Things to do in Madrid

21. Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid - Madrid

Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid is located at Plaza de Murillo in Madrid, Spain. The botanical garden is located on a 20-acre land adjacent to the Prado Museum. King Fernando VI of Spain gave orders for creation of the garden at the banks of River Manzanares in 1755. Then in 1781, the garden was moved to its current location at Plaza de Murillo on the order of King Carlos III. Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid feels classic, historic, and well organized. Architect Francesco Sabatini drew up plans of the original garden that was later modified by Juan de Villanueva - the architect of the Prado Museum in Madrid. The garden contains a variety of plants collected from all over the world and a large number of plants species belong to the region of South America. Visitors can enjoy looking at medicinal plants and herbs, neatly laid out plant beds, and different types of shrubs and trees at the garden. It is certainly worth a visit especially enjoying the sight of 'Bird of Paradise' section in bloom and it is considered amongst the must do things to do in Madrid. The garden is situated close the Atocha rail station. Individuals can easily access this place by the local buses.

22. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium - Madrid

Built in the year 1947 and owned by Real Madrid CF, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium was initially called El Bernabéu, which was later renamed in the honor of the former chairperson Santiago Bernabéu Yeste. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a huge football stadium, reputed as one of the most prestigious and famous football venues worldwide. This stadium has a capacity of approximately 85,454 football fans. This football stadium is situated on the Paseo-de-la-Castellana which rests in the Chamartín district in Madrid. It fully occupies the block encircled by the Paseo-de-la-Castellana and also the famous streets of Padre Damián, Rafael Salgado and Concha Espina. The closest subway station to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is Santiago Bernabéu located on Line 10. It took 3 years to construct this stadium. Though initially built in 1947, the stadium has undergone renovations 2 times, once in the year 1982 and the other in the year 2001. The owner of the stadium continues to improve the quality of facilities and expand the stadium’s capacity, providing more seating area for spectators to enjoy their favorite sport. Over the years, the stadium has hosted several local and major international football tournaments including the European Nations’ Cup and FIFA World Cup to name a few.

23. Market of San Miguel - Madrid

Located in the heart of Madrid, at a walking-distance from the famous Plaza Mayor, this is a must visit place for foodies and those who want to explore Spanish gastronomy. The Market of San-Miguel was first built in the year 1916 and is the last remaining iron-market hall in the city of Madrid featuring cast-iron pillars. It is a historic market that is also considered as a site of cultural-interest for tourists. The San Miguel market comprises of more than 33 vendors selling the widest range of top quality, fresh and seasonal food products along with a host of mouth-watering delicacies that leave tourists and locals craving for more. The concept of this market aims to depict the multi-faceted culture of Spanish gastronomy and aims to become the Center-for-Culinary-Culture in Spain. This day is not far as this market has already become a cultural-phenomenon. Here, you can find wine bars, grocery stores and gourmet tapas stalls, and easily shop for everything you need. Vendors in this market sell a variety of food items including but not limited to freshly-prepared hams, tapas, baked goods, olives and more. It is a great place to explore the food culture of Spain and treat yourself to some delicious Spanish delights.

24. Zoo Aquarium de Madrid - Madrid

The Zoo Aquarium de Madrid is situated in the Casa de Campo in Madrid, Spain. The 49-acre zoo and aquarium is owned by the city municipality but is managed by an international entertainment operator, Parques Reunidos. Established in 1771, it is one of the largest and oldest zoos in Spain. Zoo Aquarium de Madrid includes a petting zoo as well as an aquarium containing around 2 million liters of salt water. It has over 500 different species of animals that number over 6,000. It is one of the few zoos in the world that houses giant Pandas. The African exhibits, containing zebras, giraffes, and small gazelles, are very popular among the visitors. Visitors can find various things to do with their kids at the zoo aquarium. Aviary show, dolphin exhibit, and sea lion show are main events that are held at the place. The shows will enthrall both the children and the adults. The zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). This means that none of the species housed inside the zoo aquarium are mistreated, and ensures optimal animal care and welfare, conservation of biodiversity, and global sustainability.

25. Buen Retiro Park - Madrid

There are many great things to do in Madrid, including a visit to The Buen Retiro Park, or Park of the Pleasant Retreat, which is one of the largest parks in Madrid Spain. Access to the 350-acre park was restricted to the Spanish Royal Family until late 19th century after which it became a public park. El Buen Retiro is one of the most gorgeous parks in the world, containing a peaceful lake, art galleries, and monuments. Various events and exhibitions take place in the park throughout the year. It all began in the 1630s when Count-Duke of Olivares commissioned work on the park. He gifted the Park to King Philip IV of Spain. The park underwent expansion during the reign of later monarchs of Spain. Visitors can find various attractions at the park. Located close to the entrance is the Retiro Pond, which is a large artificial lake. Other attractions visitors can find at the park include Palacio de Cristal, Palacio de Velázquez, Casón del Buen Retiro, the Ejército Museum, and Paseo de la Argentina. The park is littered with landscaped lawns, marble monuments, elegant buildings, and museums. The park is quiet and calm during most of the weekdays, but it literally comes to life on the weekends.