The Plaza Mayor (main square) is Madrid’s grand main plaza and was first built in the 15th century as a market square. It was added to for several centuries and was last remodeled in 1853 by Juan de Villanueva. The plaza was traditionally a marketplace during the week and then a venue for popular events including religious processions, as well as dance and theater festivals. The two pinnacle towers of the colorful Casa de la Panadería (bakery house) dominate the square. The Casa de la Carnicería stands on the opposite side of the square and serves as municipal offices. A statue of Felipe III adorns the center of the plaza. Various stores selling fabric, jewelry, and souvenirs intermingle with the cafes, taverns, and bakeries.

The walls of Madrid are found in the Moorish quarter, one of Madrid’s oldest districts, just south of Placio Real. The short wall is all that is left of the historical fortifications of the old town that was built by medieval Muslim rulers. It is a popular place for musical and theatrical performances in the summer months.

Many still consider the Puerta Del Sol (Gate of the Sun) to be the heart of Madrid and it is, in fact, the geographic center of the city. The name comes from the gate that was part of the 15th century fortification separating Madrid from the outskirts of the city. The wall was torn down in the 16th century. In the following 17th and 18th centuries, the area surrounding the Puerta Del Sol was crowded with shops, markets, and inns. The area was modernized in the 19th century, and in 1987, the north side was designated as a pedestrian area.

The Parque del Buen Retiro is a large and beautiful park, a perfect place for an afternoon stroll. It contains woods, a rose garden, and two buildings in the middle where art exhibits are often held. Look for the Palacio de Velázques and the Palacio de Cristal. Perhaps you’d rather hire a boat to explore the man-made lake in the park’s center and admire Alfonso XII’s mausoleum and the Egyptian Fountain adorned with sphinxes. Summer brings puppet shows to the park, and you can find tarot card readers there on the weekends.

Glorieta de Murillo is a botanical garden next to the Prado Museum. The gardens were created for Charles III by Juan de Villanueva and botanist Gómez Ortega in 1781. There are 30,000 different species of trees and plants from around the globe and each one is labeled with its Latin name and species. It’s a peaceful place, ideal for a slow walk in spring, early summer, or autumn.