Majestic Madrid

As Susy lived in the beautiful city of Madrid before moving to the Netherlands, we have been back to visit at least once or twice a year since then. Occasionally for work but normally to visit friends and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer. There is so much to do and see in Madrid that it is the perfect destination for a long weekend, if you have the time to make a week of it you can tie on some great day trips to: Segovia, Toledo and Aranjuez. Also have a look at Salamanca, less than three hours away by train, this beautiful historic city is well worth a visit. 

Puerta de Alcala

Palacio Real de Madrid

Plaza Mayor

If you're looking for somewhere to stay in Madrid have a look at  AC Recoletos, Address: C/Recoletos 18 , 28001.Its in a great location close to the beautiful shops of Serrano, round the corner from the beautiful Parque del Retiro, the place to be seen on a Sunday when everyone whose anyone walks, runs, bikes or rollerblades through this stunning park. A more traditional alternative is the Jardin de Recoletos, just one block away on Gil de Santivanes. If you stay here and don't book breakfast in advance, they seem to offer you a heavily discounted price when you check in.

Alfonso XII monument

Parque del Retiro

If you're not into paying the generally over inflated prices for breakfast which hotels in large cities tend to charge, try one of the many cafes or bars where the locals go. Our favourite place when in Madrid is called Mallorca, http://www.pasteleria-mallorca.com/. For those of you who know Bewley's in Dublin or Betty's in Harrogate/York, it's similar with a Spanish twist.

Madrid City Hall

If you're looking for somewhere to eat when you're in Madrid, one option is Asiana nextdoor, check out "Our Favourites" list at the side of our blog homepage for the web address, the food is a fusion of Peruvian and Asian cooking and is simply delicious. Don't forget to book and remember to try a Pisco Sour, for those of you who have visited Peru or Chile you'll know that this is one very special drink. If Indian food is your thing, the Taj Restaurant on C/Marques de Cubas 6 is great. For something totally different, Valgame Dios on Augusto Fugueroa is worth a visit.

Santiago Bernabeu

Inside Real Madrid's trophy room

For football fans, a visit to the home of Real Madrid, the Santiago Bernabeu stadium is a must. It is truly impressive and the tour is great. For those of us who have experienced more heartache than highlights following football, a visit to the trophy team shows what it's like to follow a winning team, lots of silverware!

La Fabrica

For a taste or real Madrid and some great Tapas, look no further than La Fabrica on Calle de Lope d Vega. Friendly welcoming atmosphere, lovely food and no shortage of wine and beer.

Inside La Fabrica

When we visited Madrid towards the end of 2011 our friends took us to enjoy an aperitif in the Mercado de San Miquel. The Mercado de San Miguel is one of the oldest covered markets in Madrid. It was recently refurbished and now offers an whole new concept of market. You can actually go and buy good fruits, cheese (more than 100 different varieties) and fish among others things… you can also have oysters with a glass of wine while reading a book bought in the library recently opened inside the place. Its 33 shops offer a great variety of the best delicatessen delicatessen products in a magnificent setting. Its well worth a vist particularly if you love Spanish food.

Puerta del Sol

Of you'd like to read more about and see some more images of Madrid, just click on the following link more from Madrid