During this period, Madrid underwent a complete transformation, begun by José Bonaparte, who wanted to expand the internal network by building a wide avenue,. This was continued by Isabel II, who remodelled the Puerta del Sol, creating boulevards and establishing the districts of Salamanca and the Ciudad Lineal.
This tour can start out in Plaza de Oriente with a visit to the Teatro Real, then crossing Puerta del Sol, and reaching Calle del Prado, where Ateneo - the capital's literary and artistic centre - can be found, the Congreso de los Diputados, the Teatro de la Zarzuela and the Banco de España.
This route leads to the Museo del Prado, whose art gallery is one of the largest in the world. Visiting it can take a whole day.At this point you reach the most beautiful of the many parks found in Madrid, the Parque del Retiro, whose most notable sights include the Palacio de Cristal, the Palacio de Velázquez and its large lake, which can be crossed on hired boats.