Shop the night away on Gran Via, Madrid
I recently moved to London and I’m enjoying being able to take weekend city breaks whenever I have time off work. Sometimes a little bit too much when it comes to checking my bank balance.
My latest city break was in lovely Madrid where a close friend of mine lives who I haven’t seen for years.
There’s nothing better than a local being your guide and taking you to very special places that only they would know about. In my opinion, Madrid is not your traditional type of touristy destination where you would go for famous landmarks or certain activities to tick them off your bucket list. The Spanish capital is mainly renowned for its nightlife but also for its architecture and cuisine.
Although I didn’t have the opportunity to experience its 24-hour nightlife, I did get a chance to see many of its eye-catching historical buildings and I had a keen interest in savouring its worldwide famous tapas.
Reluctantly I succumbed to the comforts of a sightseeing bus, partially due to the weather and also because of my friend’s recommendation.
As much as I felt like the laziest and most touristy person in the whole world I would suggest it as an option to anyone visiting Madrid with limited time. It is still as boring as I thought it’d be but it does cover the major sites that you may otherwise not make the effort to visit by foot or public transport.
Here are some of the interesting things to do in Madrid:
Mercado San Miguel
Undoubtedly my favourite place in Madrid, Mercado San Miguel is located near famous Plaza Mayor and it is a charming indoor market where locals meet for tapas, wine and a good chat. Definitely the place to go if you want to experience a real Madrilenos’ lifestyle.
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
If you’re into football (and maybe if you are not a Barcelona’s supporter) a visit to this stadium should be definitely in your list if it´s not already. Either if it’s just for a quick snap at the entrance or for a tour inside the stadium walking through the players’ tunnel, benches, coaching area and pitch, visiting the dressing and trophy rooms and finally at the store where you have the opportunity to purchase Real Madrid’s fan souvenirs.
La Latina
If you are looking for a lively neighbourhood with plenty of tapas bars and nightlife spots, La Latina won’t disappoint. For those with a tight budget I’d definitely recommend a visit to the Cerveceria La Surena where you can purchase a cubo (bucket) with 5 stubby beers for only 3 euros. La Latina is also home to the El Rastro flea markets every Sunday.
Palacio de Cibeles
Outstanding building located at the famous Plaza de Cibeles which was originally the postal service headquarters becoming Madrid’s City Hall in 2007.
Museo Thyssen
This museum started as a private collection of over a 1000 paintings acquired firstly by Heinrich, Baron Thyssen-Bornemisza de Kászon and later extended by his son Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza and it is one of the main museums in Madrid alongside Museo Reina Sofia and Museo del Prado.
Puerta del Sol
This square is located in the heart of Madrid and it is undoubtely the busiest place in the city due to its many surrounding commercial establishments that attract mainly tourists. That’s also where the local buskers perform.
Gran Via
If you are done with sightseeing and just want to do a bit retail therapy, head to Gran Via for some great shopping bargains. You will find your main high street shops such as Bershka, H&M, Pull and Bear but also local brands such as Lefties, the Spanish version of Primark.
Madrid is the largest city in Spain but yet it never seems overwhelming and it retains its small town feel. It may not be as popular as its rival Barcelona but it caters for all types of visitors and definitely has its own personality and attractions.
Photo by Jan S0L0
