madrid

FFinding myself adrift in Madrid for a few days, I decided to do my best to see all that Spain’s capital offers. The opposite of a tour as carefully orchestrated as a flamenco set, my trip was mostly a self-guided walkabout of architecture and culture that landed me at many popular attractions within this Iberian paradise. I was also able to squeeze in times for tapas and a quick wine tour. Madrid’s landscape took my breath away. I was fascinated MADRIDby how Madrid’s layout and architecture mirrored what I’ve seen in many other European capitals while also bringing in an extra element of whimsy with its “fairytale” buildings and abundant palm trees. The Royal Palace of Madrid The Royal Palace of Madrid is Europe’s largest palace. Built from 1738 to 1764, this record-breaking estate boasts more than 3,400 rooms spread out over more than 1 million square feet. I chose this as my first sightseeing adventure and it was only a 10-minute walk away from my hotel near Plaza Mayor. The walk from the plaza area to the palace is an adventure of its own. Knowing that I’d be passing right by the famed San Miguel Market, I skipped breakfast, intending to pick up coffee and churros at this covered gastronomic wonderland that has been a staple of the city since 1916. The route from my hotel near the plaza to the palace also allowed me to do some quick sightseeing at the Almudena Cathedral and Plaza de la Villa. One of the oldest squares in Madrid, Plaza de la Villa contains a number of buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. Gran Via While Madrid is known for its wide, beautiful boulevards, there is nothing in the Spanish capital that tops Gran Via. Considered one of Madrid’s main arteries, Gran Via is essentially Spain’s “Broadway.” The historic theaters on this street host live flamenco performances, Spanish ballets, comedy shows, and plays. Gran Via the city’s “high fashion” street that houses both Spanish and international luxury retailers, and is also known for its excellent restaurants and rooftop bars. It’s a wonderful spot to hit if you’re looking for a very safe, mainstream way to enjoy the Spanish nightlife. I highly recommend finding a restaurant on Gran Via that serves strawberry gazpacho for dessert!

Plaza de Cibeles

My visit to Plaza de Cibeles is a snapshot seared into my memory. I arrived in the evening when the beautiful fountains and Cybele chariot statue were all lit up and the scene was nothing short of dazzling. While The Plaza de Cibeles square is lovely during the day, I recommend seeing it after dark to get the full surreal scope of its beauty in the nightime lights. Parque del Retiro

Parque del Retiro is a little retreat within Madrid that I happened to stumble upon on my way out of the Prado Museum. The Prado itself is an excellent attraction to put on your Madrid itinerary if seeing pieces by Velasquez and Goya happens to be on your bucket list. Feeling full of inspiration and appreciation for Spain on a whole new level following my museum tour, I found my way to gorgeous Parque del Retiro to relax beside a beautiful lake buffered by an ornate marble promenade. It was an unexpected treat to walk among cypress trees and manicured gardens that were once part of private gardens belonging to Spain’s royal family. The park also houses Madrid’s Crystal Palace. Built in 1887 by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco to hold tropical plants, the Crystal Palace is a conservatory tucked away in the wilds of the city’s most peaceful park. Finally, I was able to visit Madrid’s historic La Latina neighborhood for a few hours on the day I was scheduled to fly out of Madrid–Barajas Airport. I was told by friends who have spent time in Madrid that I was not to leave the city without having tapas in this corner of downtown. Populated with narrow streets and oversized squares, La Latina is located in the oldest part of Madrid. Over the years, La Latina has become home to the best concentration of tapas bars in the city. If you make the trek, focus on the cluster of bars on Calle Cava Baja and Calle Cava Alta. The neighborhood’s metro station and bus stops ensure that you won’t really feel like you’re going too far out of your way just to get tapas. If you’re spending a day at the Royal Palace of Madrid, the route to La Latina is walkable if a bit long!