Madrid in a nutshell
- Donotbelievemejustwatch
- Mar 16, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 26, 2019
If you know me, you know that you do not have to ask me twice if we are talking about traveling. Making spontaneous, snap judgment is my specialty. Thus, I’ve been beyond excited to visit Madrid for the 2nd time. Madrid has got a lot to offer, from lively markets and fantastic museums to beautiful gardens and traditional Spanish dishes.
WHERE TO STAY:
HOSTEL GENERATOR MADRID £12-£20 per night /1-minute walk from Gran Via/ This is certainly one of the best hostels, which I have stayed at in Europe.
Clean rooms with high standard of facilities, most of the rooms offer en suite bathroom. Rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi tube it is something that you won’t find in a standard hostel. Even though, Generator chain of hostels is one of my favorite, the place itself is very commercial. You need to be aware of additional charges (a place to put your suitcases after checkout, shampoos, iron, etc).
ANOTHER HOSTEL:
HOSTEL BASTARDO usual price £17per night /3min walking from Tribunal Station/
HOSTEL I Love Madrid Hostel usual price £14 per night /3min walking from Sol Station/
*Price might be varied depends on the season
*Price based on 4-bed dorms
TRANSPORT:
How to get from the airport to Madrid? Madrid is a big city, so first check where is your hostel located and then choose the mode of transport.
Subway: It is the easiest way to reach the city center during the day. You need to buy a travel card which you can top up for 1 or more rides.
Lines 8 and 15 take us to the Nuevos Ministerios station, where you are most likely to change to another line which will lead you to your final destination. The subway stop at the airport is T3 and T4. A one-off ticket from the airport to the city is more expensive than a regular Madrid ticket. It costs 4.5 euros
A taxi costs 20-30 euros.
Madrid is one of the largest cities in Europe, however, the distance between the main attraction are small so I would advise you to explore the city by walking. Wondering through the tiny street and admire the beauty of Spanish architecture.
Buses in Madrid run quite smoothly, although sometimes it can be confusing, they do have a special bus line just as same as in London. The trip costs 1.5 euros.
Metro runs from 6am in the morning to 1:30am at night, so bear that in mind on the night out.
ATTRACTIONS:
If you're limited with your time in Madrid, please do not fall into a tourist trap. Do not think you gonna do/see everything in the city, it is just impossible due to its rich history, numerous spacious and stunning parks and countless bars. Just pick a few things which you really want to do and enjoy them. :)
Marvelous Madrid has many opportunities to spend time outdoors. Here is a list of great attractions located next to each other which are worth visiting.
If you plan to go for a walk around the city, it's worth getting acquainted with the local map on which you will discover that many attractions, must see buildings and museums located alongside.
Numero uno:
Centro Madrid, center
Plaza Mayor de Madrid. Madrid's vibrant main square where concerts, performances, fairs and other events take place. Ideal place to sit down, grab a drink and appreciate the beauty of major public space in the heart of Madrid.
Mercado de San Miguel. One of the side exits of Plaza Mayor will lead us to the Market where you can find everything and nothing under one roof.
Puerta del Sol. One of the best known and busiest squares in the city. Surrounded by varieties of restaurants and shop to be found inside streets. Traditionally, the beginning of a new year is celebrated here. Unwritten law says you must eat Twelve Grapes while the famous clock counts down the last 12seconds that separate us from the new year. Also, it is the center (Km 0) of the radial network of Spanish roads. The only overcrowded place in the world where I enjoy spending my time. being.
Numero dos:
Centro Madrid, west side
Royal Palace del Madrid. One of the largest palaces in all Europe. Open to visitors while year. Don't miss the weekly Changing of the Guard (held at 11am every Weds and Sat). Opposite to Palace, we can find Cathedral de la Almudena one of the most remarkable Catholic churches in Spain.
Plaza de Oriente. Really pretty, lovely place to sit and relax at any time of the day. The beautifully landscaped area around outside the palace.
Sabatani Gardens located in front of the north facade of the Royal Palace. Their geometric design makes them the most beautiful gardens in Madrid. Jardines De Sabatini hotel got a rooftop terrace with a wonderful balcony where you can pop for a coffee and enjoy the views over the Royal Palace.
Numero tres:
Centro Madrid, east side
Parque del Retiro
It is a great place to take a break after a long day of sightseeing.
Go Boating on the Great Lake. It is the largest park in Madrid and it is full of fountains, statues, and noteworthy buildings. Don't forget to enter the famous glass building the Palacio de Cristal, the most instagrammable place in Madrid, and Rose Garden. Also, beautiful Palacio de Velázquez is now a popular venue for contemporary art exhibitions from the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
Walk, do paddle boat, find The Fallen Angel statue, go cycling or lay on the grass, sit in one of the few open-air cafés. It's time to relax!
WHAT ELSE CAN NOT BE MISSED?
My best-loved attraction FLAMENCO.
I've got a wonderful chance to go for a Flamenco show twice in Madrid. I would love to recommend both shows with all my heart. Both of the performances were great in their own special way. Folkloric music combined with dance and singing has given me shiver during the performance more than once.
Calle de Cuchilleros, 7, 28005 Madrid, Spain
The oldest Tablao in Spain.
Plaza de Sta. Ana, 15, 28012 Madrid, Spain
MADRID NIGHTLIFE:
One of my favorite attractions, while traveling, is getting to know the local nightlife.
Go to the pub and sit at the bar, not only because it is cheaper. You will have the opportunity to observe the work of bartenders and mingle with the people around you. Don't be shy! Even if you do not speak any Spanish, there is always 'sign language' way to express yourself or body language. :) Hanging out with locals is the best way to socialize and get to know a little bit more about the culture. Locals will gladly to give you some useful suggestions regarding their home town.
SOME OF MY FAV SPOTS FOR A DRINK:
La Latina is located in the center of Madrid, near the Plaza Mayor.
Calle Cava Baja, where we can find a countless number of restaurants, bars, and pubs.
Tribunal neighborhood is also worth taking a look, I have visited there a few of my favorites Spanish bars. If you want to feel a real homely atmosphere, you can't miss it! That's a link to one of the http://casamacareno.com/ .
SOME OF MY FAV SPOTS TO EAT:
Puerta Del Sol, in fact, most of the side streets going away from this square conceal real food gems. It offers fresh and the highest food quality for a bargain price!
Venta El Buscois my number one! A Two-course meal including first and second meal and a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and either coffee or dessert for as less as 14euros! No wonders why the Spaniards need a siesta after a decent dinner.
Madrid is definitely one of my favorite cities. In my opinion, most of the European capitals are overrated and dirty, however, Madrid has fully stolen my heart. I'm not sure if it's great weather, affordable prices, friendly atmosphere or the smell and taste of Spanish food, but Madrid has all of it much more to offer. Any doubts about what I'm saying? Go, check it yourself and let me know what you think!
Comentarios