MADRID, SPAIN
Madrid is the capital city of Spain and has plenty to keep you busy! It is home to public parks, historic museums, royal palaces, and everything in between! Because of all of this grandeur, Madrid is often referred to as Spain’s classiest city. This quintessential European capital’s famed plazas and streets will have you in awe for days!
Attractions:
El Retiro Park: Madrid’s most distinguished park is a great place to walk and wander for a few hours. Very relaxing and scenic! It is free to enter and is open from 6:00am-10:00pm daily.
Templo de Debod: This temple was donated by the Egyptian state to Spain in 1968. It’s a nice place to go on a short walk to and is especially pretty at sunset! It is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00am-7:00pm and is free to enter.
Puerta del Sol: The most prominent public square in Madrid is known for its street vendors and bear statue. Check it out!
SANDEMANs Free Walking Tour: Great way to see the city! You pay what you think it’s worth at the end. You can book here.
Sobrino de Botín: According to the Guinness Book of World Records, this the oldest restaurant continuously operating in the world. It has been open since 1725.
Museo Nacional del Prado: Spain’s paramount national art museum has a collection dating back to the 12th century. It is considered one of the greatest art museums in the world! Entrance costs €7.50 and the museum is open daily from 10:00am-7:00pm.
Plaza de Cibeles: This square has become a symbol of Madrid due to its dominant palace and unique fountain. I recommend visiting!
Real Jardín Botánico: Beautiful garden worth walking through! Entrance costs €6 and it is open daily from 10:00am-8:30pm.
Other things to check out include: Palacio Real de Madrid, Plaza Mayor, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, El Rastro, Casa de Campo, and Mercado de San Miguel.
Accommodation:
Mad4You Hostel: Laid back vibe, large kitchen, close to the city center, and very social. What more could do you want? It is a 30-minute metro ride from Estación de Madrid Atocha and a 35-minute metro ride from Estación Sur.
Transportation:
Madrid’s main bus station is Estación Sur; all buses below leave from here. The main train station is Estación de Madrid Atocha; all trains below leave from here.
Valencia is 4.5 hours by bus from Madrid and costs €23. The train ride is 2 hours and costs €44.
Bilbao is 5 hours by bus from Madrid and costs €32. The train ride is 5.5 hours and costs €39.
Barcelona is 7.5 hours by bus from Madrid and costs €35. The train ride is 3 hours and costs €108.
Porto, Portugal is 9 hours by bus from Madrid and costs €21. The train ride is 11.5 hours (indirect) and costs €88.
Lisbon, Portugal is 9 hours by bus from Madrid and costs €22. The train ride is 11 hours (indirect) and costs €96.
