I find the Puente de Toledo is a really nice looking bridge, its style reminds me couple bridges…read morethat I've visited along in my trip. Although it wasn't so fancy compared with the other bridges I have been. But it got it's own charm. The bridge is located close to the river Río, the south-west of the city. There are bus stations and metro station around. It was quite easy to get there. I came here with my hubby, we took the bus first, decides to got off the couple stations earlier and walked to the park. So we could explore the city a bit more. This district was quite normal, not special sightseeing around, But it was quite nice to walk around and see the local life. I like the bridge and the park. It did make me a bit sad when I saw the River Río was almost dry out. But I also heard from others that have been going on for decades now. Probably that won't be here anymore. Hope not. There weren't so many tourist around this area, But quite lot local people come here for jogging, I think this is quite good place for that. I would probably do the same if I live here as well.

Didn't even know this place existed. A friend and I were traveling in Madrid and it was Sunday…read morewhich was a perfect time to visit this area because of 'Las Ramblas'. We sort of got lost and took a different way back... I was glad we did because we ran into this gem. We just sat on a makeshift chair and looked around at people playing soccer, building, studying, planting or just lounging. Its unlike any park I have ever seen. It doesn't feel like a public part as as much of a community project. Its is out of this world and just strait cool. Spent an hour just lounging and eating breakfast while a few people jammed on acoustic guitar.

This place took me completely by surprise. A construction site that has been turned from an ignored…read morederelict site into a community space, this is a great example of how people have responded to the recession. There is a cafe, a stage for concerts, a basketball/football court and regular film screenings. All provided by people who saw a failed property development and decided to use it for something better. An excellent example of community spirit.

Nice park to hang out with a great monument to Cervantes and his number one muse - Don Quijote…read more While we were in the city, this place served as a landmark for me on my morning runs. The walking tours we were on stopped here, and it was well lit, between the ambient lighting and the Christmas lighting, for the kids to still want to hang out at the playground. Additionally, they had a small seasonal market there, an ice rink, and music. It remained busy well after sunset. It is surrounded by tall buildings that overlook the park and the surrounding trafficked streets, like Gran Via. It's clean. It's safe, and if you're into Cervantes, worth a stop.

Plaza de España marks the westernmost point of Calle Gran Via. It sits right across from Zara and…read morethe Plaza de España metro stop which actually connects to the Noviciado metro stop underground. There isn't much to the area besides the statue and there's some construction in the area, but I do appreciate the signage telling people how far the Palacio Real de Madrid & Temple Debod are. This is a location you check off your checklist for Madrid.

In Madrid, as in other cities, each neighborhood has its heart, its center, where neighbors…read morecongregate, go for a walk with their pets or your children or to have a beer. Malasaña has several places, but perhaps the most important and emblematic is the Plaza del Dos de Mayo. The Plaza has in its center a door and two human figures, and that was a former military barracks where the heroes of the popular uprising of Madrid against the French invaders from Napoleon met for the first time against this Napoleon's army. The square has many trees, playgrounds and several terraces to sit and drink. In the evenings usually youth meeting center that come to drink in the area.

another plaza in the la latina district super close to where we stayed in madrid. this plaza was…read morefairly large in square footage (or meters as they use in europe) and also had a fountain in the middle. it is a good place to go strolling or walking your dog. this plaza also sits on top of the la latina metro and is convenient to calle cava baja, what i consider the "restaurant row" of the la latina district.

Retiro gets all the hype, but Parque del Oeste is quite lovely and much quieter! The views from…read moreParque del Oeste are fantastic. You can see out for miles and there's a great view of the palace. There's lots of shady spots to cool down and beautiful pathways for walking. This is an under rated park on the west side of the city that is gorgeous!

This Western Park was once a land fill, in 1909 the mayor planted gardens, installed a fountain,…read moreput in paths & monuments. We walked through the Parque del Oeste go up & back yo Casa de Campo by the Teleférico de Madrid, a gondola lift. We passed a police presence & some walking dogs.

When i think about a vacation, Madrid is always one of the places that comes to mind. For a big…read morehistorical European city it is surprisingly affordable. It also has great museums, parks, architecture, food, shopping...the list goes on! Madrids Metro system is easy to get around on and not expensive, Though if like me you stay in the center, most of what you want to do and see is close enough to walk to. Not only that but it is a great walking city, fairly flat, well maintained sidewalks (walk early to see locals sweeping in front of their stores...) Some of my favorite things to do: Madrids big museums are either free in the evenings or have a free day each week. I can loose track of time in the Prado or Reina Sofia, the Thysen is a great place to get an overview of art history. Many of Madrid's small museums are free all the time though signage may not be in english. Tapas are a great way to get a fun and affordable meal (many bars have free tapas with drinks ask around (or better yet get a good guide book) Churros- try them and dunk them in the chocolate they serve with them! Don't forget to just get lost in the city a bit, walk outside the tourist zone and get a bite where ever, check out a grocery store (it is different, for example milk and eggs are on the shelfs not in a fringe.) Just see how the locals live! My favorite Guide book for Madrid is Rick Steve's enough information to have a great visit, but not so much that the best sites get buried.

puerta de toledo translates into "the gate of toledo." centuries ago, it used to lead travelers to…read morethe historical city of toledo, a city 70km southwest of madrid. completed in 1827, it is one of the many monumental gates in the city of madrid, and also the one that was most recently built. imagine how old some of the other gates in madrid are if this one is 188 years old! this gate features three arches and looks magnificent at nighttime as you can see the lights shining on either side of this light-coloured, granite structure. i passed by this structure many times during my stay in madrid since i stayed in the la latina district, just a few minutes away on foot. whether by day or by night, this tall gate helped me determine where i was and how to continue on my journey while touring madrid.