Madrid’s Royal Palace
Madrid is often overlooked by those visiting Spain, who tend to favour Catalonia’s Barcelona as the ‘must-see’ Spanish location. This is most definitely not the wisest option as Madrid has plenty to offer. The good news is it’s very well connected with the rest of Europe by train, bus and lots of options for cheap flights to Spain. We spent 5 days in Madrid after only planning three and we found it hard to leave for a number of reasons.
The Laid-back Spanish Lifestyle
Typical Street Scene in Madrid
Really, does anyone in Madrid work? Morning, noon and night people are sitting out in the streets sipping on little coffees, beer and wine. This was without a doubt one of our favourite things we encountered during our 5 days in Madrid. We loved the pace at which people went about their daily business and nobody ever seemed too stressed out- perfecto!
The Food
Casa Labra, Madrid
Ok, so Madrid doesn’t quite live up to Seville in Andalusia when it comes to food but what’s on offer is still incredibly tasty. Staying away from the area between Gran Via and Peurta Del Sol (tourist central), the food in Madrid is really good. Casa Labra is a must for Bacalao, a small piece of battered cod. A little ‘fish and chips’ style tapas, minus the chips, in a bite-size portion.
Chocolate Con Churros
If that’s not enough, try the local speciality of Chocolate Con Churros. A big cup of melted chocolate, a few foot-long churros and you’re done. Chocolateria San Gines has been churning out churros since 1894 and serve great coffee too. Just be careful not to drip chocolate all over yourself like Brian did.
Cheap and delicious wine
Noelle Enjoying Some Vino Tinto
Yes, the wine is cheap and yes the wine is delicious. Whether you are 5 days in Madrid, a long weekend or just a day, this could well keep you longer than you intended in the Spanish capital. A glass of wine in a restaurant, for example, is about €1.20 while a bottle of local wine in a supermarket starts at just €1.
The Architecture
Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid
You don’t need to be ‘into’ architecture, history or anything else to appreciate Madrid’s beautiful buildings and monuments. Put on some good shoes and go walk around the city.
Simple Self-Guided Madrid Walking Tour
Starting from Parque del Retiro you can walk Calle de Alcalá taking in the Alcalá Gate, the stunning Plaza de Cibeles and continue all the way to Puerta del Sol, the city’s best-known square. Keep walking to the Royal Palace and the Madrid Cathedral and loop back to the centre via Calle Gran Via.
The Weather
Puerta del Sol, Madrid
While this won’t apply to visits at any time of year, the weather was, dare I say, perfect while we were in Madrid. During our 5 days in Madrid, we barely saw clouds and were treated to warm days and balmy evenings, perfect for eating tapas in the sun, hanging in the park, strolling the streets of the Spanish capital.
All in all, Madrid is a fantastic city to visit and we think it would be an amazing city to live in too! The Spanish capital is well worth your time and if your trip is anything like ours, you’ll find it hard to leave too!
- Is 5 days in Madrid enough time?
- Is 5 days in Madrid too long?
- Is there anything we missed that you would recommend?
Please let us know in the comments below.
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Brian is a travel writer, photographer, blogger, travel addict and adventure-junkie. Being outdoors, getting off the beaten track and outside his comfort zone is what makes him tick. Brian’s the dreamer in the relationship; when he’s not travelling, he’s dreaming about it! Keeping fit, cooking, music and red wine take up the rest of his time.
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Edinburgh, Scotland
One thing that really surprised me is that I ordered a meal and the waiter brought me an opened, but almost full bottle of wine. He told me to drink as much as I wish and NEED with my lunch. Funny, I don’t actually drink red wine but in Madrid I got so used to it that now I wonder if I will be able to go back to not drinking it. So difficult!
haha this is a common occurrence in Spain – wine or bottled water or often the same price in a restaurant. This welcoming, laid-back approach is one of the things we LOVE about Spain! 🙂
Great tips.
Thanks! 🙂
Two European cities amaze me, one is understandably Paris, the other, Madrid. It’s such a beautiful city, and it seems to not run out of sites and attractions to visit. And if you want to go out of the city once in a while, there are tons of nearby town, such as Avila, Toledo, and Alcala de Henares, waiting for you to see them.
Hi Ernest,
We loved Madrid – so much to see and do. We’ve been to Toledo as well and yes, there’s so much to do in the surrounding area too! 🙂
Thanks a lot for the amazing post!! Salusoss
Hi Ana! You’re very welcome and thank you for stopping by! 🙂
Oooh Madrid! I want to come there again 🙁
When I went there last year the weather was not so good but I really enjoyed it anyway. Spanish food is just so amazing, and the city is beautiful even when it’s raining. I also went on a free tour with some guys I met on Puerta del Sol – I believe the company was called MADride – to enlighten on Madrid history a little bit, it was so nice!
Hi Hanna! 🙂 Pity you didn’t get great weather bit we agree- the city is beautiful regardless and the food more than makes up for a few rainy days! 🙂
Just left Madrid, and fell in love with the city all over again. It’s Magical.
Hi Marissa. It’s a magical city indeed- we went back for a second time for to see Ed Sheeran in concert and there’s no doubt we’ll be back again! Really cool city 🙂
Wish I had known you guys were coming to Madrid, it’s currently my home base and I love meeting other bloggers! Maybe next time 😉
Glad you guys enjoyed your time here!
Hi Christina! We’ll be sure to connect with you next time we are in Madrid- lucky you living in such a nice city! 🙂