Madrid

Believed to have been built as a retreat for the Spanish Royal Family, the park is now open to public and offers a rich confluence of culture, sports and culinary finesse. The park is adorned with architectural marvels, historical elements and manicured gardens.

One of the three museums that make the famous ‘Madrid’s Golden Triangle’, this museum is believed to have opened in 1819. The Prado houses the finest European art by masters like Francisco Goya, Titian, and Diego Velázquez.

An epitome of Spain’s heritage, the palace’s construction started in 1730s, and with more than 3,400 rooms, Palacio Real is the largest functioning royal palace in Europe. The palace hosts state ceremonies, official banquets and other state functions.

Believed to be one of the largest museums in the world for modern art, Museo Reina Sofía was named after Queen Sofia. Opened in 1992, the museum is home to the pioneer work from artists like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.

The museum came to be when its founder Baron Thyssen began displaying his private collection in 1920s. Thyseen collected works from old masters and his son, Hans, played a major role in bringing in the remarkable Impressionist collection here.

The temple dates back to the 2nd century BC when it was built in Egypt in praise of God Amun. The temple was gifted to Spain in 1968 and presently graces a park in the Spanish capital. The temple was given a UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2008.

Located a small walk from Plaza Mayor right in Madrid’s centre, Puerta del Sol is the city’s most famous square. Literally translating to ‘Gate of the Sun’, this hemisphere is home to Madrid’s regional government office in the main building.

Literally meaning ‘Great Way’, Gran Via is one of Madrid’s most lively streets. Stretching from Calle de Alcalá, close to Plaza de Cibeles, to Plaza de España, Gran Via is known for its shopping outllets, grand hotels and art theaters.

Believed to be the centre of Old Madrid once, the Plaza Mayor was built when Philip III reigned. With historical elements, and architectural finesse, the square flaunts an expansive open space amidst a web of tightly packed streets.

The football stadium was completed in 1947 and has a seating capacity of more than 81,000. The stadium is the second largest in Spain and nothing comes close to the experience of witnessing a live football match here.