After several weeks in Europe following my college graduation, and after traveling from the UK to Spain and everywhere in between, we finally made our final stop in Madrid (and I’m pretty sure we could not have chosen a better city to end the long trip). I absolutely love Madrid and do not think it gets enough credit, not even by me. That is saying something, since I am like a kiddo in a candy store in every single city I ever venture to (with the exception of a couple, but I will save that discussion for a different time. I feel bad saying bad things about any place because everywhere has something good to offer if you’re in the right mood).
Madrid is great. I think that the Barcelona vs. Madrid debate is an ongoing one (that’s a thing right?) and something that is probably never going to be resolved as neither Team Barcelona nor Team Madrid will ever concede. Both very large, very vibrant, very Spanish, very popular tourist destinations, but also extremely different. I am overwhelmed with adoration for Barcelona but feel comfortable, at-home vibes in Madrid. It’s a lot like how I felt overwhelmed with adoration for Prague but feel a certain pleasant, laid-back comfort in Budapest. Budapest and Madrid are a little bit less loud and obnoxious about how cool they are, a little less packed with tourists, but just as unique and fun.
Browse the best deals on hotels in Madrid here!
Pretty much everything about Madrid is classic Spain: the food, the architecture, the smells, the colors, the happy people (Barcelona‘s people are happy as clams too, which is something I really love about Spain). Madrid, more so than most places I’ve been, is somewhere I feel that I could live for an extended period. You don’t feel like a tourist when you’re here, and that is dope.
What to Do
Peruse The Golden Triangle of Art
Don’t think that Barcelona is the only artsy city in Spain. Madrid is plenty artsy too. Actually, Spain in general is an artsy country, and Europe in general is an artsy continent, so am I even saying anything interesting or profound or informational here? Museo Nacional del Prado is the main Spanish art museum, one of Madrid’s most popular attractions, and considered one of the greatest art museums in the entire world, containing the works of Francisco de Goya and Diego Velasquez among many other talents.
Across the way is Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, named after Queen Sofía, home to Spanish 20th century art, including Picasso and Dalí. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum contains the art from historical periods that the other two museums do not cover. The three museums together create the GOLDEN TRIANGLE OF ART, smack dab in the middle of Madrid and a fantastic (and easily accessible) way to experience Spanish art culture (and what is traveling good for if not experiencing different cultures? Just kidding. It’s good for so, so many things).
Visit the Real Madrid Stadium
Now, I am not about to say that I am a big soccer fan. I am not even going to say that I am a small soccer fan because I have always thought honesty is the best policy. I never watch soccer. I played soccer for one indoor season when I was five years old and spent far more time running to the water fountain in the corner of the gym and scanning the crowd for my mother than actually even paying attention to what was going on in the game. But Spain LOVES soccer. And being that we were in Europe during the 2014 World Cup, I wasn’t about to turn a blind eye to something so engrained in the culture (I even watched a few games over tapas and wine if you can believe it!).
The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium allows die-hard soccer fans (or people who are pretending) to go through a self-guided tour to learn about the history of the stadium and the team. This includes (but is not limited to) walking through the trophy room, the dressing room, the dugouts, and the press room. At 20€, entrance is what you would expect for any other afternoon activity you may choose, and it is worth it. Remember, this is coming from a non-soccer fan. The love for the game here is palpable. You can even see where Cristiano Ronaldo pees (and guess what, I took a picture of it because sadly these are the things that excite me). To be clear, I am not enamored with Cristiano Ronaldo and from what I’ve heard he is a bit of a whiny bitch, but he is famous so seeing where he pees is still a treat.
Visit Madrid’s Zoo & Aquarium
It’s no secret that I love going to zoos. I know they are controversial, but Madrid is one of the only zoos in the entire world that houses giant pandas, a species that is rapidly hurtling towards extinction. These zoos are keeping these babies alive in a safe environment, and I think that that is a good thing. The Madrid zoo is also home to a huge aquarium for those interested in the aquatic sector of the animal kingdom. Buy tickets online for a discount of up to 5€ off what you will pay at the door!
Shop at El Rastro
The city’s oldest flea market comes out to play every Sunday. It offers all kinds of goods to shoppers, from clothing to antiques to art to live birds (?? I stayed far away from this stall because birds are terrifying and evil and will somehow drop their caca in my hair literally every single time they get a chance). Come early in the morning if possible to avoid the touristy crowds, especially in the Spanish summer where crowds amplify the intensely unbearable heat that already makes you want to lay in the street and die.
Hang out in Chueca
If you didn’t already know, Madrid is one of the top five most gay-friendly cities in the entire world (some cities in America could learn a thing or two from Madrid, am I right?). Chueca is the MAIN gay neighborhood. It is where it is at. Tons of bars, night clubs, restaurants, and fun people. For my fellow female travelers, it is also a pretty safe area, as I never felt nervous at all the entire time I was staying in the neighborhood, even late at night.
Where to Eat (& Drink)
Chocolateria San Gines
What is more Madrid than a plateful of churros? Churros in America are smothered in cinnamon sugar (and disgustingly good), while authentic churros are not as sweet, and often served with melted chocolate. Let me tell ya, yum. Chocolateria San Gines is well known as the best place to go if you want to try this tasty Spanish dessert.
+Kcopas
I hate to say it but this is probably where we spent probably more of our time than any other place in the city. The low cost bar. I’m not sure if I should feel shame for this or not. A glass of wine for one Euro though? I mean. I’d be a FOOL to resist. (Walking distance from Chuela, too, if you find yourself short on cash and also short on affordable nightlife options. Lots of nice fellow 1€ wine drinkers, as well.)
El Mercado de San Miguel
One of my favorite places in any city is the city’s gigantic food market (Budapest, Barcelona, and Seattle come to mind). You can come to El Mercado de San Miguel to pick up some food to prepare back at your Airbnb, a quick dessert to take on the go, or you can sample tapas and wine from one of the many vendors spread throughout the market. Obviously many other travelers also love perusing markets on their visits, so opt to go on a weekday if possible if you want to have a relaxing, sit-down experience. TASTY AND FUN, my two favorite adjectives.
What to See
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is a necessary landmark to, at the very least, stand outside and revel in with awe. The 300 year old palace is stunning from both the outside and the inside, and the complex covers almost 1.5 million square feet, so it’s no wonder that the royal family only uses it for fancy ceremonies and has opted to live in a more modest palace outside of the city (is “modest palace” an oxymoron? Like the opposite of “extravagant 400 square foot studio apartment”?). This place also has a really rich and fascinating history, so don’t be afraid to get a local guide to educate you about it a little bit!
Plaza Mayor & Plaza Del Sol
Plaza Mayor, or Main Square, is sort of hard to miss, being as how it is the main square and in the middle of the city. An obvious choice for people watching and appreciating the beauty of beautiful Spain (and only a short walk to Plaza del Sol, the busiest square in Madrid and home to El Oso, a darling little bear statue with a madrone tree that is a symbol of the city).
El Parque del Buen Retiro
Literally named “the Park of Pleasant Retreat,” this is the perfect place to come and relax after a long day. It is right across from the three big art museums, a huge public park in the heart of bustling Madrid. Whether you choose to meander through the rose garden, walk down Statue Walk to enjoy the collection of statues of kings from the Royal Palace, visit the park’s small museums, or lay by the pond, there is no doubt you will walk away and continue on your day feeling pleasantly retreated (lol).
Needless to say, getting up early in the morning to board a flight out of Madrid and out of Europe after so many weeks was nearly impossible (and I don’t mean because of the hangover. Spanish wine is dangerous and irresistible). What an AMAZING city. One of my very favorites. Spain in general is the most lively, delicious, happiest country I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting, and I love it very much.
Your turn! Have you spent time in Madrid? What are some of your favorite things to do? Tell me your thoughts!
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