Places helenthemelon25 Wants to Go

A small but stubborn relic of Spain’s turbulent past hides in plain sight.

Along the pavement of this neighborhood in Madrid are quotes from famous authors.

This grand gate once marked the entrance to a military barracks.

Shrapnel scars and bullet holes from the Spanish Civil War can still be seen in this monument to Spanish doctor Federico Rubio.

A comprehensive look at the art of Joaquín Sorolla in his former home in Madrid.

A giant hand emerging from the ground beckons visitors into a park in Madrid.

This sculpture pays homage to the street sweepers of Madrid since its inauguration in 2001 in Plaza Jacinto Benavente.

A home for Spain's version of the Tooth Fairy, hidden in an old gas company register.

Dr. Fleming's work saved the lives of many bullfighters thanks to his discovery of penicillin.

This open-air sculpture museum is located under a bridge in the center of Madrid.

The magic of Spanish aviation housed under one roof.

After the queen of Spain had a dream where these statues fell and crushed her, they were removed from the palace and given new homes around Madrid.

The oldest vestiges of Madrid found here, have been incorporated into this new museum.

This dragon narrowly escaped demolition.

Inaugurated three times, this tower offers some of the best views of Madrid.

A window into a long-lost world, these colorful tiles advertise a long-defunct range of purgative teas, harmless smokables, and diarrhea cures.

A towering monument in Spain has proven to be more labor-intensive than initially planned.

This small museum tucked within a subway station holds pieces from Madrid's past.

This fascinating and poignant museum chronicles every imaginable aspect of Spanish colonialism in the Americas.

Just like in Hollywood, Madrid has also a forgotten walk of fame.

Among the oldest structures in Madrid, these Moorish walls once guarded the medieval city of Mayrit.

Over two centuries old and counting, Madrid's massive botanical garden contains one of Europe's only desert environments.

A lush indoor jungle fills this bustling Madrid transportation hub.

Fully ignoring any conventions of fine dining, chef Peter Vazquez turns out some of the best meals in the city in takeaway containers.