Hola Madrid!
Madrid, the capital city, is in the heart of Spain. There is so much to do in this magnificent city. Let me guide you through the top sightseeing spots and places to visit in Madrid.
The first stop should be Plaza Mayor where you can explore the city’s vibrant historical heart and its architecture. Nearby, you can find local coffee bars, restaurants, and the famous shopping street Calle Gran Via.
Afterwards, walk towards the west side of the city where you will see the Royal Palace as well as the lovely Jardines de Sabatini. A bit further to the north, there is the Templo de Debod which is an ancient Egyptian temple that can be visited.
One of the must-see museums is Reina Sofia which showcases the stunning and well-known work “La Guernica” by the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso. This artwork which measures around 7.80m in length and 3.50m in height, depicts the horror and the bombing of the town of Guernica during the Spanish civil war in 1937. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended as this museum gets a lot of visitors every day and waiting times can be very long.
Another nice place to go is Las Ventas, where you can learn about the legendary Spanish event of bullfighting. If you visit during the right time, you will also get an opportunity of getting tickets to assist to a real show.
In the late afternoon, head to the Parque El Retiro for a nice, relaxed walk where you will also come across the Palacio de Cristal, a palace built only with glass. Just before dinner, head to the Centro Deportivo Municipal Estanque del Retiro where you can take a boat and float on the lake of the park. During peak seasons, it is advisable to book in advance.
While exploring those different places, immerse yourself in either some tasty churros or paella served with the traditional Sangria. Two good local restaurants to recommend are Lola Si Mola and Chirusa Experimental.
A good tip to keep in mind: avoid restaurants that have pictures from their dishes, as these are mostly tourist traps. Finding local restaurants will give you opportunity to truly indulge in Spanish cuisine.
If you are thinking of going to Madrid, get in touch with The Ridder Travels for more insights and support in creating unforgettable memories.
Hasta pronto, Madrid!