Charming places in Madrid

Charming places in Madrid.  Visitors who come to Madrid always want to visit the city center as few cities have a street, square, palace or park as Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real or Retiro park. The “Unique” Puerta del Sol is located at the heart of the Spanish Capital.

However visitors who return to Madrid apart from the City Center they want to discover some other less known charming spots. Let’s see some tips:

1 – “El Capricho” Park.  One of the most beautiful and well cared parks in Madrid.  Placed at Alameda de Osuna  (Metro stop) in the sorroundings of Madrid, Barajas District, former residence of the Dukes of Osuna, not many locals knew from its existence until it was eventually open to public by the Madrid City Council by 1999.

The ones who stroll through its magnificient gardens and promenades end up at the well preserved palace of the Duchess of Osuna. Among its treasures bunkers remains can be seen what remind us that the park was once used at a General Headquarters during the Spanish Civil War.

Only weekends.

How to get there. From Sol metro station take Line 2 untill Opera Metro station and then change to Line 5 until Alameda de Osuna metro station where the park is placed. 45 minutes approximately.

2 – Debod Temple.  One of the favourite city spots by locals and visitors. An authentic Egypt temple brought to Madrid stone by stone all the way from the Nubia region. Free of charge and open to public until 08:00pm. Next to it there is a lookout on the “Casa de Campo”, a massive forest park where Madrid Zoo and “Parque de Atracciones” (amusement park) are located. One the best Madrid sunsets can be seen from here. One of the best pictures can be taken at the Temple later at nightfall.

How to get there.  We recommend taking a walk from the Puerta del Sol where we take Preciados St. until Gran Vía broadway. Then we head down towards Plaza de España.  We cross the Park ( don´t miss Don Quijote and Sancho monument) and head to Ferraz St.  Keep an eye to the left so you won´t miss the green area where the Temple is located. 30 minutes approximately.

3 – San Antonio de la Florida Hermitage. One of those Madrid charming sites already mentioned. In fact the Hermitage itself is divided into two different places. One of then serves as Museun and Mausoleum for one of the most infamous Spanish painters, Francisco de Goya. His frescos on the walls are open to the public. Workship is held on the other site of the Shrine.

How to get there. It is located at Glorieta de San Antonio, 5 close to the Manzanares river. From Puerta del Sol we walk all the way down thorugh Arenal St. until Opera Square. We then take the Metro -Line R – until Principe Pío metro station. We search for  Paseo de la Florida exit and walk it down until the Hermitage (300 metres on the right hand side from  the station).

4 – Madrid Río. The impressive 10km-long park runs along the banks of the Manzanares River and offers a wide selection of sports and recreational facilities for the whole family.  Impressive views of several of the most respresentative Madrid sites can be seen from here.

These are just some of the many charming places that Madrid offers to visitors. Come to Madrid. We are waiting for you!!

Categories: general