Madrid Itinerary: Teatro Real, Puerta Del Sol and Alcalá

The Teatro Real is the opera house in Madrid and one of the most highly thought of in the whole of Europe! It is situated in the Plaza de Oriente, opposite the Palacio Real de Madrid. The Palacio is the official residence of Juan Carlos and his family. However, for most of the year, they prefer their more modest residence on the outskirts of the city known as Palacio de la Zarzuela.

Puerta DelSol (Gate of the Sun) is a square located at the centre of the Spanish road network and is the busiest and best-known spot in the center of Madrid. As a result, it is a popular meeting place for tour groups and so forth. Interestingly, the oldest building in the Puerta Del Sol is the Post Office whose clock tower was built and donated by mid-nineteenth century watchmaker, José Rodriguez de Losada. The clock tower is broadcasted on live TV every December 31 so that the whole of Spain can take part in the Spanish tradition of Twelve Grapes whereby one grape is eaten on every strike of the clock. Puerta de Alcaláis one of The Five Royal Doors. Nowadays, the Puerta de Alcalá is not used; it is simply a monument and one of Madrid’s tourist attractions. The Puerta is located next to the Cibeles Fountain which portrays two lions pulling a chariot carryingthe Roman Goddess of fertility.

Anyone planning to do a lot of sight-seeing in Madrid should seriously consider purchasing a tourist card online. It entitles you to free entry to a whole host of tourist attractions in the city as well as discounts at a variety of bars and restaurants. A Madrid tourist card is easy to acquire, simply select online which card you would like to buy. There are several options depending on the length of your stay. There are also children’s tickets available at a discounted price. It is also a possibility to incorporate travel with your tourist card if you’re staying in accommodation outside of the city of Madrid. The card comes with a handy tourist brochure which gives details on all the best things to see and do as well as directions and opening times.