Information on the main tourist attractions, places of interest and sights to see in and around Madrid…

Old Madrid: The old part of Madrid is filled with interesting sights displaying its history. Legacy of the Habsburgs, the Plaza Mayor is considered one of Spain’s finest pieces of architecture. As well as the Colegiata de San Isidro, the Basilica Pontificia de San Miguel and the Palacio de Santa Cruz, the area includes many cafés and restaurants.

Palacio Real: This famous 18th century Royal Palace was used by the royal family until 1931, when Alfonso XIII abdicated. Although the present king lives outside Madrid, the Palacio Real is still used for state occasions.

Paseo del Prado: Built originally as a centre for the art and sciences of Madrid by Carlos III, the Paseo del Prado is renowned for its art galleries and museums, especially the Museo del Prado and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.

El Escorial: The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de el Escorial (Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, this imposing palace is home to a wealth of artistic treasures, including works by El Greco, Velásquez, Titian and Alonso Cano. Built in the 16th century as a necropolis for the Spanish monarchs, the Museum of Art, Royal Pantheon, library, church and chapterhouses have made the site an extremely popular tourist attraction.