Conquer Madrid - Insider Travel Guide

Everything about Madrid is absolutely amazing - The culture, The food, The people….. I miss it so much and am forever dying to go back. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to live in Madrid, Spain for my third year exchange in 2018. I had the best time of my life - I met so many great people and made memories i’ll never forget

Looking through all my exchange photos to find some for this post was so nostalgic. The saying "you don't know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory" is too real.

All the Queen's students riding the train to Getafe for school

Some of my flatmates from Santa Cruz

My other flatmates and I at Moondance

My friends and I from my school on a day trip to Segovia

I miss you all so much.

I wanted to write about my favourite recommendations and all the city’s highlights for anyone else that’s planning on visiting this awesome place!!

I somehow am going to try and fit 5 months of experiences into this one post so beware it’s definitely going to be a long one!

Let's get to it!

People are drawn to Madrid for the delicious food, outstanding culture, architecture and art, affordable living, and deluxe shopping. There are so many special aspects that both the locals and tourists love about this city— from the rooftop bars and nonstop nightlife to the fantastic museums, and all the luscious green space.

While I find that many tourists often flock to Barcelona for their Spain vacations I personally think Madrid is the place to be explored!

The view from the famous Calle Grand Via

In this Madrid Travel Guide I'll cover what to do, what to see, what to eat, and everything else you need to know about exploring this great city. 

What to see:

Wonder around the various neighbourhoods:

While in Madrid, my friends and I spent days and days just walking around, admiring all the different areas of the city and what made each of them unique. The city's atmosphere is something you can't even put into words, the lively vibes of the city are unmatched by anything I have experienced before.

Here is a breakdown of all the different neighbourhoods close to the city centre:

Sol/Gran Via- lively city centre, very touristy, shopping district, has a ton of street performers and restaurants

A street just off of Puerta de Sol

Plaza Mayor - Grab a drink on one of the Patios (the food is very overpriced but it’s a cool experience)

Malasana - The coolest most hipster/bohemian neighbourhood in Madrid, it has such a unique and lively vibe, endless shops, bars, cafes and restaurants to explore

La Latina - aka the Latin Quarter, Madrid’s top neighbourhood for tapas, mojitos and terraces. Get lost in the maze of narrow medieval streets and alleyways as you hop from bars to tapas bar — its most famous street is Calla Cava Baja.

Chueca - Madrid's gay neighbourhood, it's a lovely part of town famous for its old buildings, laidback coffee shops, trendy restaurants, sidewalk cafes, diverse bars, cool food markets, boutique shopping, and some of the best nightlife in the city.

Enjoying a beer on one of the many patios

Lavapies - Multi cultural vibe: International influences can be seen everywhere, particularly in the neighbourhood's diverse array of multicultural restaurants (making this a great destination if you're looking for something beyond typical Spanish fare). Though this area is still a little rough around the edges it's definitely a must see

Chamberi - located just a bit outside Madrid’s city centre and is another authentic residential and business district

Salamanca -High-end part of Madrid, home to some of the most expensive real estate in Europe and its where you’ll find the best luxury shopping in Spain.

Huertas neighborhood (aka Barrio de las Letras) - An area with lots of history and charm, one of Madrid's most picturesque areas.

Moncloa/Argüelles - This neighbourhood is a generally quiet, friendly place, particularly popular among young people and families

Retiro - home to Madrid’s most famous park El Retiro, East of the park is a quiet residential area where you'll find some of the most delicious and authentic tapas in town

Other notable things to see:

Royal Palace

Cathedral of Madrid

Puerta del Sol

Plaza de Santa Ana

Crystal Palace (located in Retiro Park)

What do to:

1.Go Shopping:

Gran Via - Big international brands (Zara, H&M, Oysho, Pull&Bear, Primark)

Salamanca (Calle de Serrano) - very boujee & high end, boutique shopping

Fuencarral street - another famous shopping street

2.See a real Madrid soccer game at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium - the atmosphere and fans are so passionate, it’s sooo much fun - I even got lucky enough to see Ronaldo score a goal at the game I watched.

3.Visit some of Madrid’s famous Museums:

Most of the major museums are free the last two hours of the day so be sure to check their schedules! 

Art museums (Reina Sofia, Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum), naval museum, platform 0 (historical metro station from the 60s), Museo de la Historia de Madrid

4.Check out some of the Markets:

*Mercado San Miquel - Madrid’s most famous indoor market built of beautiful glass and cast iron, located 2 minutes from Plaza Mayor, pretty touristy and expensive but definitely a must see

*mercado de san Ildefonso - Lively 3-level market with 20 stalls selling diverse, international food, plus 3 cocktail bars, great music, near Malasana

El Rastro - Sunday open air Flea Market in La Latina

*Mercado de San Antón - great place for tapas with a rooftop patio

Mercado de Antón Martín - Vibrant indoor market with grocery vendors, international food stalls & public events

Mercado San Fernando - in Lavapies, not touristy, very multicultural

5.Take Day trips: Madrid has great public transit that makes it very easy to do day trips to these historical places right outside of the city.

Toledo - 35 minutes outside of Madrid. Ancient city set on a hill known for the medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian monuments

Segovia - 30 minutes outside of Madrid. Medieval walls, Romanesque churches,Gothic cathedral and famous ancient Roman aqueduct 

Cuenca - 1 hour train outside of Madrid. Historic Walled Town with steep cobbled streets, medieval castle ruins and hanging houses

6.Visit The Parks:

A lot of people are surprised when they find out Madrid is actually very well known for all of its green space. There are so many parks all through out the city to explore when you need a break from the busy city hustle.

*Temple of Debod - Ancient Egyptian temple, amazing to see at sunset

*El Retiro Park - one of the most famous parks in Madrid with a pond where you can rent a row boat

Casa de Campo - largest park in Madrid (approximately five times the size of Central Park in New York City)

Real Jardín Botánico - beautiful botanical gardens near El Retiro Park

Cerro del Tio Pio - Amazing spot to watch the sunset outside of the city

Madrid Rio - nice park along the river

*Campo del moro - amazing green space right behind royal palace

7.Check out some Rooftop Terraces:

Madrid has a ton of rooftop bars, restaurants and terraces - you can find some that are super boujee with pools and expensive cocktails as well as some more laid back ones that I will list below. Most of these rooftop spots have small entrance fees around 3-5 euros.

Circulo de Bellas Artes - offers unbelievable views of the city. Lounge chairs overlook the bustling streets of Madrid and are an ideal spot to catch the sunset. Entrance costs 4 euros 

Terraza Cibeles - Cocktail bar with a great view, very trendy & popular, located in the famous Plaza de Cibeles

Gourmet experience (El Corte Ingles) - located on the roof of the shopping center El Corte Inglés, market/restaurant area where you can order your food and drinks and have them bring it out to the rooftop terrace.

8.EXPLORE THE MADRID NIGHTLIFE:

When I think of my time in Madrid the first memories that come to my mind all revolve around the amazing nightlife the city offers. In Madrid it is very common for people to arrive at the clubs after 1am and stay out all night long (they don’t close until 6am or later). You need to be VERY careful of pick pocketing when going out - never put your phone or wallet in your pockets and make sure you hold on to your purse zippers very tight. Here’s a list of some of my most favourite places for a fun night out.

**Kapital (ICONIC 7 floor night club with different music on each floor and amazing performances) this is a MUST do

Chupitos Shots (has over 100 types of yummy and fun shots)

47 Cocktail Bar (expensive but yummy cocktails)

Fucking Mondays (fun Monday night party, popular for students)

Star Coyote (one of the most famous clubs in Madrid city center)

Bling Bling (Night club in Salamanca with some American music)

9.Attend a Bull flight at Las Ventas:

If you want a very traditional Spanish experience - Bullfighting in Madrid is definitely a longstanding but controversial topic.

10. See a Flamenco show:

Flamenco is Spain's most famous style of dance and music, is known all the world for its energy, colour and beauty.

Where to eat:

Local Spanish food:

Churros with Hot Chocolate: Chocolateria San Gines- most famous spot in Madrid, founded in 1894 and open 24/7

Tapas: Inclan Brutal Bar, Taberna El Sur, El Tigre, Rosie La Loca, Calle Cave Baja (street packed with tapas restaurants)

Paella: Can get this traditional Spanish dish almost anywhere, it is definitely a must try. Paella is actually a dish that is best served for lunch.

Ham: Spain is famous for its ham, and you’ll find tons of places to enjoy it in Madrid. Just look for signs that say “Museum of Ham.” There’s no museum involved, just a lot of ham. Or visit the markets/supermarket. Ham is everywhere!!!

Spain's famous paella dish

Out for tapas for Celine's birthday at Inclan Brutal Bar

Churros and "hot chocolate" which is actually a thick chocolate dipping sauce

Non-Spanish Food:

Bamboo Box (Thai food)

Oven Mozzarella Bar (Italian food)

Ojala (diverse menu, basement is super fun and hipster, you sit on sand floors)

Takos Al Pastor (1 euro tacos)

Tierra Burrito Bar (The chipotle of Spain)

100 Montaditos (100 kinds of sandwiches)

Dishes from Oven Mozzarella Bar

Cafe’s:

Bicycle Cafe - hipster cafe in malasana

Cafe Federal - has an amazing brunch menu

Pum Pum Cafe - cute cafe in lavapies, has good avocado toast and shakshuka

Monkee Cafe - Great espresso, nice music, tasty desserts

Cafe central - live jazz music,

Rebel Cafe - a very comfy vibe, great jazz music

Toma cafe - small, hipster, great food options near Malasana

Pum Pum Cafe

Other practical tips for traveling Madrid:

1. Take advantage of Madrid’s amazing metro system: You can get anywhere in the city very fast and cheap, the metro is easy to navigate and you can buy day passes or a 10 ride pass for 12.20€ , taxis are very overpriced and there is often a ton of traffic

2. Beware of siesta time: Many smaller or family-run shops operate on the traditional Spanish schedule and will close between 2:00 and 5:00pm

3. Beware of Late dinner times: Many restaurants and bars close after lunch service around 4:30pm and the kitchens will re-open for dinner around 8:00pm.

4. Learn a bit of basic Spanish before coming: In many restaurants and smaller shops, English can be limited.

5. Beware of pick pockets / scammers: Madrid is a very safe city, but tourists can be easy prey for pickpockets -Keep a close eye on your belongings, be sure to use a purse that zips and carry your wallet in your front pocket

I’m so happy that I finally wrote all of this down so I can look back and remember all my favourite things and memories I made while living in Madrid. I was so nostalgic writing this post, I can't believe how fast time passes - I have no idea how it has been 2 years since this experience.

As cliché as it sounds living aboard really did change my life for the better - I learned so much about embracing diversity, handling change and being independent. Going on exchange to Spain was definitely the best 5 months of my life so far that I will cherish forever. I am forever thankful to both my family and Queen's for making this dream happen for me.

Until next time Madrid!

-Kristin