Madrid Vacations

1. Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol is the beating heart of Madrid. If you’re looking to do some shopping during your vacation, it’s a good place to start. Take Calle de Preciados to find some swanky boutiques or Calle Mayor to grab a churro drizzled in chocolate at Chocolatería de San Ginés, which has been open since 1894.

2. Plaza Mayor

The center of old Madrid, Plaza Mayor impresses visitors with its regal columns and stately feel. Grab a snack at the nearby Mercado de San Miguel, and then head to the square to do some people watching during your Madrid vacation. Enter through one of 10 archways, and be sure to get an up-close view of the murals on the front of Casa de la Panadería on the north side of the square. You may recognize some of your favorite characters from Greek mythology: Proserpine, Bacchus, and Cupid.

3. Museo Nacional del Prado

If you’re interested in art, then a visit to the Prado is an absolute must. It’s home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of Goya, Greco, and Velázquez, not to mention seminal works from Bosch, Rubens, and Titian. Two hours in the museum earns you a sangria at the museum cafe and a stroll through the adjacent Retiro Park.

4. Royal Palace of Madrid

If you’re interested in Spanish history, visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. It’s the largest in Europe with 2,800 rooms, each one more ornate than the last. Walk the grand staircase made of San Agustin Marble and pay a visit to the Royal Armory to see pieces dating back to the 13th century. The pomp continues outside in the Sabatini Gardens. Stroll through the elaborately trimmed hedges and check out the 44 statues of Spanish monarchs stationed throughout. Less