Madrid, Beyond Top 5
This Fall I made my third visit to Madrid. The classic stops like the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and the Reina and Prado are well worth the time, but this trip tuve ganas de get to know some friends of mine who live in the city. They took me away from some of the most famous tourist spots and put me in the middle of some splendid lesser known experiences.
Let’s talk about some food options you might not have heard of. Breakfast is small in Spain - like toast and coffee small. But you can can make a date of it for about $6. One great option is Granier. Toast is always toast, but when you spread this cafe’s blended tomatoes on top it is quite special. Do the toast and coffee breakfast to keep things cheap but satisfying. The Granier I enjoyed was a 10 minute walk from the metro stop Santiago Bernabéu (and you can choose if you want to join the tourist crowds at Real Madrid’s stadium after breakfast). Another simple but delicious breakfast option is Fresh and Nature at the metro stop Puerta de Ángel. I have had empeñadas, smoked salmon wraps, and a variety of other treats here. I would recommend everything they sell.
Moving on to lunch and ice cream. This trip I met my friend at Las Brasas de Vulcano for the large mid day meal (4 minute walk from Metro stop Sol) We had a three course treat, the favored pattern for lunches in Spain. We both ordered cocido Madrileño, Madrid’s traditional bean dish. The first plate was a soup and noodle dish with bread. When we told the staff we were ready, they brought out the meats, chickpeas, and potatoes to enjoy as our second helping. We finished the meal with expressos and the option of dessert. My favorite dessert experiences in Madrid were ice cream/gelato shops. I visited a few in the city, but will suggest trying Llaollao. This shop sells a super tart and delicious frozen yogurt. You compliment it with extremely sweet toppings of your choice at the service bar. There is a shop near metro stop Gran Via and a less posh option in the mall at Metro Stop Principe Pío. Dinner is basically a snack in Spain, right before you go to sleep. So you can eat that at home and save some money.
Now let me tell you about two places of interest that double as emergency restrooms during a long day exploring the city. I love libraries, and my dad and I discovered one near the hustle and bustle of Puerta del Sol. Biblioteca Iván de Vargas (Calle d San Justo, 5) is a great place to duck out of the crowds. You can browse a legitimate collection of Spanish novels and non-fiction works and sit still in quiet peace. Secondly, the mall at metro stop Principe Pío is a respite for days you are far from home. This is a bit crowded, but it has free restrooms and many affordable (if not super tasty) options for a meal on the run.
Finally, two destinations for natural beauty. Lago is…well…what it sounds like! A beautiful man-made pond big enough to feel like a lake but located in Madrid! You can dine here or just sit and stare at the lovely fountain. It is a two minute walk from the metro (metro stop Lago), but it is one of the most peaceful places I have found in Madrid. For a bonus, walk past the water and enter the Caso de Campo park that stretches for miles. Technically in walking distance, but better as a separate trip is the Temple of Debod. This was gifted to Spain by Egypt, which boggles my mind! You can tour this Temple during day-time hours, but the park surrounding the structure is just as beautiful. There is even a viewpoint for sunsets overlooking the skyline of Madrid.
When it’s time to find a place to stay, well you’re on your own for that! I rented a room from friends and I would do that again at the drop of a hat. There are many hotel options in Madrid as well as some options more along the line of hostels. If you are traveling for immersion classes, your language school will often assist you in locating accommodations. Have a blast on your trip!
