The best way to visit Madrid is on foot, there are so many attractions that is important to be selective and organised in what to see. Most sights are concentrated between Retiro Park and the Royal Palace. Puerta del Sol in the centre of Madrid is the meeting point for both locals and tourists. It is the symbolic point from where all distances in Spain are calculated, beneath the clock tower is the stone plaque that symbolises the zero km. Plaza Mayor, in the historic centre, lined with beautiful buildings and churches which in the past was the theatre of many important events from bullfights and canonisations to public executions, today is full of shops and restaurants.
Madrid is full of beautiful churches, San Francisco el Grande in particular deserves a visit for the paintings by Goya.
The Prado Museum is a must with paintings from El Greco, Goya and Velazques on display and particularly the collection by Hieronymus Bosch. If you want to take a break from the museums and the historical sights, take a walk in the vast green space of Retiro Park where there is even a manmade lake with boats for hire.
The football fans will enjoy a visit to the Real Madrid football club museum at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
On Sunday morning take a wander around El Rastro Market, this crowed market that back in the 17th and 18th centuries used to be mainly a meat market today is a flea market selling everything and a great place for bargains.
To enjoy the view over the city go to "El Faro de Moncloa", the 92 meter observation tower offering spectacular 360º views of the city and the far-away Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. You can also enjoy the view with a fun ride on “El Teleferico”, a cable car that goes from the west of the city to Casa de Campo Park across the Manzanares River.