Catalonia Puerta del Sol

The hotel is situated close to the nerve centre of the city, and a great number of sights are at walking distance. Among the many routes available we recommend you visit the centre of the Villa of Madrid first. From the hotel you can walk to the Plaza Mayor, a charming square full to the brim of terraces and bars! Just a few metres away, going up the calle Mayor you will arrive at the famous Puerta del Sol, in the heart of the city, with its statue of the Bear and the Madroño tree, its Zero Kilometre point and its magnificent buildings which house an amazing number of shops and restaurants where you can try an assortment of Madrid dishes or buy a souvenir to take home with you! In one day you can visit some of the best sights of the city. We suggest that you go first to the amazing Plaza Mayor before heading to Plaza de Oriente, where the Palacio Real is (the Royal Palace)—the official home of His Majesty the King of Spain which is only really used as a venue for State ceremonies. The palace, once an alcazar, was entirely rebuilt following a fire on the orders of Philip V. Near the Plaza de Oriente, you will find the famous cathedral of Almudena. From there we suggest you follow Calle Mayor until reaching Plaza de la Independencia. On your way to the square check out the Puerta de Alcalá and Plaza Cibeles. You can finish your walk with a little rest in the famous park of El Retiro. It only takes two days to visit the renowned Golden Triangle, which includes the three most important museums of Madrid: the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum. By purchasing a “Paseo del Arte” pass, which entitles you to a 25% reduction on tickets, you will be able to visit all three museums and see paintings by Goya, Velasquez, el Greco, Zurbaran, Murillo and Titian (Prado Museum), as well as one of the greatest private collections in the world (Thyssen Bornemisza), along with the work of Spanish artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro or Salvador Dali (Reina Sofia Museum). After that you can either head towards the Paseo del Prado, which is adorned with gardenias, or go for a walk in the Retiro Park, where you can enjoy free exhibitions at the Velasquez palace and at the Casa de Vacas. Do not forget to visit the Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), unique in the world.