We visited El Escorial as part of a team meeting. The monastery is an amazing site to see, with a…read morerich history! We were lucky and had amazing weather, which meant we could see all the way back to Madrid.

There are so many places worth a day trip from Madrid and this is one of them. In wanting to find a…read moreplace that could be a longer half day trip (but not more than this due to the short duration of my trip), this monastery appealed to me in that the commute time via public transportation is about an hour from Madrid Chamartin, or only about a 40 min drive (€40 rideshare price) from the western edge of Madrid city center. Certainly you could take more time around town and make this a full day trip in addition to visiting the Valle de los Caídos (the Valley of the Fallen) monument, there are a number of bus tours that run this exact itinerary. Departing from Madrid Chamartin the Cercanius C8 line arrives at El Escorial station, from which it's about a 25 minute walk or 15 min bus ride to the monastery which is the major tourist destination in town. The town itself is quaint and nice to take a stroll around to get a feel of a suburban downtown area. Tickets are available online and in-person by time slot and while in late September I didn't see times fully booked I imagine during peak tourist season you should book at least a few days in advance. Inside larger bags need to checked in lockers (€1 euro deposit for the lock mechanism function, returned upon unlocking the cubby), and then you follow signs indicating the direction of the tour starting from the main courtyard. Two highlights for me were a) the library with beautiful ceiling murals and filled with antique books, b) the elaborate pantheon crypt facility which are in current functional use as burial chambers for Spanish monarchy. I also appreciated that almost all the description placards were translated into English so there was a lot of information to learn. The grounds and gardens are very expansive and well maintained around the main complex so plenty of tourists and locals alike were enjoying a walk in the afternoon. Bathrooms are located within the building only after ticketed entry. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes within a 5-15 minute walking distance from the main entry/exit of the monastery where you can grab a snack, drink or meal.

Amazing edifice, stop by even if it's closed, but if it is open you should stop by before or after…read morethe Archeology museum which is on the other side. World class collection.

I was under the impression from some brochure that it's an archeological museum. It's a museum for…read morerare and ancient books. Perhaps that interests you, but I felt bamboozled. Also, it's extremely confusing to figure out the entrance and the fee (it happens to be free, but that's not obvious).

Main post office is ornate on the south east side of the Plaza. Cultural center with exhibit…read morehalls, dining options & a rooftop lookout. During festivals the plaza is decorated, there is a grandstand with live music and police patrols.

Nice plaza. It was glowing with charm during the city night light hours!…read more Historical and architectural! Admirable!

The beauty inside this magnificent house of worship is nearly as stunning as some of the world's…read moregreatest cathedrals, places we've seen like Vatican City's St. Peter's and Moscow's St. Basil's. With the third largest dome of any active church in Europe, measuring 108 feet (33 m) across, and incredibly well-preserved priceless works of art on the walls and ceiling, this destination cannot be missed while in Madrid!

As a tourist site, skip it. It's not in great condition and looks an awful lot like every other…read morecathedral you're gonna see in Europe. It costs three euro to get in. That includes a guided "tour" in Spanish only, which is just a guy moving from nave to nave talking out loud. Non-Spanish speakers shouldn't worry they're missing out, the tour is surprisingly boring even for a church tour. Any time spent here would be better spent up the road at the Catedral de la Almudena, which is both free and far more interesting.

I stayed at Casual del Teatro Madrid in Sol, and El Oso y el Madroño was only a couple of blocks…read moreaway near the metro. The Sol area stays busy all day, so I figured it was best to grab my photo right away and get it out of the way. You'll probably have to compete with other tourists on both sides to get the perfect shot, but be patient and you'll eventually get a good one. What makes it even cooler is that it's not just a random statue. El Oso y el Madroño is one of Madrid's most famous symbols and represents the city's coat of arms. The statue in Puerta del Sol was unveiled in 1967, but the bear and strawberry tree have been tied to Madrid for centuries. Also, apparently touching or slapping the bear's butt is supposed to bring good luck. I've even heard it guarantees you'll return to Madrid someday. Overall, admire the statue, snap your pic for the gram (or as a souvenir), touch the bear for a little extra luck, and enjoy the rest of your stay in Madrid.

Located in Puerta del sol.. near Metro station.. U won't miss it. Recommended to go there early in…read morethe morning to avoid line.