Part 2 of our self-guided walking tour through Madrid
We previously shared a walking tour through Madrid, which took you along the most beautiful and most important sights in the heart of Madrid. But just a little more to the outside of the city you will also find a number of very special sights, which you certainly do not want to miss during a trip to Madrid.
When you consider a city trip in Spain, the first thing you probably think of is Barcelona or Valencia. Most do not immediately think of the capital of Spain, Madrid. But a city trip to Madrid is definitely recommended. There may be no mountains or no beach, but the city itself is so vibrant and grand that a city break in Madrid won't disappoint. Madrid is not called the New York of Spain for nothing.
This second walking route that we have mapped out for you is 5.3 kilometers and approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes walk. This is only up to the gate of El Retiro Park. When you go for a walk through El Retiro Park, you can easily add a few hours.
Puerta de Alcalá, the Instagram spot of Madrid
We start this walking tour through Madrid at Puerta de Alcala. Puerta de Alcala is perhaps Madrid's most famous Instagram spot. In our opinion, certainly not the most beautiful or special, but you should still see it when you are in Madrid.
Prado Museum, Madrid's Louvre
The Prado Museum is also known as the Louvre of Madrid. Mainly because it is as impressively large as the Louvre. In the Prado Museum you can mainly see classic works by Rembrandt and Goya, among others. If you want to visit the Prado museum, it is our advice to read what there is to see in advance and perhaps write down the works you really want to see. Because without a goal, you can quickly walk around a bit lost through this museum, because it is really immense.
Buy your tickets for the Prado Museum in Madrid HERE.
Plaza de Cibeles, the Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid
Our walking route continues to Plaza de Cibeles, where you can admire the Palacio de Cibeles. Palacio de Cibeles is, in our opinion, perhaps the most beautiful building in Madrid. This palace is best admired from across Plaza de Cibeles, where you can really fully absorb the grandeur of this building. Palacio de Cibeles is open to the public for free. There is also a terrace with a beautiful view of the city, but you often have to make a reservation or stand in line.
Plaza de Santa Ana, one of our favorite squares in Madrid
Our walking route through Madrid continues towards Plaza de Santa Ana. On Plaza de Santa Ana you will find the 17th century Teatro Espanol. This theater in Madrid is the oldest theater in Spain. And despite the fact that this theater is very grand, the atmosphere on this square is very cozy and feels a bit like a village. This square is also beautifully lit during the festive season in December.
Atocha Station, a hidden gem in Madrid
The next stop on our Madrid walking route is Madrid's station, Atocha. Atocha station is a world unto itself. This large steel structure, which was built in 1851, is the largest station in Madrid. But apart from this being just a big station, which is nice to see, especially the inside of Atocha is a big surprise. In the middle of this station you will find a large botanical garden, in which even animals live. It is really a very special station and you should definitily make this stop during a visit to Madrid.
El Retiro Park, the most beautiful park in Madrid
The trail now continues to El Retiro Park. You can walk for hours through El Retiro Park. El Retiro Park was once built as a retreat for the royal family. Different kings designed different parts of the garden, making the different parts of this park all very different and diverse.
This park was only opened to the public at the end of the 19th century.
There are many special sights to see in El Retiro park, including the Crystal Palace, the rose garden and the large landscaped lake. But in addition to the major sights, the atmosphere of the park is very nice, you can really escape the bustle of the city here.
If you want to know more about this park, read our blog with the main attractions in El Retiro Park.
Puerta de Alcalá, the end point of our walking route through Madrid.
We end our walking route through Madrid where we started, at Puerta de Alcala.
We end our walking route through Madrid where we started, at Puerta de Alcala.
Have you also checked out our walking through the center of Madrid with even more highlights. Check it our HERE.
Looking for other things to do in Madrid, check it our HERE.
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