My Ultimate Guide to Madrid
1. Spain’s Trains
My absolute favorite thing about Spain is their train system. This goes for both the local Madrid metro and their public, high-speed rail (Renfe) which takes you to major hubs like Barcelona, Sevilla, and Bilbao.
Spain is a country known for its engineering, infrastructure, green energy, architecture, and high speed rail. I usually buy long-distance Renfe tickets in advance online from the U.S. and get the e-ticket option which allows you to easily board the train. Renfe is really comfortable, smooth, clean, affordable (I took a 5 hour train from Bilbao to Madrid for 48 euro) and best of all, punctual. If you run chronically late, you would be in major trouble here as the trains run right on the dot and in stations like Atocha, you have to allocate enough time to go through security and board.
The metros of the world can be overwhelming and scary to figure out (I have yet to figure out NYC’s subway system), but if you’re just patient with yourself, you’ll eventually figure it out and it’s all worth it. Upon landing at the Barajas airport in Spain, I bought a metro card that cost 20 euros and included 12 rides. I was in Madrid two weeks and that is all I spent to get around.
2. The Food
What’s not to love about wine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Food in Spain is varied and includes such wonderful things as tapas, paella, chorizo, jamon, queso manchego, and churros con chocolate.
A few yummy places to try if you’re a first-timer to Madrid: Mercado de San Miguel (this is like a Grand Central Market in LA or a Chelsea Market in NYC); Chocolatier San Gines; Museo de Jamon (you can get a cana here — a lil beer — for 90 euro cent and breakfast for about 3 euro); and La Mallorquina for a pastry and coffee.
If you want a nice view of the city, there’s also El Corte Ingles’ Gourmet Experience on the 9th Floor on Gran Via. There are different food spots here and El Corte Ingles has free wi-fi, so it’s a good place to take a rest.
My favorite discovery in Madrid this time around was Maricastana. Many restaurants have a “Menu del dia” option which gets you a three-course meal with wine for about 12 euros. I happened to come across Mariscastana one day while walking in that trendy neighborhood and it was so good that I ate there twice. One of the perks of traveling alone is you’re always seated at a restaurant; otherwise, you’ll want to make a reservation here.
3. The Museums
Madrid’s two best known museums — Reina Sofia and El Prado — offer reduced rates for senior citizens and free entrance from 6–8pm daily. These are world-renowned museums with paintings of Picasso (La Guernica sits in Reina Sofia), Velazquez, Goya and El Greco to name a few (Las Meninas sits in El Prado).
If you do the free entrance option, get there early because the lines are long and two hours go by quickly.
4. The Shopping
Spain is home to Zara and an infinite number of other amazing designers and shops. In Spain, if you spend more than 91 euros at a store, you qualify for the duty-free tax refund. Ask for a receipt and when you’re leaving the country headed back home, you drop off the documentation; after that, you’ll be refunded about 10% of your purchase.
In addition to Zara, there’s also Massimo Tutti which I really like (both are part of the Intidex family). Three years ago I bought three pairs of jeans there for 39 euro that basically makes up the tech uniform I wear each day.
I’m also a fan of Adolfo Dominguez though this time around, tried to stay on a budget and instead ventured to Primark on Gran Via. Primark is actually an Irish company — like an upscale Walmart — and it’s just an experience worth having. If you pay attention while walking in Madrid, you’ll notice that everyone has Primark bags. That’s because you can get a pair of jeans for 9 euros, a knock-off leather jacket for 13, and everything else in between. I don’t support Walmart back home and I’m fully aware that prices this cheap come with consequences. But just once, I wanted to experience this Primark that all the locals go to. If you decide to go, I suggest going at 10am, right when they open.
5. The Churches
I’m Catholic so for me, I always appreciate being in a Catholic country where there are churches on every corner. I love popping into them and taking a moment to reflect on all the blessings the One Above bestows upon us each day.
I was in Portugal over the summertime and as a comparison, in Madrid, what I liked here is that there are a lot of evening masses. 6, 7, 8pm…many of the churches near where I stayed had masses that late. If you need an early morning mass like 6:30, 8 or 9am, that’s where you’re going to have a problem. Spaniards don’t wake early so plan accordingly!
One church I’ll highlight is la Parroquia Santa Cruz. It’s a few blocks from La Plaza Mayor and has several masses throughout the day on Sundays including one at 1pm and another at 7pm. Masses in Spain typically last between 30–40 minutes so they’re short and sweet!
6. The Park
El Parque del Buen Retiro is a must see. Better said, it’s a must run-kinda-place! I didn’t have space to carry my sneakers in my bag but wish I had because this park is gorgeous. People go for runs, strolls, picnics, rowing on the lake, and eating and drinking. There’s a lot to do here, and you won’t get the full Madrid experience unless you stop by for a visit.
Madrid is one of my favorite cities in the world, with so much to do for old and young alike. Happy travels and buen provecho chicos!
