Museum of the Americas (Museo de América)

The basics

The museum's displays are spread out over three levels. The ground floor is where you'll find temporary exhibits, while the middle and top floors showcase permanent exhibits on society, religion, and communications, among other themes. Objects of particular interest include the Codex Tudela, which conveys information about 16th-century Aztec culture, and a sculpted head of the Incan creator god, Viracocha.

Things to know before you go

• The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the Americas.

• People under the age of 18 and over age 65 visit free.

• The museum has a gift shop and a small café, both near the entrance.

• The Museum of the Americas is wheelchair accessible, and is equipped with tools for people needing hearing and visual help.

How to get there

The museum is located in the Chamberí part of northern Madrid, and is easy to reach using public transportation. Lines 3, 6, and 7 of the Madrid Metro stop nearby, as do bus numbers 1, 2, 44, 46, 61, 82, 113, 132, and 133. There's also a parking lot that's free on weekends and public holidays.

When to get there

The museum is open daily, with extended hours on Thursday evenings. Admission is free on Thursdays from mid-afternoon onwards, and all day on Sundays. The museum is also free on select public holidays and for a full week in honor of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, which takes place on August 9.

Casa de Campo

Less than a 10-minute drive from the museum lies the Casa de Campo, a massive green space that's ideal for travelers looking to get a bit of fresh air. Spread out over 4,250 acres (1,722 hectares), this park was once a hunting ground for Spain's royal family. Today it's a popular place for jogging, picnicking, and cycling.