I just came back from a 3-day city break in a very wet, cloudy, and cold Madrid. It was a bit annoying but the not-so-ideal weather didn’t take much away from this gorgeous Spanish capital. My highlights were the delicious traditional and modern tapas, the great bars in the Malasaña district, Picasso’s Guernica at the Reina Sofia museum, El Retiro park, and the beautiful architecture everywhere you looked!

What to do on a rainy day: watch a movie in Madrid’s oldest cinema

Chocolateria San Gines is known for its delicious chocolate con churros. The shop has been around since 1984.

The Museo Reina Sofia houses, among its many art gems, a Picasso masterpiece called Guernica.

The crowd marvels at Guernica

When the Spanish capital was moved to Madrid from Toledo the seat of the Church remained in the old capital, as there was no cathedral in the new one. Although the start of construction had gotten delayed for many years, it finally began in 1879.

Almudena Cathedral

La Iglesia de San Nicolas de Bari, which dates back to medieval times, is the oldest church in Madrid.

The Plaza Del Dos De Mayo gets its name from an uprising against Napoleon’s troops which happened on the same date in 1808.

The Jardines del Buen Retiro is one of the largest parks in the city.

Moscatel everyday after tapas

Drinking vermouth is very popular in Madrid and is best paired with tapas.

First time to try vermouth rosso

 

 

 

 

Hopefully I’ll be able to visit the city again, as it’s only a short flight from Newcastle. Fingers crossed the sun shines on me when I next visit this beautiful city. Viva España!