Running in the city can be frustrating because of the heavy traffic. However, the city centre provides a marvelous variety of monuments and architecture to take in as you pass - just run before 8 a.m. if you want to miss the traffic and the heat. Start at Puerta del Sol (metro Sol), the square that is literally and figuratively at the centre of Spain, and a favorite meeting place for all visitors and locals alike. Take Calle San Jerónimo to the Plaza Cánovas del Castillo. Cross over the cobblestones of Paseo del Prado, and then continue up Calle de Felipe IV, passing the Prado on your right. At the top, turn left onto Calle Alfonso XII, alongside Parque del Retiro, and continue past Plaza de la Independencia onto Calle de Serrano. At the centre of the plaza is the Puerta de Alcalá, built in the 18th century and one of only two original gates remaining from the city walls. Calle de Serrano itself is a major shopping district, with high-fashion boutiques and famous labels such as Loewe, which makes exceptional Spanish-leather goods. After three blocks along Calle de Serrano, turn left through the Jardines del Descubrimiento, then left onto Paseo de Recoletos. At Plaza de la Cibeles - the popular gathering spot for Real Madrid supporters after home games - turn right and head down Calle de Alcalá for Puerta del Sol, your starting point. The whole loop is approximately 6 kilometers.

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