- Puerta del Sol. Very near to our hostel, just 5 minutes walking, we find the center not only of Madrid but also from all Spain. Known for its famous building, in the photo, where people welcome the New Year every 31st december, we can find also the statue of "el oso y el madroño", the quintessential symbol of our city in the corner with Alcalá st.

We may then take direction to the southwest, heading to Mayor st. to go to our next hot spot.

- Plaza Mayor. On the left of Mayor st., behind many XIX century buildings we can find the Mayor square. As well as Puerta del Sol, on weekends and evenings it is always crowded. Specially difficult to walk accross in Christmas, due to its typical Christmas market, we highly reccomend to visit it on weekdays or in the first hours of the afternoon.

This square was built in 1619 but, although suffering several fires and the same rebuildings (the latest 200 years ago), it still maintain its original structures and designs.

- Plaza de Oriente: Palacio and Teatro Real. Undoubtely it is one of the must sees of Madrid as we can find in the same square the majestic Royal Palace and just in front, the Royal Theatre. We cannot forget the Cathedral of Almudena, next to the Palace on its left.

It is always worth to walk among the gardens of this square or visit the Jardines del Moro, which are in front of the Spanish Senate, between the Plaza de Oriente and Plaza de España, our next stop.

. Plaza de España. Dominated by 2 of the tallest buildings of Madrid, the Tower of Madrid and the Spain Building, we find this square surrounded by gardens. Normally used for markets or even concerts, this square is also interesting for its sculpture dedicated to the Spanish Literature, where you can see of course, Don Quijote and Sancho Panza (see photo).

Before ending our route, we still have some things to see in one of Madrid's main avenues, the Gran Via. Known for its many theatres, it is one of the best examples of the Spanish architecture of the beginning of the XX century.