SPAIN
There is always the debate: Barcelona vs. Madrid - which city reigns supreme? And having experienced both, it's truly a challenging decision.
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However, Madrid holds a special place in our hearts. Scott had the incredible opportunity to study in Madrid during his time at SMU as part of his study abroad program, and we have returned to this vibrant city multiple times since then. In summer 2023, we were fortunate enough to introduce our boys to the wonders of the Spanish capital and let them experience the magic firsthand!
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To top it all off, they even got to snag custom Real Madrid jerseys, which became the highlight of their unforgettable trip!
MADRID
Madrid is such a vibrant city and each of its neighborhoods has something unique and different. Whether it is the buzz of Plaza de Sol, the shops of Salamanca or the vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhood of Chueca, there is something for everyone.
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If it is your first time to Madrid, you should stay relatively central in the city as Madrid is a very walkable city, especially when combined with the Madrid Metro. With over 300 stations and 15 lines, you’ll find the system easy to navigate.
Things to Do
There certainly isn’t a shortage of things to do in Madrid but be sure to plan ahead to get the most out of your visit.
Madrid has some world-class museums that you will not want to miss. The challenge will be deciding which of the over 50 museums you will want to visit. Without a doubt, there are three that stand above the rest: The Prado Museum, The Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
The Prado Museum has the greatest collection of Spanish art in the world with works by artists such as Francisco Goya, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Titian, and Diego Velázquez. And don't miss out on Las Meninas by Velázquez, which is our favorite in the museum.
If you prefer more modern art to the classics, you will prefer the Reina Sofia Museum. The museum focuses on Spanish art from the 20th century with a wonderful collection from artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Make sure to see the museum’s most famous piece by Picasso, Guernica.
While the Prado and Reina Sofia focus on Spanish art, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum fills the gap with collections from international artists from Europe and the Americas. Here you will find over 1,600 works of art from artists like Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh.
If museums aren’t your thing and you prefer something more sports focused, you can visit the home of Real Madrid - Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. You can take a one-hour stadium tour which includes access to the Real Madrid museum and the team locker room.
With 3,418 rooms, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest palace in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world. It is still the official residence to the Spanish royal family. You can tour the palace and booking tickets ahead of your visit is highly recommended! And don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony which is on Wednesdays and Saturdays, weather permitting.
Retiro Park is one of the largest parks in Madrid and located in walking distance from the Prado Museum. The park belonged to the Spanish monarchy until 1868, when it became a public park. It is free to walk around the park and there tends to be various exhibits and musicians throughout the park. We took our boys paddle boating in Retiro Pond. Just be careful of timings as the venue closes down for a couple hours midday for lunch!
You won’t want to miss a stop by the iconic Plaza Mayor. The Plaza dates back to the 15th century and is a great photo op spot!
Dining
Spanish cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, diverse regional dishes, and emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. From tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, Madrid offers a culinary experience that showcases the country's rich culinary traditions and innovative culinary techniques. Here are some of our favorite spots!
Experience the essence of Andalucía at BiBo by Michelin-winning chef Dani García. With interiors designed to reflect the vibrant Feria de Málaga, including 7,000 light bulbs and a captivating hotair balloon at the bar, this dining experience is a true culinary adventure. We enjoyed the made at the table Caesar salad.
Mercado San Miguel is a vibrant food market located in the heart of Madrid, Spain. With its stunning glass structure and a wide variety of gourmet food stalls, it offers visitors a unique culinary experience, showcasing the best of Spanish cuisine in a lively and bustling atmosphere. We loved being able to try all sorts of food and drinks in one place! Getting a table can be a challenge so divide and conquer when someone is ordering.
Ten con Ten continues to impress even years after opening with its consistently fantastic food and drinks. Whether you're looking for a cocktail at the bar or a full dinner in the classy dining room, be sure to book a table well in advance to enjoy their long and eclectic menu featuring Asturian specialties like fried rice with zamburiñas, roasted octopus, and verdinas with quail. And you may even be lucky enough to have a live DJ while you dine like we did!
Where to Stay
During our last visit, we stayed at The Madrid EDITION. This hotel is in the centre of the city near the Puerta de Sol and walking distance from the major museums. The Ian Schrager designed rooms are modern yet comfortable. Weather permitting, you will want to check out the rooftop pool and restaurant Oroya.
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Other properties to consider are:
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