Primarily known for its love of football and the capital of Spain, Madrid is more than this. It houses some of the most iconic landmarks, a history that dates back to 800 AD, and a culture that is deeply rooted in its values and evolution.
People who are visiting Madrid to explore more than the football craze and culture will find an abundance of places to visit and experiences to indulge in. Also, if you are planning a private tour in Madrid for the first time, these are the iconic places that you must have in your itinerary.
Plaza Mayor
Almost every city in Spain has its own Plaza Mayor, but Madrid’s holds a special place because of its unmatched allure. It was inaugurated in 1620 and was a centre for holding several events, processions, bullfights, theatrical acts, and so on. It speaks of the history that dominated throughout the centuries.
Presently, the arcade of the plaza houses several shops and restaurants. The site features 3 main sites, including a statue of King Philip III, standing in the center, El Arco de Cuchilleros, one of the nine entrances, and Casa de la Panaderia, the most eye-catching architecture.
El Retiro Park
You might think why a clichéd park is in the list, but this park in Madrid is nothing like a regular park and features a lot more if you want to have an active and entertaining day.
The park is vast and displays the very artistic side of Spain in the form of sculptures, gardens, monuments, sports, and exhibition centres. In the middle of the park is an artificial lake where you can take a stroll around and have a time of peace and tranquillity. The highlight of the part is the El Palacio de Cristal, which is a glass palace and was built back in 1887 as a greenhouse.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is the world’s biggest palace and very well binds the rule of Spain, that said, “the empire on which the sun never sets.” Spread over an area of 135,000 m2 and containing 3418 rooms, the palace’s architecture finds its influence from the sketches by Bernini made for the Paris Louvre.
It once served as the royal abode for the royals of Spain. You can take a guided tour of this palace and visit about 50 palace rooms along with the main attractions like the Throne Hall, the Royal Kitchen, the Main Staircase, the Gasparini Room, and the Hall of Hallberdiers.
A visit to Madrid will come with a lot of places and legendary monuments, but these 3 are the place that contains the actual and cultural beauty of Spain in a true sense.
