Madrid Salamanca

Biblioteca Nacional, Paseo de Recoletos, 20-22 (☎91 883 24 02; www.bne.es), With an intricately carved marble exterior, the massive Biblioteca Nacional is an impressive sight. It's not your typical books-and-bar-codes library, but rather a host to various temporary exhibitions (usually on literary topics) and cultural performances. Usually the gates are closed, so you can't get too close to this building. On your way here, check out the beautiful adjacent Jardines del Descubrimiento, a grassy public plaza that spans the street and is smattered with trees and (expensive) outdoor cafes. Colon. Free. Usually closed to the public. Check online for special visitor times. No wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.
Museo Sorolloa, Po. General Martinez Campos, 47 (☎91 310 15 84; www.museosorolla.mcu.es), This museum, the former residence of Valencian painter Joaquin Sorolla Bastida, displays the work of painters and sculptures from the late 19th century. Some of Bastida's famous pieces include La Siesta and Mis Hijos. The adjacent garden features myrtle taken from the Alhambra and a series of fountains. Iglesia. Turn right on Plaça General Martinez Campos. €3. Free Su. Open Tu-Sa 9:30am-8pm, Su 10am-3pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has air conditioning.
Museo Lazaro Galdiano, C. Serrano, 122 (☎91 561 60 84; www.fig.es), This former palace includes paintings by El Greco, Goya, and Velazquez, as well as works from the Italian Renaissance and Celtic and Visigoth periods. Some notable works include Young Christ, unofficially attributed to Leonardo da Vinci and Hieronymus' Ecce Homo. Gregorio Maranon. €4, students €3, EU citizens free. Open M 10am-4:30pm, W-Su 10am-4:30pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has air conditioning.
Museo de Ciencas Naturales, C. Jose Gutierrez Abascal, 2 (☎91 411 13 28; www.mncn.csic.es), A nice departure from the many art museums that flood Madrid, the Museo de Ciencas Naturales features sparkling minerals, stuffed animals, and dinosaur bones. A shrine to all things science, it has something for visitors of all ages. From Gregorio Maranon, walk 2 blocks north on Po. de la Castellana. €5, students and under 14 €3, under 4 free. Open Tu-F 10am-6pm, Sa 10am-3pm, Su 10am-2:30pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has air conditioning.