A cheap way to see many of the Spanish capital's cultural attractions is the Madrid Card, which combines a transportation pass (including Madrid Vision bus tours) with free entry to various museums and art centers. The cost is 42€ ($67) for a day, 55€ ($88) for 2 days, and 68€ ($108) for 3 days. Buy it at the main Plaza Mayor tourist office, on Madrid Vision buses, at newspaper kiosks, or online at www.madridcard.com.
Private Galleries -- Madrid has about 150 private art galleries, where you can view and buy the work of modern artists of all styles. Some of the best galleries are located on Claudio Coello in the Salamanca district. These include Guillermo de Osma, Claudio Coello 4-1° izda. (tel. 91-435-59-36; ww.guillermodeosma.com; Mon-Fri 10am-2pm and 4:30-8:30pm, Sat noon-2pm; Metro: Retiro; bus: 2, 19, 20, 21, 28, 53, or 146); Paz Feliz, Claudio Coello 17 (tel. 91-575-86-86; Mon-Fri 10am-2pm and 5-8pm, Sat 11am-2pm; Metro: Retiro or Serrano; bus: 1, 21, 53 or 74); and Jorge Alcolea, Claudio Coello 28 (tel. 91-431-65-92; www.galeriajorgealcolea.com; 10:30am-2:30pm and 5:30-9:30pm; Metro: Retiro or Serrano; bus: 1, 21, 53 or 74). If you're keen on sculptures, visit Capa Esculturas, Claudio Coello 19 (tel. 91-431-05-93; www.capaesculturas.com; Mon-Fri 10am-2pm and 5-8pm, Sat 11am-2pm; Metro: Retiro or Serrano; bus: 1, 21, 53 or 74).
A prominent gallery in Chueca district is Oliva Arauna, Barquillo 29 (tel. 91-435-18-08; www.olivarauna.com; Mon-Fri 10am-2pm and 5-8pm, Sat 11am-2pm; Metro: Chueca; bus: 2, 19, 20, 21, 28, 53, or 146).
