10 lugares que no te puedes perder de Madrid (parte 1)

A trip to Madrid brings many surprises and experiences of every type imaginable. For those of you planning your first trip to the Spanish capital, here are the things you must include on your itinerary.

1) Puerta del Sol

The starting point, where our hotel is located. Visit this geographic enclave which is marked by a plaque indicating that it is the Zero Kilometer mark from which all of Spain’s radial roads depart. The plaza’s most emblematic building is the Casa de Correos. The bells of this building’s clock tower chime to mark the New Year in Madrid.

2) Cibeles Fountain

Also located in the city center, it represents the goddess Cybele, a symbol of the earth and the fertility of Olympus. See first-hand where Real Madrid celebrates its victories! Surrounded by the Palacio de Cibeles, the Casa de América and the Bank of Spain, it is an unforgettable symbol of the city.

3) Puerta de Alcalá

Located in the Plaza de la Independencia, the Puerta de Alcalá is one of the royal gates through which travelers from Aragon and France accessed the city. Its neoclassical and monumental structure is comprised of five openings with round arches, topped with beautiful sculptures. Today it is the site of many cultural events.

4) The Rastro

Located in the La Latina neighborhood, the Rastro is an outdoor market held on Sundays where can find all sorts of things, both new and second hand. You can also enjoy shows put on by street artists and classic tapas in the surrounding bars.

5) Markets

Madrid’s traditional markets offer both fresh produce and gourmet delicatessens, where you can acquire a variety of delicious treats. San Miguel, San Antón and San Ildefonso are just a few of these markets.

As you can see, Madrid has monuments, art, history and gastronomy all in the same city. To be continued… Next week we will publish another article with five more spots you must visit while in Madrid.

Categories: Guías Madrid, Puerta del Sol