Hala Madrid! That might be familiar to you football/ soccer fans of Real Madrid (the city’s favorite team). The chant perfectly captures the energy and liveliness of the Spanish capital. Located right in the middle of Spain, Madrid is a hub for travellers looking for a taste of their AWESOME churros, tasty Jamon, and traverse its famous museums (psst… it has Bosch!) Not to mention, Madrid is close to Toledo which we actually did not plan to go but found that it was worth every penny. Without further ado, here is Madrid through our lens.
HOW TO GET AROUND
I just love cities with a subway system; they are the best way to get around. I recommend grabbing yourself a 10-trip pass for about €12. Don’t forget to get on a train to Toledo which leaves the main station hourly. Be sure to book beforehand as it tends to get fully booked easily. In Toledo, the only way to get around is by walking, so make sure to get some comfy shoes.
WHAT TO DO
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is the most crowded city center in all of Spain and is famous for it’s New Year’s Eve events (think NYC’s New Year Eve’s in Times Square only much more compact). It marks the absolute center of Spain (Kilometer 0) and houses Madrid’s symbol, The Bear and the Strawberry Tree. Other than this monument, the square is a starting point for shoppers (or sneaker hunters like me). I would suggest to avoid this area during major holidays unless you want to feel like sardines in a can as it does get really busy then.
Puerta del Sol is the most crowded city center in all of Spain and is famous for it’s New Year’s Eve events (think NYC’s New Year Eve’s in Times Square only much more compact). It marks the absolute center of Spain (Kilometer 0) and houses Madrid’s symbol, The Bear and the Strawberry Tree. Other than this monument, the square is a starting point for shoppers (or sneaker hunters like me). I would suggest to avoid this area during major holidays unless you want to feel like sardines in a can as it does get really busy then.
Market of San Miguel
Well-known for its modern architecture, the Market of San Miguel or Mercado de San Miguel is a must-go for food lovers. The market is a modern reflection of Spanish traditional markets with a modern twist. You can munch on Tapas or enjoy a hearty plate of Paella. Our favorite was easily the squid ink black Paella. You should also try their croquettes and seafood like a whole clam and sea urchin.
Well-known for its modern architecture, the Market of San Miguel or Mercado de San Miguel is a must-go for food lovers. The market is a modern reflection of Spanish traditional markets with a modern twist. You can munch on Tapas or enjoy a hearty plate of Paella. Our favorite was easily the squid ink black Paella. You should also try their croquettes and seafood like a whole clam and sea urchin.
Royal Botanical Garden
The Royal Botanical Garden was definitely Kristie’s paradise which we happen to find by mistake when we were trying to get to the Prado Museum. We were immediately welcomed by the warm palette of Fall as we entered through the gates. As we ventured deeper, Kristie’s heart was cactured by some cacti (get it?) and was also surprised by the existence of a greenhouse. It hosted plants from tropical parts of the world and my favorite was the Venus Flytrap. We ended spending more time in the garden which I highly recommend for people who love plants or just looking for a quit place to walk and enjoy nature. Oh, the tickets cost €4 full price or be thrifty and just pay €2 if you have a student ID.
The Royal Botanical Garden was definitely Kristie’s paradise which we happen to find by mistake when we were trying to get to the Prado Museum. We were immediately welcomed by the warm palette of Fall as we entered through the gates. As we ventured deeper, Kristie’s heart was cactured by some cacti (get it?) and was also surprised by the existence of a greenhouse. It hosted plants from tropical parts of the world and my favorite was the Venus Flytrap. We ended spending more time in the garden which I highly recommend for people who love plants or just looking for a quit place to walk and enjoy nature. Oh, the tickets cost €4 full price or be thrifty and just pay €2 if you have a student ID.
The Prado Museum
We then made our way to Prado Museum which we unfortunately was not able to take pictures in (but I did manage to steal one). Prado boasts on its art from the 12th Century (that’s the 1100s). I personally was intrigued by Hieronymus Bosch‘s artwork, The Garden of Earthly Delights, which is a huge piece from wood, depicting Heaven, Earth and Hell. What intrigued me was the artist’s depiction of heaven and Earth and the weird creatures that inhabit it. The museum was huge and entrance is free for students with an ID or pay a full price of €12. I suggest classic art lovers to visit this as you will be lost in the maze of drawings, paintings and sculptures.
We then made our way to Prado Museum which we unfortunately was not able to take pictures in (but I did manage to steal one). Prado boasts on its art from the 12th Century (that’s the 1100s). I personally was intrigued by Hieronymus Bosch‘s artwork, The Garden of Earthly Delights, which is a huge piece from wood, depicting Heaven, Earth and Hell. What intrigued me was the artist’s depiction of heaven and Earth and the weird creatures that inhabit it. The museum was huge and entrance is free for students with an ID or pay a full price of €12. I suggest classic art lovers to visit this as you will be lost in the maze of drawings, paintings and sculptures.
The Crystal Palace
Definitely one of the coolest structures in Madrid. Located in the center of the Buen Retiro Park, the Crystal Palace is an art exhibit. Entrance is free and as expected, is a perfect place to score some pretty pictures. Get your instagram poses ready!
Definitely one of the coolest structures in Madrid. Located in the center of the Buen Retiro Park, the Crystal Palace is an art exhibit. Entrance is free and as expected, is a perfect place to score some pretty pictures. Get your instagram poses ready!
Toledo
Easily the best part of Madrid and the highlight of the 3 days. Keep in mind that we initially did not plan to go to Toledo and only planned everything the night before, signifying that this trip is easy to plan (Woohoo to all those last-minute planners). Toledo is only 30 minutes away by train and costs about €15 one-way. You can easily get the tickets from Atocha, Madrid’s largest train station. Upon arriving in Toledo, we were greeted with a Middle Eastern-esque train station that I was immediately amazed by. Toledo is a walking city – you can get anywhere by foot – and was basically a castle city which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site (yeah!). Head’s up – Toledo is a caste on a hill (no pun intended) so get ready to hike a bit. As a city heavily influenced by Muslims, Christians and Jews, Toledo houses landmarks that are unique to the world. These landmarks used to be home for knights during the medieval ages which you can easily bring a piece home by buying its souvenirs: swords, blades, and other edged weapons.Top tip: I highly recommend you to board the Zocotren, an inexpensive tour around the city using an old bus-train, from the Zocodover Plaza (in front of a Mcdonald’s). The tour comes with an audio guide and brings you up to the best viewing point of all Toledo.
Easily the best part of Madrid and the highlight of the 3 days. Keep in mind that we initially did not plan to go to Toledo and only planned everything the night before, signifying that this trip is easy to plan (Woohoo to all those last-minute planners). Toledo is only 30 minutes away by train and costs about €15 one-way. You can easily get the tickets from Atocha, Madrid’s largest train station. Upon arriving in Toledo, we were greeted with a Middle Eastern-esque train station that I was immediately amazed by. Toledo is a walking city – you can get anywhere by foot – and was basically a castle city which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site (yeah!). Head’s up – Toledo is a caste on a hill (no pun intended) so get ready to hike a bit. As a city heavily influenced by Muslims, Christians and Jews, Toledo houses landmarks that are unique to the world. These landmarks used to be home for knights during the medieval ages which you can easily bring a piece home by buying its souvenirs: swords, blades, and other edged weapons.Top tip: I highly recommend you to board the Zocotren, an inexpensive tour around the city using an old bus-train, from the Zocodover Plaza (in front of a Mcdonald’s). The tour comes with an audio guide and brings you up to the best viewing point of all Toledo.
WHAT TO EAT
Deserts
Chocolatería San Ginés – World’s best Spanish churros
Chocolatería San Ginés – World’s best Spanish churros
Mistura – Hole-in-a-wall ice cream café
Cereal Talent Café – Very friendly host and cool cereal collection
Spanish
Market of San Miguel
Market of San Miguel
La Bicicleta Café – Cozy café perfect for Brunch
Museo Jamon – Jamon, jamon and more jamon!
Vegan
Bumpgreen
Bumpgreen
