Madrid

Palacio Real de Madrid

• One of the most beautiful places in Spain

The largest royal palace in Western Europe (more than 3000 rooms), built in the 18th century on the site of the “palace” (Alcázar), which was originally an Umayyad fortress built by Emir Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman in the 9th century as the nucleus of the city of “Mayrit”. Its sumptuous halls, the Throne Room and the Royal Armoury are among the finest in Spain.

Museo Nacional del Prado

One of the greatest art museums in the world, with masterpieces by Velázquez (“Las Meninas”), Goya, El Greco, Bosch, Rubens and Titian, showing the taste of Spain's kings across three centuries.

Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales

One of the oldest natural history museums in Europe (1771), with dinosaur skeletons, stuffed animals and collections of minerals and meteorites. It is a research centre of the Spanish Higher Council for Scientific Research.

Biblioteca Nacional de España

The largest library in Spain, holding hundreds of Arabic and aljamiado manuscripts (texts in old Spanish written in the Arabic alphabet), most famously the Gayangos collection. It has a small museum and free exhibitions.

Instituto Egipcio de Estudios Islámicos

Founded by Taha Hussein in 1950 as a scholarly bridge between Egypt and al-Andalus. Figures such as Husayn Mu’nis and Mahmud ‘Alī Makkī ran it and published its journal, “Ṣaḥīfat al-Maʿhad al-Miṣrī li-l-Dirāsāt al-Islāmiyya”, which printed edited Andalusi texts for the first time. It still holds a specialised Arabic library on Andalusi history and gives lectures and courses in Arabic.

Castillo de Alcalá la Vieja

· Alcalá de Henares

The ruins of the Islamic fortress from which the city of Alcalá de Henares was born, on a lofty plateau above the Henares river. Its towers still stand in untouched nature, without crowds.

Hard going · needs a car

The route from the Los Tiros park car park is about 9.6 km there and back (3.5 hours) on uphill and downhill dirt tracks, with no shade, no water and no signs. Not suitable for older people or pushchairs. The towers are fenced. Avoid heat and mud after rain.

Parque de El Retiro

Madrid's lungs and the old royal palace garden (125 hectares), inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List together with the Paseo del Prado. It has the great lake with its boats, the Crystal Palace and the rose garden.

Palacio de Liria

The palace of the Dukes of Alba, built in the 18th century in the neoclassical style, and kept closed for centuries before it opened to visitors in 2019. It holds a private collection among the finest in Spain: paintings by Goya, Titian and Rubens, and a library with letters in Columbus’s hand and the first edition of “Don Quixote”.

Patones de Arriba

· Patones

A black-slate village suspended in a mountain valley, hidden from the roads for centuries. It was said never to have paid taxes to the king, and a legend, the “King of Patones”, grew up around it. One of the finest examples of “black architecture” in the mountains around Madrid.

Moderate effort · needs a car

Cars are banned in the village; a small car park above it is mostly for residents. The alternative: park in Patones de Abajo and climb about 2 km, or take the shuttle (weekends only). Steep stone lanes, unsuitable for pushchairs. Restaurants in the village.

Atalaya de El Berrueco

· El Berrueco

An Andalusi watchtower from the 9th/10th century, one of the “Middle March” towers that relayed signals by fire and smoke between the fortresses of Talamanca de Jarama and Mayrit (Madrid), to protect Toledo from the northern kingdoms. The best-preserved Islamic tower in the Madrid area, with a wide mountain view.

Moderate effort · needs a car

From the village of El Berrueco, a short walk up a dirt track to the tower (10–15 min one way). No shade or services at the tower; the village has a small café. A car is practically necessary.

Casa de Campo

Madrid's largest public park (more than 1700 hectares, five times the size of Central Park). It was a royal hunting reserve from the time of Felipe II, and has a lake, forest trails, a zoo and an amusement park.

Parque del Oeste

A large sloping park in the English garden style, containing the rose garden (La Rosaleda), which blooms in May. It connects to the Templo de Debod and overlooks the sunset above Casa de Campo.

Brihuega y sus campos de lavanda

· Brihuega

A town that began as an Andalusi fortress — the “Piedra Bermeja” castle — that turns every summer into the “Spanish Provence”, with more than a thousand hectares of lavender. The lavender festival in July turns the fields into stages for music at sunset.

How to get there

Public transport is limited; a car is recommended, ≈1 h 15 min

Easy to reach · needs a car

The town has car parks and steep lanes. The lavender fields lie outside it on a rural road, reached by car; walking between them has no shade or services. Peak flowering is late June–mid-July, with crowds at the lavender festival. Intense heat at midday.

Medinaceli

· Medinaceli

“Madinat Salim”, base of the Andalusi Middle March, where Almanzor died in 1002 on his way back from his last campaign. Crowning it are a unique three-arched Roman arch in Spain and a great medieval square on a plateau overlooking the Jalón valley.

How to get there

Media Distancia train from Chamartín (≈2 h) — by car ≈1 h 45 min

Moderate effort · needs a car

The upper town is on a plateau; the train station is in the lower town, 3 km uphill, so a car is essential. Parking at the top and stone lanes. Limited services, and cold winds in winter.

Castillo de Coca

· Coca

A masterpiece of military Mudéjar architecture in Spain: a red-brick castle built by the Fonseca family in the fifteenth century by Mudéjar craftsmen, with brick decoration and polygonal towers that look like a fortified Andalusi palace.

How to get there

Car (≈1 h 40 min)

Easy to reach · needs a car

The castle is on the edge of Coca, with a car park beside it; guided visits run at set times (check the timetable) and include stairs to the towers. The town is small, with basic services. Few buses from Segovia.

Plaza de Zocodover (Toledo)

· Toledo

Capital of the Middle March of al-Andalus, then the kingdom of the Banu Dhi l-Nun during the Taifa period until its fall in 478 AH/1085 CE: a city on a rock encircled by the Tagus River, gathering the Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz, a synagogue in Mudéjar style and a military kasbah. The most beautiful day trip from Madrid for lovers of al-Andalus’s history.

How to get there

Avant train from Atocha to Toledo (33 min); or Alsa bus from Plaza Elíptica (≈1 h) — by car ≈1 h

Moderate effort

Fast train from Atocha, then a bus or taxi to the town, or the “Recaredo” car park with escalators up to the centre. Very steep cobbled alleys; 3–5 hours of walking; tiring for older people and pushchairs. Very hot in summer, and facilities are plentiful.

Casco Histórico de Segovia

· Segovia

A Castilian city that combines three marvels in one stroll: the soaring Roman aqueduct, the palace (Alcázar), which is said to have inspired Disney’s castle, and the old Jewish quarter. In the Islamic period it was a frontier town on the edges of al-Andalus.

How to get there

Avant train from Chamartín to Segovia-Guiomar (≈30 min), then bus 11 to the center; or Avanza bus from Moncloa (≈1 h 15 min) — by car ≈1 h 10 min

Moderate effort

Fast train to Segovia-AV station, then bus 11/12 (15 min) to the aqueduct. From the aqueduct to the Alcázar is about 1.5 km with a gentle climb and stone pavements; suitable for families with breaks. Many restaurants and toilets. Last train in the evening; check bus times.

Ávila

· Ávila

The most complete medieval wall in Europe (2.5 km with 87 towers) encircles the whole city. It was built after Castile took this frontier town, disputed with al-Andalus, in the late 11th century. A quiet city listed by UNESCO.

How to get there

Media Distancia train from Chamartín/Príncipe Pío (≈1 h 30 min); or bus from Estación Sur (≈1 h 30 min) — by car ≈1 h 20 min

Easy to reach

Train or bus from Madrid; the station is about 1.5 km from the walls (bus or taxi). The town is relatively flat, but walking the walls means a narrow staircase unsuitable for pushchairs. Cold and windy in winter; services available.

Safari Madrid (Aldea del Fresno)

· Aldea del Fresno

A safari by car among zebras, camels, rhinos and buffalo, where the animals come close and put their heads through the window to eat from your hand. Then a walking section with bird-of-prey shows and petting animals. At least 4 hours of family laughter, an hour from Madrid.

Easy to reach · needs a car

A car is essential for the safari drive inside the park. The walking areas are level, with car parks nearby, restaurants and toilets. Hot in summer.

Tren de la Fresa

The oldest heritage train in Madrid, recreating the Madrid–Aranjuez line of 1851, Spain’s second railway. It has historic wooden carriages and hostesses handing out strawberries, and runs from the Museo del Ferrocarril de Madrid to Aranjuez, its palace and its gardens.

Parque del Cerro del Tío Pío

Artificial hills in Vallecas, popularly known as the “park of the seven hills”, with the widest panorama of the Madrid skyline, from the Castellana towers to the Guadarrama mountains. Madrid’s favourite place to watch the sunset, away from the tourists.

Yo Buceo - Marepolis

· Alcorcón

A large indoor diving centre south-west of Madrid, with a deep pool that mimics open water. It offers a “diving baptism” for beginners, PADI courses and the “Mermaid” experience for children — a way to try diving without going to the sea.

Easy to reach

An indoor centre in Alcorcón with a car park; reachable by metro or train, then a short walk. Booking in advance is essential, and the beginners' course requires age and health conditions. Toilets and facilities available.

Viveros Monjarama

· San Sebastián de los Reyes

On the edge of Madrid, the most popular pick-your-own farm for families: children walk between rows of strawberries and blueberries and fill their baskets. In autumn there is a field of pumpkins, watermelons and grapes.

Easy to reach · needs a car

On the outskirts of San Sebastián de los Reyes, car park at the farm; walking between the rows is easy but there is no shade. The picking season (spring/summer) is by booking. Few buses.

Season

April – June, and a second season September – October

Micropolix

· San Sebastián de los Reyes

A miniature city where children play the roles of adults: they drive cars after a driving test, work as firefighters, doctors and pilots, and earn and spend the city currency “Yurix”. More than fifty indoor and outdoor activities develop independence and initiative.

Ages

4–14

Setting

Indoors and outdoors

Centro Cultural Islámico de Madrid (Mezquita M-30)

Spain’s largest mosque, opened in 1992 with Saudi funding, with a large prayer hall, a school, a library and a halal restaurant.

Mezquita Central de Madrid «Abu Bakr»

The headquarters of the Federation of Islamic Associations of Spain in the Tetuán district near Estrecho station, one of the oldest modern mosques in the capital.

Centro Cultural Árabe-Islámico de Alcobendas

· Alcobendas

The community mosque in Alcobendas north of Madrid, the closest option for residents of the north, La Moraleja and San Sebastián de los Reyes.

Mezquita Baitul Mukarram

A large mosque in the heart of the Lavapiés district in central Madrid, attended by a wide mix of communities, which holds a communal iftar in Ramadan.

Mezquita Al Falah (Getafe)

· Getafe

A spacious, clean mosque in Getafe south of Madrid, holding the five daily prayers and Friday prayer.

El Zoco de Damasco – Alimentación Árabe

· Madrid (Tetuán)

A Syrian shop for Levantine groceries: tahini, spices, za'atar, frozen kibbeh, Arabic bread, pickles and sweets. One of the cleanest Arab shops in Madrid, with one of the widest selections.

Rosewood Villa Magna

• One of the city's best hotels
• Romantic

One of the most exclusive addresses on Castellana in the Salamanca district, favoured by Gulf visitors for its privacy and service.

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid

• One of the city's best hotels
• Romantic

Seven historic buildings between Puerta del Sol and Calle de Alcalá, with a large spa and a terrace with a view.

Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid

• One of the city's best hotels
• Romantic

The historic Ritz palace (1910) next to the Museo Nacional del Prado, fully restored.

Hotel Orfila

• Boutique

A small palace from 1886 in the Chamberí district, a member of the Relais & Châteaux association, with only 32 rooms and a rare inner garden in the heart of the capital. Aristocratic calm and high personal service.

Indie Campers - Madrid Pick Up Center

· Alcalá de Henares

Europe’s largest company for renting camper vans (campers) and motorhomes. In Spain it has centres in Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia, Bilbao and Sevilla, so you can pick up in one city and drop off in another (one-way trip). Its fleet is modern, ranging from Volkswagen California vans to family motorhomes.

roadsurfer - alquiler de campers y autocaravanas en Madrid

· Madrid (Vicálvaro)

A leading German camper rental company with modern vans (Volkswagen California, Ford Nugget). It has stations in Spain in Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia, Bilbao and Sevilla, with one-way trips possible and unlimited kilometres on many deals.

El Corte Inglés Castellana

“El Corte Inglés Castellana” is the main and largest branch of Spain’s best-known department store chain (Department store), with more than six floors that bring together luxury brands, fashion, perfumes, electronics and home and children’s goods under one roof. On its top floor is the “Gourmet Experience” corner, with its own entrance from Plaza Manuel Gómez Moreno, international food stalls and a view over Madrid, along with the “Club del Gourmet” for the finest Spanish packaged products (olive oil, saffron, chocolate, dates, sweets) that make good gifts. For tourists there is an international customer service desk, a Tax Free refund office, a Personal Shopper service by prior booking, a pharmacy and the Las Nubes restaurant.

Calle de Fuencarral

A pedestrian street running north from Gran Vía, with youth brands, independent shops and shoe stores. One of the liveliest shopping streets in Madrid.

Calle de Preciados

The best-known shopping street branching off Puerta del Sol, with the biggest branches of El Corte Inglés and Fnac and dozens of Spanish and international brands along a wide pedestrian route.

Casa de Diego

A shop founded in 1858 on Puerta del Sol, specialising in hand-painted Spanish fans of wood, mother-of-pearl and lace, along with shawls, parasols and traditional canes.

Gran Vía

Madrid’s most famous avenue (opened 1910), lined with grand buildings, musical theatres and department stores, from the Metrópolis building to Plaza de España.

Calle de Serrano y Milla de Oro (Ortega y Gasset)

The heart of upscale shopping in Salamanca: Calle de Serrano with Spanish and international brands, and the “Golden Mile” on Calle de Ortega y Gasset, home to the Chanel, Dior, Hermès and Louis Vuitton boutiques.

Arturo Soria Plaza

· Madrid (Ciudad Lineal)

A small open-air shopping centre in the upmarket Ciudad Lineal neighbourhood. Its cafés and restaurants surround an open inner plaza and a wide back garden. It has become a family meeting point on summer evenings, and one of the favourite places of visitors from the Gulf who live in north-east Madrid.

Merendero El Pardo

· Madrid (El Pardo)

A broad picnic area on the banks of the Manzanares river inside the royal El Pardo forest. For centuries it was a hunting reserve of the kings of Castile, which is why its oak and terebinth woods survived. Stone tables, trees and a fountain, 15 minutes from Madrid.

Easy to reach

El Pardo by bus 601 from Moncloa; tables and shade by the river. Barbecues are banned (fire risk). Restaurants in the town.

CALEIDO Madrid

· Madrid (Fuencarral)

A modern space at the base of the fifth tower of Cuatro Torres on the Castellana, with open squares and restaurants with terraces beneath the skyscrapers. A calm, contemporary place that suits families and young people and offers a different architectural face from historic Madrid.

Centro Comercial Plaza Moraleja

· Alcobendas (La Moraleja)

An elegant restaurant square among gardens in La Moraleja, Madrid’s most upmarket suburb and home to many diplomats and Gulf families. Children play on the grass while adults sit on the terraces, away from the city’s bustle.

Zielo

· Pozuelo de Alarcón

A small, bright centre in Pozuelo de Alarcón, the quiet western suburb preferred by many Arab residents. It gathers selected shops, cafés and well-known restaurants without the crowds of the big centres, with free underground parking.

Plaza de Olavide

· Madrid (Chamberí)

A circular square in the Chamberí district. An iron market was built here in 1934, demolished in 1974, and then turned into a garden with a fountain surrounded by cafés. Here you see Madrid’s authentic everyday life: children playing, elderly people strolling and families on the terraces.

La Latina

· Centro

The heart of old Madrid, where the city grew around the Islamic fortress “Mayrit”, with winding alleys, churches and small squares. Famous for Cava Baja street, full of tapas restaurants, and for the El Rastro market on Sunday morning. Its atmosphere is authentically Madrid and lively, especially on Sunday midday.

Lavapiés

· Centro

Madrid’s most culturally diverse neighborhood, home to migrants from Morocco, Bangladesh, Senegal and India as well as artists and students. You will find halal butchers, Arab and Asian shops, small mosques and Indian restaurants side by side on Calle de Lavapiés. Its character is bohemian and different from the orderly city center. It is a real local neighborhood, not a tourist one.

Salamanca

· Salamanca

Madrid’s most upscale neighborhood, with wide straight streets and 19th-century bourgeois buildings. Calle de Serrano and Calle de Ortega y Gasset form the “Golden Mile” of international fashion houses and jewelers. It is the favorite of visitors from the Gulf for stays and shopping, for its calm and safety.

Los Austrias / Palacio

· Centro

Madrid of the Habsburgs (the Austrians) in the 16th and 17th centuries, with the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. Beneath this quarter lie the remains of the Islamic wall of Mayrit, the oldest trace in the city. This is the classic image of imperial Madrid.

Retiro / Jerónimos

· Retiro

The royal Parque de El Retiro is Madrid’s lung, and a World Heritage site as part of the Paseo del Prado. Next to it is the elegant Jerónimos neighborhood, home to the Museo Nacional del Prado and the Royal Church of San Jerónimo. It combines some of Europe’s greatest art with a long green stroll.

Real Club de Campo Villa de Madrid (Hípica)

Madrid’s oldest sports club, on 250 hectares next to the Casa de Campo, with international show-jumping arenas that host the Longines global show-jumping tour. An official riding school and summer camps for children in open nature, a few minutes from the city centre.