Madrid in 3 Days
Spain was the first destination for my first-ever trip abroad. Spain, a country steeped in history, culture, and vibrant energy, is a dream destination for many travelers. From its world-renowned cuisine and iconic landmarks to its beautiful beaches and warm hospitality, Spain offers a captivating experience that will leave you mesmerized. If you're planning your first trip to Spain, here is how my boyfriend Christopher and I did it as my first-ever trip abroad. First Stop: Madrid
Madrid, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain, is a city that seamlessly combines its rich history with modern charm. From its captivating art scene to its lively culinary culture, Madrid offers a plethora of exciting activities for travelers to indulge in. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a foodie, Madrid has something to offer for everyone.
Temperature:
We visited Spain for two weeks in September 2022 - It was extremely humid and sunny, and averaged around 75-80 degrees each day. It did get a little cooler at night but not by much. If you are planning on visiting in any of the summer months, make sure you pack a reusable water bottle and your sunscreen essentials because it was very ~ hot.
We flew direct from EWR Airport in Newark NJ to MAD in Madrid Spain which was about 7 hours and 30 minutes. We landed in Madrid early in the morning around 8 am. As this was my first time traveling abroad, I had no idea what to expect when I landed. We landed and quickly grabbed our luggage and made our way outside where we were able to call an Uber. To call an Uber with my US phone plan I had to activate my Verizon Travel Pass, which was very helpful throughout the trip and I would highly recommend investing in it when traveling - this cost me $10 a day throughout the trip.
Where We Stayed
We stayed in Madrid for 3 nights at Dear Hotel near Plaza de España. Dear Hotel was beautiful and everyone that worked there was so kind and helpful, also most of their staff spoke English which was SUPER helpful as we barely spoke any Spanish.
Travel tip: make sure that you book your check-in time for when you arrive. You will be exhausted after flying all night and you are going to wan to be able to lay down and relax when you get there. When we arrived we couldn’t check in for 5 hours, but the hotel was nice enough to hold our luggage for us until our check-in time.
Our hotel room at Dear Hotel was beautiful, we decided last minute to upgrade to the room with a terrace and I would HIGHLY recommend anyone visiting Spain for the first time to do so as well. Our room had great style and a terrace with a view overlooking the Plaza de España. The bed was extra comfortable and the room was clean and decorated nicely.
One of the best parts of this hotel was the roof bar and pool… yes they had a pool, on the roof of the hotel. The rooftop bar was amazing and pretty spacious and beautiful views of Madrid and great drinks! There was also a small pool that was open during the day which was lovely on the hot and humid days.
This hotel cost us $508 for 3 nights with the upgraded terrace room.
Getting Around
Dear Hotel was in perfect walking distance of most of the major attractions in Madrid. There is also a bus stop directly out front of the hotel that stops all around Madrid and is free to ride.
Another great way to get around Madrid is by scooter. There are tons of Lime scooters all around Madrid which were incredibly fun to ride if you're looking for a little adventure. You just needed to download an app and add a credit card and you could pay and go for as long as you would like. I have to say, riding this thing for the first time was a little scary, but once you get the hang of it, it was exhilarating.
Most of Madrid is walkable but make sure you bring comfortable shoes as you will be walking everywhere.
What we ate:
Madrid is a culinary haven, offering a wide array of traditional Spanish dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From tapas to churros, Madrid's food scene is a delight for foodies. Head to Mercado de San Miguel, a historic market, to sample an array of local delicacies, or enjoy a leisurely meal at a traditional Spanish restaurant, where you can savor classics like paella, jamón ibérico, and cocido madrileño.
I have to make a note that I am a vegetarian, meaning I do not eat any meat or seafood. So eating out is always a little different for me, I was a little worried that there would not be a ton of vegetarian options for me, although I was pleasantly surprised at the number of options I had while traveling around Spain. We ate everything on this trip, and I mean everything. We wanted to try as much as we could while we were there.
For breakfast, there are dozens of cafes and little breakfast places on every corner. Coming from America, I would have to say the hardest part of traveling in Spain for me, was trying to find a cup of coffee. In Spain they don’t drink obnoxiously large cups of coffee as we do here in America. In Spain, it is very common to just have an espresso or cappuccino for breakfast.
*Travel Tip: I found that by asking for a cafè americano, was the closest thing I could find to a regular cup of coffee, although a cafè americano is just espresso with water, it still did the trick.*
We had breakfast at the cutest little coffee shop called Mission Cafe I loved it here the Cafe Americano was delicious and the cafe was so cute.
We decided to treat ourselves for breakfast on our last day in Madrid and made a breakfast reservation at the sky lounge restaurant at Dear Hotel where we stayed. We paid about $30 to get in and then it was an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. The food was delicious and they had everything from eggs, pancakes, croissants, pastries, you name it. Not to mention the beautiful view of Madrid. I would recommend checking this place out for any meal.
One thing you should know about my Christopher and I is that we Love tacos, like we could eat tacos every day, and when I tell you we found the best tacos I have ever had in my life, I am not exaggerating. We had tacos at Tiki Taco in Madrid and these were the best vegetarian tacos I ever had, Christopher ordered the octopus tacos which he also said were amazing. If you love tacos you have to try this place.
Another great place that we visited for trying all kinds of food is the San Miguel Market this was a great big marketplace with every kind of food imaginable. We ate everything from Croquetts to pizza to fried eggplant. We were able to walk here from the hotel and we rode the scooters back to save some time.
We stopped at Taberna El Sur de Huertas for a quick bite and had some delicious fried eggplant and drinks.
The last place on my list that I have to mention is Empanada Malvon, these were the most delicious cheese-filled little dough pockets that I ever had. The quatro queso empanada was vegetarian and so delicious and they had a ton of other options like the jamón y queso which was Christopher’s favorite.
Our favorite bar that we went to in Madrid had to be 1862 Dry Bar. This was a very small but well-stocked bar, they made beautiful cocktails and the staff was very friendly. We made sure to stop here each night that we were in Madrid for at least one drink.
Another great dinner spot that we loved was called Botania. They had a great menu with a couple great vegetarian options. For an appetizer we had “Buñuelos cremosos de queso manchego con dulce de manzana” creamy cheese fritters in apple sauce - it was so delicious. For dinner, I had “Rigatoni al pesto rojo de tomate siciliano” Rigatoni with Sicilian tomato red pesto. This was such a delicious vegetarian option, Christopher had “Pulpo a la brasa con puré de patatas al mortero y aceite de pimentón” Grilled octopus with mashed potatoes and paprika oil. The food was just as good as the atmosphere here I would highly recommend making a reservation at this restaurant.
What we did:
Here are some must-do activities to add to your itinerary when visiting Madrid.
Explore the Royal Palace: Begin your Madrid adventure with a visit to the Royal Palace, also known as Palacio Real. This grandiose palace, with over 3,000 rooms, is the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Marvel at the opulent interiors, adorned with exquisite artwork and luxurious furnishings, and stroll through the beautiful gardens. Don't miss the changing of the guard ceremony that takes place in front of the palace, a grand spectacle that shouldn't be missed.
Wander through the Art Triangle: Madrid is renowned for its world-class art scene, and the Art Triangle is a must-visit for any art lover. The triangle consists of three of the most famous art museums in the world: the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum. Admire masterpieces by Spanish artists like Velazquez and Goya at the Prado, explore a diverse collection of European art at the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and experience contemporary art at the Reina Sofia, which houses Picasso's iconic painting, "Guernica."
Stroll through Retiro Park: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by taking a leisurely stroll through Retiro Park, a vast green oasis in the heart of Madrid. This picturesque park, with its lush gardens, serene lake, and stunning architecture, is perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Rent a rowboat, visit the Crystal Palace, or catch a street performance. Retiro Park is a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike to unwind and enjoy nature.
Wander around Puerta del Sol: Puerta del Sol is not only the geographic center of Madrid but also a vibrant hub of activity. This bustling square is a must-visit for its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere. Admire the iconic statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, which is the symbol of Madrid, and visit the famous clock tower of the Real Casa de Correos, where the locals gather on New Year's Eve to celebrate the coming year. Puerta del Sol is also a great place for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
Catch a Flamenco Show: No trip to Spain is complete without experiencing the passionate and soul-stirring art of Flamenco. Madrid is home to numerous venues that offer live Flamenco performances, where you can witness the mesmerizing dance, soulful music, and powerful vocals that make up this iconic Spanish art form. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Spain by catching a Flamenco show and being swept away by the rhythm and emotion of this captivating art form.
Madrid is a city that offers a rich blend of history, culture, cuisine, nightlife, and warm hospitality that is sure to captivate any traveler. Whether you're exploring its historic landmarks, indulging in its delicious cuisine, experiencing its vibrant nightlife, admiring its architecture, or simply enjoying the warmth of its locals, Madrid has something to offer for everyone.
Madrid was the perfect place to start off our vacation through Spain and my first city abroad. 3 days felt like a good amount of time for us to travel around Madrid and see what it has to offer.
Next Stop: Valencia
