Budget Madrid

Description:

There are many ways to spend your time and money at this attractive central square: stroll around and admire the architecture and the murals or even buy an original watercolor from one of the many pavement artists. During the Middle Ages, merchants congregated here to live and sell their wares. When Felipe II established the Court in Madrid, he decided that this square should be reserved for special occasions, and it started to take its present shape from 1790 onwards. The statue in the centre is that of Felipe III.

Description:

An international fast food chain popular with vegetarians and meat eaters alike, Maoz serves up falafel sandwiches, French fries, and a bottomless salad bar in a small, brightly colored locale just steps from the Puerta del Sol.

Description:

These extremely beautiful gardens slope westwards from the Royal Palace towards the River Manzanares. Named after a medieval Arab chieftain who attempted a vain siege of the fortress that occupied the spot where the palace now stands, the park boasts a well-tended profusion of lawns, trees, and flowers. The park also has two magnificent fountains: the 17th-century Triton, originally located in the Aranjuez Palace gardens, and the Las Conchas, built by Ventura Rodríguez a century later. (Incidentally, the still signposted Museo de Carruajes, or Carriage Museum, tucked away in a corner of the grounds, has been closed for many years.) You can only enter the park from the lower side beside the Paseo de la Virgen del Puerto (which involves a longish roundabout walk via Cuesta de la Vega, if you are visiting the Royal Palace first).

Description:

Plaza de España is a central square popular among locals and visitors alike. It features statues of Spain's Queen Isabella as well as Miguel de Cervantes's famous characters Don Quijote and Sancho Panza; a large fountain containing a statue of a naked kneeling woman; a reflecting pool; and grassy areas and benches. Craft fairs are occasionally set up there.

Description:

One of the capital's largest churches, it's also noted for having a huge and outstanding collection of paintings displayed amongst its seven chapels. You'll see work by Goya, Zurbarán, Alonso Cano, Maella and Casado del Alisal along with marble sculptures by Ricardo Bellver and Mariano Benlliure. The dome and barrel-vaulted ceilings are covered in lovely frescoes and the beautiful stained-glass windows were created by the German firm, Mayer. The church itself is an example of 18th-century classical design and its dome - measuring 33 meters in diameter - is one of the largest in the world. You'll find it close to the cathedral and the Royal Palace.

Description:

This hip square is the place to be and be seen by the hot gay community in Madrid. Surrounding restaurants set up tables in the square when the weather is nice. Cafés in the area serve various cuisines in various price ranges. Situated in the happening Chueca district, you can also take a stroll for some high-end shopping.

Our Local Expert Says:

Find the only statue dedicated to the fallen angel in Madrid.

Description:

It's known as the "lungs of Madrid" and few cities can boast such a large park (118 hectares) in such a central location. There's a large boating lake and the park has three art galleries (Casa de Vacas, Palacio de Cristal and Palacio de Velázquez. On weekends and holidays, it fills with madrileños (citizens of Madrid) and performers of all sorts, including mime artists and jugglers, painters, singers, puppet masters and fortune-tellers. It was built as a royal park in the 17th century, and until 1868 it was the exclusive reserve of the aristocracy.

Description:

In 1798, Goya himself painted the frescoes on the dome in here and the result is charged with his usual expressive detail and originality. Called Milagro de San Antonio de Padua, it represents one of his most important works. The chapel itself is a simple and elegant example of late-18th century neoclassical design and it houses the brilliant artist's tomb. In order to preserve the painting, an identical chapel was built next door in 1928 where mass is now held.