Madrid is a compact city, and most of the sights you probably want to see are concentrated in a downtown area 2½ km (1½ mi) across, stretching between the Royal Palace and the Parque del Retiro. Broad avenidas, twisting medieval alleys, grand museums, stately gardens, and tiny, tiled taverns are all jumbled together in an area easily covered on foot. The urban texture is so rich that walking is really the only way to experience those special moments whose images linger in the mind.

Sadly, muggings are a serious problem in Madrid, and tourists are frequent targets. Be on your guard as you wander, and make an effort to blend in: wear dark clothes, try to keep cameras concealed, and avoid flamboyant map reading.

Here's our highly selective list of the very best things to see and do in Madrid.

Sightseeing Tours AREAS

Here is a brief guide to the main Sightseeing Tours areas in Madrid:

Sights & Activities Castle/Palace/Chateau

1. Palacio Real
   C. Bailén, Madrid, 91 - 5420059

1. Jardín Botánico
   Plaza de Murillo 2, Madrid, 91 - 4203017

1. Casa de América
   Paseo Recoletos 2, Madrid, 91 - 5954800
2. Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
   Santa Isabel 52, Madrid, 91 - 4675062
3. Museo Arqueológico
   C. Serrano 13, Madrid, 91 – 5777912
4. Museo del Ejército
   Mendez Nuñez 1, Madrid, 91 – 5228977
5. Museo del Prado
   Paseo del Prado, Madrid, 91 – 4203768
6. Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
   Paseo del Prado 8, Madrid, 91 - 3690151

1. Parque del Retiro
   Madrid

1. Plaza Mayor Plaza Mayor, Madrid

1. Basílica de San Francisco el Grande
   Pl. de San Francisco, Madrid, 91 - 3653400
2. Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial
   San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, 91 - 8905905
3. San Nicolás de las Servitas
   Near the Plaza de San Nicolás, Madrid, 91 – 5594064