A public park since 1931, the expansive Casa de Campo was once the treasured hunting grounds of Spain's royal family. Boasting the largest green grounds in the city, visitors of all ages can partake in a wealth of activities, including lakeside boating, public-pool swimming, riding rollercoasters and visiting the zoo.

Dating back to the early 2nd century BC, Templo de Debod, a shrine to the Egyptian god Amun, was donated to Spain in 1968. On a hill in the Parque del Oeste, this ancient monument was shipped stone by stone and rebuilt. Admission is free and allows visitors to enjoy a quaint museum and a collection of chapels.

At 110 metres tall, the towering Faro de Moncloa offers travellers an unforgettable bird's-eye view over Madrid's most emblematic sites. Built in 1992, the former transmission tower's glass-encased observation deck showcases the elegant Catedral de la Almudena, the sight of reigning King Felipe VI's nuptials in 2004.

Nearly double the size of London's Buckingham Palace, the grand Palacio Royal is the largest functioning palace in Western Europe. It houses hundreds of masterpiece artworks, stately salons and a unique Stradivarius collection, and the grounds— particularly the labyrinthine Sabatini Gardens, add flourish to the overall experience.

The ornate, multi-tiered Teatro Real is one of the most celebrated opera houses in Spain. Inaugurated in the mid-1800s, this majestic theatre seats more than 1,500 guests for prestigious versions of the world's most famous operas and ballets. For a closer look at the opulent architecture, book a guided art or technical tour.

A classic movie theatre with multiple screening rooms, Renoir Princesa is one of only a few local theatres that feature movies in un-dubbed, original versions. If scheduling permits, visit on a Wednesday when tickets are sold at half price.

For those who prefer to be part of the action, join locals at the Host Club, which offers a dance floor, live concert performances and even Latin dance classes ranging from salsa to the Caribbean-inspired bachata in a convivial, neon-infused setting.

Madrid's answer to New York's iconic Broadway, Gran Via is arguably the city's most important zone for musical theatre. Hosting everything from long-running musicals to ballet performances and classical concerts, Gran Via's standout venues include Lope de Vega, Teatro EDP and Teatro Coliseum.