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.

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.

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!

One of the few monuments dedicated to the devil (one of the two in Madrid). This fountain, at 666…read moremeters above sea level, is located in one of the highest places of El Retiro Park. I think this point there is one of the best sunsets in the city, depending on the time of year, you can see the sun behind the skyline of the downtown. It is worth going up the Cuesta de Moyanos to this point of the Park when the sun sets, just to see the colors of Madrid sky.

Spectacular! 14 Ha garden similar to other european peers,…read moredesigned in a romanticism-style. However it is slightly overcrowded in weekends: better to visit from monday to friday.

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.