The map of Madrid shows three distinct areas in the center of the city. In the old part, the streets are narrow and winding and building construction is dense. Farther out, the streets become wider and straighter and finally, the outskirts are characterized by a boom of new construction during the 20th century.


There are two main arteries in the city: the Gran Via and the Paseo de la Castellana. The Gran Via, commenced at the beginning of the century, is the site of numerous cinemas and places of amusement.
The more modern Paseo de la Castellana is the headquarters of many of the large banks, as well as luxury office buildings and business complexes.


Be sure to attend a performance of zarzuela, Madrid's own light opera that has traveled the world. Visit the large and lively department stores, and shop in the city's elegant boutiques, where superb Spanish leather goods, high fashion clothes, Spanish crafts, like ceramics, lace and embroidery and exquisite gourmet food products can be found.


Madrid's five hundred year old Rastro (flea market) is another option for the visitor, and it is at its best Sunday mornings when vendors crowd the streets and throngs of shoppers come to partake in this unique experience.



Madrid is a city meant for walking. Stroll through verdant, peaceful Retiro Park, admire the city's monumental plazas and fountains, and visit the
Plaza Mayor, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, and Madrid's opulent Royal Palace. You can of course spend several days just seeing Madrid's extraordinary museums, among them the world renowned Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia.