Postcard from Madrid
While traveling between countries is fun, it is also important to explore different cities each country has to offer.
If Barcelona is LA, then Madrid is the New York of Spain.
To mix things up, we decided to train to Madrid instead of flying. We purchased tickets for the top floor of the train (located just behind the bar 🙂). Upon boarding, we were able to sit together as a group while we did our makeup and chatted on our way to Madrid.
Day 1
After a brisk twenty-minute walk, we checked into the Hey Hotel. Our group of seven booked an eight-person room, and a girl from Italy joined us. The Hey Hotel is just $40 a night and conveniently located near the Plaza Mayor, where we began our day. The Plaza Mayor is in the center of the city and is a perfect home base when traveling to Madrid.
As an avid foodie, Mercado de San Miguel was my favorite part of the trip. The market was full of vendors selling delicious food and drink. Each booth specialized in its cuisine, which was cooked on demand. Our group decided the best way to try everything and spend the least amount of money on things to share with the group. (Spanish culture is rubbing off on us.)
We ate chicken dumplings, calamari sandwiches, focaccia with prosciutto and burrata, bao buns, and empanadas. Then, we finished off with a sweet treat of ice cream with meringue and THE BEST churros and chocolate, alongside a couple of glasses of sangria. So yes… Mercado de San Miguel is Fabulous.
Next stop, Royal Palace! We walked around the palace admiring its beauty and taking photos while avoiding street vendors who are very persistent in Madrid. The rest of the day was spent exploring the city and popping into a couple of shops. I am thankful that I am located in Barcelona, and I love it, but if I were to permanently move to Spain, Madrid would be my choice. I was amazed by its beauty. On our way to dinner, we stumbled upon an entire street of vintage thrift stores where we proceeded to shop for everyone.
We had dinner at La Musa which offered a spinoff of traditional Spanish tapas. If you eat at La Musa, be sure to get the guacamole, bombas, and dumplings. Quick tip to save money…split a sangria pitcher with friends. After staying at dinner longer than planned we hurried off to meet a group of our friends at El Chapandaz. This unique bar feels like you are in a cave. El Chapandaz’s signature milky drink pours from a spigot in the cave ceiling above the bar. After an hour of fun, we were hungry, tired, and ready for bed. On our way home we stopped at the only food place that was still open, a gyro wrap restaurant. Though delicious at the time, we immediately regretted our decision as one of my friends got food poisoning.
Day 2
Saturday began with a deciduous breakfast at Federal Cafe right around the corner from the hostel. I recommend getting the banana pancakes and ham and egg croissant. From there we walked through a large park to get to Parc de Retiro and were immediately blown away. We saw people enjoying picnics, street performers, musicians, and fountains galore. Many visitors were rowing boats on the pond to get close to the monument. I suggest you go early if you want to rent row boats. As dreamy as they looked, the line was too long for us to wait. We were able to walk through the monument taking pictures in awe of its vastness and attention to detail.
After the park, we searched for a rooftop bar, settling on El.La Skybar. We paid 12 euros for access (which included one free drink), took the elevator up, and WOW. I was speechless when we stepped out onto the deck, as this was hands-down the most beautiful view I had seen in Spain to date. After a few hours, we returned to the hostel, changed, and freshened up for dinner.
We grabbed a quick bite to eat at Lucky Loser Pub which is right next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium. The pub had an old-fashioned Irish feel with the friendliest workers. We shared a plethora of chicken tenders, fries, pulled pork nachos, and onion rings. After making an effort to stick to authentic and native foods throughout my time abroad, it was refreshing to snack on some traditional greasy American dishes.
Next, we sprinted to the gates of Riyadh Air Metropolitano to find our seats. This sold-out stadium was shaking with pride for their team. We bought tickets on the top deck for 55 euros to save money but spent around 20-30 euros on drinks. Our friends purchased box seats with unlimited food and drink for 80 euros, which was more cost-effective (who knew). After the game, some friends went back to the hostel while Morgan and I stopped at Mercado de San Miguel for a quick sweet before bed.
To those thinking about studying abroad, make sure you take time to explore different parts of your home base country. Madrid changed the way I see Spain and it is such a worthwhile destination.
Stay tuned for a postcard from Paris!
Julia
