A short Trip in the City of Madrid
After landing in Madrid, I settled into a hotel near Puerta del Sol, which turned out to be the perfect base. That first afternoon, I wandered through the city’s historic heart—Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and the striking Almudena Cathedral. The architecture was stunning, and the energy in the streets was contagious. I ended the day with a glass of wine and some tapas at Mercado de San Miguel, watching the locals flow through the lively market as the sun set behind the rooftops.
My second day was a deep dive into Madrid’s art scene. The Prado was incredible—seeing works by Velázquez and Goya up close was a real highlight. I continued to Reina Sofía to take in Picasso’s Guernica, and then browsed the beautiful collection at the Thyssen-Bornemisza. To unwind, I spent a couple of hours in El Retiro Park, even rowing a boat on the lake. That night, I wandered through the charming Barrio de Las Letras and found a cozy restaurant where I had one of the best meals of the trip.
On day three, I started with churros and chocolate at the legendary San Ginés, which totally lived up to the hype. I explored the neighborhoods of Malasaña and Chueca, full of quirky shops, cool street art, and little cafes tucked into corners. I had lunch at Mercado de San Antón, where I tried a few small bites from different stalls. Later, I took a tour of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which was a must as a football fan. That evening, I saw a flamenco show at Corral de la Morería—passionate, powerful, and unforgettable.
For my last day, I took a quick train ride to Toledo. The medieval streets, massive cathedral, and hilltop views were worth every step. The blend of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim history was fascinating, and the whole city felt like a living museum. I got back to Madrid just in time for a golden-hour walk along Gran Vía. My final dinner was at a traditional bodega, with a glass of Rioja and a plate of slow-cooked oxtail. It was the perfect ending to an incredible four days in Spain’s capital.