Madrid has just launched its public bicycle service: Bicimad. it was launched last july, and to mark the occasion we would like to share with you the best way to get to know the city: by pedalling around it!. Whether on the electric bicycles in this new initiative or the old BMX’s relegated to the past, the fact is that there are more and more tourists and madrid natives who are choosing this means of transport when circulating around or discovering the city.
In addition to the green ring, a circular route 65 km long that runs around Madrid’s urban area, there are also alternative routes worth getting to know. One of the most surprising points of departure is the southern area, a witness of the city’s industrial past. This area, a three-pronged route through the rural landscape made up of Paseo de las Delicias, Paseo de Santa María de la Cabeza and Ronda de Atocha, used to be an entrance to the court during the reign of Charles III.
With the arrival of the railroads and technological advances, this entire zone was redesigned for factories, workers’ housing and other services like hospices, markets and slaughterhouses. Today this industrial appearance has given way to a more urban, cosmopolitan look. The old trident is now the home to former factories, many of them verging on monumental in appearance, which house cultural institutions and other organisations that are representative of the city.
Another interesting route begins at the Palacio Real and follows part of the layout of the old Muslim wall, which is known as the Madrid of Arts and Crafts. Near El Rastro market, you will discover the multicultural neighbourhood of Lavapiés – something different and highly recommended!
But if you prefer to be in touch with nature, you can take an outing to the monastery of El Escorial and travel though its beautiful trails nearby. And don’t forget the Parque del Retiro, which has asphalted pathways but a totally natural heart.
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