The capital city of Spain is not only important due to its political status but also because it’s buzzing with activities and tourists all year round. Madrid is a gem of a city so expect a bit of a biased opinion here especially when it comes down to comparing with its other neighbouring towns. This is one of the few cities I could see myself living in and I wouldn’t lie that could be a possibility in the near future. Being an urban girl I loved the vibe, ambience, attractions and the vast list of activities this city has to offer. If I ever felt the need to be alone I ended up strolling in the enormous ‘Retiro Park’ which reminded me so much of my city London. My love for Madrid makes me nostalgic especially since I had such a great time devouring on some of the best Spanish Paella and trying out restaurants and cafes which are pretty reasonable. While it was my first time here I have jotted down some of the unmissable things you need to see here.
Retiro Park: This is the first biggest park of Madrid city. It’s famous because it belonged to the Spanish Monarchy in the past, but now it’s been turned into a public park. You can take a boat ride here, watch the ducks, or stroll inside the Palacio De Cristal which is a glass dome and is also used for art exhibitions occasionally. Many local spend their weekend here and it’s pretty popular among the tourists as well.
Royal Palace: The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official home of the Spanish Royal Family at the city of Madrid; however, it is now utilized for state services. It is the largest functioning palace in Europe if we go by the floor area. Interior of the palace is known for its rich art and decor and you won’t be disappointed to see how the royals lived luxuriously, here. Being one of the best highlights of Madrid this place should definitely not be missed.
Plaza mayor: The Plaza Mayor, a stupendous arcaded square in the focal point of Madrid is extremely mainstream with tourists and local people. It’s not only popular now but even in the olden days, this place used to be the heart of the city. During Christmas time this square is surrounded by shops selling local and traditional goods, there are quite a few cafes and restaurants around as well, to try some Spanish speciality food.
Puerto Del Sol: It is an open square in Madrid, a standout amongst the best known and busiest places in the city. This is the focal point of the spiral system of Spanish streets. There is a famous clock here as well which has a significant history attached to it and don’t forget the beloved shopping street ‘Preciados Street’ which starts from Puerto Del Sol.
Calle Gran – This is Madrid’s most acclaimed road, interfacing Calle de Alcalá and Plaza de España. This street is also known as Madrid’s Spanish Broadway so you can imagine how busy and loved this place is. There are tons of luxury shops, hotels, and restaurants around here. This place also used to be known for the numerous number of theatre and cinemas but unfortunately, only three remain today.
San Miguel Market – This indoor food market was my go-to place to grab a quick bite or to purchase some exotic food ingredients. There are many food tours in Madrid which take you here and is an interesting way to learn a lot about Spanish food. This place is quite packed as its been in business for more than 100 years.
Being the capital, Madrid is also the hub of amazing restaurants, shopping experiences and nightclubs and you can easily spend days in this city, there is always something happening around be concerts, events or food festivals. Madrid has something for everyone and there is no doubt that it is one of the busiest cities to live and travel.
No Comments