Oh, Madrid! As a states's capital Madrid is a city that shows all its power and its fully prepared to keep tourists busy for a long time exploring an endless list of museums, exhibitions, parks and attractions. I had the amazing opportunity to go there as a school trip all along with my friends, so besides having an amazing time together, we took the chance to discover such an historical and beautiful city like that. We listened, we walked, we saw, we basically conquered Madrid! And, although we didn't had the time to explore everything, we still can say that we made the best out of it.
Here is a list of what, to my mind, is the coolest most unmissable, incredible things you can do, so you all can take over Madrid too!
Here is a list of what, to my mind, is the coolest most unmissable, incredible things you can do, so you all can take over Madrid too!
The egyptian temple of Debod.
With an unbelievable story behind it, the Temple of Debod is an egyptian sanctuary that was brought from Egypt itself after Franco proportioned help to their government (in an intend to consolidate international relationships so as to accept the dictatorship). Although it was stated to be a gift, the Spanish tropes did pay for the temple to be brought. And yes, it is also a really beautiful - and curious - place to go and, a nice way to spend your afternoon relaxing at the park surrounding it.
Where: Calle Ferraz, 1
How much: free!
Where: Calle Ferraz, 1
How much: free!
El Prado Museum.
The most classical of the classics. The Museum of El Prado, with some of the most well-known and important masterpieces of all times (such as Las Meninas of Velazquez or Goya's shootings or The Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest of El Greco). A truly wonderful museum, to my mind. It is just breathtaking the hundreds of classical galleries they keep with impressively beautiful paintings.
How much: 14€
When: from 10am to 8pm generally
How much: 14€
When: from 10am to 8pm generally
The Thyssen - Bornemiza Collection.
What used to be the private collection of Conde Thyssen is now s stunning museum, and for me, a definitely great way to take a walk around art history from the very beginning to the most modern and crazy styles. It is what makes this place special, you can feel how the society developed and changed through the different ages (and a cool chance to review history!). And of course, it does also held some other incredible paintings as the dreams of Dali, and Picasso and Vang Gogh and Monet and Roy Lichenstein and many more!
When: from 10am to 7 pm
How much: 10€
Where: Palacio de Villahermosa, Paseo del Prado, 8
When: from 10am to 7 pm
How much: 10€
Where: Palacio de Villahermosa, Paseo del Prado, 8
The park of El Retiro. .
Mh, what is a big city without a big park? In this occasion the place was constructed in order for the monarchy to have a summer home near their courts. And that is something you can still feel it when you go nowadays, it is a royal park, elegant and ambitious. But also a wonderful place where to spent some time walking around and enjoying strolling with your company (whether that is family, kids, friends, couples or whatever, it is perfect for everybody). I still remember getting lost in there with my friends and just having a fun time together. Basically, a truly must to see in Madrid!
When: from 6am to 10/12pm
How much: free!
When: from 6am to 10/12pm
How much: free!
Reina Sofia Art Gallery.
And now is time for the last one of the Triangle of Art museums in Madrid: The Reina Sofia. Reestablished after the dictatorship this museum was an opportunity for Spain to proof that they hadn't fallen culturally and to recover some of the Spanish masterpieces kept away by the intellectuals, like Picasso's Guernica (which, as many others, denounced the terrible situation this country was going through). This one is probably the most contemporary out of the three, fulfilled with abstractionism and symbolism, with enough to keep you reflecting for a while.
When: from 10am to 9pm
How much: 8€
Where: Santa Isabel Street, 52
When: from 10am to 9pm
How much: 8€
Where: Santa Isabel Street, 52
San Miguel's Market .
As you probably know by this time, I am a big passionate for cute and nice markets, such as Barcelona's or that one in Philadelphia. And as it couldn't be least, San Miguel Market is also a staggering place to visit (and go crazy craving for all that tasty food around). With a friendly atmosphere, some places to sit and delicious stalls were to buy some food, the market is surely where you should go if you want to try the only best of Spanish cuisine for a good price.
Where: San Miguel Square
When: 10 am to 12pm/2am
Where: San Miguel Square
When: 10 am to 12pm/2am
The door of Alacala.
Maybe not a breathtaking place, but along the Cibeles and the Neptuno squares (where Real Madrid and Atletic de Madrid celebrate their triumphs), it is a must during sightseeing in Madrid. Big and pretty stunning is a curious thing to see in the streets -and a great stop to take a selfie. By the way, this used to be one of the five royal entrances to the capital reflecting its purest neoclassical style.
Where: Independence Square, 1
Where: Independence Square, 1
A Walk at the Austria's neighborhood.
It is the oldest neighborhood in the city and it has truly managed it wisely to keep its ancient buildings. Visit the beautiful Plaza Mayor - Major Square? - or walk around Plaza del Sol -Square of the Sun - while, through your way, you can stumble upon various old and beautiful structures constructed at the very beginning of the Spanish Imperialism (which was luckily over a long time ago).
I remember when I went there it was a cold winter morning and there wasn't almost anyone in the street. It was such a nice experience to be there all by our own exploring the remains that an ancient past has left us.
I remember when I went there it was a cold winter morning and there wasn't almost anyone in the street. It was such a nice experience to be there all by our own exploring the remains that an ancient past has left us.
Gran Via.
The street of nightlife, of the theaters and of the coolest shops. Gran Via, as its name indicates, it is the BIG WAY and it deserves a visit. Just go up and down the street and feel the city's life, wile observing all the busy locals running towards theirs destination. Besides the movement, it is sincerely a beautiful street where no matter what you are looking for it will be there.
Eat Chocolate with Churros.
Not really much to say about this, only that you should really try them, because they can be good, very good. It is a classical in Madrid and you can't leave the city without having at least try them out once. And be sure to stop by Churros San Gines, the most famous local bakery where you'll have some truly awesome ones.
Where: Pasadizo de San Gines, 5
Where: Pasadizo de San Gines, 5
Have you been to Madrid? What did you most enjoyed in there?
Sincerely,
Vera
Vera