Madrid El Centro

Palacio Real, C. de Baillén (☎91 454 87 00; www.patrimonionacional.es), After the previous Muslim fortress was destroyed in a fire, Philip V began building the almost entirely marble Palacio Real. Its size and opulence are overwhelming, with each displayed room filled with vast collections of priceless furniture, tapestries, paintings, porcelain, and other things you'd expect to find in a house made of marble. Go on the 1hr. tour (in English or Spanish) that takes you through the palace's most richly decorated and renovated rooms and gives you behind-the-scenes stories about palace quirks. One can't-miss room is the Salón del Trono, where the king and queen used to greet visitors (today the palace is only used by the royal family on official state occasions). Still want more after the palace tour? Check out the Real Armeria (Armory) with an awesome collection of knights' armor and the Oficina de Farmacia (Royal Pharmacy), which features crystal and porcelain medicine receptacles. If you're in town on the first Wednesday of the mon Opera. Walk west down C. de Arrieta. Palacio Real will be at the end of the road. Come early to avoid long lines. €8, with tour €10, students, seniors, and children 5-16 €3.50. Open Apr-Sept M-Sa 9am-6pm, Su 9am-3pm; Oct-Mar M-Sa 9:30am-5pm, Su 9am-2pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has air conditioning.
Plaza Mayor, Plaza Mayor Built in the 15th century as a market square and home to important members of the court during the 17th century, the Plaza Mayor is steeped in history and architectural beauty. Today, it keeps the flavor of both its historic uses. By day, its hundreds of restaurants, shops, and street performers function as a modern-day market square. By night, live flamenco and music performances provide entertainment fit for a king's court. During the week-long Fiesta de San Isidro that begins on May 15, the plaza comes alive in celebration to honor Madrid's patron saint. The tourist office located in the plaza is quite helpful for free maps and suggestions for activities and other sights. Sol or Opera. From Puerta del Sol, walk 2min. down C. Mayor towards the Palacio Real. It will be on your left. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Puerta Del Sol, C. de Cedaceros, 10 Located in Puerta Del Sol is Spain's Kilometre Zero, the point from which all distances in Spain are measured. The Esquilache mutiny of 1766 began here in 1808, when madrileños took up arms against French troops in a historic resistance captured in Goya's Dos de Mayo and Tres de Mayo. Today, it is the headquarters of Madrid's regional government, hundreds of restaurants and cafes, and some of the best shopping in the city. This common meeting spot for fútbol game celebrations, protests, and celebrations is the true “soul” of the city. Sol. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Catedral de la Almudena, C. Bailen (☎91 542 22 00), Located right next to the Palacio Real, this cathedral has an incredible cavernous marble interior. Walk in for free and take in the 66ft. diameter dome and featured statues and artwork. In the 11th century, the image of the Virgin over the entrance was hidden by Mozarabs. When Madrid was reconquered by King Alfonso VI of Castile, the soldiers endeavored to find the statue to no avail. According to legend, after days of prayer, the spot on the wall hiding the icon crumbled to reveal this magnificent statue. Right next to Palacio Real. Free. Open daily 10am-2pm and 5-8pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has air conditioning.
Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de Oriente, 2 This beautiful plaza is filled with perfectly manicured hedges, fountains, and statues in honor of former Spanish kings and queens that surround the equestrian statue of Philip IV by Montañes. Lovers, tourists, sunbathers, and sunbathing tourist-lovers all lounge around the plaza. Across from the Palacio Real. Free. No wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.
Jardines de Sabatini, C. de Baillen, 9 (☎91 588 53 42), Jardines de Sabatini is an outdoor reflection of the wealth and opulence of the royal palace. Immaculately kept trees, hedges, and fountains create a relaxing atmosphere, and tourists with children stroll through this soccer-mom haven during the day. Buy a gelato at one of the many cafes across the street and come here for a mid-afternoon break from reality. Right next to the Palacio Real. Free. Open until dusk. No wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.
Plaza de la Villa, Plaza de la Villa, 5 This tiny plaza is easy to overlook, but it's certainly worth a few minutes of your time. A mixture of Spanish architectural styles, this Castilian square provides a pleasant place to rest while walking along the busy C. Major—offering a nice break from the other super touristy plazas nearby. From the Palacio Real, walk down C. Mayor towards Puerta Del Sol; the plaza will be on your right. Free. No wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.