The gorgeous Palacio de Cibeles looks like a ready-made backdrop for a fountain. With its white spumes of climbing pinnacles, pilasters and towers – all glistening in the sunshine – you'd be surprised if there wasn't a fountain splashing around at its base. And this flamboyant building does indeed have a one – the famous Cibeles Fountain. This statue of the Roman Goddess of Fertility, leaning back in her lion-drawn chariot, is world-famous, with its crystal jets of water shooting out from its base. Put Palace and Fountain together, and you have one of Madrid's best known icons – the Plaza de Cibeles.But for all its gloriously uplifting high-gothic looks (some have called it 'Spanish Gothic'), the Palacio de Cibeles has a rather functional history. It was erected here by the architect Antonio Palacios a century ago, as the main office of Spain's postal service – and called the Palacio de Comunicaciones (or the Communications Palace). And it continued to deal with matters postal, as the Postal and Telegraphic Museum, until 2007, when the city's government moved in, and renamed it to the Casa del Ayuntamiento (or City Hall). It is now the grand seat of government for the city's Mayor, as well as home for many of Madrid's administrative workers. But it isn't entirely out-of-bounds to visitors. There's an exhibition space on the lower floors, which is open to the public, as well as guided tours, and the Colección Cibeles, an excellent café and tapas bar.But it's the view from the top of the City Hall's impressive looking tower (over 46 metres up) which brings many sightseers into these halls of civic power. It's open to the public – with a free-ticket service during the day – and is a great way to take in the elegant grandeur of central Madrid and views over the Parque de Retiro. And if you want to wine and dine while you admire, you could always book a table at the sixth-floor Palacio de Cibeles restaurant. This is a top-class restaurant with a first-rate view.
City Hall Tours and Activities
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Attractions
See all 20 activitiesOpens in new tabReal Madrid Bernabeu Tour - Flexible Ticket (Ticket Only)
Tours & day trips
See all 656 activitiesOpens in new tabDay Tour to Toledo, Segovia & optional visit to Avila. 3 cities in 1 day
Private & custom tours
See all 162 activitiesOpens in new tabMadrid: Private City Tour by Eco Tuk Tuk
Shows & concerts
See all 43 activitiesOpens in new tabTicket for Flamenco Show at Madrid Theatre
Adventure & outdoor
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Popular places to visit
Plaza de la Villa
Admire the beautifully preserved historic buildings that line this charming square in the heart of Madrid.
Monastery of Corpus Christi las Carboneras
You can find out about the history of Madrid with a stop at Monastery of Corpus Christi las Carboneras. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.
San Miguel Market
Shop for fresh produce, attend a festival or relax with a drink and some tapas at Madrid’s popular marketplace.
Sobrino de Botin
Written about by author Ernest Hemingway and visited by artist Francisco de Goya, one of the world’s oldest restaurants has countless stories to tell.
Casa de Cisneros
You can learn about the history of Madrid with a visit to Casa de Cisneros. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.
Don Alvaro de Bazan Statue
Learn about the local history of Madrid when you spend time at Don Alvaro de Bazan Statue. Experience the entertainment choices and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.
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- Gran Via
- Plaza Mayor
- Puerta del Sol
- Parque Warner Madrid
- Prado Museum
- El Retiro Park
- Madrid Zoo Aquarium
- WiZink Center
- Cívitas Metropolitan Stadium
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
- Paseo de la Castellana
- Plaza de España - Princesa
- Plaza de Cibeles
- U.S. Embassy