Madrid Argüelles And Moncloa

Templo de Debod, C. de Ferraz, 1 (☎91 366 74 15; www.munimadrid.es/templodebod), On a nice day, this is one of the most beautiful spots in Madrid. In the'60s, when massive flooding threatened to destroy the ancient temple complex at Au Simbel, Egypt, a team of Spanish archaeologists helped to rescue these national treasures. In appreciation, the Egyptian government shipped the Templo de Debod to Madrid's Parque de la Montana, where you can now see the small archaeology exhibit housed inside. Outside of the temple is a series of original archways that are even more impressive at night, lit up and reflected in the adjacent pool. The park surrounding the temple teems with families, runners, tourists, and locals lounging in the afternoon sun. Go to the lookout point behind the temple for one of the most beautiful views of Madrid. Pl. de Espana. Walk to the far side of Pl. de Espana, cross the street, walk a couple of blocks right, and it will be on the left. Free. Open Apr-Sept Tu-F 10am-2pm and 6-8pm, Sa-Su 10am-2pm; Oct-Mar Tu-F 9:45am-1:45pm and 4:15-6:15pm, Sa-Su 10am-2pm. Rose garden open daily 10am-8pm. No wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.
Museo de América, Av. de los Reyes Catolicos, 6 (☎91 549 26 41; www.museodeamerica.mcu.es), In 1771, Carlos III started a collection that brought together pieces from the first archaeological excavations carried out in America with ethnographic objects collected from scientific expeditions. Today, the modern Museo de América holds a collection that encompasses American cultures from the tip of South America to the tundra of Alaska. Some of the most interesting artifacts are treasures from the pre-Columbian cultures conquered by the Spanish, including Mayan hieroglyphic documents. Moncloa. Cross the street, make a left, and walk straight. €3, EU citizens €1.50, under 18, over 65, and students free. Open Tu-W 9:30am-3pm, Th 9:30am-3pm and 4-7pm, F-Sa 9:30am-3pm, Su 10am-3pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.
Arco de la Victoria, Near Parque Del Oeste If you're getting off at the Moncloa stop, be sure to snap a picture by the Arco de la Victoria, a monument built in 1956 by order of General Franco to commemorate the rebel army's victory in the Spanish Civil War. Of course, judging by the monument, you'd think that Franco and his friends came to power stomping through the country Julius-Caesar-style, but that glorious horse and chariot at the top of the arco is unfortunately just a few centuries too anachronistic. Surrounded by traffic, it looks almost like Madrid's version of the Arc de Triomphe. Moncloa. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.
Parque del Oeste, C. de Francisco y Jacinto Alcântara A nice shaded place to come exercise during hot summer months, the Parque del Oeste is popular with families and tourists looking to take a nice stroll after a day of museum-hopping. Less crowded than the popular Retiro Park, Parque del Oeste is a lush break from the concrete jungle of western Madrid. If you're parched, plenty of tiny cafes line Paseo del Pinto Rosales near the park. However, exercise caution as nighttime approaches, as the park gets a lot less charming and a lot more alarming after sunset. Moncloa. Let's Go does not advise walking here after dark. Free. Open 24hr. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.
Casa de Campo, Avenida de Portugal Madrid's biggest park, the sprawling Casa de Campo is a popular sight for locals and tourists alike. The park offers various exercise options, including long running and biking trails as well as kayak and rowboat rentals in its lake. For another type of heartrate booster, the amusement park Parque de Atracciones has roller coasters and more cotton candy than you could ever eat. Batan or bus #33 or 65. From the metro station, turn right and walk up the paved street away from the lake. }91 463 29 00 w www.parquedeatracciones.es Open M-Sa 9am-7pm.) To hang out with some new feathered friends, look no further than the park's zoo and aquarium. (}91 512 37 70