Madrid – a caliente city
If you’re looking for warmth go to Madrid, the town where European summer probably arrives first.
By Netania Gomes
As early as April temperatures can reach more than 22°C in the capital of Spain and it is also full of tourist attractions, so you will never get bored there.
The first place you should go to is the Plaza Mayor or the Puerta del Sol: these sights are the best starting points to get anywhere in the city. They are very central and from there you can get anywhere by foot, bus or metro.
The way time works in Madrid is different to everything you are used to. The shops open from 10am to 2pm (when they close for the siesta) and then from 5pm to 8pm. So, if you go out for a dinner at 9 pm you will be alone. Only after 10 pm do people start to show up in restaurants and after dinner you can expect the nightlife to start!
Here is my guide to what you should do when visiting this interesting city.
Free Walking Tour
That is the best way to start your trip in Madrid. Go to the Plaza Mayor, look out for a big red umbrella and sign up for the tour: you won’t be disappointed. Every day (at 11am and at 2pm), a company called Sandemans brings tourists on an incredible walk around the main historical places. Remember: the meeting point is at the Plaza Mayor, and they will be holding a red umbrella.
The tour lasts for nearly 3 hours and in the end you pay as much as you thought it was worth! That way you will not only see the monuments and buildings, but you will also learn about their background. The guides talk about Spanish history in a very engaging way, they are great storytellers. The tour is a must and it can be done in Spanish or English.
Plaza Mayor
It is the heart of Madrid and it is the kind of place you will visit even if you don’t intend to. It is the meeting point or the starting point of everything!
The Plaza was originally constructed in the early 1600s and then rebuilt, when a good portion of it burned in the late 1700s. The very symmetrical architecture gives the it a beauty that few other plazas in Spain have. It is also a place where many important events in the history of Madrid occurred. There you will find lots of cafés and restaurants which allow you to sit outside, but as it is mainly visited by tourists, expect to be overcharged. Nevertheless, it is a perfect place for a sangria while watching people passing by.
Parque Del Buen Retiro
Lovely park for a break from the city. El Buen Retiro is situated in the centre of Madrid, and it is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life. An absolute must-see. The park is huge, so make sure you have at least 3 hours to see everything. It has some beautiful hedges, fountains, a lake with boats to rent, and lots of nice cafes. Take a walk inside and you will stumble upon a rose garden, children’s playgrounds and a stunning Crystal Palace, where there is always an art exhibition. The park is very spread out, so you can either sit with large groups of people, or find a more isolated spot just for yourself.
Museu do Prado
El Prado has one of the largest and finest collections of paintings in the world. A visit to Madrid must include a visit to El Prado. Go directly to the second floor and enjoy the best collection of Velazquez, Goya and El Greco’s in the world alongside Flemish and Dutch masters. In order to make the most of it, you can get an audio guide for 5 Euro. If you are a lover of art, you can easily spend the whole day there.
Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace is a great stop for any tourist. With historical and artistic splendour, the palace has numerous elegant rooms open to the public with brilliant ceilings and paintings on the walls, luxury and antique furniture, all in the spirit of the 19th century. The tour gives you an insight into the palace and lives of the Royal Family. The visit costs €11 and the best tip here is: Book your ticket online and avoid the long queue.
Mercado de San Miguel
This marketplace is a great place to visit and it will make you feel like you’ve found the heartbeat of Madrid. Expect reasonable prices for delicious food. This is one of those places that you want to keep coming back to. It is free to walk around if you don’t want to buy anything, but it’s almost impossible to resist the delicious tapas, sangrias and jamons. There’s also fruit, more tapas, cheeses and meats, desserts and pastries, and to wash it all down you’ve got a huge selection of wines, sangrias and beers. You can browse around, going from stall to stall trying a bit of everything.
