During flight school I lived in Madrid. For two years I got the chance to live the Spanish life, learn the language and feel at home in this beautiful city! Coming back to Madrid still feels like coming home. I have always loved to stroll through the little streets between Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza Santa Ana. I have enjoyed this city so much and I would love to give you a little insight in my favorite spots of Madrid!
Puerta del Sol
The most central square of Madrid, as a matter of fact, here you find the Kilometro Cero, a tile on the square that signifies the central point of Spain and it is said that all distances on the highways in Spain are directed back to this point! On the same square, you find the statue of a bear and a strawberry tree, the logo of Madrid.
Plaza Mayor
An old square completely surrounded by buildings, a must-see when you go to Madrid. You find a lot of street performers and restaurants, but be sure you’re not paying too much! You’ll probably be better off in a smaller street to have high quality food for a lower price.
Mercado de San Miguel
Speaking of food, if you leave the Plaza Mayor on the North West exit, you find Mercado de San Miguel. Inside this building there are local shops selling tapas, fish, wine, etc. You buy your tapas and drinks and then sit down in the middle of the mercado on one of the tables and enjoy your food!
Catedral & Palacio Real
The Cathedral and the Royal Palace are located next to each other. The Royal Palace has beautiful gardens around it with a view over Casa de Campo. The very first time I visited Madrid city centre after I started living there, I went to the Palacio Real and there was the changing of the guards, just like in Buckingham Palace! We did not expect that, but we enjoyed it a lot and felt very lucky! Only afterwards after searching online, we found out that it’s every Wednesday from 11:00 to 14:00, so if you’re in Madrid on a Wednesday, schedule the Royal Palace visit around that time!
Templo de Debod
The templo de Debod is an Egyptian temple that was donated to Spain. I love to go there during sunset and watch the sky turn pink and purple, with the temple being lit up and an incredible view over Casa de Campo and the Cathedral.
Plaza de Espana
On Plaza de Espana you find the statue of Don Quijote (Remember? The one from the novels, who fought against windmills!) It’s a square full of trees and a nice place to relax, however there is quite some traffic around.
Gran Via
Gran Via is a large street with many shops and lighted billboards (which slightly reminds me of Times Square in New York). There are great restaurants and some of my favourite stores! If you walk from Plaza de Espana towards Plaza Cibeles over Gran Via, you will pass the Metropolitan building just before the end of Gran Via. This is a very iconic building.
Plaza Cibeles
On Plaza Cibeles you find the most beautiful townhall of Madrid. It’s also the location where Real Madrid celebrates their victory when they win!
Parque Retiro
Madrid’s biggest public park is Retiro. Rectangular sized, with a big lake in the middle where you can rent a little boat (very romantic, but very touristic as well..). Also, there is the Palaco de Cristal, worth a visit!
Estaciòn Atocha
In Atocha Station you find the impressive monument of the 2006 terrorist attack. They have rebuilt the station and now there is a botanic garden inside the station where you find little turtles!
In June 2017 I visited Madrid again as I travelled there to visit my flight school. Click on the link to get an impression of Madrid’s highlights that I just described (in the first 3 minutes. Continue watching to see my flight school and a flight over the Spanish countryside!). Watch below!
Madrid June 2017
Puerta del Sol
The most central square of Madrid, as a matter of fact, here you find the Kilometro Cero, a tile on the square that signifies the central point of Spain and it is said that all distances on the highways in Spain are directed back to this point! On the same square, you find the statue of a bear and a strawberry tree, the logo of Madrid.
Plaza Mayor
An old square completely surrounded by buildings, a must-see when you go to Madrid. You find a lot of street performers and restaurants, but be sure you’re not paying too much! You’ll probably be better off in a smaller street to have high quality food for a lower price.
Mercado de San Miguel
Speaking of food, if you leave the Plaza Mayor on the North West exit, you find Mercado de San Miguel. Inside this building there are local shops selling tapas, fish, wine, etc. You buy your tapas and drinks and then sit down in the middle of the mercado on one of the tables and enjoy your food!
Catedral & Palacio Real
The Cathedral and the Royal Palace are located next to each other. The Royal Palace has beautiful gardens around it with a view over Casa de Campo. The very first time I visited Madrid city centre after I started living there, I went to the Palacio Real and there was the changing of the guards, just like in Buckingham Palace! We did not expect that, but we enjoyed it a lot and felt very lucky! Only afterwards after searching online, we found out that it’s every Wednesday from 11:00 to 14:00, so if you’re in Madrid on a Wednesday, schedule the Royal Palace visit around that time!
Templo de Debod
The templo de Debod is an Egyptian temple that was donated to Spain. I love to go there during sunset and watch the sky turn pink and purple, with the temple being lit up and an incredible view over Casa de Campo and the Cathedral.
Plaza de Espana
On Plaza de Espana you find the statue of Don Quijote (Remember? The one from the novels, who fought against windmills!) It’s a square full of trees and a nice place to relax, however there is quite some traffic around.
Gran Via
Gran Via is a large street with many shops and lighted billboards (which slightly reminds me of Times Square in New York). There are great restaurants and some of my favourite stores! If you walk from Plaza de Espana towards Plaza Cibeles over Gran Via, you will pass the Metropolitan building just before the end of Gran Via. This is a very iconic building.
Plaza Cibeles
On Plaza Cibeles you find the most beautiful townhall of Madrid. It’s also the location where Real Madrid celebrates their victory when they win!
Parque Retiro
Madrid’s biggest public park is Retiro. Rectangular sized, with a big lake in the middle where you can rent a little boat (very romantic, but very touristic as well..). Also, there is the Palaco de Cristal, worth a visit!
Estaciòn Atocha
In Atocha Station you find the impressive monument of the 2006 terrorist attack. They have rebuilt the station and now there is a botanic garden inside the station where you find little turtles!
In June 2017 I visited Madrid again as I travelled there to visit my flight school. Click on the link to get an impression of Madrid’s highlights that I just described (in the first 3 minutes. Continue watching to see my flight school and a flight over the Spanish countryside!). Watch below!
Madrid June 2017