Route through Madrid of the Hapsburgs – TRYP Madrid Gran Vía

Welcome to my Madrid!

My name is Marina and I am the culture expert at the TRYP Gran Via. With this tour you will discover my favourite places: The old Madrid.

The charm of old Madrid can be found in what the locals call "The Madrid of the Hapsburgs". The nickname for this central district of the city has historic origins: it the area the Hapsburg dynasty’s historic buildings created a town they chose as the capital of Spain. The Madrid of the Hapsburgs extends from Sol through Mayor and Arenal to La Latina and Plaza de Oriente

TOUR THROUGH THE MADRID OF THE HAPSBURGS

Puerta del Sol

Landmark of Madrid, where you can see the statues of the Oso (Bear) and the Madroño (Strawberry Tree), the equestrian statue of Carlos III and the famous Puerta del Sol clock, and right at the entrance of the Post Office is kilometre 0, the starting point of the mileage of all the national roads in Spain.

Plaza Mayor

One of the most important squares in Madrid with the Baker’s house and in its centre the statue of Felipe III.

Be sure to stop at Restaurant Brillante to try a typical and delicious squid baguette.

Royal Palace

In its day the Royal Palace was the official home of the Spanish monarchs but today it is a tourist attraction and is the location for official state acts. It is worth taking a guided tour of the buildings and enjoy the views over the Sabatini Gardens, Plaza de Oriente and the Campo del Moro.

I highly recommend a visit to the Sabatini Gardens in summer, as it holds open air concerts and theatrical performances.

Open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm. Sundays and bank holidays from 9am to 3pm

Admission: 10 € (free admission on Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 8pm)

Campo del Moro

Unknown even to many locals, these royal gardens are a wonderful recreational space located behind the Royal Palace. It is the place to take a break and simply enjoy nature. It is not visited much because, although it is next to the Royal Palace, it can only be entered by Paseo Virgen del Puerto, Príncipe Pío metro station. But I recommend making the effort.

Almudena Cathedral

This is a new cathedral whose construction was delayed for more than a century and was finally completed in 1992. The project has existed since the 16th century but had no funding until centuries later. They say that when Madrid was conquered by Alfonso VI of Castile, the Christians came across an image of a virgin lit since time immemorial by two candles within its walls. 

C/ Bailén, Ópera metro station. Open from 9am to 9pm

Descalzas Reales Monastery  

Located in the Plaza de las Descalzas. The admission includes the monastery and the Encarnación Convent.

Open from 10:30am to 12:45am and from 4pm to 5:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. From 10.30am to 12:45am on Friday and from 11am to 1:45pm on Sunday and bank holidays.

San Ginés Church

One of the oldest churches in the city and has been a site of worship since the 14^th century.

C/ Arenal, 13

WHERE TO EAT

Restaurant Casa Botín

• Founded in 1725 and, according to the Guinness book of world records, the oldest restaurant in the world and one of the best places to enjoy traditional Madrilenian cuisine. It has a 16th century bodega worth a visit
• Speciality: Roast suckling pig
• Average price per person: 40 €
• C/ Cuchilleros, 17 (next to Plaza Mayor)
• Tel: 91 366 42 17

WHERE TO EAT

Bar - Restaurant Ciudad de Tui

• Galician cuisine serving superior quality cuts of meat, and delicious fish and shellfish
• Average price per person: 20€. Set menu from 16€.
• C/ Montera, 22
• Tel: 91 523 40 61

SOMETHING TO KEEP YOU GOING

Restaurant - Tavern Casa Labra

• Specialising in cod dishes. Try the “Soldaditos de Pavía”, delicious!
• Price of tapas between 2 € and 3 €
• C/ Tetuán, 12
• Tel: 91 531 00 81

MY FAVOURITE SHOP

CASA DIEGO

• Perfect for fans, umbrellas and Manila shawls. Clients include several royal households, including the Spanish
• Puerta del Sol, 12
• Tel: 91 522 66 46