Madrid, Day 5: Salamanca

Salamanca is also another shopping district. It's near Retiro Park. Many foreign embassies are in this area.

Madrid, Day 5: Callao Square

Callao Square is a few minutes' walk from Puerta Del Sol. There is a movie theater. The square is located on Gran Via. Gran Via is the main street with all the cooperate stores. You walk along Gran Via, you can see the different styles of architecture including Vienna Secession, French, Plateresque, and Art Deco.

Madrid, Day 5: Puerta Del Sol

We had passed Puerta Del Sol many times for the past few days but never took some good pictures. Our hotel was near this place and we usually got off the metro here. Day 5 was the day we went shopping and really enjoyed the city life in Madrid.

Madrid, Day 4: Windmills in Consuegra

We had already visited a lot of important sites in Madrid, therefore we had time to check out the windmills in Consuegra.

Madrid, Day 4: Atocha Station

Atocha Station is where we took the high speed train, Renfe, to Toledo. We went to Toledo first an then took a bus to Consuega.

Madrid, Day 3: Reina Sofia

Reina Sofia is the modern art museum in Madrid. The museum mainly features Spanish art.

Madrid, Day 3: Almudena Cathedral

The church is just right next to the Royal Palace. Of course, you have to drop in. The altar is in the middle of the cathedral and every seat is facing the center of the room. The architectural style is Neo-Gothic. Unlike most churches you have seen in Europe, Almudena Cathedral actually looks quite modern.

Madrid, Day 3: Temple of Debod

Temple of Debod is such a beauty. The locals told us we should come by during sunset. But our crazy schedule wouldn't allow it. We would be happy to just settle for the view during the day.

Madrid, Day 3: Royal Palace

The first stop was Royal Palace. If you have already been to Versailles, this is not a competition about who got the most luxurious palace, all right?!!! This is about learning Spanish royal history. Don't forget it is the common people who paid for these palaces, so an over the top palace meant more suffering for them.

Madrid, Day 3: Plaza Espana

After we got off metro, the first thing we saw was Plaza Espana. The place is interesting. It holds the sculpture of Miguel de Cervantes and the two popular characters, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, from his book. It was in shade in the morning. We walked by and got a better shot in the afternoon.

JJ loves that story, Don Quixote, very much. He read the book and said it was so funny.

Madrid, Day 2: The Museum Street - Paseo Del Prado

Paseo Del Prado is like the the museum street, it is very photogenic with many museums, landmarks and monuments. Puerta de Alcalá stands in the Plaza de la Independence.

Madrid, Day 2: Retiro Park

Retiro Park is just right next to Prado. It is beautiful. There is a boating lake and you can rent a rowing boat. It is a very romantic spot, do you reckon? Just remember to wear sunscreen while rowing your boat.

Madrid, Day 2: Prado

The northern entrance to Prado

Prado is the place to check out spectacular classical art including the collections from the Spanish artists: El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez. Spanish art is truly the category of its own. Taking picture is not allowed in the museum, so I can't show you anything inside the museum. But you definitely have to be there. If you go to Prado's website, it tells you what you should see if you only spend one hour or two or three in Prado. That is very helpful because you don't want to miss the master pieces.

Madrid, Day 2: Plaza Mayor

If you are looking for a tranquil vacation, look elsewhere, Madrid is a cosmopolitan city with high density of population, narrow streets, lots of cars, all the hustle and bustle and people energy. This is a place to discover Spanish Royal history and check out great museums.