You're walking through the sun-soaked city centre; the music of street musicians is humming through the air; laughter and chatter abounds all around you. You look down the streets to your left and right. Both look equally inviting. Both have signs indicating a sight worth seeing. Which do you choose?
It can be almost impossible to answer that question on your own if you've never been to Madrid before, or if you're visiting a part of the city you haven't been to in the past. Madrid is an expansive city with a lot to offer, and one can easily become lost between its many sights and side streets. However, that's where the tourist information offices available throughout the city prove to be indispensable.
Ever professional and always willing to help, they can provide a myriad of information, including maps, details of excursions, and local taxi numbers, amongst other things.
One of the main tourist information offices is the Municipal Office of Tourist Information, which can be found at Plaza Mayor (address: Plaza Mayor, 3). You can reach them on the telephone or fax at: Tel: 91 366 54 77. Fax: 91 588 16 36. If you are planning to see as much as possible on your stay, then this tourist information office should be the first stop on your itinerary.
It's a good idea to make a list of all the local tourist information offices, too - and how to get to them - before you start exploring the city. An hour spent browsing through the many available resources, as well as talking to the staff, will ensure you find out all the information you need in order to enjoy a truly memorable stay in the capital city of Spain.
Another major Tourist Office is at the Plaza Colón. Located in this large square, the tourist office is modern and has lots of good information available for visitors of all budgets and tastes. More info here...
There is good tourist information in
Turespaña
(Tel: 900 300 600), and the
Estación de ChamartÃn at gate 16 of the Central vestibule (Tel: 91 315 99 76) is very handy for travellers just arriving in the city. At each place, you will be able to pick up various tips and hints on the best things to see and do, how to say safe in the city, and how best to use your time.
If you want to find out how to book a hotel, the best way to maximise your stay in the city, or you just need directions to the local hostel, the tourist information offices will be able to help you with all your needs. Perhaps some of the most useful information they offer includes the timetables, prices, and schedules of many of the local transport services, such as trains and buses. Simply ask a member of staff for the relevant information and they'll have you on your way in no time.
If you are in the area, it might be a good idea to stop by the Puerta de Toledo Market (Tel: 91 364 18 76), as it has lots of very helpful information for visitors, as do the Madrid Community Tourist Information Offices, which can be found at Calle Duque de Medinaceli, 2 (Tel: 91 429 49 51).
Whether you're interested in museums, art, stately homes, or
botanical gardens, the tourist information offices will be able to show you all the different options available to you. If you ask, they will even recommend the top attractions. It's advisable to take some time to look through the various leaflets they stock, many of which detail not only the attractions themselves, but other linked activities as well. It's the perfect way to find things that are a little off the beaten track.
If you are keen to get as much information as possible on Madrid during your stay, then the Municipal Board of Tourism and Congress Offices at Calle Mayor, 69 (Tel: 91 588 29 00) is always worth checking out if you get the chance. A whole host of information is available here for those who are willing to take some time out of their holiday activities to go and find it.
From horse riding to painting lessons in an art studio, a good tourist information office will be able to provide you with all the details you need. But don't despair if they don't have the exact information you're looking for. Nine times out of ten, they'll be able to point you in the direction of an institute that can help.
So, either way you look at it, the tourist information offices of Madrid are the only way to navigate this cosmopolitan and expanding city. That just leaves you to enjoy the very best Madrid has to offer. No hassles. No worries. No stress. Just great sightseeing, wonderful hotels, and lots to do and see.
Please use the
links to the left to find out all you need to know for your visit to Madrid.
