Accommodation & Transportation

For a convenient and comfortable stay in Madrid, consider choosing accommodations near Parque de El Retiro (Retiro Park). During our visit, we stayed at the Radisson Blu Hotel, ideally located just steps away from this iconic green oasis. Staying near Retiro Park offers easy access to some of Madrid’s top attractions, as well as a wide range of dining options. The park itself is expansive and beautiful, and its central location allows you to enjoy a leisurely stroll to many of the city’s must-see landmarks.

Getting around Madrid is a breeze, thanks to its efficient and user-friendly public transportation system. The metro and buses are easy to navigate, and you can conveniently tap your debit or credit card for access. For added convenience, especially at night, ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available and surprisingly affordable, making it simple to explore the city at any hour.

For those seeking a more luxurious stay near Retiro Park, the Hotel Palacio del Retiro, Autograph Collection is an exceptional choice. Housed in a stunning early 20th-century building, this 5-star hotel combines timeless elegance with modern comforts, offering spacious rooms, a spa, and impeccable service. Its prime location across from the park ensures easy access to Madrid’s top cultural landmarks and upscale dining options, making it ideal for travelers looking to indulge.

If you’re traveling on a budget, Hostal González provides an excellent affordable option just a short walk from Retiro Park. This cozy and clean guesthouse offers basic but comfortable accommodations, perfect for travelers who want to save without sacrificing convenience. Staying here puts you within walking distance of key attractions like the Prado Museum and the lively neighborhoods of central Madrid, ensuring a memorable trip at a fraction of the cost.

We took a guided "Skip the Line" tour of the Madrid Royal Palace, and it was an experience I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the city. The convenience of bypassing the long lines alone made the tour worthwhile, but the real highlight was the in-depth exploration of Spain's royal heritage.

‍The palace is absolutely stunning. Our guide was incredible and really brought the place to life, especially when we explored the rooms filled with beautiful paintings. Seeing works by Goya and Velázquez up close was amazing; each piece had so much detail and history behind it. The guide explained the stories and significance of the paintings in a way that made them even more interesting. We also took a stroll through the palace gardens, which were just as impressive as the interior. The gardens are so peaceful and well-maintained, with gorgeous flowerbeds and hedges that made you feel like you were in a royal oasis. It was a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of Madrid, and the views of the palace from the gardens were just stunning.

‍One part of the tour that really stood out to me was the Royal Armoury. The collection of armour and weapons is absolutely fascinating, with everything from intricately designed suits of armour to beautifully decorated swords. It was incredible to see the craftsmanship up close and to learn about the history of these pieces.

If you have the time, I’d definitely recommend extending the tour to include the Royal Collections Gallery. This part of the palace is filled with even more treasures, like tapestries, sculptures, and other decorative arts. It really adds to the overall experience and gives you a deeper understanding of the Spanish monarchy’s history and influence.

‍Overall, this tour was a highlight of my trip to Madrid. The combination of art, history, and the sheer beauty of the palace and its grounds made it an unforgettable experience. If you’re in Madrid, it’s definitely worth doing!

Museums

Madrid is a treasure trove for art lovers, with its museums offering some of the most remarkable collections in the world. The Prado Museum, in particular, is a must-visit. Home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, the Prado showcases the rich history of Spanish art alongside works by European masters like Titian and Rubens. The museum's extensive collection spans centuries, making it a place where you can easily lose yourself for hours, exploring the evolution of art in one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural capitals.

‍Must- see Museums in Madrid:
‍The Prado Musuem
Thyssen Museum
Naval Museum

‍Tip:
‍Make the most of the free evening hours at the Museo Nacional del Prado. If you go from Monday to Saturday between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm, or on Sundays and holidays from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, you can enter for free! Otherwise, tickets cost €15.

In our usual fashion we decided to explore Madrid with a wine and tapas tour that took us to 12 unique tasting locations across the city. This was led by an English-speaking guide (EVA - would highly recommend to request if possible), we enjoyed a delicious tapas dish paired with a drink at each stop, which gave us a true taste of Madrid’s culinary scene.

This tour is perfect for food lovers looking to explore authentic local spots and savour the best of Spanish cuisine in an intimate, guided experience. Eva was an absolute delight as our tour guide—her energy and enthusiasm made the experience so much fun. She was incredibly knowledgeable and had a knack for making everyone feel welcome and engaged throughout the tour.

Flamenco Show

Watching the "Emociones" flamenco show in Madrid was an unforgettable experience. While flamenco didn’t originate in Madrid—its roots are deep in Andalusia—this city has long embraced the art form, becoming a vital hub for flamenco over the years. The passion and intensity of the dancers were palpable, and the music resonated with such emotion that it was impossible not to be moved. "Emociones" truly lived up to its name, delivering a powerful and authentic performance that left us in awe. The blend of tradition and artistry made the evening one of the highlights of my trip, proving that Madrid’s connection to flamenco is as strong as ever.

Though the show lasts just an hour, it’s an experience packed with intensity and passion, making every minute worthwhile. The doors open 30 minutes before the performance, giving you time to settle in and soak up the atmosphere. Despite its brief duration, the show is perfect for an evening of after-dinner entertainment, offering a captivating glimpse into the world of flamenco without taking up your whole night. It’s a must-see if you’re looking to add a touch of cultural magic to your Madrid itinerary.

Food Recommendations

O'Pazo l Address: C. de la Reina Mercedes, 20, Tetuán, 28020 Madrid, Spain
‍Recommend the Sole

‍Docamar l Address: C. de Alcalá, 337, Cdad. Lineal, 28027 Madrid, Spain
‍Recommend EVERYTHING

‍Los Chuchis l Address: C. del Amparo, 82, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
‍Recommend baked camembert

‍Chocolatería San Ginés l Address: Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
‍Recommend hot chocolate & churros

‍Bar La Campana l Address: C. de Botoneras, 6, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
‍bocadillo de calamares (fried calamari Sandwich)

‍Casa Labra l Address: C. de Tetuán, 12, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
‍Recommend cod croquettes

‍Sobrino de Botín l Address: C. de Cuchilleros, 17, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain
‍apparently the oldest operating restaurant in the world !

Mobile in Madrid

For staying connected in Madrid, the Saily eSIM is the most cost-effective and hassle-free option. With no need for physical SIM cards, Saily allows you to activate mobile data instantly upon arrival, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout your trip. It offers affordable data packages tailored for travelers, making it perfect for navigating the city, accessing public transport apps, or staying in touch with loved ones. Whether you're uploading photos from Retiro Park or using maps to explore hidden gems, Saily eSIM keeps you connected without breaking the bank.