Monday, March 4, 2013

Madrid, Spain.


stay. westin madrid is a not too expensive stones throw from all major attractions, great lobby bar for pre-anything drink.  Admittedly it is completely western, as it is an American chain, but if that doesn't bother you, it will fit the bill.  
see.  Designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc, the front of The CaixaForum has a pretty impressive vertical garden.  The CaixaForum Madrid is art exhibition space sponsored by the La Caixa Foundation and free of charge.  Also lovely for a long walk, bike ride or picnic, you should check out Buen Retiro Park (Jardines del Buen Retiro or Parque del Buen Retiro which means "Gardens" or "Park of the Pleasant Retreat,") and is the one of the largest parks of the city.
eat. mercato san miguel is a cocktail hour slash farmers market.  I am sure there is a a formal approach to this but we just walked around buying, drinking and eating.  Find an issue with that, I dare you.

do.  Madrid is a museum-centric city at least in my experience and anyone considering a trip to Madrid knows the highlights: Goya, Velázquez, Bosch and the like. The golden triangle of art is: Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina SofíaThyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and of course Museo del Prado, known for Velázquez's Las Meninas.  If you are interested in art, you should also see or at least google, Picasso's Las Meninas on display at  Museu Picasso in Barcelona.  Anyone who has spoken to me for more than five seconds knows I am obsessed with the Infanta Margaret Theresa, later Margaret Theresa of Spain (last photo).

drink.  Cervecería Alemana, Plaza Santa Ana 6 at Metro Sol, which is famous for being Ernest Hemingway's daily haunt (his table is the one in the near right-hand corner); Museo Chicote, try the Belen, made of Vermut, Apricot Brandy, Limon, y Champagne (if you don't make it to Chicote, try Del Diego).

misc.  el Raetro is the most popular open air flea market in Madrid.  It is held every Sunday and is located along Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores.  You can take the metro to La Latina.

shop.  Just like in New York there is a Camper and Desigual in most districts, so there is no thrill on that front.  However Bisquit, Bershka, and Ojala (no website) offer wallet friendly and local takes on street fashion.  I didn't do too much shopping outside of el Raetro, so take this with a decent heaping of salt, not just a grain.

9 comments:

  1. My mother went to Madrid oh I say over 30 years ago and STILL talks about it like it was yesterday!! If I ever make it over there I will have to remember these things you've posted!! =)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would LOVE to go there! If I ever do I will take your list with me! Thanks for linking up with me at NanaHood.com
    Have a great weekend!

    Teresa

    ReplyDelete
  3. oh i am so excited for this post! I am going to Spain this summer and this is so helpful!!! I can't wait to send this to all my friends!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. wooohooo, i was in spain for most of last summer. let me know if you want any info on barcelona, madrid, ibiza, san sebastian or bilbao. happy travelssssss!!!

      Delete
  4. Mercato San Miguel sounds amazing- I wish I had known about that when I was there. Great post!

    My travel tuesday post: Some Snapshots Blog
    Jess

    ReplyDelete
  5. I absolutely LOVE the picture of the hand and apple. LOVE! I posted about my very quick trip to Sevilla today. I would love to check out Madrid and Barcelona if I ever make my way back to Spain though. Thanks for sharing!

    Andrea
    alhadventures.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I just got back from Madrid and just loved it. Although unfortunately I didn't get to see the hanging gardens! Thanks for linking up!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've driven past Madrid a good dozen of times, but never have had the time to stop and visit. It looks like an amazing place. Lovely photos :)
    x
    Bel
    http://b-by-bel.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great pictures, it really want me to have more. I really can not get enough of Spain. Madrid really fascinates me over and over again. Take a little more time and Madrid's charms become apparent. Cheaper, with more variety, better food and generally more to do than Barcelona, Madrid gets the top prize.

    ReplyDelete

Lets hear it; the good, the bad and the ugly.
If you follow me, I will follow you; true story.
xo
A