What to do in Illescas

The Gran Via is a shopping hub and a center for nightlife. Like much of Madrid, the strip celebrates the past while embracing the future: boutique stores and international brands are housed in some of Madrid’s most iconic heritage architecture.

The Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s best-known public places. Its cobbled courtyard is surrounded by stylish restaurants, boutiques, bars and cafés. It was a chaotic market back in the 16th century until King Felipe II commissioned a proper public square. The plaza was completed in 1619 under the supervision of architect Juan Gómez de Mora, but would burn down three times before the present version was constructed in 1790.

Puerta del Sol, or “Sun Gate,” is Madrid’s beating heart. It was once at the eastern extremity of the city and the location of a medieval gate decorated with the rising sun, from which it gets its name. Today it’s the city’s main public square, hosting everything from political demonstrations to New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The Prado (Museo Nacional del Prado) is one of the world’s most prestigious art museums. It was commissioned in 1785 by King Carlos III to showcase Spanish talent and taste. The royal collection has formed the core of the museum’s inventory since it opened to the public in 1819. The collection has expanded over the years to include works from other European nations and even ancient Greek and Roman statues.

El Retiro (El Parque de Retiro) is one of Madrid’s favorite parks and occupies nearly 350 acres (140 hectares) of land in the city center. It was once a royal retreat and the site of a large palace, but was opened to the public in the 1860s. There are statues and monuments all throughout the park, as well as two ponds, art galleries and fountains. It’s a popular retreat for Sunday afternoon picnics and you’ll notice street performers plying their trade in the busiest areas.

The Spanish Royal Palace (Palacio Real) is one of the biggest palaces in Western Europe. The palace is known for its extravagant interior and the staggering collection of furniture, artwork, weapons, armor and accessories found throughout its 3,400 rooms. Construction of the building you see today started in 1738 after the previous royal residence burned down on the same site in 1734. Nowadays the Spanish royal family does not live in the palace.