Top must see's in Madrid

Hola! I just spent 4 days in the capital of Spain. It was my first time in Madrid and I enjoyed it very much. I took a lot of photos and now I will give you some tips for culture, art and parks in Madrid.

1) CULTURE

Madrid is a city full of magnificent buildings. If you are interested in culture and art like me, Madrid could be the perfect destination for your next city trip.

Next to the numerous palaces, the buildings in the center of Madrid are absolutely worth seeing.

Palacio Real, Royal Palace

is the official residence of the Spanish Royal family. 

There is a museum in the older part of the palace. It's so interesting to see the old rooms of the royalty. 

There is even a small chapel in the museum. 

Museo Cerralbo, Cerralbo Museum
is a tiny Museum next to the Royal Palace.
It contains old private art collections such as paintings, sculptures,furniture and more. The building itself is also breathtaking. You really should visit this small Museum.

Museo del Prado
is one of the biggest and most famous art museums in the world. In my opinion it's even a bit bigger than the Louvre in Paris. I certainly couldn't see all of the museum, but I saw the 10 Picasso paintings the museum is housing right now.
Next to that the museum contains paintings of Spanish, French, English, Italian painters. 

Plaza de Cibeles
is a square with a neo-classical complex of marble sculptures and fountains in the center of Madrid. The beautiful Cibele palace is the Madrid city hall and it has become the symbolic monument of the city. Some flats of the building are opened to public, for example the 7th floor, which is a terrace-bar.

Biblioteca Nacional de España(National library of Spain)
is a major public library, the largest in Spain and one of the largest libraries in the world. It is located on the "Paseo de Recoletos".

Templo de Debod (Temple of Debod)
is an ancient Egyptian temple which was rebuilt in Madrid. The temple is surrounded by a park and a small lake.

Puerta de Alcalá
is a neo-classical monument in the "Plaza de la Independencia" (Independence square). 
Tip: Visit this monument at night, it's much nicer then.

2) GREEN PART OF THE CITY - PARKS

Jardin Botanico - Botanical Garden

is a park next to the Prado museum. The gardens contain all kinds of flowers and trees. 
Visit the garden if you want to have a break from sightseeing or shopping.

Parque del Retiro (Retiro park)
is my favorite place in Madrid. It is a large park including lakes, fountains, libraries and palaces (with exhibitions).
El Retiro is filled with beautiful sculptures and monuments, galleries, a peaceful lake and it hosts to a variety of events, it is one of Madrid's premier attractions.

Tip: Visit the magnificent Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace). 
The glass structure was built in 1887 to exhibit flora and fauna from the Philippines. The architect was Ricardo Velázquez Bosco.