La Sagrada Familia is a magnificent basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi from the late 19th century. It is famous for its intricate design, impressive towers, and beautiful stained glass windows. Visitors can take a self-guided tour, and there is an audio guide available in several languages.
Retiro Park is a great place to start your outdoor adventure in Madrid. It covers a large area of the city and features plenty of shaded paths for walking or running. There's also a beautiful lake with boat rentals and a few cafes and food stalls to fuel up as you go.
Take a day trip to the nearby cities of Toledo and Segovia. Toledo is famous for its medieval city center, complete with winding streets and historic cathedrals. Segovia features a Roman aqueduct, a stunning castle, and an impressive cathedral. This is a great way to experience more of Spain's history and culture!
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, head to the Parque de Atracciones, an amusement park with thrilling rides and rollercoasters. There are also plenty of kid-friendly rides and attractions, so it's a great place to bring the whole family. Don't forget to bring a backpack with some snacks and water!
The Royal Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature in the heart of the city. It features thousands of plant species, stunning fountains, and a lovely greenhouse. You can bring a picnic and spend a few hours exploring or simply take a stroll and appreciate the scenery.
Casa de Campo is a large park on the outskirts of Madrid. It features several hiking trails, a lake for boating or fishing, and an amusement park with bungee jumping and other adventure activities. You can rent bicycles or bring your own and ride through the park. This is an excellent way to end your adventure in Madrid!
Madrid has excellent public transportation options, including a subway system, buses, and taxis. The subway system is especially useful for getting around the city quickly and affordably. You can also rent bicycles and ride through the city's bike lanes. Taxis are readily available, but they are more expensive than public transportation. Budget approximately €40-50 for transportation costs during your trip. It's also a good idea to download a navigation app like Google Maps to help you get around.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Prado Museum, which features a world-class collection of European art. You could also take a food tour of the city, sampling Spanish wines, cheeses, and tapas. For a shorter trip, you could skip the day trip to Toledo and Segovia or shorten some of the park visits to accommodate your schedule.
The main airport in Madrid is the Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). It's the largest airport in Spain and located approximately 20 minutes from the city center. The airport has four terminals, and there are several transportation options available for getting to and from the city center, including taxis, buses, and the metro system.