Madrid is a vibrant, grand European capital that completely comes alive in the late evening. Unlike the coastal vibe of Barcelona or the deep Moorish history of Andalusia—both of which you’ve explored—Madrid is all about sweeping boulevards, world-class art, and an unbeatable tapas culture. It is a city designed for walking, eating, and soaking in the incredible, energetic atmosphere of its plazas.
When I visited with my housemates, we made sure to balance the classic sights with the city's massive sporting culture. A major highlight of the trip was heading out to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to catch a Real Madrid match. The sheer scale of the stadium and the electric energy of the crowd made it an absolute must-do experience, even if you aren't a die-hard football fan.
Highlights from Our Days in Madrid
The Golden Triangle of Art: Spending hours getting lost in the Museo del Prado and the Reina Sofía, taking in masterpieces from Velázquez to Picasso's Guernica.
Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro): Escape the city noise to walk through the expansive, manicured gardens, rent a rowboat on the grand lake, and admire the glass-and-iron architecture of the Palacio de Cristal.
Tapas in La Latina: Heading to the La Latina neighbourhood on a Sunday afternoon to hop between crowded, lively tapas bars, especially along the famous Calle Cava Baja.
The Royal Palace (Palacio Real): Taking in the immense scale and opulent rooms of the official residence of the Spanish royal family, and looking out over the Campo del Moro gardens.
Match Day at the Bernabéu: Experiencing the massive, roaring atmosphere of a football match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium with my housemates.
