From passionate flamenco shows to ice skating and one of Europe’s biggest pride parades, there’s plenty going on in eventos hoy en madrid. Keep an eye out for seasonal events too, like the Madrid Carnival and the Virgen de la Paloma festival.
Art lovers (and history buffs) should make sure to check out this impressive museum. Wander through opulent rooms filled with furniture, paintings, antiques, and weapons that once belonged to the Marquis of Cerralbo.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is one of the most jaw-dropping buildings in all of Europe. The massive, opulent palace was home to the Spanish monarchs from Charles III through Alfonse XII and is now open to visitors year round. The opulent rooms are filled with masterpiece artwork, period decor, and architectural detail.
If you book in advance, you can enjoy skip-the-line early access and a tour that gives you insider tips. Learn the secrets of this massive palace whose 2,800 rooms overflow with period art and architectural detail. Highlights include the Halberdiers Hall, which was originally conceived by Sacchetti as a lavish ballroom. It was later used as a place to hold military parades by Charles III.
If you have time, you can also visit the Armory, which is part of the palace and included with your basic ticket. If you don’t want to see so many warlike objects, you can also explore the Real Botica, where for centuries the palace doctors kept herbal medicines in flasks and cabinets.
Museo Sorolla
Madrid’s famed museum trail has long included the home and workshop of Joaquin Sorolla. Here you can step inside the artist’s life to see his studio, his family’s living rooms and an incredible collection of paintings.
By the late 19th century, Sorolla had risen to international acclaim. He won many prizes and his work became more ambitious within the realm of social realism. This brought him even more prestige and he began to receive important commissions.
This exhibition brings to a close the centennial celebrations laid on for the Valencian painter. It showcases 77 of Sorolla’s pieces, many of which are absolute novelties that have never been displayed in Spain before.
Biblioteca Nacional
The Biblioteca Nacional is Spain’s highest library institution, and the head of the Spanish Library System. Its mission is to compile, catalogue and conserve bibliographic archives on any medium, and disseminate them so they can be consulted by researchers in any library or library network.
The institution was created in 1712 by Philip V as the Libreria de Palacio (Palace Public Library). Its initial collection included works from the Libreria de la Torre Alta of the Alcazar, and deposit libraries established by supporters during the War of Succession. It grew considerably over the following century through a strong acquisitions policy and by incorporating important manuscript and print collections.
The Biblioteca also houses a reading room adorned by an extraordinary vault painted by Luca Giordano. It is a great place to enjoy a few quiet moments, with books, coffee and pastries on offer.
Museo de la Felicidad
Located in the heart of Madrid, the unique Museo de la Felicidad combines aprendizaje y diversion en un espacio amigable y central. Concebido para ser inclusivo, el museo ofrece entrevistas y actividades para toda clase de edad y ocupaciones, incluyendo entrada gratuita para menores de 4 aos y descuentos para distintas grupos como discapacitados y jubilados.
During Semana Santa (Holy Week), street parades of hooded penitents wail to the piercing chants of a saeta, while oversized ‘pasos’ carry images of the Virgin and Christ. This lively festival belies Madrid’s midsummer image as a lethargic ghost city.
