collection of over 15,000 trees and a picturesque lake, making it a must-visit destination in the heart of Spain's capital.

Tip:
Pack a picnic and beverages to enjoy. While the park offers dining options, they tend to be on the expensive side. Thankfully, there are numerous peaceful spots where you can sit and savor your meal.
Please be aware that food vendors provide free public toilets, although it's advisable to bring your own toilet paper.