Home to Spanish Kings and Queens from centuries ago, Madrid has some of the greatest museums in the world today. Along with the Tapas bars and nightclubs, Madrid also has claim to a great medieval center, now open for the public to explore.

To begin, one of Madrid’s most important town squares is Puerto del Sol. This is the location where all of Spain measures its distances. There are many hotels here, as well as subway stops from all areas. You can catch a subway here, or just walk to the many sights. This Puerto del Sol is centrally located between the Royal Palace, which is one direction, or in the other is the Plaza Mayor.

The Plaza Mayor is the original town square, and was at one time the center of old town Madrid. Totally enclosed by some burgundy colored, five-story buildings, a visitor can easily feel as if they had gone back in time a hundred years. While the restaurants and tapas bars do charge current day prices, it is still well worth the splurge just to feel the ambiance offered there.

As you continue down the Calle Mayor, stop and tour the Royal Palace. If you are with a local tour guide, the tendency is to skip this magnificent piece of history, but on your own, do visit inside. This palace is the official residence of the King of Spain, and has miles of extravagantly decorated halls, rooms and balconies.

The royal family usually stays at a smaller palace on the outskirts of town, but be aware, if there is a “state occasion,” you may get a glimpse of a royal member while you tour. When you visit Madrid Spain, keep in mind that when the royal family makes an official visit the palace does close to the public earlier than posted.

Visit Madrid
Visit Madrid