The best things to do in Madrid

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Wander the historic centre open image in gallery The Royal Palace is the heart of historic Madrid Madrid’s historic centre is arguably the city’s most delightful district. See Spain’s most impressive art collections open image in gallery Madrid’s museums include one dedicated to Valencia painter Joaquin Sorolla The three galleries of El Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza are known as the Golden Triangle and contain some of Spain’s most famous pieces, as well as work of other famed artists. Go shopping on the Gran Via open image in gallery Gran Via extends for almost a mile from Calle de Alcala to Plaza de Espana Gran Via is the beating heart of modern Madrid: a grand boulevard lined with impressive early 20th-century architecture, including some of the city’s most well-known buildings, such as the Edificio Carrion and the Telefonica building. Take in the city’s best views open image in gallery The Teleferico cable car affords excellent views There are dozens of ways to get a great view in Madrid, from the standard city views afforded by a range of rooftop bars to the spectacular vistas available from the Teleferico, a cable car 40 metres above ground.