When I arrived in Madrid in February of this year, I was pleasantly surprised how beautiful the city was. We were only staying here for 5 days so I knew I had 5 full days of sight seeing, eating, and walking up my sleeve. There is so much to see in this city I would recommend being there at least 5 days but more if possible. I didn’t see everything I wanted to see but I saw enough that made me happy. Here are a few things I did and recommend doing which you can add to your itinerary next time you are there. 🙂
Palacio Real
You definitely want to visit this place because it is breath taking. I would recommend taking pictures from a far and also get up close because the details and use of gold in the building is so beautiful. I could have stayed here all day just looking all around me. I was wandering the streets on my own on this day and remember being so happy at the present moment. The history surrounding all of Madrid is also so cool to experience. You can walk through the palace solo or in a guided tour.
When you walk around you’ll be there for quite a bit because there is also the cathedral which is right in front of this building that you’ll want to observe and click away. You can also go into the chapel and walk around. It’s so beautiful and peaceful, I stayed in there for at least an hour. Take it all in. There’s history, art, architecture, faith and just overall good vibes. I definitely recommend it all.
Plaza Mayor
Definitely a spot to check out when in Madrid. It’s special because it’s the center of the city and there are great restaurants, coffee shops, shops and just an awesome place to sit down and people watch for hours. It’s also a main meet up point for tours as well if you want to meet up with other people on the trip.
Prado Art Gallery
Don’t miss out on this one! It honestly took my breath away. Plan on being there for a while so make sure to give yourself enough time because this place is HUGE. The older I get the more appreciative I am of art and history. I could be there forever being inspired and looking back at what the world has been through to get where we are now.
Calle de Gran Via
One of my all time favorite main streets in a big city?! GRAN VIA. I might be bias because our amazing airbnb was straight stinkin middle of all this amazingness but it is an amazing area of Madrid. You can’t compare New York City to Madrid but it does have the lights and happenings that NYC does at night time. If you want a cool shot of this main strip, you have to go all the way to the top of the building. I spent at least an hour here because I was distracted by all the amazing food, drinks and goodies that were being sold. Expect to wait a couple of minutes to get your shot because I was there on a rainy day so I can only imagine how it is on a beautiful day. Regardless, I was glad I made it to this spot before leaving. And I’m sure you will like it too.
Retiro Park
You will see why this is Madrid’s most famous park. This park was only reserved for royalty, but now it’s open to the public and thank goodness to that. It was one of our last full days in Madrid and we wanted to spend it wisely and I’m so glad we did. This park is honestly so breathtaking and relaxing. You can take endless pictures inside and around the park, sit down and just see the park performers, spend a nice hour or so in the water on a boat, have a snack from one of the local stands and definitely finish off by checking out the glass palace. Depending on what season you end up going the way the natural light hits the glass on the palace does make a difference of capturing that certain beauty. But I have to say even on the rainy gloomy day we went, I was still moved by it’s beauty. So don’t let that stop you.
Mercado San Miguel
Built in 1917, you can appreciate the building as well as the atmosphere inside and please COME HUNGRY. Have cash on you and get ready to drink and eat the most delicious grub you’ll have in Spain for just a couple of euros. From fried croquetas, to an array of different flavored and spiced olives, to cheeses, yogurt, sweet covered nuts, seafood, pastries galore and endless wine and beer. I wish I could name off everything in this place but I just want you to imagine and experience this for yourself. Oh yes and don’t forget the fresh cut fried potato chips! (Damn, I just got hungry). It’s become very touristy these past couple of years but don’t let that stop you. It’s part of the vibe and it’s one of my favorite Spanish experiences. Just take a look at the few things I tried when I was there. Take me back! x
Madrid is so just so cool. It has everything a city has to make a trip beautiful. The beauty and history of the city shines through. Escape yourself into everything the city has to offer. There is so much to see and experience. Take it all in because it’s one of the most beautiful cities you’ll visit. I might be biased because Spain is my most favorite country in the world but I promise you’ll love it too. X
