Madrid is an ideal place to study Spanish, as it is the largest and most centrally located city in the country. It is amazing things to offer all kinds of travelers, whether they enjoy art, food, history, nightlife, or all of the above. We've rounded up the best landmarks of the city that we strongly encourage you to see once you get there!
One of the most recognized and visited places in Madrid, the Plaza Mayor is a large common area that offers lots of history, activities, and people watching! Here you can have a seat and watch locals, tourists, street performers, and often festivals and other happenings. Nearby is the Mercado San Miguel, which is a great place to find fresh and delicious Spanish food!
2. Museo del Prado
The Museo del Prado (Prado Museum) is easily regarded as one of the greatest collections of fine art from the 12th-19th Centuries in the world. It is home to many illustrative paintings, etchings and drawings by Spanish masters Francisco Goya, Pablo Picasso and Diego Velázquez. It is also a great place to familiarize yourself with all kinds of traditional Spanish art such as El Greco and classical Renaissance painting. The Prado is home to over 7,600 paintings, 1,000 sculptures, 4,800 prints and 8,200 drawings.
3. Puerta del Sol
In front of the Madrid Community Capital building lies another plaza, this one more bustling than the first. Puerta del Sol sits in the "heart" of Madrid and features a famous statue of a bear climbing a madrono tree, Madrid's symbol. Also in the Puerta del Sol is Kilometer Zero, which is a plaque marking the beginning of nearby national highways. Puerta del Sol is a popular meeting place for friends and is host to the city's most popular New Year's celebrations.
4. Gran Via
The Gran Via is the main commericial artery of the city and ideal for a leisurely stroll! Slightly comparable to Paris' Champs d'Elysees, there is the Plaza de Espana on one side and the Plaza de Cibeles, with plenty of shopping, entertainment, and dining in between. The Gran Via District is also home to many attractions, such as the Edificio Espana, Metropolis building, and some killer theaters and views of the glorious Madrid skyline!
5. Parque del Retiro
Also known as "El Retiro Park," this large urban park is green, grand, and happening! See the well-known statue of Alfonzo XII, take a siesta, listen to musicians, or take a mini-hike while you are here. Other interesting sculptures include the Forest of the Absent memorial and the glass Crystal Palace. Parque del Retiro is an excellent place to get some exercise, and those with a love of water sports can row in its giant lake! Que linda!
As one of the world's busiest (and in our opinion most beautiful) cities, we highly recommend studying Spanish in Madrid and getting the most out of your trip there. For more information about studying Spanish in Madrid, check out:
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