Madrid is a huge city, and, like most European capitals, boasts an old part and a new part. Though hotels are available in the newer section of town, we concentrated our efforts on the older section. As a tourist in Madrid, you'll undoubtedly be spending the vast majority (if not all) of your time in the old section, with its museums, plazas, shopping, theaters and more.

PUERTA DEL SOL
The geographic and historic center of old Madrid, the Peurta del Sol puts you within walking distance of most of central Madrid's tourist offerings. Calle Mayor runs to the West (off of which is the picturesque Plaza Mayor, pictured here), and tiny, dense streets, packed with tapas bars, restaurants, and cafes, lie to the South. Many of Madrid's best hotels are on the square, while pensions can be found along the side streets.

GRAN VIA
The Gran Via, Madrid's main boulevard, stretches majestically from the Plaza de Espana, South-East, passing above Peurta del Sol. The boulevard is like none other in Madrid -- impressive and massive art-nouveau buildings, cinemas, shopping, and theaters. Three, four and five-star hotels are well-placed along the Gran Via, often next door to one-star pensions.

ATOCHA AND PRADO
A few blocks South of Peurta del Sol, Calle de Atocha cuts through a residencial neighborhood before hitting the Atocha train station. North of the station (due East of Sol) lies the magnificent and celebrated Prado art museum.