Trip to Madrid: The Spanish capital has nothing to envy about Barcelona or Seville! Madrid may not be known for its beaches, but it offers a buzz you won’t find anywhere else in Spain.
Here are some suggestions for making the most of Madrid’s unique beauty and special energy.
TREAT YOURSELF TO A CROWD AND FLAVOURS
Any trip to Spain must start on a tasty note. A true temple of gastronomy, the San Miguel market has seduced the taste buds of millions of visitors since its opening in 1916. At the heart of this imposing glass and iron structure, located in the very center of the city, chefs and producers offer a gourmet journey through Spain, from seafood to cheeses and cold meats, including a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.
San Miguel Market , Plaza de San Miguel
EXPLORE THE LARGE SQUARES OF THE HISTORIC CENTER
Head to Puerta del Sol, the nerve center of the city, where a lively atmosphere reigns at any time of the day. It is in this semi-circular square that you can take a photo of Spain’s kilometer zero and greet the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree (the emblem of Madrid).
A little further, the Plaza Mayor offers you a completely different atmosphere, but above all, a journey back in time. Finally, some of the capital’s oldest buildings surround the smaller, but no less significant, Plaza de la Villa.
SOAK UP THE EXCITEMENT OF MADRID
In the evening, head to the Chueca district to mingle with the local wildlife. The area is full of bars and restaurants where you can drink a vermouth or a beer and eat some tapas. While you can taste an impressive variety of Spanish wines at Vinoteca Vides, a truly amazing beer and marinade duo awaits you at Hermanos Vinagre. And if you want to taste different Spanish specialties, opt for a gourmet trip to the San Antón market.
Vinoteca Vides , Calle de la Libertad, 12
Hermanos Vinagre , Calle de Gravina, 17
Mercado de San Antón , Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 24
STROLL THROUGH RETIRO PARK
Every big city has its green lungs, and Madrid does not disappoint. Retiro Park is not only home to more than 15,000 trees, a magnificent rose garden, and a large pool where you can sail aboard a boat, but also a major attraction, the Crystal Palace. This example of typical iron architecture in Spain, which today hosts certain temporary exhibitions at the Reina Sofia Museum, is regularly open to the public. With luck, you will be able to treat yourself to a magnificent bath of light through its large windows during your visit.
ADMIRE THE PLAZA DE CIBELES
Madrid is full of pretty squares, but Plaza de Cibeles definitely stands out from the crowd. Inaugurated in 1782, its sumptuous fountain faces an equally sublime palace, which today houses the town hall. If you’re in the capital on a match day, don’t be surprised to see Real Madrid fans gathering around the fountain in the event of a victory. The Plaza de Cibeles also marks the beginning of the Paseo del Prado, one of the most beautiful avenues in the city, with its large, century-old trees.
WINDOW SHOPPING ON GRAN VÍA
Connecting the districts of Salamanca and Argüelles, Gran Vía is undoubtedly the busiest avenue in Madrid, with its hotels, shops, and restaurants. Moreover, it is on this lively street that you can admire the famous Metrópolis building, topped with a large dome. To observe Madrid from the air, go to the Gourmet Experience Gran Vía space on the top floor of the El Corte Inglés store. On the menu: cocktails, varied tapas, and breathtaking views of the city’s rooftops.
Gourmet Experience Gran Vía (El Corte Inglés) , Plaza del Callao, 2
SAVOR THE BEST CHURROS IN MADRID
There is nothing better than a chocolate break to regain your strength before tackling a key monument of the city. As you return to the small streets of the historic centre, let your appetite guide you to the terrace of the Chocolatería San Ginés, near the Plaza Mayor. This famous Madrid institution, founded in 1894, serves churros to be dipped in a cup of hot chocolate to hundreds of customers per day. Guaranteed treat!
Chocolatería San Ginés , Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5
FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF Loyalty.
Although the current monarchs no longer inhabit this gigantic palace, which houses more than 3,000 rooms, visitors are invited to step back in time by exploring the former official residence of Spanish kings, from Charles III to Alfonso XIII. The visit allows you to admire certain rooms, including the main staircase, the throne room, and the kitchens, but above all to discover an impressive collection of royal armor. To end on a peaceful note, treat yourself to a stroll in the Sabatini Gardens.
Royal Palace of Madrid , Calle de Bailén
ENJOY (AGAIN) THE NIGHTLIFE
Continue this historic trip with a stop at La Venencia for a glass of sherry, a wine produced in Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia. The rule to follow is: to
put away your camera and let yourself be immersed in the atmosphere of another era. A little later, immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere at Viva Madrid, a popular establishment that offers original cocktails and a fine selection of tapas in a decor punctuated with traditional tiles and woodwork. The evening has only just begun!
La Venencia , Calle de Echegaray, 7
Viva Madrid , Calle de Manuel Fernández y González, 7
VISIT THE PRADO MUSEUM AND TAKE IN THE SIGHTS
Treat yourself to the best of the Paseo del Arte (the Art Walk)! With its immense collection, which includes nearly 8,600 paintings and 700 sculptures from the 12th to the 19th centuries, the Prado Museum is a must. Inaugurated in 1819, the establishment has continued to grow over the years to ultimately become one of the most important art museums in the world. Don’t miss the rooms dedicated to Diego Velásquez and Francisco Goya, great names in Spanish art.
Prado Museum , Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23
RELAX OVER A GOOD COFFEE
As you stroll through the streets of Madrid, you will notice how the capital is full of beautiful cafes. To rest a little during this cultural journey, stop at a café in the Las Letras district, the former favourite haunt of great Spanish writers. There are two interesting options: Etual Café and its friendly setting, or ACID Café and its delicious pastries.
Etual Café , Calle de la Alameda, 8
ACID Café , Calle de la Veronica, 9
GO ON WITH THE ART THEME FOR THE DAY
Now dedicate your afternoon to modern and contemporary art, from 1900 to today. Housed in a converted former hospital, the Reina Sofia Museum is an exceptional place where you can treat yourself to thrills by admiring up close the “Guernica”, the flagship work of Pablo Picasso, painter, and sculptor born in Malaga. The museum also brings together magnificent works by Dalí, Miró, and Juan Gris.
Reina Sofia Museum , Calle de Santa Isabel, 52
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