What to see

What to see
For culture: The Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) connects three of the world's greatest museums: the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia, while the city's Planetarium and Science Museum are recommended too.
For atmosphere: The Puerta del Sol and the central Plaza Mayor give a great flavour of Madrid's historic grandeur, along with the gigantic Royal Palace – which stands alongside the Campo del Moro and Sabatini Gardens.
For fresh air: Madrid has plenty of green space, with the central El Retiro Park boasting spectacular buildings too. Madrid Río on the banks of the Manzanares is great to visit with children, while the city's zoo is in the spacious Casa de Campo.

Get out of the city
Around 40km from Madrid, Aranjuez is where the Spanish royal family traditionally spend the spring, and boasts a royal palace, a historic centre and magnificent gardens. Those wishing to tilt at windmills might prefer a trip to Alcala de Henares, birthplace of Don Quixote-author Miguel de Cervantes; the writer's former home is now a museum. The Royal Site Of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is another imposing palace, also within an hour's train journey of the capital.