7 places to add to your Madrid itinerary

As I write these lines, it's been exactly one month since I returned from my trip to Europe. In 40 days, I visited so many places. But some leave a deeper impression than others. Spain is definitely one of them for me. After visiting Barcelona, I headed to Madrid, the country's capital.

Although the vibe of Madrid is totally different from that of Barcelona, the city is charming in its own way.

If I had to recommend 7 things to you in Madrid and the surrounding area, they would be these:

Retiro Park (Crystal Palace)

Retiro Park is the largest park in Madrid. Created between 1630 and 1640, this park boasts a rose garden, a dozen statues, and two palaces, including the Crystal Palace. The Crystal Palace alone is definitely worth a visit to Retiro Park! It's a structure made almost entirely of glass and metal, hence its name. Frequently used for art exhibitions, this magnificent place should be on your list of must-see attractions!

The Plaza Mayor and its surroundings

It's impossible to go to Madrid without visiting the Plaza Mayor, the city's main square. It's lined with cafes and restaurants. A few blocks away is the Puerta del Sol, home to Kilómetro Cero: the point from which all Spanish roads were laid out. Standing on the plaque marking Kilómetro Cero puts you at the symbolic center of Spain.

Royal Palace

Another classic. Open to the public, the Royal Palace of Madrid now serves as a museum and tourist attraction, but it also retains its official functions from time to time. Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to go inside for a visit because there was a reception for high-ranking officials, but I recommend everyone pay it a visit. The Royal Palace of Madrid is, after all, one of the largest royal palaces in Europe! And in case you're wondering: no, the royal family no longer lives there... But you never know who you might run into!

There are also the Sabatini Gardens, part of the Royal Palace grounds, which are well worth a visit. They are beautiful formal gardens, and the view of the palace is simply magnificent. If you're looking for a place to relax after a long walk, this little (not bad at all) haven of peace is perfect! Plus, admission is free.

San Miguel Market

Of course, Barcelona isn't the only place with beautiful markets. The San Miguel Market is located near Madrid's Plaza Mayor and covers over 1,200 square meters. Its most impressive feature is its structure: it's the same one built in 1916. This gives the place a unique character! Inside, you can find local specialties and delicacies.

Chocolateria San Ginés

Did you think churros originated in Mexico? Think again. Churros are Spanish pastries, and I assure you, you'll never have tasted any better than those at San Ginés, a renowned chocolate shop in Madrid. They make the BEST churros in the world and serve them with a gigantic bowl of hot chocolate. Not cocoa powder mixed with water or milk. No, literally chocolate. Melted. After a long day exploring the city, there's no better reward.

Atocha

This is probably the weirdest recommendation you'll ever receive about a place to visit while traveling: a train station. But I swear you won't regret going to Madrid's Atocha station. Not only is it the largest train station in Spain, but it's arguably the most beautiful I've seen in Europe. There's literally a tropical garden inside Atocha station, with thousands of plants and hundreds of different species.

Toledo

While you're at the train station, take the opportunity to buy tickets to Toledo. It only takes about twenty minutes to reach Toledo, a town southwest of Madrid, a veritable natural fortress. This town was known, among other things, for its cultural heritage, a legacy of religious tolerance. Indeed, for a time, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities coexisted peacefully there. This explains why the old town boasts several historical monuments that make its heritage unique.

Among other things, I recommend visiting the Toledo Cathedral (begun in 1227), the Church-Museum of Saint Thomas, the Monastery of Saint John of the Kings, the synagogues of Santa Maria La Blanca and El Transito, and the Bab al-Mardum Mosque.

Enjoy your visit to Madrid!

Jessica Prudencio

Winner of the 4 destinations, 1 blogger contest.

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