A few people have asked me for recommendations on where to go and what to do in Madrid. Must say, I feel entirely under-qualified to do such a thing for this was my first trip to the city and a short one at that. But is was a wonderful weekend and I did discover some absolute gems. So here they are: my own personal favourites from a short but highly pleasurable trip to Madrid 🙂
My Favourite Tapas
La Casa del Abuelo (Grandad’s House). Their garlic and chilli prawns were to die for.
My Favourite Place for Breakfast
El Brilliante in Atocha. The churros con chocolat here were perfect. Crisp doughnuts and thick, not-too-bitter hot chocolat.
My Favourite Early Evening Spot
Hmmm, don’t know the name of this bar but it’s located across the square from the main entrance of the Reina Sofia Museum, near the above mentioned El Brilliante. It has a “Y” in the name…. Anyway, it’s a wonderful place to watch people going into the museum (free from 6pm – 9pm), hanging out on the square or draping over their balconies. And they serve you wine in very cool little glasses (see picture above). Small things..
My Favourite Late Night Spot
Plaza Santa Ana. Stunning, vibrant square with lots of outdoor seating.
My Favourite Museum
Reina Sofia. What can I say? I prefer modern art.
My Favourite Surprise
Atocha train station. There’s a rainforest in the train station! Really! With terrapins! Superb.
My Favourite Stroll
Well, we used this walking tour one of the mornings and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Make sure you map it out first though. We didn’t and got more than a little confused at times.
My Favourite Other Thing
El Rastro flea market. Takes place every Sunday morning. HUGE and full of tat. Great fun. 🙂
A Wee Bit of Cooking 
So lovely! I love the last photo. So romantic!
Lovely pics:)
Looks like a really great place to visit Wendy! Thanks for sharing it 🙂
Reckon the Reina Sofia is my favourite museum in the world.
So pleased you loved Madrid – isn’t the Platza Santa Ana amazing at night? And the palace, all lit up, is rather cool, too.
Can you believe I also took a shot of that row of buildings in your last shot – great minds, my dear!
Thank you for the tips! Easy jet has a flight there from Lyon. They are noted and when I someday go to Madrid, I will print these out!
great post. enjoyed it! ta!
Given the economy of late I’m thinking these may be the last travel pics I see for a while. Beautiful.
Anh – Thank you!
Pia – And to you too. 🙂
Holler – It was indeed.
Lucy – Doesn’t surprise me at all. 🙂
Lucy V – Oh good. Enjoy.
Maninas – Hello stanger! And thank you.
Giz – Yes, more than a few belts being tightened these days.