Accommodation – Madrid
Apartment in Madrid (Zona Retiro) – (3 nights)
Apartment is okay, small unit in an apartment block in the basement. Located midtown with easy Metro access to downtown Madrid and local restaurants.
Hotel
Last 2 nights before flying out at Hotel uVe Alcobendas on the outskirts of Madrid, about 7kms from Madrid Aldolfo Barajas Airport. Clean hotel, friendly staff and they allowed us to check-in early. Nice spacious room, comfortable bed and nice hot shower. We booked the shuttle from hotel to airport for 9.00€.
The area is safe and conveniently located with metro station La Moraleja (10-15mins walk away) to downtown Madrid; mercadonas, Al Campo hypermarket, restaurants, cafes very close by. Shopping mall Centro Comercial is approx, 30-45 mins walk away.
Places to visit
Almudena Cathedral Free admission – 1.00€ donation is recommended at the entrance. In front of the Royal Palace, it is very busy with tourists. This Cathedral features 400 columns adorned with biblical figures. Admire the beautiful, stained glasses and ceilings of this huge Cathedral.
Cripta de la Almudena – Free admission – minimaldonation is recommended.Located below Almudena Cathedral from a side entrance, not through the main Cathedral – just follow the sign for the Crypt – 1 min walk. Sea of columns while strolling through the corridors and leading to the altar, exquisite decorations and murals. Not busy at all and worth it.
Plaza Mayor square – Great atmosphere throughout the day and evening. The evening gets very crowded but with lots of energy with all the lights on – it is beautiful.
El Retiro Park – Spent a couple of hours on a hot sunny afternoon there to chill, vibrant atmosphere with musicians, people picnicking or rowing on the lake. The Crystal Palace is okay.
Mercado de San Miguel – Crowded and overpriced, this is our take of the place. It is also very hot inside, can hardly breath. However, lovely atmosphere outside with street performers and some great photos in the early evening with the lights on.
Real Basilica de San Francisco – Gorgeous Basilica with a massive beautifully decorated dome. A famous Goya painting in the first Chapel on the left of the entrance. Not very crowded in late afternoon. Free of charge during the weekends, otherwise entry fee is 5.00€
Eat
- Meson Rincon de la Cava – A charming and traditional place with 500 years of history. Waiting staff were friendly, not crowded and the food was good. We had pulpo a la gallega, garlic mushrooms, garlic prawns, sangria and beer for dinner. 28.00€ for 2
