SPORTING VENUES
1. Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
Avenida de Concha Espina 1 • Metro Santiago Bernabéu • Stadium Tour: daily except 1 Jan & 25 Dec • Adm (under 4s free) • www.realmadrid.com/estadio-santiago-bernabeu
This stadium was named after the president and former player, Santiago Bernabéu, who oversaw its construction. Real Madrid, recognised by FIFA as the ‘Best Club of the 20th Century’, has won more than 90 trophies in both domestic and international competitions since its formation in 1902. A stadium tour allows visitors to view these trophies up close and also includes a panoramic view of the 81,044-seater stadium, a tour of the team changing rooms and grounds, as well as an audiovisual and interactive display about the club.
The impressive exterior of the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
2. Wanda Metropolitano
Avenida de Luis Aragones, 4 • Metro Estadio Metropolitano • Guided tours: check website • Adm • www.atleticodemadrid.com/wandametropolitano
Real Madrid’s arch-rivals, Atlético de Madrid, play in this 68,000 seat stadium, in San Blas. For most of its history, the club has lived in the shadow of Real Madrid, but all is forgotten when the two clash in annual matches, billed as the “duel of the gods”. The club’s best season was in 1996 when it won a league and cup, but four years later the club suffered the humiliation of being relegated to the second division. King Felipe VI has been the Honorary President since 2003. In 2017, the club moved here from its previous stadium, The Estadio Vicente Calderon.
3. WiZink Center
Avenida Felipe II • Metro Goya, O’Donnell or Príncipe de Vergara • www.wizinkcenter.es
Inaugurated in February 2005, the WiZink Center (previously known as the Palacio de los Deportes, or Sports Palace) occupies the site of a former sports centre that was destroyed by fire in 2001. The building seats 18,000 spectators and was designed to accommodate several sports including athletics, basketball, handball, tennis and boxing. As well as improving both safety and security measures, the centre’s acoustics were enhanced in order to make it suitable for pop and rock concerts.
4. Las Ventas
Calle de Alcalá 237 • Metro Ventas • www.las-ventas.com
Although controversial, bullfighting has been an integral part of Spanish tradition for centuries. Corridas (fights) in Madrid take place annually from March to December in the Las Ventas stadium, one of the largest bullrings in the world. It houses a museum which portrays the historic and cultural significance of bullfighting. Tours of the arena and museum are available all year round.
5. Jogging Venues
Most Madrileños head for the Retiro, Jardines Sabatini, Casa de Campo or Madrid Río Park and Paseo Pintor Rosales with views of the Parque del Oeste.
6. Outdoor Swimming Pools
www.esmadrid.com/en/summer-pools
Madrid’s outdoor swimming pools are open from June to mid-September. The Casa de Campo, which has three pools – children’s, intermediate and Olympic-sized – where visitors can unwind. Children and adults can also cool off at Urban Beach in Madrid Rio.
7. Hipódromo de la Zarzuela
Avenida Padre Huidobro, Road A-6, 8km • 917 40 05 40 • Opening times vary • Closed Jan & Feb • Adm (spring & fall: under 18s free; summer: under 14s free) • www.hipodromodelazarzuela.es
Tickets for horse racing can be booked in advance online, by phone or in person at the racetrack on Sundays, 11:30am–3pm. Visit the stables before racing begins to pick the favourite, and enjoy live music after the winner is announced.
8. Madrid Caja Mágica
Parque Lineal del Manzanares, Camino de Perales 23 • Metro San Fermín-Orcasur • Opening times vary according to events being held there
This hi-tech sports complex, designed by architect Dominique Perrault, is dedicated to tennis. It includes 11 indoor and 16 outdoor tennis courts.
9. Circuito del Jarama
Circuito del Jarama, Road A-1, 28km • Bus No. 166 from Plaza Castilla • www.jarama.org
Fans of automovilísmo (motor racing)or motociclísmo (motorcycle racing) should head to this track, close to San Sebastián de los Reyes, 28 km (17 miles) northeast of Madrid. Race meetings are held here throughout the summer, with a range of activities available, including karting and driving courses. Booking is essential.
10. Club de Campo Villa de Madrid
Carretera de Castilla 2km• Bus Nos. 160, 161 and A from Moncloa • www.ccvm.es
Golf is big business in Spain, due to the interest generated by the likes of champions José María Olazábal and the late Severiano Ballesteros. Even though it is a barren terrain, several 18-hole courses are in the Greater Madrid area. The Club de Campo was designed by Javier Arana in 1957 and is one of the best in Europe.
Club de Campo Villa de Madrid
