Things to Do in Madrid

This historic Madrid structure was once home to one of Spain’s most celebrated writers, Félix Lope de Vega Carpio, who spent the last 25 years of his life here. Lope de Vega is Spain’s most famous playwright, sometimes referred to as ‘the Shakespeare of Spanish literature.’ In his lifetime he wrote over 2,000 plays. It is also one of the few three-story houses that still remains from the 16th century. The home now functions as a museum, telling not only the story of Lope de Vega’s life and work but also of everyday life in Spain’s Golden Age of Literature. Period features such as whale-oil lamps and historic furniture bring the past to life. The bedrooms, his study, kitchen, and prayer room have been carefully preserved restored. Visitors can also see the courtyard and gardens where he would often sit to write.

In the 16th century the royals of Spain liked to take their holidays in Aranjuez, 29 miles (48km) from Madrid. Phillip II developed a small holiday lodge into a magnificent palace, which was given its final majestic appearance by Charles III.

The most striking features of the Palacio Real de Aranjuez (Royal Palace in Aranjuez) are the red and white façade, the Rococo staircase and the Porcelain Room which has walls lined with porcelain.

The gardens are world-famous and include the Museo de Faluas Reales (Museum of the Royal Barges); in which you can see how King Charles IV and King Ferdinand VII of Spain traveled as well as maritime instruments and paintings. The whole complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the nicest ways to reach the palace is on The Strawberry Train. Departing for the first time in 1851, this was only the second railway in Spain. You can ride the restored train, complete with fresh strawberries to eat, from Madrid Railway Museum to Aranjuez on weekends from May to June and September to November.

Just 30 minutes from downtown Madrid, Las Rozas Village is a shopper’s nirvana – a designer outlet village crammed with over 100 shops and boutiques. One of nine Chic Outlet Shopping malls in Europe, Las Rozas Village not only offers an impressive array of luxury brands and local designers, but shoppers can enjoy discounts of up to 60%, plus tax-free shopping for non-E.U residents. 

The Puerta de Alcalá - or Alcalá Gate - stands in the center of the Plaza de la Independencia - Independence Square - and just outside of the Parque de Buen Retiro - Park of the Pleasant Retreat. This Neo-classical monument was commissioned by King Carlos III in the mid-18th century to replace the 16th century gate that served as the entrance to Madrid from what was then the eastern border.

Italian architect Francesco Sabatini was given the job and with help from two French and Spanish sculptors created what is now recognized as a symbol of Madrid. The Puerta de Alcalá is one of the city's most historic and beautiful landmarks.

The Almudena Cathedral is the official Cathedral of Madrid and is dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena. Taking over a century to complete, the Almudena is one of the youngest cathedrals in Europe, consecrated by Pope John II himself in 1993. A statue of the pope stands outside of the cathedral to mark the momentous occasion.

The lengthy construction process was due to the change in status from a church to a cathedral a year after breaking ground, which warranted an upgrade in style from Neo-Gothic to Neo-Classic and required new blueprints. Another event that put construction on hold was the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s, during which building stopped entirely until 1944.

Madrid’s most memorable statue is Cybele’s Fountain, or Fuente de la Cibeles, depicting the Greek goddess of fertility, Cybele, being pulled by two lions on a chariot. Designed by architect Ventura Rodriguez for King Carlos III in 1782, the white marble monument stands encircled by water in the center of the historic Plaza de Cibeles.

Once providing water to local residents, the fountain is now merely decorative, doubling up as a popular meeting point for locals. Real Madrid’s football fans, in particular, have adopted the spot for post-game celebrations. Its job as a water source might be redundant but Cybele’s Fountain is still one of the most prominent symbols of Madrid and if you look closely, you’ll see the 8-meter-tall goddess not only holds a scepter but also a set of keys – said to be the keys to the city. Perhaps most aesthetically pleasing is the fountain’s striking surroundings – a backdrop that includes the 18th century Palacio de Buenavista, the 19th century Palacio de Linares, the grand Bank of Spain and the exquisite Palacio de Comunicaciones (the City Hall).