Hi everyone and welcome back. Today we will leave for a new adventure that will take away so much energy but you will see some beautiful things since we are heading to Madrid. So what do you think, are you ready to start? Let’s do it starting with the presentation!
Madrid is the most populous capital of Spain and the third most populous municipality in the Europe. A major political center and major financial center of the southern Europe, Madrid is one of the most important Spanish cities. Although the city is very modern it has preserved almost the entire original appearance of the historic districts. Besides the beauty, history and culture, Madrid has important traditions. These include the bullfights held in the Feria de Madrid arena and various popular festivals. Madrid is also the tenth most livable city in the world and is a popular destination for various tourists. Why? Let’s find it starting our tour.
To know more (what to eat, where to eat, where to have fun, things to visit…) continue to read.
It’s time to know a bit of history and culture of the madrileños (inhabitant of Madrid).
PLACES TO VISIT (MUSEUMS/THEATERS..)
Palacio real de Madrid
- Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena: is the main Catholic place of worship in Madrid. Its main façade is inspired by the typical Tuscan architecture where two bell towers stand on its sides. The interior incorporates the neo-gothic art and this is visible through the dome, the organ and the architectural structure in itself. The cathedral in the evening is very bright and beautiful and the view from the highest point of the structure is spectacular, you can see the whole city. Another interesting place of worship, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Escorial Monastery. A very nice place but it is far away from the center, so if you have enough time add it to the list.
- Palacio real de Madrid: this palace was for years (but also nowadays) the official residence of the Spanish royal family; its main function is to host ceremonies and conferences. The building is located on a large square, the Plaza de la Aremería. Think that the building is made up of 3418 rooms (wow!). Outside we can find the Jardines de Sabatini where the royal stables were located and Campo del Moro a wonderful garden. On the sides of the building there are two other important buildings: Real Botica, a real pharmacy. Why it is so special? Well you just need to know that inside of it there are recipe books with medications prescribed to the Royal Family. Real Armeria an important collection of weapons and armor belonging to the Spanish royal family.
- Museo del Prado: it is considered one of the most important art galleries in the world where there are exhibited works by major Italian and Spanish artists (Francisco Goya, Tiziano, Diego Velázquez). Its external elegance makes us already understand the beauty that it contains inside; it is mainly composed of galleries with arched ceilings. The façade where is located the Velázquez Gate, overlooks one of the main streets of Madrid, the Paseo del Prado. Annexed to the Museo del Prado we find the Casón del Buen Retiro, an art museum with a library.
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia: is a museum of modern and contemporary art, the works are dating from the twentieth century to the present day. The peculiarity of the aesthetic aspect of the museum is that it is a mix between ancient and modern architecture all thanks to the establishment of the two side windows of the building.
- Templo de Debod: is a temple of the ancient Egypt and is located on a hill where was located the Cuartel de la Montaña (a theater). We are sure you are wondering what Egypt has to do with Spain, well let’s say that this temple was a gift given to the Spanish by the Egyptians for their help for an historical reason. Everything suggests that this was a place of worship we can bet (just look at the pleasant landscape!); on the sides it is surrounded by the Parque del Oeste (a park that in addition to the temple offers other magnificent and unique corners) but the best view is the one that you can admire from there, in fact the best time to go to this place is absolutely at sunset or just before. What a show!
- Palacio de Comunicaciones: the palace is is the headquarters of the municipality, it is an emblematic building of the city (we can believe it!) its structure is really preponderant. It is located in the Plaza de Cibeles (that we will visit later) but the building completely steals the scene (also in the evening when the lights start to light up). The peculiarity of the palace is that its style is very personal and it is a mix of two architects who have acted each according to their taste. A very successful job!
- CaixaForum Madrid: is a gallery of modern art. Ah this structure! It gives the impression of an upside down house and is composed of two different colors. The building is flanked by a wall completely covered with vegetation. Once you reach the place you can not go wrong, it will immediately jumps out at you.
- Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando: art museum, houses a collection of Spanish paintings dating from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. It hosts artists such as: Pompeo Girolamo Batoni, Francisco Goya…
- Museo Cerralbo: this was the ancient residence of the Marquis Gamboa. Today the structure as well as hosting its collection, also hosts several archaeological site (if you love the archology a good museum to visit is the National Archeological Musuem). The interior rooms are all very lavish and notable on the artistic level. An excellent opportunity to visit a nineteenth-century noble house.
- Tour Bernabeu: an intregrant part of the city’s culture is the sport, in this case we’re talking about football. A tour is organized at the famous city stadium where you can reach the camp, sit on the bench, visit the press conference room, the changing rooms and you have the access to the history museum of the Real Madrid with trophies, photos, jersey of famous footballers (an example is that of Ronaldo). For everyone who loves football this is an opportunity that can’t be missed.
Here, in Madrid, there are lots of theaters, some of the most important ones are: Teatro Real, Teatro de la Zarzuela, Teatro Español, Teatro de la Abadía,Teatro de la Comedia, Teatro Maravillas,Teatro Tribueñe.
Templo de Debod
ENTERTAINMENT (PUB/DISCO/PARKS…)
Plaza de España di Madrid
What you saw was only a small part of Madrid, there is much more… So let’s go on!
Now we start our tour going around the streets and squares of Madrid. Plaza de Cibeles, is the most symbolic square of the city (aka the central one and the busiest), marks the border of the Centro, Retiro and Salamanca districts. At the center there is the famous Fuente de Cibeles (fountain) and behind the Palacio de Comunicaciones. Not only is it important for its historical value but also because it allows to observe different perspectives of the city, the most characteristic background of Madrid. At the intersection of the square there is another beautiful square, the Calle Alcalá.
- Plaza Mayor also this square is among the most important in the city because it is here that takes place markets, events, Christmas markets, festivals and so on; and it is also here that the Arco de Cuchilleros is located, one of the nine access gates of the square. Anyway the latter is a square portico with a rectangular plan completely closed by buildings (which are houses). Doesn’t it remind you of something? Oh yes, the square we saw in Cordoba… Very similar!
- Puerta del Sol the center of Madrid’s nightlife, is a point of reference for locals and point of attraction for the tourists of course for its beauty but also for its function. It is here that takes place the celebration for the new year and it is here that at the center is located the statue of the Bear and the Corbezzolo.
- Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo where is located the Neptune fountain.The square is famous especially because it’s here that the Atlético Madrid fans go to celebrate the victories.
- Plaza de Santa Ana which houses the Teatro Español and the luxurious hotel Reina Victoria, (where the bullfighters usually stay before the bullfight). The square is a meeting point for the inhabitants as it is full of bars, restaurants and clubs. This square is also the center of Madrid’s nightlife.
- Then there is the Plaza de España, the characteristic “foreign” district of Lavapies; Latina, the colorful neighborhood full of bars, taverns and lots of charm that seems to be a small place in itself (a great opportunity to visit this district in all its beauty is during the feast of the Virgen de la Paloma); the Malasana district.
- If you want to attend a bullfight you must go to the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas. It is the largest plaza de toros in the world and one of the most prestigious. It is located in the east part of Madrid, in the district of Salamanca. This is a good opportunity to take part in the cultural life of Madrid.
- Parque del Retiro: this park is one of the main places of interest in the city. The points of interest of the park are: the door of Spain that allows to access to the park, the small lake and the Rosaleda, a point where you can walk among great plants and beautiful flowers. Other points of interest are Palazzo di Cristallo, tree-lined avenue and the woods. Yep, there is lots to explore!
- Parque Warner Madrid: is a very nice and funny themed park (inspired by Warner Bros. Studios) such a great place to spend a few hours in joy if you are young or not. Inside there are several attractions to do: Coaster Express, Stunt Fall (roller coaster), Correcaminos Bip Bip and Road Runner and many more.
- Madrid Rio: is a modern pictoresque park so nice to visit. The green area is situated on the sides of the city’s river and it is a perfect place to stroll and just relax. The park looks very good and has many paths like the characteristic pedestrian bridge. It absolutely worth a visit!
- Zoo Aquarium Madrid: it is a zoological park that hosts over 6000 animals and more than 500 different species (pandas, dolphins, seals). Inside the park there are numerous restaurants and souvenir shops. If you are fan of the wildlife you can’t miss this place.
- El Capricho: it is considered one of the most beautiful parks in the city. Inside there is El Capricho square, a palace, small lakes, streams, fountains but there is also the one and only Romantic style garden in the city of Madrid. It is a very popular park especially during the warmer seasons (the famous “Tardes de Capricho”) where are organized concerts, theatrical performances and dances. The park is easily reachable by underground located just near the entrance to the park.. One more reason to visit it!
- Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid: it is a botanical garden located in the Plaza de Murillo (next to the Museo del Prado in Madrid, that worth a visit) in addition to the various species of plants and a large number of documents, the garden is very charming and a place to explore!
- Two are the most famous markets held in Madrid: the indoor one San Miguel Market; let yourself be overwhelmed by its elegant atmosphere (very unusual for a market) and let yourself be guided by the smell of typical food of Madrid.The other market is El Rastro and it is outdoors, unlike the San Miguel market this is located along the avenue and sells more general items, full of curious objects.
- Some of the major tours organized in the city of Madird are: Adventurous Appetites Tapas Tour (gastronomic tour), SANDEMANs NEW Europe – Madrid, Segway Trip Madrid. If you are looking for a game to do just to have fun and spend some amazing hours there is the escape game Enigma Expres. If this is not enough yet and you love shopping there is the Cortes Ingles, a shopping center in Callo with lots of important stores, bars and a terrace with an impressive view of the city… So great!
San Miguel Market
Madrid is a busy city by day so we can easily imagine how its nightlife can be. The main streets involved in this levely scene are: Huertas, Malasaña, Chueca, Moncloa and Argüelles, Salamanca Neighborhood, La Latina, Avenida de Brasil. Do you want to know what is the secret to resist the wild nightlife of Madrid?? Well, doing the usual afternoon siesta!
If you are looking for clubs, we will now suggest some of them:
- Mondo, sala Cocó: night club
- Vive Madrid: night club
- Mondo, sala Cocó: night club
- Moroder Sound Club: night club
- Independance Club: disco
- Exclusive Lounge Bar
- Tabú Lounge Bar
TYPICAL FOODS
Cocido
The food is another great aspect of the culture of Madrid and so we have to expect only the best. Are you curious??
- Cocido: is one of the main dishes, a true institution, of the cuisine of Madrid; it is based on soup, meat stew, vegetables, chickpeas, sausages. The dish is divided into three courses (tres vuelcos), the meat soup is eaten first then the chickpeas with the vegetables and finally the meat.
- Bocadillos de Calamares: another typical dish of the city. It is a faster but equally tasty meal that you can find in the bars or in the special kiosks. They are sandwiches filled with fried calamari and as a garnish you can choose or the lemon or the mayonnaise… it’s up to you the choice!
- Caracoles: this dish is very famous in Madrid and very special! It consist of cooked snails and seasoned with garlic, tomato and chilli sauce. Don’t be disgusted, we assure you that it is worth entering the spirit of the Spanish tradition and giving it a taste (when you will do it let us know!).
- Churros: who have never heard of it? They are famous sweets know all over the world. They are fried and covered with sugar are then served with a hot chocolate to drink but the best thing to do is to immerse the churros inside..one world: delicious!
- Violet candies: these are the typical candies of the city of Madrid with the shape, the flavor and the color of the violet flower. You can find them in the “la violetta” shop (near Puerta del Sol).
Churros
WHERE TO EAT (RESTAURANTS/CAFE’..)
The choice of the restaurant is important because it is the place where we can try the typical dishes. So let’s begin the search for the restaurant that best suits our tastes and needs.
- Toga: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
- Restaurante Nuevo Horno de Santa Teresa: Mediterranean, Spanish cuisine.
- CalidaDe Madrid: Mediterranean, European and vegetarian cuisine.
- Taberna el Sur: Mediterranean, Spanish and vegetarian cuisine.
- La General: cafe with Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
- Casa 9 Restaurante: Mediterranean, European, Spanish cuisine.
- CalidaDe Madrid: Mediterranean, European and vegetarian cuisine.
- Gandarío: fast food/bar with Mediterranean, European and Spanish cuisine.
- Cafe Melo’s: Spanish cuisine.
- Chocolat: Mediterranean, European, Spanish cuisine.
- Casa Paco: Mediterranean, European, Spanish and vegetarian cuisine
The tour in the big city of Madrid ends here but don’t worry we are already looking for the next Spanish destination, you just have to stay tuned!
Let us know your opinions about this place. If you liked it or not, if you’ve been there or you’re going to go there? What you liked the most or least? We’re curious to read your opinions.
A big kiss to everyone.
Below we will list the accommodations that you can find in Cordoba.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?iata=MAD&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation near Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas airport.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?city=-390625&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation in the city.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=176&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation in the center of Madrid.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?landmark=1100&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1– accomodation next to the Atocha station.
Wow this is such a complete guide! I saved it for when I’ll be traveling to Spain. The sightseeing will be awesome I’m sure but knowing where to go dancing is so important too!
Hi Lees! If you really want to know better a place, you have to live not only the daylife but also the nightlife; it’s part of the travel. Everything is an experience 😉
Such an amazing city, with beautiful landmarks! I will really love to tour this beautiful city someday.
We wish for your that this someday can arrive soon, Madrid is a city that has to be visited!
I was thinking about hopping over to Spain this spring after my trip to Dublin. You’re making it seem incredibly tempting.
You had a great idea, we like it! We are working on other guidebooks (spanish cities related) so stay tuned and get inspired 🙂
Agree with Lees on this! This is a very complete and informative guide to Madrid. I was in Madrid years ago and thought I hit the major sites but I never knew about the Real Botica. I’ll have to go back with a copy of this blog.
Madrid is very big that the possibility to miss something is real and it’s normal hahaha
We really appreciate your last sentence David, we are proud of our work!!
I never realized how much their is to do in Madrid! I’ve never been to Spain, but my idea was always to go to Barcelona. However, now I’m really curious about Madrid and this is a really great guide to the city.
You can plan a long trip in Spain and visit both the cities, it would be amazing! You will need several days to explore them but you can count on our travel guides 🙂
Yum, I love cocido and churros; just not together of course! I’ve been many times to Madrid, and really love being there. Plaza de Espana is a must and so is Templo de Debod.
You are very lucky to have visited Madrid different times! We think it’s a place you will never stop to love, too many history and culture. Oh and the food of course hahaha
I am in love with all your photo’s. Do you take them yourself? I love Madrid. I have been twice and I have visited all the places you have mentioned on your blog. I love the way you have made this so easy and full of information for travelers to enjoy Madrid.
Thank you very much for your words! When people show love for our work it’s always super, it means we are doing well.
Like we always say: we are here to make your travel planning easy and memorable!!
Wow ! such an ultimate and comprehensive guide to Madrid. I want to visit there soon and so lucky of you to be there different times. Falling in love with your pics specially Templo de Debod pic is amazing. Keep up the good work.
We haven’t been in Madrid different times but we’d like to visit it other times haha
Thank you for your appreciation and we wish you to realize your dream to explore Madrid!!
Love how informative your post is! You have certainly given such amazing alternatives for travelers wishing to visit.. I’ve always wanted to visit Madrid, so this will be very handy when I finally get to go.. 🙂 The museums alone sounds very interesting.. CaixaForum Madrid and Templo de Debod are definitely going to the top of my list! 🙂
We always try to cover all the things a place can offer, not only the most famous. Madrid is majestic and it’s not difficult to understand why tourists love it!!
Mmmm, churros with hot chocolate! One gains weight from only looking at the picture, but they are nowhere better than in Madrid. Although I’ve been to Madrid a couple of times, I didn’t know the Templo del Debod – very interesting, have to go there next time. I mainly visited the art museums – for the fantastic Zurbarans at the Academia *sigh* – and of course the ‘plazas’.
Madrid is so large and full of amazing attractions that one trip isn’t enough to explore all. If you don’t have a program things can get difficult…
Spanish food is simply delicious and you can understand what we mean 😉
Madrid is one of the beautiful places that I saw only on TV. Thank you for sharing this, it’s like we’ve been there because of your post.
We are very happy to read your comment, it’s a pleasure! We are here also to make you travel (virtually) if you can’t 🙂
I adore Madrid! I lived there for two years before eventually relocating to the Canary Islands, but I visit at least five times a year! I’m glad you enjoyed one of my favorite cities in the world – you certainly seem to have seen quite a bit of it!
Dear Erica we envy you hahaha You lived here and now at Canary Islands… You know the places that has charm!
We are in love with Madrid!!
I just love Madrid. I took my son there not too long ago for a weekend and we ended up going to the Santiago Bernabeu and also visited the Royal Palace. You have shown me so many other things to do the next time I go back.
Thanks for a very informative post.
Thank you for your time Michael. Glad to have helped you to program your next travel here 🙂 Happy travel!!
This is a very comprehensive guide to the wonderful city of Madrid, truthfully I am only going for the food and wine, I will be sure to try some of your restaurants.
The choice of restaurants is wide as well as the delicious food! You will have spoilt for choice haha
What a perfect guide to Madrid. I have never been but I am so intrigued to visit. I’d love to see the pretty architecture and learn about it’s culture and food.
It’s our pleasure to have helped you to give a first deep look to the city. Now it’s up to you!
It’s the best Madrid guide I’ve ever read so far! I will re read it again, if the wind ever takes me to this city.
Thanks for your lovely words Kristina, so much appreciated!! Wish you to get the opportunity 🙂
I’ve been to Barcelona, but missed Madrid, I just need to choose 1 city, haha. The cocido looks yummy and I really liked churros for something sweet.
You have opted for another great destination hahaha Think that now you might plan another trip to Spain and finally explore Madrid!!
Madrid is one of the beautiful city that I’ve seen. This city is so large & full of amazing attractions that’s one trip is not enough to explore everything !! I have visited the more common sights in there so it’s great to see so many great alternatives… It gives me an excuse for a return visit 😉
Well said dear! Another travel here is always a good excuse 🙂
Print our itinerary so you can have a complete list of attractions to choose!
Hi! I remembered my trip to Madrid while reading your post, now I can see that I’ve missed most of the places… You’ve done a great walking trip here.
It’s always nice to remember something we liked and we are satisfied to have done this effect to you!
Churros!!! My favourite thing about Madrid, yum!!! Thanks for the guide – I haven’t been in a few years but definitely plan to!
Hi Claire! We are huge fans of churros too 🙂 Can you imagine us while eating them all together? It would be amazing!!
Great article! You are really convincing that Madrid is a must see! What do you think the best time of year to visit? I see that you mention a Christmas market – have you been? I would love to read an article about visiting during the Christmas holiday!
We haven’t been here during Christmas time but according to our sources it is a wonderful period to visit Madrid! We suggest you to don’t visit Spain during the summer if you can’t bear the hot temperatures hahaha
A few years ago when we were in Barcelona a couple we met told us they had just come from Madrid and how much they enjoyed it. Your photo’s show me why they loved it so much. What a gorgeous city, I want to go back to Spain!
Another trip in Spain but in a different city, it’s perfect! Now you have also the travel guide of Madrid in order to not miss nothing 🙂
Happy travel and have fun!!
As long as there are churros I’m there. I’ve wanted to visit Madrid forever. Thanks for sharing all these amazing places of where to eat and places to visit. I definitely want to visit the Temple, it reminds me of the one at the Metropolitan museum in New York.
You are welcome! It’s a pleasure to have your comment and it’s more pleasant that you liked our article. Madrid is a top city!!
Always wanted to visit Madrid, it is high up on my list! What I like about your articles is that they are written so good. I love your style guys, you are awesome!!
Dear Noelle is very nice what you think about us, thank you!!
Oh an amazing trip you had! I am saving this for future reference considering that I will visit Spain in two months. Good work as always guys 🙂
What a cool news! Stay tuned because we are working on other spanish travel guides. Happy travel Shannon!!
What a perfect guide for such a vibrant city. One cannot miss churros when they are in Madrid. That is one of the best part of the city. I poved visiting Mercado San Miguel, the food is super delicious there.
Churros in Madrid are an institution hahaha Visiting Madrid and meantime eating some churros is a great idea, right? 😉
Madrid is simply magical and it definitely has lots to offer! Your post is an ultimate travel guide for Madrid. How many days would you recommend staying there?
We think that a 3/4 days might be good but then it depends on how many attractions you want to visit. Remember that Madrid is a big and crowded city!
What a beautiful city! Seems like there’s so much to see and do… and eat! You inspired me to travel more this year.
New year, new travels! This an amazing way to fully live your 2018. Have fun and enjoy your travels 🙂
What an amazing destination. Look like there is so much to do in Madrid. I have never been but it is def high on my bucket list!
What are you waiting for? It’s amazing to start the year with a good travel and Madrid is the perfect destination!!
This post really made me convinced to plan a trip to Madrid. But looking it its vibes, I don’t think a solo backpacker would get much to go here. Sounds more like a honeymoon destination 😀
You will never be alone in Madrid, this city is very crowded by night and by day! Traveling with someone is always great and we can say this because we are in two 🙂
What a great travel guide to Madrid! I’ll be sure to use some of your super reviews!
Thank you very much Suzanne!! You know where to find us 😉
Great post! I had the opportunity to visit Madrid a few years ago for a conference, but did not get much time to explore the city. Your post has inspired me that I really need to return!
Thank you for your appreciation, it’s nice to receive your comment! It can happen when you have a business trip… A second visit is always a good choice if you liked the place 🙂
There are grand and beautiful buildings in Madrid. A visit to Madrid ain’t getting boring. But it looks expensive though Yyour guidee is just told detailed and it’s an essential must have for anyone planning a trip to Madrid. Thanks for putting this together.
Of course if you want to do all the activity it’s very expensive hahaha
You have to select the things you would like to visit and do in the city. To do everything in one month isn’t enough…
Una guida veramente completa che mi ha fatto venire la voglia di tornare nella bella Madrid, ma questa volta con tutte le informazioni necessarie.
Che piacere leggere il tuo commento, ci rende davvero contanti!! Speriamo che il tuo porossimo viaggio sia indimenticabile!