Madrid is Spain’s capital city and a sight to behold. Madrid, unlike Barcelona, is a landlocked city. This means there are no beaches, so be cautious when it becomes hot in the summer. , superb seafood can still be here, and much of it’s transported the same day.
You can also utilise Madrid as a jumping off point for other cities in the area because it is a significant hub with easy access from major airports. As an example, I flew direct from Boston to Madrid and rented a car before driving south to Granada and then west to Portugal.
You have access to public transportation here, from trains to buses, so you might end your journey in France or Italy if you so desire. But, because Madrid will exhaust you, I propose taking a day or two off. People talk about New York, but the city that never sleeps is Madrid.
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- Eat churros and chocolate
Let’s start with something everyone is thinking about: churros. The most famous establishment is Chocolateria San Gines, but you can get churros anyplace in Madrid. It doesn’t matter if you go to a popular tourist shop or a random cafe near your hotel; they’ll all be great. Sugar-dusted fried dough. How can that be anything but amazing? Not to mention that many of the smaller cafés take delight in their food and serve gourmet plates at reasonable prices.
- Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is the city’s historical centre, dating back to the 15th century. The portals were particularly wide to accommodate horses and carriages. The plaza’s purpose has not always been positive; it was for public executions and bullfights. But, its initial aim was to function as a market, and it still does so today. The square’s perimeter is lined with stores and eateries. Depending on the season, there are more events held in the centre. The yearly San Isidro celebrations, for example, are here and were being set up when I went in mid-May. If you’re searching for a calamari sandwich, a local favourite, stop into La Ideal for a satisfying and cheap supper.
- Rooftop Bar
Rooftops are a major deal in Madrid, so much so that you’ll see people chatting outside rather than soaking up the A/C inside. They’re very busy after sunset and on weekends, so if you want to go, phone ahead to see whether you need reservations. I slept at The Hat, a stylish hostel with a hip crowd. I didn’t like that there was no bar to sit at, only tables for groups. As a solitary traveller, this made it tough to linger. Mercado San Anton, a food market, and Gymage, a gym, theatre, spa, and restaurant all in one, are two other options.
- Greet Madrid’s famous bear
The motif of a wild bear and a strawberry tree appears on the city coat of arms, which dates back to the 13th century. La Osa y el Madroo is the name in Spanish. Before Madrid became the sprawling metropolitan fantasy that it is now. It was fields and farmlands, with some bear inhabitants. The bear leans into and supports the tree in this 1960s statue. It is to personify the coat of arms and represent the melding of agriculture and administration. It’s near the Plaza del Sol, another popular gathering spot and pedestrian area in the city.
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- Templo de Debod
The Templo de Debod is a genuine Egyptian temple located in the heart of Madrid. It comes from the second century but was to Madrid in the mid-nineteenth century and opened to the public in 1972. It was to the city to protect it from flooding and now sits in the midst of a pond, which reflects the monument on a clear day. Visitors are not permitted on the interior pathway, although they may walk around the perimeter. Because the temple is from East to West, you may witness the sunset over this spectacular sight. The vibrant orange and crimson colours make this a popular place at dusk.