Madrid is the vibrant capital city of Spain located in the heart of the country. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere. From iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum to the bustling streets of Gran Vía and the beautiful Retiro Park, Madrid offers a wide range of cultural, artistic, and culinary experiences.
Where to Stay:
We stayed at Motel One. It was the prefect location. It was in walking distance from many must see locations in Madrid. It was also very reasonably priced. The hotel staff spoke some English which was very helpful. It was about $150-170 per night depending on the time of year you go. It is located near the Gran Via area which is the heart of the city. There is many shopping, restraunts and different sights to see. It also is very safe.
Hotel Riu Plaza Espana is also in an amazing location close to everything you will want to see with an amazing rooftop bar.
VP plaza espana Design would also be an awesome option around the same area as the other two hotels.
What to do:
- Go to a Flamenco show: Flamenco is the traditional dance and music of Spain. There are multiple different places you can go to watch a show. We went to Tablao Flamenco 1911, you can buy tickets online or at different shops around the city. They have multiple different show times about everyday. Teatro OFF La Latina is another good option for a flamenco show but they have less show times available.
- Real Madrid game: Real Madrid is one of the biggest soccer teams in the world. They just built a new stadium that you need to see. You will have to check when a game is going on to see if one is happening during your trips. Tickets range in many different price ranges depending on where you want to sit.
- Do a tour: There are multiple different tours that you can do to explore the city. You can find options below.
- Explore all the sights in Madrid: Madrid has so many different sights to see. The city is very walkable and the metro is so easy to use!
- Take a day trip: There are so many different options for day trips that you can easily do from Madrid; different options include: Toledo(40min train ride), Valencia(2hr train ride), Cuenca(1hr train ride), Salamanca(1hr 40min train ride), Sierra Guadarrma (1hr drive), and Segovia (50 by bus). We did Toledo and was one of my favorite parts of the trip.
- Roof top bars: There are many different roof top bars that you can go to but the best one is Hotel Riu Plaza Espana. If you stay at or around the same hotel we did it is very close!
What to see:
There is plenty of other places to visit while in Madrid but these were the areas that we were able to explore while in the city.
- La Gran Via: this is like there time square area and very close to Motel One, if that is where you choose to stay.
- Puerta del Sol: Side streets are vibrant, amazing night life with tons of cafés, shops, etc.
- Plaza Mayor: This is the iconic big city square. You have to go there; so many restaurants and shops all around the square.
- Temple of Debod: Is an Egyptian temple that was dismantled and brought to Spain. You are able to explore in the temple but we did not do that, since the line was very long.
- Retiro park: This is like their Central Park area. It is a huge park in the mild of the city with different little trials and builds. There is also a big pond in the mild of the park that you are able to rent little paddle boats during the summer time.
- Las Cibeles: A large fountain where Real Madrid celebrates its victories.
- The Royal Palace: When you are in Madrid you have to go to the royal palace! It is gorgeous. There is so much to see with in the palace. It cost about $20 to go in to the palace.
Tours:
- Estadio Santiago Bernabeu tour: This is the tour you can do of the Real Madrid stadium it was about $25 we were able to see all the trophies and a view of the empty stadium.
- Madrid City Tour: You will see the double decker tour buses driving throughout the city. You can purchase the bus tickets at the newspaper stands that you see not he streets.
- Palacio Real: This is the tour of the royal palace.
- Prado Museum: This is a world famous art museum. It cost about $15 to enter.
- Museo Sorolla: Sorolla is famous Spanish artist. You can explore his home that is also a museum. Prices range from free to $3.
Where to eat:
- Hotel Riu Plaza Espana: There is an amazing roof top bar that will offer you an awesome few of the city.
- Grosso Napoletano: This is located right across the street from the hotel. They have really good and different pizzas.
- Casa Mingo: A typical cider house in Madrid with their roasted chicken as a speciality.
- Chocolateria San Gines: This place is known for the best Churros and chocolate place in Madrid! We liked it so much we got the Churros twice!
- Manolo Bakes: The best little croissants you will ever eat.
- Mercado San Miguel: This is a market that offers many different types of food. It had some of the best food we had in Madrid.
What to know:
- – Take a day trip if you can; worth the the time!
- – We went in November the tempterature was around 50-60s degrees Fahrenheit.
- – I felt very safe the whole time we were in Madrid
Up to the Sky 
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