See Madrid by cable car

• Review
• Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Ask any Madrileño if they've been on their city's cable car and they'll probably say "Yes! But when I was five!" That's how old it is, and by the looks of it -- I'm pretty sure over the last 20 years, nothing has changed!

Called the "teleferico" in Spanish, this cable car takes you across the city, from Parque de Oeste to Casa De Campo, along which you will see the outline of the city centre and the wild greenness of Casa De Campo.

It's an 11 minute ride in total along 2.5km and you are at a height of 40 metres; half way through, they drop you in the Park of Casa De Campo where you can take a stroll, have a picnic, eat at their humble restaurant, or have a coffee at there even more humble cafeteria. 

Unfortunately, the commentary inside the cable car (you get one to yourself, and it can take upto 5 people) is in Spanish! Yes, Spain is so not organised to be an international city for foreigners, but that's really one of the reasons I like it. "Officially" they may not take the steps they should to make it tourist friendly, but the "unofficial" kindness of the locals here, and their keeness to help, makes up for that. Having said that, the current tune for the ride pre and post commentary is Phil Collins Greatest Hits, so you won't feel that estranged! :)

All in all, it's not spectacular -- Madrid does not particularly have a stunning skyline, but it's certainly not a waste of time either.

The cable car time-table is different depending on the day you go, but it is generally open all day every day. Round trip per head costs €5.

Closest Metro: ARGUELLES
Address: Paseo del Pintor Rosales s/n 

  

1 Parque de Oeste

2 Casa de Campo