Close to the centre of town, and not far from the Plaza de Cibeles, the National Library is one of Madrid's sometimes overlooked attractions. But if you miss the National Library (or Biblioteca Nacional de España), you'll miss out on more than just 15 million books, and hundreds of thousands of manuscripts, newspapers, magazines and pictures.You'll fail to connect with a library hooked into one of the most vibrant cultural love-affairs of the last millennium – the flow of ideas between the Arab and Western worlds, that finally put Europe back in touch with its Classical heritage. The National Library has also managed to gather a huge number of works from Spain's medieval past. It was a time the Moors translated classic Greek texts, and when Jews translated the Arabic back into Latin – so bringing the Greek treatises, philosophies and science into the hands of European scholars. That's how a Renaissance was born. That story is just one many told in the Library's exhibitions, which range over everything from Islamic Spain, to the discovery of the New World, to Spain's radical literature of the Civil War. Peel back the cover of any episode in Spain's intriguing history, and the written word is sure to be lurking behind it. And the Library is well worth seeing up-close, especially for the grandeur of its huge reading rooms, opened in the late 19th century. The Library has recently opened a museum dedicated to books and the art of literary communication. It has exhibits looking at the origins of writing and the history of knowledge and printing and it also has the Hall of the Muses. This is where some of Library's rarest and most treasured books, manuscripts and folios are displayed. Here in Madrid's National Library, you really can have history just under your fingertips.
National Library Tours and Activities
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Tours & day trips
See all 652 activitiesOpens in new tabDay Tour to Toledo, Segovia & optional visit to Avila. 3 cities in 1 day
Private & custom tours
See all 168 activitiesOpens in new tabMadrid: Private City Tour by Electric Tuk Tuk
Shows & concerts
See all 42 activitiesOpens in new tabMadrid: Live Flamenco Show with Food and Drinks Options
Adventure & outdoor
See all 37 activitiesOpens in new tabMadrid: Private City Tour by Electric Tuk Tuk
Classes & workshops
See all 31 activitiesOpens in new tabSpanish Cooking Class: Paella, Tapas & Sangria in Madrid
Popular places to visit
National Archaeological Museum
Take a trip into the past as you explore the collections of this vast museum. Find prehistoric cave paintings, Roman mosaics and Greek vases under one roof.
Plaza de Colon
See two distinctive monuments honoring Christopher Columbus and then spend the rest of the day discovering the sights and sounds of the busy Paseo de la Castellana.
Puerta de Alcalá
Marking the point where old Madrid started, this impressive gateway remains a part of Madrid's heritage. Wars, rebellion and assassinations have all left their mark.
Teatro Fernan Gomez
Enjoy a show at Teatro Fernan Gomez, a theatre with a story to tell in Madrid. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.
Madrid Wax Museum
Rich with history, Madrid Wax Museum is a cultural attraction worth visiting in Madrid. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.
Fundacion MAPFRE Recoletos Exhibition Hall
You can study the exhibits at Fundacion MAPFRE Recoletos Exhibition Hall, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Madrid. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.
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- Gran Via
- Plaza Mayor
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- Prado Museum
- El Retiro Park
- Madrid Zoo Aquarium
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- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
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- U.S. Embassy