What's On: Monday 9 November 2009

Social tennis group in association with the International Newcomers Club of Madrid. All levels welcome. Very friendly atmosphere. Mondays at 09:15 at the El Estudiante Club, Ctra Barajas Km4, Alcobendas. For more information contact coactivities@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area4@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area5@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid 'Area 1' (La Moreleja, Ciudalcampo, Fuente del Fresno, Santo Domingo areas) Book Club meets once a month to discuss "good reads" and the "pick of the month" over coffee and cake. If interested, please contact area1@incmadrid.com for more info. INC members from all areas welcome.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area1@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area2@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area1@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid 'Area 1' (La Moreleja, Ciudalcampo, Fuente del Fresno, Santo Domingo areas) welcomes anyone who would like to join them for their 5K walk. The walk takes about an hour and then the group has coffee. If interested, please contact our Area 1 contact area1@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area4@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid 'Area 1' (La Moreleja, Ciudalcampo, Fuente del Fresno, Santo Domingo areas) Book Club meets once a month to discuss "good reads" and the "pick of the month" over coffee and cake. If interested, please contact area1@incmadrid.com for more info. INC members from all areas welcome.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area1@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid 'Area 1' (La Moreleja, Ciudalcampo, Fuente del Fresno, Santo Domingo areas) welcomes anyone who would like to join them for their 5K walk. The walk takes about an hour and then the group has coffee. If interested, please contact our Area 1 contact area1@incmadrid.com.

During his time as President of Spain, Felipe Gonzalez began collecting bonsai trees as a hobby. After his 14-year tenure he had amassed more than a hundred, managing to put together the best collection of bonsais in Spain. Located at Real Jardín Botánico, Pza. Murillo 2. Open every day from 10:00-19:00. €2 (students €1). Tel: 914 203 017.

From Chicago in the USA, Hammer has been chosen to open the new season at Galería Fúcares. Famous for his bold and colourful designs the artist lives in Barcelona and San Francisco. At Galería Fúcares, Cº Conde de Xiquena 12. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00 and open Monday 17:00-21:00. Free admission.

Specially commissioned for this venue, Wendy White's 'Feel Rabid or Not' work is reminiscent of an explosion of energy and vibrancy. Her work stems from graffiti, graphic art, collage and abstraction. Born in Deep River, Connecticut the artist now lives and works in New York city. At Galería Moriarty, C/ Libertad 22. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:30. Free admission.

The photographer presents his work documenting the fall of the Berlin wall and the rise of Germany through the process of re-unification. It is a chance to see the healing process of this historic wound. At Instituto Alemán (German Institute) de Cultura-Goethe Institut, C/ Zurbarán 21. Open 10:00-21:00 Monday to Friday and Saturday 09:00-14:00.

The Austrian-American photographer emigrated to New York in 1938 with her husband. She had grown up in Vienna after living through the First World War as a teenager. After moving to the USA she supported herself by taking photographs and eventually became a member of the New York 'Photo League'. She later taught photography at the New School for Social Research. In this exhibition we see some of her best work, showing New York and its inhabitants during the 40s and 50s. At Fundación Cultural Mapfre. (Sala Azca), Avda. General Perón 40. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00-21:00, Sunday 12:00-20:00 and Monday from 14:00-21:00.

Spain's first Henri Fantin-Latour retrospective exhibition. A close friend of Manet and Whistler, the artist is closely linked to the styles of Romanticism and Realism. The exhibition will contain pieces from the permanent collections of the Museum of Orsay, the Petit Palais, Tate Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Uffizi gallery. At Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, P. del Prado 8. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-19:00. Entrance €8. Concessions €5. Free admission for under 12s accompanied by an adult.

On loan from Musée d'Orsay in Paris the exhibition aims to recover the feeling of fascination and attraction that Italy has held for artists over the centuries. Comprising of painting, sculpture and photography, it is with the notion of The Grand Tour that the pieces attempt to recreate the fascination that aristocrats and intellectuals had with Italy. At Fundación Cultural Mapfre. Sala Recoletos, P. de Recoletos 23. Open Monday 14:00-20:00, Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-20:00, Sunday 12:00-20:00. Tel: 915 816 100.

An exhibition of European portraits between the 16th and 20th centuries containing works by Titian, Velázquez and Goya, as well as by Van Dyck, Toulouse-Lautrec, Modigliani and Picasso. At Fundación Cultural Mapfre (Sala Recoletos), P. de Recoletos 23. Open Monday 14:00-20:00, Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-20:00, Sunday 12:00-20:00.

To commemorate the centenary of the Russian Ballet's début in Paris and inspired by dance of ballerina Vaslaw Nijinsky, the exhibition displays a series of drawings related to pieces by five artists: Sonia Delaunay-Terk, Frantisek Kupka, Vladimir Baranov-Rossiné, Léopold Survage and Alexandra Exter. The aim is to highlight the importance of the art of dance. At Fundación Cultural Mapfre (Sala Recoletos), P. de Recoletos 23. Open Monday 14:00-20:00, Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-20:00, Sunday 12:00-20:00.

An exhibition displaying a selection of black and white photographs by the father of pop-art, Andy Warhol. Under the title of 'Portraits and Landscapes' over 50 photographs will be on display taken between 1976 and 1987. The pieces are of everyday life and were mainly captured during his travels to places such as New York, London and Paris. At Galería Pepe Cobo y Cía, C/ José Marañón 7. Open Monday to Friday 09:30-14:00 and 17:00-20:30. Tel: 913 190 683.

The first exhibition devoted to Italian architecture and in particular Palladio, in Spain. It includes more than 80 items on loan from museums and private collections throughout Europe and commemorates the 500th anniversary of the architect's birth. Palladio's work includes San Giorgio Maggiore church in Venice, and Palazzo Chiericiati, Olympic Theatre and the loggias of Palazzo de la Raggione in Vicenza. At CaixaForum Madrid, P. del Prado 36. Open Monday to Sunday 10:00-20:00. Free admission.

A reflection of the cruel world in which we live by the Swiss artist Thomas Hirschhorn. The exhibition contains a series of sculptures, installations and display cases with mannequins all as a political and social critique. His work contains great references to fashion, politics, art and philosophy while his pieces are constructed from everyday materials such as adhesive tape, cardboard and plastic sheets. At La Casa Encendida, Rda. de Valencia 2. Open 10:00-22:00. Free admission.

Contains approximately 20,000 pieces of work including Picasso's 'Guernica', Goya's etchings called 'Disasters of War', Ramón Casas's painting 'Garrote Vil' and the screening of 'Workers leaving the Lumière Factory' by the Lumière brothers. Museum is located at C/ Santa Isabel 52. Tel: 917 741 000. Open Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 10:00-21:00 and Sunday 10:00-14:30. General admission €6.

The rapid expansion of Madrid during the 1960s forced the city's officials to commission the building of a raised walkway that would enable communication between the eastern and western zones. On this 320m long and 16m wide lower part is displayed pieces of work from two generations of artists including Andreu Alfaro, Eduardo Chillida, Martín Chirino, Amadeo Gabino, Julio González and Rafael Leoz. At P. de la Castellana 41. Free admission.

Belgian artist Tuerlinckx reinterprets the relationship between space and light. As well as the main installation displayed in the Palacio de Cristal, the exhibition also contains documents and sculptures related to the project that was specially designed for the building in which it is housed. At Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, C/ Santa Isabel 52. Open Monday, Wednesday to Saturday 10:00-21:00 and Sunday 10:00-14:30.General admission €6. Exhibition entrance €3.

The artist from Rome has gradually become one of the most important figures on the artistic scene in the second half of the twentieth century. His work pre-dates the minimalism in the USA and the conceptual art in Europe by a number of years, and it is only now that Lo Savio is getting the recognition he deserves. The exhibition displays roughly 80% of all the artist's work before his premature death in 1963 aged in his late 20s. At Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, C/ Santa Isabel 52. Open Monday, Wednesday to Saturday 10:00-21:00 and Sunday 10:00-14:30.General admission €6. Exhibition entrance €3.

The Spanish photographer presents two exhibitions entitled 'Ephemeral' & 'Stories In Motion'. The focus of the work is to encapsulate and project the notion of being the subject in the picture. He aims to encourage introspection and realisation that our individual worlds are projected outward. At Real Sociedad Fotográfica, C/ Tres Peces 2. Open Monday to Friday 18:30-21:30.

Following the renovation of its exhibition hall, the Fundación Juan March welcomes almost 70 pieces of work on paper by one of the best landscape painters in German romanticism. The exhibition looks at the use and function of pre-drawings and sketches in artwork created through various techniques such as pencil, gouache and watercolour. At Fundación Juan March, C/ Castelló 77. Open Monday to Saturday 11:00-20:00 and Sunday 10:00-14:00.

Organised every year since 1988, the exhibition is for young artists working in Madrid in the world of commercial art. It is a showcase of the latest pieces from 9 young creators displaying a wide range of artistic techniques. At Centro de Arte Joven de la Comunidad de Madrid, Avda. de América 13. Open Monday to Saturday 11:00-14:00 and 18:00-21:00. Free admission.

A presentation of the work of two key figures involved in the stylistic and theoretical creation of Russian constructivism: Liubov Popova and Alexander Rodchenko. The exhibition was organised in conjunction with the Tate Modern in London and contains over 350 pieces by the two artists created between 1917 and 1929. It contains paintings, cinema, theatre posters, books, photographs and sculptures. At Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía , C/ Santa Isabel 52. Open Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 10:00-21:00 and Sunday 10:00-14:30. General admission €6.

A review of this revolutionary pioneer's work courtesy of the Nicéphore Niépce Museum in France. The exhibition comprises a selection of 125 pictures taken between 1920 and 1940 that demonstrate the artist's intense experimentation and his defence of new areas in photography. At Fundación Canal, C/ Mateo Inurria 2. Open 11:00-20:00 and Wednesday 11:00-15:00. Free admission.

The award-winning Colombian artist and photographer presents his latest exhibition in which he explores the notion of public sculpture in the Colombian city on Medellin. He focusses on buildings and creations that are not necessarily considered 'art' in a traditional sense, but nevertheless can be linked to the notion of contemporary sculpture. At Galería Magda Bellotti, C/ Fúcar 22. Open Monday to Friday 10:00-14:00 and 16:30-20:30 and Saturday 10:00-17:00. Free admission.

The exhibition contains a selection of 56 images with which the German photographer has created a great human, scientific adventure. The exhibit represents The LHC, a 27km ring that is buried 100m underground on the French-Swiss border where minuscule particles collide in the middle of four large sensors. It aims to turn citizens into participants in this historic event in the field of particle physics. At Real Jardín Botánico, Pza. Murillo 2. Open 10:00-20:00. Entrance €2.

a tribute to the contemporary art meetings held in Pamplona in June 1972, attended by the main musicians, painters, film makers and poets of the time. It was these meetings that marked the climax and the culmination of the experimental practices of the 1960s. The exhibition consists of one hundred works such as photographs, films, recordings and graphic documents. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, C/ Santa Isabel 52. Open Monday and Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00-21:00 and Sunday 10:00-14:30. General admission €6.

The permanent exhibition in the National Archaeological museum covers thousands of years from the Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans to the modern era. On display are pieces such as delicate ivory objects, Roman sculptures, Greek portraits and Iberian vessels. At Museo Arqueológico Nacional, C/ Serrano 13. Open Tuesday to Saturday 09:30-20:00 and Sunday 09:30-15:00. Free admission.

More than 15,000 fossils, minerals and rocks on public display at the Geominero (Geomineral) Museum, a scientific institution with over 150 years of history. Located on the first floor of the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain, this museum is a treasure on its own displaying items such as traces left by trilobites 500 million years ago, fossils of frogs with details of the muscles and even remnants of the stomach content, gold nuggets measuring several centimetres and pyrite crystals of La Rioja. At Museo Geominero - Instituto Geológico y Minero de España, C/ Ríos Rosas 23. Open Monday to Sunday 09:00-14:00 Free admission.

The launch of Sputnik in 1954 as mankind's first artificial satellite in space signalled the beginning of the Space Race between the USSR and the USA. The exhibition is homage to Serguei P. Korolev and the brilliant team of Soviet engineers who have contributed in no small way to our greater understanding of the cosmos. At Planetario de Madrid, C/ Parque Tierno Galván. Open Tuesday to Sunday 11:00-13:45 and 17:00-19:45. Admission €3.45 for adults and €1.50 concessions.

Traditionally known as the capital for Spanish republican exiles. Thousands of exiled Spaniards settled in southern France after the Republic was overthrown in 1939 and this colony has left its mark on the city through cultural and artistic activities. The exhibition is focussed on remembering the lives and struggles of those men and women who contributed to enriching the French city. At Círculo de Bellas Artes, C/ Alcalá 42. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00 and open Sundays 11:00-14:00. Free admission.

The Belgian artist is one of the most important artist-thinkers of the twentieth century. His conceptual pieces regarding space are a reference point for abstract art at the beginning of the last century. Through painting and sculpture Vantongerloo's first works focused on colour as a physical, perceptive phenomenon. In his latter phase geometric and algebraic rules governed his creations and he became one of the first to apply mathematical thought to art. At Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, C/ Santa Isabel 52. Open Wednesday to Monday 10:00-21:00 and 10:00-14:30 on Sunday. General admission €6. Reduced admission and admission to temporary exhibitions €3.

Award-winning photo-journalist Bru Rovira presents a selection of his images that transport us to different countries and cultures, showing how conception and child rearing are experienced around the world. The displays from the journalist from Barcelona will also be accompanied by work created by some of the school children involved. At CaixaForum Madrid, P. del Prado 36. Open Monday to Sunday 10:00-20:00. Free admission.

Monthly fiction and non-fiction book club. Please contact eee@fontventa.com or 915 423 598 for more details.

American Women's Club of Madrid Moms and Tots group at the clubhouse, Plaza de la República del Ecuador 6, from 10:30. There is no group on 15 September.

Parque de Atracciones de Madrid offers amusement and relaxation for all the family. Rollercoasters, rapids or strolls surrounded by nature there is something for everyone. For younger children there is a special kid's area with 16 mini rides, fairy tale characters, slides and puppets. At Casa de Campo. Full tickets priced at €28.60 for adults (over 7 years old) and €21 for childres (3-6 years old). Tel: 915 268 031.

One of the most important zoos in the world, the Zoo Aquarium of Madrid takes us across five continents to discover over 2000 species. For younger children there is also the hobby farm. Admission €18.50 for adults (over 7 years old) and €15 for children (3-6 years old). See website for opening hours. Tel: 915 123 770.

The world´s richest ecosystems as well as different habitats and natural surroundings convene in this biological park. It houses more than 4000 animals, many plant and tree species and has many documentaries and learning aids throughout. It provides a place for visitors to interact with nature like no other. At Avenida de las Comunidades, 28. Opens 10:00. Prices €24.70 for adults and €19.10 for children and senior citizens.

Hundreds of waxwork replicas of world famous cultural figures, sports stars and political leaders from around the globe. In the museum we can see models of famous people such as Fernando Torres, Rafa Nadal, Penelope Cruz, Miguel de Cervantes, Bart Simpson and Harry Potter. Also included are attractions like the Horror Train and simulators which recreate life in space and the centre of the earth. At Paseo de Recoletos, 41. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00-14:30 and 16:30-20:30. Open 10:00-20:30 Saturday and Sunday. Admission €15 for adults and €10 for children and over 60s.

A place to explore the cosmos and astral phenomena. Designed in 1986 by the City Council of Madrid, the planetarium shows screenings about the cosmos, gives the opportunity to look through telescopes and explains natural happenings such as black holes. There are live feeds of the planets as well as scale models, exhibitions and activities. At Avenida del Planetario, 16. Open Tuesday to Friday 17:00-19:45 and weekends 11:00-1:45 and 17:00-20:45. Entrance €3.55 for adults and €1.55 for children.

A look into space, journeying past planets, nebulae, galaxies and stars. The exhibition displays spectacular photographs of the Milky Way, and the Solar System. Arranged as part of International Astronomy Year. At Instituto Cervantes, C/ Alcalá 49. Open Monday to Saturday 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00, Sunday 11:00-14:00. Tel: 914 367 600.

The world of performing arts as the capital celebrates the traditional Festival de Otoño. It consists music, theatre, dance and circus performances in 35 shows performed by six Spanish companies and troupes from 19 other countries in 11 venues in Madrid and 10 in municipalities of the region. This will be the last autumn edition as from next year, the festival will move to the spring. Please see official website for more details.

The world of performing arts as the capital celebrates the traditional Festival de Otoño. It consists music, theatre, dance and circus performances in 35 shows performed by six Spanish companies and troupes from 19 other countries in 11 venues in Madrid and 10 in municipalities of the region. This will be the last autumn edition as from next year, the festival will move to the spring. Please see official website for more details.

New film releases shown in their original language version at the Yelmo Cineplex, C/ Doctor Cortezo 6. Programme updated weekly. Tel: 902 220 922. E-mail: ideal@yelmocpx.com.

A selection of English and original language films are show at the Cines Verdi, C/ Bravo Murillo 28. Programme updated weekly. Tickets €6.80 and €5. Tel: 914 473 930.

The Renoir cinemas show the latest film releases in their original language versions. Several movie theatres across Madrid. Tickets €6.50 and €6.80. Tel: 902 229 122.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid presents an opportunity to join the Out to Lunch Bunch. The group is interested in exploring great restaurants in and around Madrid. The INC Out to Lunch Bunch meets for lunch once a month to dine at our favourite places. For more information contact membership@incmadrid.com.

A group that meets monthly to sample Spanish wines and socialise. Those who attend the monthly Wine and Tapas should also be willing to host at least once a year. Spouses are invited to this event and each couple must bring a bottle of wine and a plate of tapas to share. Look for details of monthly gatherings in each issue of the International Newcomers Club of Madrid 'Nuevas Amigas' newsletter or contact wineandtapas@incmadrid.com for more details.

One of the great pieces by Italian composer Gioacchino Rosini and said to be his first major comic opera. The two act drama 'The Italian Girl in Algiers' about love and deception will feature Bulgarian mezzo-soprano Vesselina Kasarova as Isabella. Jesús López Cobos is in charge of musical direction and Joan Font, the director of Comediants, is the stage manager. At Teatro Real, Tickets available from www.generaltickets.com or the box office priced €2.40-€272. Performances at 20:00 except Sunday when they will be at 18:00. There will be shows on 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th and 18th November.

Conducted by José Ramón Encinar the Madrid Community Orchestra will play a repertoire of pieces by R. Schedrin ('Two Tangos by Albeniz'), Zulema de la Cruz (the premiere of 'Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra') and E. Elgar ('Enigma Variations'). They are supported by period clarinet player Justo Sanz. At National Auditorium, C/ Príncipe de Vergara 146. Tickets available from www.entradas.com or 902 488 488 priced €8-€17. Performance at 19:30.

The Cafe Berlin's resident jazz band Fractal play a jam session of live music every Monday night and introduce new jazz artists who wish to join in. At the Cafe Berlin, Jacometrezo 4. Tel: 915 215 752.

The 26th edition of the Madrid International Jazz Festival which has become an unmissable event for jazz lovers. Acts will include Joe Lovano, Richard Bona, Cassandra Wilson and Toni Zenet as well as Roy Hargrove, Kike Perdomo & Eric Marienthal, Madeleine Peyroux Patricia Kraus and Edith Salazar. At various venues.

The world of performing arts as the capital celebrates the traditional Festival de Otoño. It consists music, theatre, dance and circus performances in 35 shows performed by six Spanish companies and troupes from 19 other countries in 11 venues in Madrid and 10 in municipalities of the region. This will be the last autumn edition as from next year, the festival will move to the spring. Please see official website for more details.

Weight Watchers support group meets at Saint George's Church of Madrid every Monday at 10:30 and Tuesdays at 15:00 and 19:00. Tel: 915 765 109.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area3@incmadrid.com.

Discover the home of Real Madrid CF. Stand amongst the 80,000 capacity and look down from the dizzying heights onto the field of play. Visit the VIP boxes and the changing rooms and sit where the president and the players have sat and relaxed. Visitors can also experience the playing field and the the benches as well as viewing the trophy room with its haul of 31 league titles, 9 European Cups, 3 Intercontinental Cups and the European Super Cup. At Santiago Bernabéu, Paseo de la Castellana. Open Monday to Friday 10:00-19:00 and Sundays 10:30-18:30. Open game days until 6 hours before kickoff. Price €15 for adults and €10 for children under 14. Tickets available from Window 10 (Gate 7).

In association with The International Newcomers Club of Madrid is the chance to practise your tennis and play in a league. For more information please contact activities@incmadrid.com.

A group of diverse craftswomen. Any woman who enjoys making and selling crafts welcome. If interested, please contact madridhandcrafters@yahoo.es.

The world of performing arts as the capital celebrates the traditional Festival de Otoño. It consists music, theatre, dance and circus performances in 35 shows performed by six Spanish companies and troupes from 19 other countries in 11 venues in Madrid and 10 in municipalities of the region. This will be the last autumn edition as from next year, the festival will move to the spring. Please see official website for more details.

The club organises walking tour for members around the city of Madrid. Leave from Plaza Santa Ana at 11:00 and 20:00 (times vary depending on the season). Reservations required. Tel: 609 143 203.

Guided tour around the old areas of Madrid. Adults €6.45. Under 25s, students, retired and unemployed people €5.05. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 10:00 and Saturday at 12:00. From Plaza Mayor, 27 (Madrid Tourism Centre). Adults €3.30. Under 25s, students, retired and unemployed people €2.70.

Guided tour around features of the city associated with The Bourbon reign such as The Treasury, the Paseo del Prado, the Puerta de Alcalá, the Prado Museum, the Botanical Garden and the Royal Palace. From Plaza Mayor, 27 (Madrid Tourism Centre), Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays 16:00 and Sundays 12:00. Adults €3.30. Under 25s, students, retired and unemployed people €2.70.

The chapel of San Antonio de la Florida contains the great picture cycle painted by Francisco de Goya in the late 18th century. It was declared a national monument in 1905 and has become a museum dedicated to Goya since a second chapel for worship was built next door. At Gta. San Antonio de la Florida 5 (Galería Espacio Kubiko). Open Tuesday to Friday 09:30-20:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00-14:00. Free admission.

Designed over 250 years ago, the botanical gardens in Madrid are home to thousands of plant species covering some 20 acres. Take a stroll round or investigate the plant world with fascinating plants such as the 'living rock cacti' and the bonzai collection donated by former president Felipe Gonzalez. At Jardín Botánico, Plaza de Murillo, 2. Tel: 914 203 017. Open 10:00-18:00 January, February, November and December. 10:00-19:00 March and October.April and September 10:00-20:00. May, June, July and August 10:00-21:00. Entrance €2.

The Royal Palace was home to Spanish Kings Carlos III all the way through to Alfonso XIII. It is no longer the current royal family's home although it is still their official residence. Visitors can walk round the palace and explore the Royal Pharmacy, gallery and the Royal Armoury - a valuable collection of weapons and armour worn by the Kings of Spain and other members of the Royal Family since the 13th century. Every Wednesday except during July, August and September is the changing of the guard at the main gate. The Solemn Changing takes place at midday on the first Wednesday of the month excluding July, August and September. At the Royal Palace, Bailén s/n. Open Monday to Saturday 09:00-18:00 and Sunday 09:00-15:00 April to September and 09:30-17:00 Monday to Saturday and Sunday 09:00-14:00 during October to March. Entrance €8. €10 for a guided tour.

This train will take you to the historic city of Sigüenza with its castle, cathedral, the Plaza Mayor as well as other emblematic locations. On the train you will encounter minstrels, knights, damsels and beautiful princesses while music and stories introduce the villages and towns you see on the way. Passengers also get to taste a selection of delicious sweets made especially for the journey. Train departs from Chamartín Train Station, Agustín de Foxá s/n at 10:00. Return time to Madrid is 19:30. Tickets available from stations with advanced ticket offices priced €26 for adults and €16 for children under 14.

Known as the Paseo del Arte, the walk is about 2 kilometres long and is devoted entirely to culture. Although unguided and completely your own choice, the recognised route starts at Círculo de Bellas Artes, Alcalá 42 before moving to the Instituto Cervantes, at Alcalá 49. You then progress to the Casa de América at Plaza de Cibeles 2 before travelling to one of the best museums in the world; Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza at Paseo del Prado 8. After that comes the Museo del Prado at Paseo del Prado s/n and CaixaForum at Paseo del Prado 36. The Royal Botanical Gardens are the next stop located at Plaza de Murillo 2, before moving on to the Museo Reina Sofía at Santa Isabel 52, the Arola Madrid at Santa Isabel 52, La Casa Encendida at Ronda de Valencia 2, the Teatro Circo Price at Ronda de Atocha 35 and finally La Fábrica located at Alameda 9.

Producing hand-woven tapestries, carpets and reposteros (ornamental cloths hung from windows or balconies) since its opening in 1721, the tapestry factory is now officially a foundation. It was opened by King Philip V to supply to Royal court with luxury carpets and tapestries as factories had done in his native France. Produce from the factory is still made the same way today as it was three centuries ago and visitors have a chance to see the process at the factory museum. At Real Fábrica de Tapices, Fuenterrabía 2. Open 10:00-14:00 Monday to Friday. Entrance €3.50.

Hop on and hop off bus tours with two routes to chose from; Modern Madrid and Historical Madrid. Tickets available from travel agencies, hotels, Madrid Vision buses and on-line priced from €7.50 for children, €17.00 for adults and €8.50 for senior citizens. Group tickets available. Tel: 917 791 888.

The Teleferico is an original and eco-friendly cable car that connects the city centre with the Casa de Campo. At Paseo del Pintor Rosales. Times and dates of operation vary. Consult website for running times. Priced €2.70-€5.10. Tel: 915 417 450.

Built on the site of the old church that was demolished in 1870, Madrid's new cathedral was completed in 1993 after 110 years of work. At Calle de Bailén 8.

Madrid’s most famous square and named after the city gate adorned by an image of the sun that once stood there, Puerta del Sol, also marks Kilometre Zero, the very centre of Spain. The square also contains the sculpture El Oso y El Madroño (The Bear and the Hackberry Tree) by Antonio Navarro Santa Fe which is the official symbol of the City of Madrid.

Gran Via is one of Madrid's largest and most important roads. Along both side are old buildings that have been maintained beautifully comprising offices, housing and shops. It is one of Madrid's primary shopping areas as well as being the Broadway of the city. At the Plaza Espana end, the city's large theatres line the streets playing host to productions such as The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Mama Mia.

The fountain was sculpted from white marble by Juan Pascual de Mena for King Carlos III and portrays the god of the seas in a shell-shaped chariot pulled by seahorses. Fuente de Neptuno was commissioned based on drawings made by Ventura Rodríguez in around 1782. Originally situated in the Prado del Apolo, the statue was moved to the centre of the Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo in 1898, where it still remains today. At Plaza Cánovas del Castillo, s/n.

In 1759 King Carlos III entered Madrid through the Puerta de Alcalá. Originally a 16th century baroque gate, the King decided that it was too small a gate to mark such a grand occasion. He commissioned Italian architect Sabatini to design and build a gate to be its replacement. The 'new' gate took 9 years to complete a is constructed out of granite and limestone. It consists of three archways and two rectangular passages and is adorned with statutes and sculptures. It now stands in the Plaza de la Independencia near the Retiro Park and the designer shops of Barrio de Salamanca. Classified as a national monument and is one of Spain's widely recognised tourist spectacles.

Named after the Greek goddess of the Earth, agriculture and fertility, the statue in the fountain depicts Cibele in a chariot pulled by two lions. The statue is the work of several artists, Ventura Rodriguez, Miguel Ximenez, Francisco Gutierrez and Roberto Michel. Fuente de Cibeles originally stood to one side of the square in 1781 and eventually ended up at its current location in 1895. At Plaza Cibeles, s/n.

Madrid's main square, originally called 'Plaza del Arrabal', was planned during the Habsburg period by Philip II and his architect Juan de Herrera, but wasn't inaugurated until 1619 and Philip III's reign. It wasn't for two centuries and three fires later that the square was finally completed, with Juan de Villanueva joining the four sides with its characteristic archways. Over history the square has been the venue for events such as bullfights, markets, football matches and public executions.

The city walls are one of the rare remnants of Madrid under Muslim rule. Dating from the 9th century, the walls were built during the reign of Emir Muhammad I of Córdoba. The walls were built as part of defences for a fortress called Mayrit, an Arabic word meaning source of life. It is from this word that the name of the city is said to derive. Only a small piece of the wall remains after being discovered with a 12th century Christian wall and other Moorish remains in 1953. At Cuesta de la Vega, s/n.

Originally built in 1537 as a palace for the Cardinal Cisneros by his nephew Benito Jiménez de Cisneros, Casa de Cisneros is one of only a few examples of gothic architecture left in Madrid. The building façade is made of granite, and its interior houses town hall departments as well as all types of Spanish art including 15th century tapestries, engravings and blueprints. At Plaza de la Villa, 4.

The tower and its adjoining house date back to the early 15th century making it one of the tallest buildings in the city at the time. It is one of the oldest buildings in the Plaza de la Villa and its entrance still bears the original owner’s coat of arms. This relic remains as one of the few remaining gothic symbols in the city. Today it is owned and used by departments of Madrid’s Town Hall. At Plaza de la Villa, s/n.

Madrid's town hall was designed by Juan Gómez de Mora in 1640. Other famous architects such as José de Villarreal, Teodoro Ardemans, Juan de Villanueva and Luis Bellido added to the exterior and interior of the palace until it was finally finished in 1696. It served as both a town hall and a prison. At Plaza de la Villa, 5. A guided tour is provided on Mondays at 17:00 in Spanish and English. Free admission.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area5@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area2@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area4@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area2@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid 'Area 1' (La Moreleja, Ciudalcampo, Fuente del Fresno, Santo Domingo areas) Book Club meets once a month to discuss "good reads" and the "pick of the month" over coffee and cake. If interested, please contact area1@incmadrid.com for more info. INC members from all areas welcome.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area1@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid 'Area 1' (La Moreleja, Ciudalcampo, Fuente del Fresno, Santo Domingo areas) welcomes anyone who would like to join them for their 5K walk. The walk takes about an hour and then the group has coffee. If interested, please contact our Area 1 contact area1@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area4@incmadrid.com.

The International Newcomers Club of Madrid offers the chance to meet English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents. The coffee morning takes place once a month in the home of a member that lives in your locality. Please check website for the date of the event in your area. Contact area2@incmadrid.com.