The football “temple” of Real Madrid is a stadium with a rich history. Its capacity is 81,044 seats and it opened its gates for the first time in 1947. It was named after the former football player and president of the Santiago Bernabéu and top football events have been held in this particular stadium, involving World Cup matches (1982), European Championships (1964), finals of UEFA competitions, but also of the Copa Libertadores (2018). Renovated four times, in 1982, 2001, 2020 and 2024. Take the tour of the stadium to see the Real Madrid’s Museum, but also feel for a few minutes how its footballers feel, visiting the changing rooms. Also, the menu at the stadium restaurant will be unforgettable!
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO ESTADIO METROPOLITANO
*** BUS: 120, 147, 150, 27, 43
*** METRO: M8, M10
*** TRAIN: C1, C3, C10.
MADRID: THE COLORFUL CAPITAL
This is a city that you must visit. It combines awesome architecture, cultural treasures and sports. Its inhabitants are warm, the city is lively and wins you over from the first moment you are there. Many call her the “Queen” of Europe because of its diversity, its history and its contrasts. Wander to every corner of the city, visit as many museums as possible, try the local delicacies and hang out with the smiling locals.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +34
Nearest airports from city center: Madrid Airport (17km), Valladolid Airport (219km), Zaragoza Airport (310km) and Valencia Airport (349km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** MUSEO NACIONAL DEL PRADO (Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid)
It is one of the largest museums with the greatest and most important works of art and paintings from the 14th to the 19th century. You will have the opportunity to see over 10 thousand exhibits.
*** PALACIO REAL (Calle de Bailén, 28071 Madrid)
It is the largest palace in Europe built in the middle of the 18th century. It has 3,418 rooms, which the public can visit and see up close the aristocratic architecture and a unique collection of paintings. Outside the palace are the impressive Sabatini Gardens.
*** MUSEO ARQUELOGICO NACIONAL (Calle de Serrano, 13, 28001 Madrid)
The museum opened in 1867 and includes prehistoric exhibits, as well as Celtic, Greek, Roman, Visigothic and Arab finds. It is a unique experience for all those who love History.
*** CATEDRAL DE LA ALMUDENA (Calle de Bailén, 10, 28013 Madrid)
It is an impressive neo-Gothic style temple with chapels and statues by modern artists that have Egyptian influences. The church was inaugurated in 1993 by Pope John Paul II.
*** REAL ACADEMIA DE BELLAS ARTES DE SAN FERNANDO (Calle de Alcalá, 13, 28014, Madrid)
If you are an art lover, then you are in the right place as it was an academy that graduated great painters such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. It is a museum, a gallery and the city’s Academy of Arts, which was established by royal decree in 1744. Υou will find paintings from the 15th to the 20th century and it is also worth a stroll to the Etching Museum located in the same building.
*** TEMPLO DE DEBOD (Calle de Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid)
It is an ancient Egyptian temple, that you can’t easily see outside of Egypt. Everyone says that it is a unique temple, where it is dedicated to the god Amun.
*** PLAZA MAYOR (Plaza Mayor, 28012, Madrid)
Madrid’s central square dates back to the late 18th century and its current form bears the «stamp» of Juan de Villanueva. It is surrounded by 237 balconies decorated with artistic frescoes. It is the meeting point for the locals.
*** MUSEO THYSSEN – BORNEMISZA (Paseo del Prado 8, 28014, Madrid)
It is a museum where you can enjoy works of art by European artists from the 13th to the 20th century. The museum is located in El Palacio de Villahermosa.
*** REINA SOFIA (Calle de Santa Isabel, 52, 28012, Madrid)
It is one of the largest museums in the world and is about contemporary art. Here you’ll also find rare books, over 100,000 books to be exact, and thousands of art recordings and videos.
*** PUERTA DEL SOL (Puerta del Sol, 28013, Madrid)
It is one of the most famous central squares of Madrid that will enchant you with its beauty. In the 15th century it was one of the gates of the city wall and in the 18th century the seat of the Presidency of the Comunidad was established. Its three well-known symbols are El Oso y el Madroño (Bear and Strawberry Statue), Real Casa de Correos with its famous clock (Post Office House) and Kilometer Zero (KM 0).
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** Madrid is famous for its huge squares. A walk to Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza de Espana is a must.
*** If you have time, visit El Escorial which is 45 km away from the center of Madrid. It is the historic residence of the King of Spain.
*** A photo is worth taking at Cybele Palace.
*** Madrid is also famous for its museums, some of which may not be highly publicized but are quite impressive and interesting. For example, if you have time visit Museo Del Romanticismo, Lázaro Galdiano Museum, Caixa Forum, Museo Sorolla, Museum of the Americas, Cerralbo Museum and Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales.
*** Puerta de Alcalá is an attraction of historical importance.
*** Madrid is also famous for its green oases, thanks to its beautiful parks. Visit the Palacio de Cristal with its 1887 greenhouse, Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid, Parque del Oeste, Juan Carlos I Park, Campo del Moro and Quinta de los Molinos Park.
*** If you like palaces, then Palacio Real de El Pardo is a good choice. It is about half an hour away from the center of Madrid.
FOOD AND DRINK
You are in a culinary paradise. You will definitely eat paella and patatas bravas, accompanying the potatoes with hot sauce. Try the tapas, tortilla de patatas, bocadillos, jamon and the awesome calamari sandwich. The traditional Madrid dishes are Cocido Madrileño (a stew consisting of chickpeas, vegetables and various pieces of pork), Con Churros, Cochinillo Asado (pork) and Oxtail! You must drink Sangria, Mojitos, Caña, Tinto de Verano, Horchata. Worth a walk to the Mercado de San Miguel for gourmet delicacies.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find relatively good value hotels near the city center. However, there are hotels in every neighborhood of the city for all budgets.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** If you want to be a kid again, then visit Warner Park and Parque de Atracciones de Madrid.
*** The zoo and the aquarium are two good “escapes” to get away from the… ordinary.
*** For shopping you can visit Centro Comercial Moda Shopping, Plenilunio and Centro Comercial ABC Serrano.
*** The streets that are “flooded” with shops are Gran Vía, Calle Preciados and Calle Serrano.
*** Be sure to visit the Las Rozas Village Outlet.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bike or subway.
CITIES NEAR MADRID
Major cities close Madrid are Alcorcon (18km), Fuenlabrada (28km), Toledo (75km), Valladolid (191km), Salamanca (214km), Burgos (248km), Zaragoza (320km) and Valencia (350km).
