- Gran Vía - Alcalá cross. Walking down our street, we encounter one of the most photographied buildings in the cross between Gran Via and Alcalá. The Metropolis building was built after the works that made the Gran Via the big avenue it is today, as this street didn't exist until a century ago, when more than 300 buildings were demolished to create this avenue.

On the right hand, also in the corner of both streets, we also have Saint Joseph's Church.

- Plaza de Cibeles: Walking just 5 minutes from the preovious point, we find this square, where we can admire 4 splendid buildings: on the right, the Bank of Spain, recently extended. Also on the right, but crossing the square, it is inevitable to observe the majestic Telecomunications Palace (in the photo), once the headquarters of the Spanish Post Company and now occupied by the City Hall . On the left, we first meet the General Army Headquarters, with a small private garden, not accesible to general public, and crossing the square America's House , a centre with culture from the New Continent. Needless to mention the fountain of Cibeles in the middle of square, where Real Madrid fans celebrate their victories.

Once reached this point, and having in count or available time, we can take 3 different directions:

- 1. Museo del Prado: Walking down the avenue with the same name, we can find one of the most important museums on Earth. You will find it on the left hand, after passing Canovas del Castillo sqaure, famous for its fountain of Neptune.

For art lovers, it is highly reccomendable to spend a whole day inside the museum. You can find more information about temporary exhibitions, timetables, guided tours, etc in the following address: http://museoprado.mcu.es/

If you like modern art, you cannot miss Queen Sofia Museum. Located in Carlos V square, and very close to the Atocha railway station and just 5 minutes from the Prado, this museum has become in the most important one when talking about modern art in Spain.

Still want more museums? In Canovas del Castillo square, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum has become another of the cultural references of the city, thanks to the vast collection of the Thyssen familie. One of its temporary exhibitions has had the biggest number of visitors this last year.

- 2. Columbus Square: From Cibeles, go on the left through the pleasant Recoletos Avenue, with some bars and terraces to have a drink while listening to the piano at night. At the end of it you will find Columbus Square, a tribute to the discoverer of America. In this square we can find also the City Cultural Centre.

On the other side of the road, there is the Wax museum, where you can see many famous people without moving of the same building!

Crossing again the big square with the even bigger flag, we find the Serrano and Goya, the main streets of a big commercial area where the main known brands can be found, such as Gucci, Loewe, Prada and many other luxury jewelleries and stores.

- 3. Puerta de Alcalá: Some centuries ago, Madrid was delimited by many of these "doors" under which a path to communicate with other cities passed by. These cities gave the name of theses doors, i.e. the door of Toledo, in metro stop "Puerta de Toledo". Some of them were destroyed or just demolished as new buildings were created, but undoubtely the most famous one is the door of Alcala, which led to Alcalá de Henares, which is also worth a visit by the way.

In the right of the door we can find the Retiro Park, a perfect place to take a walk or hire a boat-