By Zexi Zhang
You have a whole day to spend in Madrid, the capital of Spain, are you ready to plan your adventure?
Madrid is only a 2.5 hour high speed AVE train ride if you're traveling from Barcelona with tickets starting at only $52. So sit back in your seat and enjoy as we go through a perfect day and more in Spain’s central capital.
Madrid is home to many well known museums such as the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum. It is also known for its historical buildings, food markets, and for housing the Spanish Royal Family at the Royal Palace of Madrid. Whether you’re interested in architecture, or food, or the city vibe, Madrid is a city for all to enjoy.
To begin with our trip, breakfast is the first order of business. Maricastana is a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at the time of the meals. For breakfast they serve traditional Spanish foods like Tortilla de Patatas, otherwise known as Spanish Omelettes which is like a quiche with potatoes but no crust and they also serve traditional breakfast items such as pancakes, yogurt and fruit, and scrambled eggs.
A breakfast of tortilla de patatas with bread and tomato jam served with a cup of fruits and a cafe latte
“The spanish omelettes there were so good! They’re my new favorite tapas and everywhere I go in Spain I have to try their spanish omelette!” exclaimed Alyssa Wiles who is visiting Spain for the first time and being introduced to their wide variety of food.
After indulging in a hearty breakfast, be prepared to be WOWed by the Royal Palace of Madrid as you take a walking tour through the historical area. Right across from the gated palace is also Cathedral de la Almudena which is the final resting place for many of the country’s most noble families. These grand sights are something that should not be missed!
The Royal Palace of Madrid with Cathedral de la Almudena as its neighbor
After walking around the area and taking in the beautiful architecture from the past, it must have worked up an appetite. But no fear! Because a short walk from the Royal Palace is the Saint Michael Market, one of the many food markets that Madrid is known for.
A view of the Saint Michael Market featuring a lobster roll and variety of appetizers
The moment you step into Saint Michael Market the walkways are lined with small vendors and you’ll be greeted by the heavenly smell of something tasty brewing along with the bumbling noises of people conversing with each other. It’s a place you can’t help but get lost in as you explore the wide variety of options they have displayed.
At the market you can find a wide assortment of small eats. They have homemade Sangrias, paella, empanadas, lobster rolls, pastries and so much more! Whatever mood you may be in, they most likely will have it all. From the sweets to the savories from the land to the sea everyone is here to get a taste of the popular food market.
“We have to come here again!” Alana Sanchez, who’s studying abroad in Barcelona from UF said eagerly to her group of friends. “There are so many more things I want to try. Adding this to our list of places to come to again.”
After going around the market and trying a bit of everything, there are many shops nearby because everyone knows Madrid is also the place to shop. They have the basic European brands like Zara, Pull & Bear, Bershka, Primark, and Mango in addition to big name brands like Nike, Adidas and Sunglass Hut. They also have a lot of small boutiques adorned along the streets, each with their own personal touch and style to make them stand out in a mass of many.
Afternoons are usually the time to go around and shop and try on different clothes and jewelries and take in the beauty of Madrid through a shopper’s perspective.
A view of the beautiful architecture while walking down the busy streets filled with shops
It is very convenient how the stores are all right next to each other on the block so you wouldn’t have to walk very far to reach a certain store. After checking out one store, you’re already off and ready to go on to the next.
The sun sets really late during the summer time in Spain. After a couple hours of shopping around, the sun will still be out and the day looks like it’s not about to end any time soon. But your stomach is probably wondering when dinner is.
For dinner, there’s an Italian restaurant near the center of Madrid called Trattoria Pulcinella. They serve the BEST burrata ever. The burrata is served with arugula and Sicilian caponata, all drizzled with a light serving of olive oil. This dish is absolutely incredible and the ooze of the burrata is magnificent. If you’ve never had burrata before, this is the place to have it for the first time.
Burrata is an Italian cow milk cheese ball made from mozzarella and cream.
Burrata is Sydney Pappas’ favorite appetizer and she has been going around introducing all her friends to it. “I love burrata, at this point all my friends have grown sick of it but I still always have to
order it when I see it on the menu. I just can’t resist.”
For the main meal, they have this splendid mushroom truffle risotto that is simmered to the perfect consistency to leave your mouth watering for another bite.
Truffle Mushroom Risotto that is served in a deep dish
They also serve the classical Italian Tiramisu which is an absolute must have at any Italian restaurant.
You can end the night with a stroll through the city center streets of Madrid that will make you feel like you’re walking through Times Square with the big LED screens that light up the street.
Madrid at night will transport you to New York City at night
The next morning with the sun shining brightly and the weather crisp and welcoming, is a time to visit El Retiro Park which is located right next to the Prado Museum. It is one of the largest parks in Madrid and the park’s highlighted attractions are its beautiful gardens and their stunning lake. They are also known to host many events like the Book Fair and firework displays during San Isidro.
The beautiful views of a day in the park of El Retiro
If you only have a limited amount of time at the park, the boat rides are a must do! For an hour ride, the rental starts at only $6. Whether you want to sit on the boat and take in the beautiful scenery or just relax and take a nap, the lake is such a magical place to be.
Madrid is such a delightful city to visit. If you ever get the opportunity to come to this city, do it! It’ll leave many lasting memories in your heart. Once you’re away from Madrid you’ll be anticipating your next trip back!
Comments