Things to do in Madrid

Madrid is a lively city of more than three million people, plenty of very different cultural activities. The city was founded during the muslin domination of the Iberian  peninsula, and it has developed in characteristics outburst, which can be seen in the current city lay-out: from the original narrow streets close to the royal palace and the Plaza Mayor to the elegant Salamanca neighborhood from the  XIX century, and including the Madrid of the Illustration around the Paseo del Prado, which includes one of the largest collections of art in the world (Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia, Thyssen-Bornemisza), the so called art or golden triangle.

The workshop will take place in this privilege environment, at the heart of Madrid cultural life.

In the official tourism webpage of Madrid you can find additional information, maps and guides.

 

Few recommendations: 

Visit to the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional

C/Alfonso XII, 3. Between Mudeo del Prado and Atocha train Station, beside the park El Retiro. Note you must make a reservation in advance (info in Spanish). Visits take place on:   17:30 Friday, 12:00 and 17:30 for Saturday and 12:00 for Sunday.

The OAN contains an impressive semi-reconstraction of a telescope built by William Herschel, with original metallic parts and the 80 cm primary mirror.

Museo Arqueológico Nacional (MAN)

Very close to the Venue, in Calle Serrano. Visit the  MAN page (info in English). Timetable: Tuesday-Saturday, 9.30 am – 8 pm
Sundays and public holidays, 9.30 am – 3 pm

Museo Naval

Paseo del Prado, 5. Info in English.

It contains the first map including America, made by Juan de la Cosa in 1500, and the treasure rescued from the ship "Infanta Mercedes", shunk in 1805

Palacio Real

And its gardens. Info. Summer opening hours (April to September)  Every day: 10:00-20:00

Impressive view of Madrid from the Círculo de Bellas Artes

Go to the terrace before sunset and enjoy a wonderfull view (info in English). Arrive well ahead, there are queues.

Other alternatives  to have a drink, tapas or dinner, with amazing views or a unique environment...

Tapas

Enjoy the diversty and vibrant life at Mercado San Miguel, close to Plaza Mayor, or Mercado de San Antón (second floor).

Opera, theater and musicals

Teatro Real, "Fidelio" on June 17th. Additional info.

Madrid offers a huge diversity of plays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, several very interesting cities can be reached fom Madrid, using the local train (30-60 min), including Toledo (the visigotic and imperial capital during the V-VII and XV  centuries), and Avila and Segovia (two medieval towns with impressive city wall -the first- or a Roman aqueduct together a wonderful palace-fortress).