Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
The biggest museum in Spain exhibits the works of the biggest artists of 19th and 20th centuries.
The great names Le Corbusier, Ernst, Miró, Tapies and Dali draw tourists attention in every room, but the real reason to visit the museum is famous Guernica finished by Picasso in 1937.

Paseo del Prado

The wide promenade stretching across the old city became the popular walkway, where all the important citizens can be seen in the shade of monumental fountains hidden in large gardens surrounding the street. The buildings of former Royal Palace today hosts grand museums, including Museo Naval with first map of America shore, and Museo del Prado with works of a famous 18th century artist in separate exhibition building called El Pabellón Goya. Located on the opposite side of the street Museo Thyssen-Bornemis features around 800 works of European art done by Dürer, Rubens, Van Eyck, Renoir,Kandinsky and other great artists.

Iglesia de San Jerónimo el Real

Arguably the nicest church in Madrid witnessed many of historical events, including famous wedding of Alfons XII, and coronation of Juan Carlos I, after the Franco’s death in 1975.

Puerta del Sol

Any tour in Madrid should include Puerta del Sol, the most important city square, a place of great historical events, including siege by Napoleon, uprising from 1820, and republic proclamation in 1931. The sculpture of a bear eating wild strawberries represents the official symbol of the city.

Palacio Real

The residence built in 18th century for Habsburgs, for some time is used by the present Royal Family only for the special ceremonies, and most of the rooms are open for public.
To see are the tremendous, overdecorated chambers

Villa Rosa

The stupendous interior of the music pub featured in Pedro Almodóvar movie ‘High heels’.

Latina

The small locals located in Latina district give the best opportunity to discover the taste of local food. To try are tapas in restaurant El Tempanillo, Spanish wine in Taberna Almendro, the ham jamón ibérico de bellota in Xiquena or local pastry in Fabrica de churros.

El Rastro

The most popular flies market takes place every sunday morning around Calle Ribera de Curtidores street.

Gran Vía

The street famous of big number of dance clubs and pubs, needless to say the best in Madrid. The visitors not tired enough by the clubbing the locals along Gran Vía, should try neighbour district Chueca.

Las Ventas

Regardless of personal attitude towards corrida all Spanish people consider Las Ventas the most important corrida arena in the world.
The best time to visit is during the Feria de San Isidro, the big feast connected with the bull fightings, commenced from the end of May till half June.

[Campo de las Naciones, photo courtesy of marcp dmoz]