Travel around Madrid with Bobby
Day 1The Energy of Gran Vía and the Warmth of Plaza Mayor
As soon as I arrived in Madrid, I could feel the city’s vibrant pulse—it drew me in right away. I stayed at NH Collection Madrid Gran Vía, a perfect hotel located in the heart of the city. After dropping off my bags, I headed straight to Gran Vía. Walking along this grand avenue, I was amazed by the impressive architecture and the bustling energy. The street is packed with luxury shops, cinemas, and restaurants, giving me a taste of Madrid’s modern flair.
For lunch, I couldn’t resist trying Sobrino de Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant, where I had the famous “cochinillo” (roast suckling pig). This historic spot exceeded my expectations, both in ambiance and taste. In the afternoon, I made my way to Plaza Mayor, one of the city’s iconic squares. The grandeur of the historical buildings and the lively cafés that surround the square made it the perfect place to soak in Madrid’s charm. Sitting down with a coffee, watching people go by, was the perfect way to end my first day.
A walk along Gran Vía and spending time at Plaza Mayor is the best way to start your Madrid adventure. Don’t overdo it on your first day; take your time to feel the city’s vibe.
Day 2Immersed in Art at Prado and Tranquility at Retiro Park
On my second day, I focused on Madrid’s cultural gems. After an early breakfast on the hotel’s terrace, I headed to Prado Museum. This world-renowned museum houses masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Walking through its halls, I felt like I was traveling through time. The highlight was seeing Velázquez’s “Las Meninas” in person—an experience I will never forget.
After my art-filled morning, I craved some nature, so I strolled to Retiro Park, just a short distance from the Prado. The peaceful atmosphere of this sprawling park was a refreshing change. I rented a boat and spent some quiet moments on the lake, taking in the serene surroundings. I also visited the Palacio de Cristal, a beautiful glass palace inside the park, which hosts modern art exhibitions. It was a lovely mix of nature and creativity.
For lunch, I dined at Casa Lucio, one of Madrid’s most popular restaurants. Their famous dish, “huevos rotos” (broken eggs), was absolutely delicious. With my day packed with culture and nature, I felt like I’d seen a rich side of Madrid’s personality.
Lunch at Casa Lucio was fantastic, especially the famous "huevos rotos" (broken eggs). The rustic setting added to the charm, and the food was simple yet delicious. It’s a classic Madrid dining experience, though booking in advance is necessary as it gets busy.
Food
My stay at NH Collection Madrid Gran Vía continued to impress, with a great breakfast on the rooftop. The central location made getting to Prado Museum and Retiro Park a breeze, but the nearby nightlife could get noisy at night.
Accomodation
Exploring the Prado Museum and wandering around Retiro Park was a day filled with culture and tranquility. The museum’s art collection, particularly Velázquez’s “Las Meninas,” was awe-inspiring, while Retiro Park provided a peaceful break in nature.
Activity
The Prado Museum is a treasure for art lovers and should not be missed. Afterward, escape the city’s bustle with a relaxing boat ride in Retiro Park—it’s the perfect way to recharge.
Day 3 Exploring Royal Grandeur and a Tapas Journey at Mercado San Miguel
On my third day, I dived into Madrid’s royal history. My morning started with a visit to The Royal Palace (Palacio Real). As one of the largest royal palaces in Europe, the sheer scale of it left me in awe. Inside, the grand rooms, luxurious furnishings, and baroque architecture took me back to the days of Spanish kings and queens. Just next to the palace, I visited Almudena Cathedral, offering beautiful views of the city from its rooftop.
For lunch, I headed to Mercado San Miguel, a gourmet market that is a paradise for foodies. From fresh seafood to traditional Spanish ham, the market offers a variety of culinary delights. I indulged in small tapas plates, savoring each bite while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. This was one of my favorite meals in Madrid, a true tapas feast.
Later in the evening, I ventured into Malasaña, known for its bohemian vibe and eclectic nightlife. Walking through the narrow streets, I popped into a few local bars before settling at Tupperware Bar, a quirky spot with alternative music and colorful decor. It was the perfect end to a day filled with history, food, and fun.
Mercado San Miguel offered an incredible variety of tapas. I sampled everything from jamón ibérico to fresh seafood, and each bite was packed with flavor. The market can get crowded, but it’s worth it for the unique tapas experience.
Food
The NH Collection Madrid Gran Vía remained a solid base, with easy access to both historical sites like the Royal Palace and nightlife areas. The modern amenities and sleek design of the hotel made the stay comfortable, but the price could be a bit steep for budget travelers.
Accomodation
Visiting the Royal Palace was a highlight, offering a deep dive into Spain’s royal history. The grandeur of the palace, followed by the lively atmosphere at Mercado San Miguel, made for a well-rounded day of exploration.
Activity
The Royal Palace is a must-see for history enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into Spain’s regal past. Don’t miss Mercado San Miguel for a tapas experience like no other—it’s a food lover’s dream.
Day 4Modern Art at Reina Sofía and the Local Charm of La Latina
On my final day, I decided to explore the modern side of Madrid. I started the day at the Reina Sofía Museum, which focuses on contemporary and modern art. Seeing Picasso’s “Guernica” up close was an emotional and powerful experience. The museum also features works by Salvador Dalí, offering a fascinating journey through modern Spanish art.
After the museum, I wandered through the charming neighborhood of La Latina. With its narrow streets and cozy cafés, this area has a laid-back vibe that contrasts with the busy city center. I stumbled upon El Rastro, a famous flea market held every Sunday. Browsing through antiques and handmade goods was a relaxing way to spend my afternoon, and I found some unique souvenirs to take home.
For my last meal in Madrid, I dined at Casa Lucas, a small tapas bar in La Latina. The chef’s tapas creations were a delightful surprise, offering flavors that were both traditional and innovative. My time in Madrid ended with delicious food, rich culture, and a feeling of satisfaction from exploring everything this vibrant city had to offer.
Casa Lucas, a small tapas bar in La Latina, served up some of the best tapas I’ve had in Madrid. The flavors were inventive, yet stayed true to traditional Spanish cuisine. The intimate setting made the experience even more special.
Food
Though I stayed at NH Collection Madrid Gran Vía for the entire trip, the proximity to La Latina made it easy to explore this charming neighborhood. The hotel’s comfortable rooms and attentive service continued to impress, though it lacked some of the local charm found in smaller accommodations.
Accomodation
The Reina Sofía Museum was a fantastic stop for modern art lovers, especially Picasso’s “Guernica.” Exploring La Latina afterward provided a perfect contrast with its laid-back, local vibe and vibrant street life.
Activity
The Reina Sofía Museum is a must for modern art lovers, especially for those who want to see Picasso’s iconic work. La Latina is perfect for a more relaxed, local experience—don’t miss El Rastro if you’re there on a Sunday.
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
During these 4 days in Madrid, I explored every corner of the city, from its royal past to its bohemian present. Whether you’re into history, art, food, or nightlife, Madrid has something special for everyone. It’s a city that never runs out of stories to tell, and I know I’ll be back to discover even more!
Attractions
Value for Money
Cuisine
People and Culture
Accommodation
Cleanliness and Environment
Transportation
Shopping
Safety
Overall Experience
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At Sobrino de Botín, I indulged in the famous "cochinillo" (roast suckling pig). The meat was tender and perfectly roasted, and the atmosphere of dining in the world’s oldest restaurant added to the experience. However, it’s quite a touristy spot, so it can feel crowded at times.
Food
Staying at NH Collection Madrid Gran Vía was ideal. The location in the heart of the city made it easy to walk to major attractions like Gran Vía and Plaza Mayor. The rooms were modern and comfortable, though the price was a bit on the higher side for such central accommodation.
Accomodation
Walking down Gran Vía and exploring Plaza Mayor was the perfect introduction to Madrid. The architecture along Gran Vía is stunning, and Plaza Mayor offered a lively and historic atmosphere. It’s a great way to start getting a feel for the city’s energy.
Activity