Hola Madrid: Until we meet again!

Having lived abroad far away from home for a year during my graduation year and falling in love with the European culture all I wanted to do is explore more of it. And what best when you can make a thrifty trip to Spain on a student visa. My naïve wanderlust soul was craving for some further refinement, Spanish this time maybe!

I took visiting Madrid by the storm and saw quite a bit in few days. This Spanish city came across as a surprising low paced city. The moment I arrived in the city I was introduced to Plaza Mayor, the numero uno spot in the capital.

Buzzing Plaza Mayor!

Being the busiest square in Madrid with perfect proximity to some of the major sights worth visiting in Madrid, there was so much happening around with bustling tourist shops, cafés, and restaurants. For a moment I stood there in awe as a local mentioned about the momentous things that had happened here over the centuries: bullfights, public executions and religious celebrations too.

I could only imagine spectators cheering and shrieking from the balconies that overlook the square.

The main square of the city

Later in the evening I made way to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. Though it belonged to the royal family as their authoritative residence, they don’t actually live here anymore.

At the Royal Palace of Madrid

However lucky for us visitors the palace is now open to tours and visits. Walking past the palace starting at the splendid stairway and meandering through lavishly decorated staterooms I was definitely enthralled. What best when you get to tour all of this for free? Yes plan your visit here on a Wednesday and it’s free!

A city that’s inundated with such rich culture definitely was backed up by some of the most remarkable museums I have ever come across. First in list was Prado National Museum and once you are here you would know why it’s considered as one of the best museums on the planet. They don’t only house work from famous Spanish artists but also Flemish and Dutch, Italian and German artists.

The famous artwork at the museum

The location does enough justice to the name Prado that represents area of market gardens or meadow. The tree-lined boulevard that leads to the museum says it all!

The beautiful boulevard of the museum

For the modern art fanatics a trip to Renia Sofia Arts Museum is a must.

The artistic building of the museum

This museum houses Madrid’s best collection of modern art and themes that would only leave you curious and eager to learn about them more.

The modern art wall
Caught inbetween the art

Then there is something for the navy buffs too! Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which was once an industrialist’s private collection, is now a museum that houses great collection from the fleet run by the Spanish Navy. Being as authoritative like always make sure you bring along your passport when planning to visit this place, as an ID is required for admission to this government building.

Once the history buff in me was satiated I headed straight to Mercado de San Miguel. When in Madrid the food palate can take any foodie by its flavors engulfing this city. This indoor market is a hip spot with lots of restaurants and stalls, with delicious and surprisingly cheap local drinks and tapas to try from.

Mercado de San Miguel
Mercado de San Miguel
Thats how much the Sangrias costed here

Housed in a beautiful glass and wrought iron space, the food stalls here sell a huge selection of quality Spanish produce from all over the country. This place introduced me to some of the most incredible Spanish wines on the planet. Did someone day Sangria! Be sure to get familiarized to new tapas and beverages in this amazing food couture!

Introduction to the world of food
Giving my tastebuds a treat

Paella was one such dish I got introduced here that my taste buds still crave for!

Good morning wakeup scenes
Yummiest breakfast delight of Spain

With a typical morning breakfast that looked like this, who can fight the hunger pangs in this city! Indulging into the Spanish brews and the chocolate con churros (sticks of sugary-donut-goodness dipped in melted chocolate) felt like delight for a sweet tooth like me.

Another one thing you definitely can’t miss in this city is the Parque del Retiro. And here’s why you can’t miss it. Take a look at some of these great sculptures, a lake and interesting sights all within the parks vicinity.

The entrance of Parque del Retiro
The long boulevards in the park
The famous statue of lucifer

This place was originally used as a playground by the Spanish Royal Family.

It was the perfect place to chill, unwind and soak up the Spanish sun. I enjoyed following the leafy paths and the sprinkles from the fountain in this vast and deceptively spacious park.

Thats how my path looked

The lakeside is beautiful seeing the boats take off for a short ride.

Waiting for my boat to arrive

Saving last for the best, I definitely couldn’t leave the Spanish land before visiting Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

At the legendary stadium of Real Madrid

Thanks to my fellow traveller a complete football fanatic, I had to pay my last visit here. Home ground to the Real Madrid team, Santiago Bernabeu indeed is one of the holiest places for football lovers. And for a non football lover like me, from getting a look at one of the best football stadiums, to actually walking past the rooms and passages of some of the world renowned players was definitely a privileged experience.

Football fandom kicking in
Sinking in history about the home ground
The REAL Madrid

There was also a wide range of official merchandise to lay your hands on! For the football lover don’t miss out on that.

The official merchandise of the team
The award winning trophies
Collectables from famous players

Calling adios to the Spanish land, the last evening was made special getting introduced to the legendary Flamenco dancing in Madrid. I got to see some of the finest dance at Corral De La Moreria that night.

Watching the famous Flamenco show
The graceful star of the night
When you are left mesmerised by the show

With an elaborate dinner plated together with ace performers what more would you need to end the journey in this stylish city! Getting lucky enough I got an opportunity to learn some Spanish moves backstage from the lead dancers too.

Backstage scenes

It was astoundingly difficult to bid adios to Madrid! Hola until we meet again.

Cannot Miss:

  • Touring the Real Madrid stadium
  • Dancing to the tunes of Flamenco at Corral De La Moreria
  • Trying the Spanish tapas like con churros, paella and so much more

GlobeTrotting365Days: Madrid 29th June 2011.

 

Author: globetrotting365days

Dreaming and living the wanderlust life at my early 20's, I have always thrived on my long bucket list. Yes a list that counts up to more than 75 odd countries, I have been lucky enough to witness the magic of 20 awe-inspiring countries already and it still keeps me yearning for more.

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