Walk all the way up Paseo de la Castellana and along the way you’ll encounter some of Madrid’s best-known attractions and landmarks. It’s not just for its buildings that this long, wide street is renowned, however. The spirit of the place is irresistible. It is shaped by the wide array of locals and tourists drawn here to work in the financial center, shop in the high-end boutiques or participate in the regular events held here.
The Paseo de la Castellana has long held a special place in the culture of Madrid. The southern end of the avenue starts at the Plaza de Colón, one of the most recognizable spots in Madrid, where a magnificent statue commemorates Christopher Columbus. Follow the road all the way and end up in the northernmost parts of Madrid. Here, look for the four ultra-high, ultra-modern buildings that make up Cuatro Torres Business Area, Madrid’s financial hub.
The Paseo de la Castellana is not only a place to work. There are high-end shops all the way along it, and there’s plenty to draw sightseers too. No visit to Paseo de la Castellana is complete without seeing its most visited site, so make sure you stop by the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, even just to view it from outside. This is the home of Real Madrid and a gathering point for football pilgrims from Spain and beyond.
Make your way along the avenue and be prepared to stop at grand buildings such as the leaning Kio Towers and the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, where dinosaur skeletons and impressive taxidermy displays fill the galleries. If you’re on a budget, discover the Madrid Museum of Public Art tucked under a bridge. It’s free to view the sculptures and other artworks exhibited here.
The Paseo de la Castellana is the site of many festivals, events and celebrations throughout the year. Make sure you check what’s on. Time your visit to coincide with a horse race, a car show, a parade or a range of other events, all held on this lively street.
