“I made up my mind! I’ll give you a surprise for your birthday.” so we flew to Madrid.
A warm, lively, exciting city that has stolen a piece of our heart, leaving us speechless.
I already talked about Spain in the article on Toledo.
This time, however, I’ll tell you about my last trip to Madrid and my tips for organizing the trip.
If you haven’t been there yet, I really recommend you go there!
Here are some valuable tips for organizing your trip to Madrid.
How to get to Madrid
Direct flights to Madrid are available from major Italian and European cities with the Spanish national airline Iberia.
In my case we took the flight from Malpensa.
There are also many other low-cost airlines, such as Easy Jet and Meridiana.
From Barajas airport, where international flights arrive, you can reach the city in various ways:
- taxi
- bus
- metro
If you choose the metro you can buy a special ticket at the cost of € 2.
Otherwise, inquire at the hotel where you booked: many of them offer free shuttle service!
If you want to know more you can read this post on how to go from Madrid airport to the city center.
Where to eat in Madrid on a budget
Being two “penniless” guys we tried to eat low cost!
The place not to be missed is the Museo del Jamon: with 1 € you can taste excellent sandwiches with Jamon Ibérico, queso, chorrizo and more, but also beer and other drinks.
Also try the Cervezeria 100 Montaditos, especially on Wednesdays, when all the sandwiches cost € 1 with a huge choice!
If you want a full meal, have a look around at all bars.
Many offer the “menu del dia” at good prices or you can opt for a round of tapas.
Don’t miss the Chocolatería San Ginés !
A beautiful historic place where you can enjoy hot chocolate with churros.
It doesn’t matter if it’s 30° … it’s really worth it!
There are hundreds of photographs on the walls and you can browse among the VIP customers who have been there: royalty, singers, footballers, actors …
Where to sleep in Madrid
We stayed at the Hotel Tryp Diana, very close to the airport, with which it is connected by a shuttle service every 45 minutes.&Nbsp;The area is really quiet. The place is a 4* hotel that was doing some renovation work during our stay.
The only flaw: the distance from the subway (last stop on the green line, Alameda de Osuna). You have to take a nice walk to get there.
Search for your hotel in Madrid and book it HERE on BOOKING.com!
Getting around in Madrid
The key word is… metro!
The fastest transportation system in town.
Very clean and safe, thanks to the presence of security officers throughout the service hours.
A ticket costs € 1, but there are several ways to save money:
- Abono Turistico, valid for 1-2-3-5 or 7 days, from 4 to 20,40 €
- Madrid Card, with free access to 43 city museums, unlimited travel on 3 tourist buses, free entry to various parks (for instance the beautiful Zoo Aquarium), discounts at theaters, shops and restaurants.
If you buy it online you have a discount, otherwise you can get it in local travel agencies, central stations and tourist offices.
What to see in Madrid
I would like to make you such a long list that you would buy a guide first.
So I just suggest you our ranking:
-
- Royal Palace. The residence of the Spanish Royals is an incredible set of decorated spaces, an example of the luxury and wealth of the 18th and 19th century court. Inside, you can also visit the royal armory and pharmacy, as well as part of the royal rooms. Wednesday afternoon is free!
- Prado Museum. One of the largest in the world, best known for the works of Goya, Velazquez and other Spanish masters, as well as Italian and Flemish masterpieces. Wednesday afternoon is also free! Buy your ticket online here.
- Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. For football fans (but not only), a tour of the Real Madrid stadium and museum cannot be missed. Full of cups and memorabilia that trace the centenary history of the “merengues”. A ride on the playground, on the bench, the press room … and then the huge official shop. Buy your ticket online here.
- Zoo Aquarium. One of the most important in the world, both for the number of species of animals of all continents, and for its constant research and education. Not only a zoological center, but also a dolphinarium, aquarium and avian, with an extension of 20 hectares.
- Plaza Mayor. A spectacular mandatory stop, closed by buildings and full of tables of restaurants and artists who will make you splendid portraits and caricatures. The Casa de la Panaderia is wonderful with its facade full of frescoes.
- Market of the Rastro. On Sunday mornings, in the Lavapiés district, there is the ancient flea market, where for more than 100 years there are objects of all kinds, including handicrafts of a certain value. It all lies in finding the deal among the crowded stalls with the screams of the vendors who will accompany you through the numerous streets.
Last tips: do not miss the nightlife between Chueca and Malasana and a nice walk for shopping along the Gran Vìa!