Madrid

The collection of works housed in this 18th-century palace represent the lifetime pastime of Swiss collector Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza and his Spanish wife Carmen. — goop

One of the world's greatest art museums. — Concierge

The vast majority of his collection consists of stiff 16th- to 18th-century religious portraits and scenes. — Let's Go

Begun under the reign of King Felipe II after he established Madrid as the capital of his empire, the Plaza Mayor evolved over the next few centuries to its present and rather impressive form. — Travel + Leisure

This impressionist artist...was unequalled in knowing how to convey the dazzling light of the Mediterranean coast. — Michelin Guide

Spain's national museum of 20th century art. The jewel in the museum's crown is Picasso's "Guernica". — Condé Nast Traveler

This elegant opera house hosts numerous events, mostly opera and ballet. — Condé Nast Traveler

Originally a playground for the Spanish monarchs and their guests, this park extends over 140 hectares (350 acres). — Frommer's

This Egyptian structure, which sits on the outskirts of the Parque del Oeste, dates back 2,200 years and is dedicated to the gods Amun and Isis — Time Out

Picasso’s Guernica, depicting Franco’s bombing of civilians in Guernica during the civil war, one of the most celebrated antiwar paintings of all time, makes its permanent home here. — Travel + Leisure

An easy stroll from Puerta del Sol, the Fine Arts Museum is located in the restored and remodeled 17th-century baroque palace of Juan de Goyeneche. — Frommer's

This royal palace housed the kings of Spain from the mid-1700s to 1900s — U.S. News & World Report

Madrid's oldest square, home to the city's main market place in Muslim and early medieval times, contains three noteworthy buildings — Time Out

Its plain, brick-and-stone facade hides paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán, Titian, and Pieter Brueghel the Elder. — Fodor's

This attractively landscaped zoo is located slap bang in the heart of the Casa de Campo — Time Out

The easiest and most fun way to get to this huge nature park is to take the cable car. The park is located beyond the Manzanares River, in an area reforested on the orders of Philip II in 1559. — Michelin Guide

Today vendors sell everything from fresh pastas and homemade pastries to cooking utensils. Stop by the cafe, tapas bar, or pastry shop for an inexpensive lunch. — Frommer's

This palatial building showcases 60,000 textiles, pieces of furniture—including some installed in reconstructed period rooms—jewelry, ceramics, glass, crystal, and metalwork items. — Fodor's

The intimate galleries of the Royal Academy Museum are a nice change of pace from Madrid’s big art museums. — Frommer's

This very personal museum close to the Debod temple was once owned by the 17th marquis of Cerralbo, Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa. — Frommer's