This morning we took a train into the centre of Madrid, to the Old Town in the 'Puerto del Sol', or 'Gate of the Sun'. We saw two guides who were giving guided tours, the type Paul & I like, they were free & you just gave a tip if you enjoyed the tour.
Madrid Walking Tour.
We visited many places around Madrid, including all of the places below.
The Puerta del Sol is a public square in Madrid, one of the best-known & busiest places in the city.
The Statue of the Bear & the Strawberry Tree is a sculpture from the second half of the 20th century. It represents the coat of arms of Madrid & is found on the east side of the Puerta del Sol, between Calle de Alcalá & Carrer de San Jerónimo.
Sobrino de Botín, founded in 1725, is the oldest restaurant in the world in continuous operation, according to the Guinness Book of Records.
The Plaza Mayor is a major public space in the heart of Madrid. It was once the centre of Madrid. It was first built between 1580 & 1619, during the reign of Philip III.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the Spanish royal family's official residence in Madrid, although it is now only used for state ceremonies. The palace is the largest functioning royal palace & the largest by floor area in Europe.
Plaza de España is a large square & popular tourist destination located in central Madrid at the western end of the Gran Vía. It features a monument to Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.
The Buen Retiro Park, Retiro Park or simply El Retiro, is one of the largest parks in the city of Madrid. The park belonged to the Spanish Monarchy until the late 19th century when it became a public park.
After returning to the hotel via Carrefour to get supplies, we ordered a taxi to a nearby restaurant that appeared very good on Trip Advisor. The taxi cost 16€ & we ended up back where we started at the hotel. The address given on Trip Advisor took us to a run-down area of Madrid with no restaurant. The taxi driver phoned the restaurant & found that it is in fact 24 km outside Madrid. We retired to the hotel bar which was by now closing, the barman made us a cheese & ham toastie served with chips & gave us a beer before closing up.