Templo de Debod
A genuine 2,000-year-old Egyptian temple, gifted by Egypt and rebuilt in a hilltop park – reflected in its pools and framing one of Madrid’s finest free sunsets over the Royal Palace and the sierra beyond.
Madrid
Mercado de San Miguel
A gorgeous wrought-iron market hall by Plaza Mayor, now a buzzy (and touristy) gourmet food court of tapas, jamon, oysters and vermouth. Pricey but pretty – grab a few bites and a glass and soak up the atmosphere.
Retiro Park
Madrid’s glorious central park – a boating lake with a grand colonnade, the glass Crystal Palace, rose gardens and buskers. Where the whole city strolls, rows and picnics on weekends. A UNESCO-listed green heart.
Puerta del Sol
The busy, semicircular square that is the symbolic centre of Spain (the “Km 0” marker), home to the bear-and-strawberry-tree statue and the clock that rings in the New Year. Always buzzing.
Plaza Mayor
Madrid’s grand arcaded central square, ringed by frescoed facades and cafe terraces (skip the pricey ones). Once host to markets, bullfights and the Inquisition; now the postcard heart of old Madrid.
Las Ventas
Spain’s most famous bullring, a grand Neo-Mudejar arena of horseshoe arches and tilework. Whatever your view on bullfighting, the audio-guided tour of the ring and its museum is a striking bit of architecture and history.
Royal Botanical Garden
A tranquil 18th-century botanical garden right beside the Prado – terraces of herbs, roses and towering trees, a lovely green escape from the museum crowds for a small fee.
Museo Sorolla
The former home and studio of painter Joaquin Sorolla, kept as he left it – sun-drenched Valencian beach scenes hung amid his own furniture and a gorgeous Andalusian garden. An intimate, joyful little museum.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The third point of Madrid’s art triangle, a superb private collection spanning eight centuries – from early Italians through Impressionists to Pop Art – filling the gaps the Prado and Reina Sofia leave.
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
The spectacularly rebuilt home of Real Madrid – a football cathedral wrapped in a shimmering steel skin. The stadium tour takes in the trophy room, pitch and dressing rooms; a must for fans.