MADRID
MADRID
#SIAinSpain
I never thought I’d be going to back to Spain two years in a row but when I knew that I was going to quit my luxury travel agency job this year, I had to take advantage of those free hotel stays.
I was planning my 30th birthday trip and I wanted to make it meaningful. I didn’t care about the price. I just wanted to be as far away as I could be from people. That all changed because my dad was really eager to travel with me again. We had spent my 29th birthday together in Mexico City for a brief weekend and that was totally fine. I was crazy enough this year to invite him along for my birthday and change my plans completely. I was just supposed to go to Morocco but instead added Madrid to the list because I wanted my dad to experience a Kiwi Collection hotel with me.
I have to admit that the first time in Madrid was a lot more enjoyable. This time around I had to repeat a number the touristy attractions and destinations and I actually had to play tour guide. Nonetheless, we had. great time, even though my first hotel experience in Madrid was much better.
I had previously stayed at the Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques, an old palace converted into a hotel. Some of the original infrastructure was featured and the location was prime - just step away from the Royal Palace of Madrid, Mercado de San Miguel, the old town, Puerto del Sol and more. Everything was within walking distance. But this time we around we stayed at The Westin Palace Madrid which also had its perks. Across the street from the Prado Museum, down the street from Atocha Station, Reina Sofia museum was closeby and Retiro Park was also very close. Not to mention we were a few blocks away from the shopping on Gran Via! Not bad, not bad. Really just depends on what you have planned in your itinerary!
The first time around I traveled with my girlfriend, Ceci, and we hit all the major marks. We only used the metro once to get us to and from the train station and airport. We walked everywhere. With my dad, we did the same said attractions (didn’t fully pay for all of them) but I also discovered the Rastro Market and a lot of great tapas bars - better than the first time around, I’ll admit! Spanish culture is a vibe in itself. It’s also relatively cheap, food-wise and such a fun, socially-encouraging atmosphere that it’s hard not to fall in love with the people and the city.
Getting around Madrid:
Walking - As I said, and in both times I’ve visited, we walked everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Many attractions are closeby, especially if you are first-time visitor. Rack up those steps because you’ll be walking a ton in this city!
Metro - Again, we only used this on entry and exit of Madrid on both trips. There are tourist passes you may get depending on how many days you are staying on flat rates. If not, it’s a simple tap on/tap off system - very easy to use. It is very efficient! Just keep in mind that metro and trains are different systems - just keep an eye on the symbols!
Taxis - Pretty cheap here compared to North American standards. It began frantically raining when I was leaving Madrid for Cordoba so we hopped in a cab and it was only 5 euros with a tip.
Uber - More or less the same cost as a taxi, I personally never used this when I was in Spain at all but since it’s around the world, it’s a good idea to note that it is an option!
What to see in Madrid:
Royal Palace of Madrid - Like the Palace of Versailles, but Spanish version! The lines are long for this so make sure you go early or regret having to wait in line for 45-minutes to an hour. The sights inside are really incredible. Lots of plaques to read inside in various languages. Don’t miss the garden outside behind - it’s free entry!
Mercado de San Miguel - This market may be small in size but its contents are of the highest quality and boasts a ton of flavour! It’s a very visually-appealing market with some great Spanish conservas, tapas and more. They also offer non-traditional and fusion items as well and overall, a great place to grab some snacks and drinks! Prices are a bit higher here but keep in mind you are paying for quality over quantity! My favourite booth is the bacalao booth - cod-topped toasts!
Rastro Market - This flea market is only open on Sundays and spans blocks through the La Latina neighbourhood. It is an outdoor market that has everything form housewares, used clothing souvenirs and the occasional vintage and antique finds. It’s a great thing to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon. A lot of it is the same but there are some gems to be found!
Templo de Debod - Need a break from shopping on Gran Via or after your visit to the palace? Climb up the hill and take the view in. This Egyptian temple was gifted to the Spaniards from the Egyptians in 1968. Although the park no longer features any water, it’s still a nice park to take a city break in.
El Retiro Parque - The Central Park of Madrid! This expansive park is beautiful, especially during an early morning or just before sunset. There is a pond in the middle of the park where you rent a row boat as well as a number of vendors, small cafes, and many benches to chill in.
Neighbourhoods - Madrid is huge. It is a vast city with many different neighbourhoods, each of them with their own distinct personalities. It’s fun to wander and explore through each of them as they spill into eachother. Some of my favourites include La Latina, Salamanca and Embajadores.
Museums - So many great museums, so little time! If you’re a classical art nerd, you cannot miss the Prado Museum. It houses some of the world’s best masterpieces including some of my favourites by Bosch, Raphael and Rembrandt. Keep in mind that museums are free during the last two hours of each day. It is definitely busier than during paid hours so have that top of mind!
Platea Madrid - This trendy new food hall in the upscale Salamanca district is probably my favourite find during this trip to Madrid. It was an old movie theatre that has been converted into a beautiful food hall. Excellent food, great drinks, entertainment and a sexy room. On the weekends they feature aerial artists in the mezzanine - DJs are featured every night!
Plazas - There are tons of great plazas, or squares, that are perfect for people watching and taking photos. Some of the major ones include Puerto del Sol and Plaza de Mayor. There will be tons of people at all times but I think you might have already known that.
What to eat in Madrid:
Boquadillos de camarones - This is definitely a Madrid thing to eat! I missed it on my initial trip to Madrid so had to try it this time around. Large, tender rings of squid are lightly battered and deep fried and pocketed into fluffy buns. My favourite one was at La Campana - close to Plaza de Mayor! My tip would to order a side of ensalada russa if you need a little extra moisture!
Tapas - Obviously, this is a must. Tapas are small plates which is so deeply entrenched in Spanish culture. Have a drink, have some tapas. My favourites include padron peppers, Spanish olives, tortilla espanola, patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and chipparones. Some of my favourite places were Casa Gonzales, Los Gatos and El Lacon. Try to find an oldschool tapas bar which gives you free tapas with every drink you order.
Callos con garbanzo - Like offal? Tripe and pork has been stewed til tender in a tomato sauce, sometimes served with garbanzo beans. I grew up with this dish and the one at El Lacon tasted exactly like my dad’s. My dad had 2 orders of it here!
Revuelto de morcilla - Are you a fan of blood sausage? Tried this dish at El Lacon as well and immediately fell in love. Scrambled egg, bits of blood sausage and rice mixed together. It may sound like an odd combination but it was absolutely addicting for me.
Carrilleras al vino - Really promoting El Lacon here but basically, I just ordered everything I was unfamiliar with! Beef cheeks simmered in a red wine sauce - one of the best things I’ve eaten in Madrid. Hoping to recreate this dish back at home!
Orejas a la plancha - Pig ears, anyone? Seems like there’s a lot of offal on the menu but hey, it’s what they eat in Madrid! Don’t knock it til you try it! Pig ears are cooked til tender and served on a hot plate. Go to Casa Toni’s for this!
Paella - In my two trips to Spain, I still have not found an amazing place for paella! The fact is that many places offer paella — it’s a bit of a touristy thing. There are many kinds - valenciana, negra, verde, marisco… Still on the hunt for the best one!
Churros - Whether you like it with your coffee or with some molten chocolate, churros are always a good choice. My favourite ones were found at Chocolateria San Gines, probably because the chocolate there is so illustrious! That, or have churros with a nice cortado.
Conservas - Conservas are more than just canned fish. High quality seafood that pairs especially well with…potato chips and bread!? Yes. My favourite ones are of the stuffed squid variety because it’s so difficult to find back at home. Casa Gonzales has a great list of conservas - highly recommended!
All in all, Madrid is a fun city. Rather large but their pulsating culture, food and wine always makes me want to come back to the city. Who doesn’t love Spain?