Madrid
New York meets D.C. and is placed in the middle of Spain. That’s kind of the best way to put Madrid. It’s a true European metropolis, not like Barcelona. Madrid is confusing, but there’s beauty in the confusion. It’s a dynamic city, where palaces loom over tapas bars and business men enjoy beers and cava street side during normal working hours. Basically, it’s a beautiful city, and here’s why.
Where to go to be on the fifth avenue of Spain: Gran Via
Your classic, traffic filled, H&M and Zara covered street, supersized. Gran Via in Madrid is the mecca for shopping and dining, and you'll most definitely end up near the area at least once on your visit to the Spanish capital.
Where to have a drink in the best square in the city: Plaza Mayor
Perfectly rectangular with your standard statue of a man riding a horse in the center, Plaza Mayor is lined with restaurants and bars. Be smart when deciding where to go because from my brief research, the reviews on the restaurants were either high or low (>4 star or <3 star).
Where to have Michelin starred food in a market:
This beautiful space was unfortunately not one of the places we ate at, which I now deeply regret. It is top of the line, high end street food placed in a beautiful market complete with glass, bronze and copper finishes. Sure, the calamari is $20, but hey, it has a Michelin star so just get it.
Where to see the world's best classic art: Museo del Prado
An iconic museum, the Museo del Prado has been around for two hundred years now, and for good reason. It is arguably the best art museum in the world, with artists such as Goya, Velazquez and many, many more. The building is currently under renovation, but the interior is stunning and circulation is clear. You can spend anywhere from an hour to six at this place, so plan accordingly.
Where to go for an afternoon stroll: Buen Retiro Park
Behind the Museo del Prado is this massive park, which has beautifully landscaped gardens, as well as large man made lakes. There is also a stunning glass building that looks like the place any girl would want her dream wedding to be at.
Where to go to see grass grow on buildings: Caixa Forum
An architectural gem, the Caixa Forum is an interesting space to visit, especially if you are interested in architecture. Have something to eat on the top floor and look out over the streets of Madrid through the intricately designed façade of the Herzog and de Meuron designed building then walk back down to ground level by using the badass staircase.
Where to go if the Museo del Prado wasn't enough artwork: Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
This museum may be a little cooler than the Museo del Prado, although less iconic. There is greater variety and more interesting architectural moments here, especially where the red theater/bar/restaurant is. Ride up and down the glass elevators and see all the work on display at this fantastic museum.
Where to stay: Grand Hotel Ingles
I won't write a full review on the hotel because I did not stay there. My dad had the honor of staying at the hotel, and I visited a few times. The location is great, as is the service (they all knew our names after just one night). The rooms are somewhat small, but we were upgraded to a beautiful room with a standalone bathtub which me and my dad both agreed would be great had we been staying at the hotel with someone of the female gender.
