What To Do & Where to Eat

WHAT TO DO

Museo Nacional del Prado

The main Spanish National Art Museum. The Prado Museum houses some of the best and most celebrated works of Velazquez, El Greco, Goya, and El Bosco.

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

This is the Spanish National Museum dedicated to 20th-century art, exhibiting impressive collections of Surrealist and Cubist masters Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso, including Picasso’s huge anti-war oil painting Guernica.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Private collection that showcases nearly 1000 paintings of the world’s most celebrated European and American artists from the 13th to the 20th centuries.

Sorolla Museum

El Retiro Park

A large public park in the center of the city. Visit the lake and Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) and the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, one of the few statues dedicated to Satan.

Real Jardín Botánico

Located next to the Prado Museum and El Retiro, Madrid's botanical garden is a nice place to relax during Madrid's summer heat. The Botanical Garden also takes care of the gardens where the wedding will take place.

Plaza Mayor

Located in the center of Madrid, this square often hosts themed markets. Take a walk around while eating a traditional fried calamari sandwich.

Calle Gran Vía

Madrid's main shopping avenue.

Plaza de Oriente

Next to the Royal Palace, the Opera and the Cathedral . Enjoy the views from the Bailen lookout, the Sabatini Garden, or visit the new Museum of the Royal collections. Visiting the Cathedral or the palace are not worth the time in Rafa’s opinion.

Temple of Debod

Great lookout to see the sunset next to an ancient Egyptian temple, from the same Nubian area and time as the one stored on the MET in NY, also acquired in the same way.

Barrio de La Latina / Rastro

Another lively neighborhood, especially on Sundays, when an outdoor Flea market takes over the streets. You should visit in the morning and then grag a drink and a snack in one of the many bars around.

Malasaña

Cool neighborhood - has seen better days, now is quite gentrified - with vintage stores and boutiques, and plenty of nice bars like Casa Camacho, Casa Macareno, Bodegas de la Ardosa, or any outdoors seating on the squares of Dos de Mayo, San Idelfonso or Juan Pujol.

Calle de la Cava Baja

Lively street filled with bars to eat any time of the day.

WHERE TO EAT

Mercado de San Miguel

Popular touristy market. Good for a snack, can get crowded.

Pez Tortilla

Best tortilla (Spanish omelet with potato and onion) and croquetas in Madrid and a great beer selection. One of Rafa and Delia's favorite.

Pizza Posta

Best pizza, may need a reservation

Mercado de San Ildefonso

Local popular market, good for casual dinner and drinks. Very casual.

Pez Tortilla

Another location for the best tortilla (Spanish omelet with potato and onion) and croquetas in Madrid with a great beer selection. One of Rafa and Delia's favorite.

Lamucca de Prado

Great food. Check online for the several locations and reservations.