A weekend getaway in February is a grand idea when one is weary of dreary weather, especially if the trip involves days filled with sunshine and the feeling of spring in the air. A change of scenery can do us a world of good and a trip to Madrid was just the tonic we needed to revitalise us. It was a short break, but totally worth it! Here are some things you can do if you decide to visit this city:
1. The Royal Palace
Growing out of playing-the-princess-part is something most of us have reluctantly had to do in real life, but visiting a city with a real royal palace is a great opportunity to slip into that fantasy again for a day (and without being judged for it too!). A visit to the palace makes for a beautiful day out, especially if you’re interested in history. We were amazed by how the time we spent there flew by!
The opening hours are between 10am-6pm (October-March) and 10am-8pm (April-September). Admission is free on certain days, but the General entrance fee is €13 per person for the palace and the temporary exhibitions, as well as the Armoury. Always check the official website for unexpected closures or time changes to avoid disappointment.
We also got an audio guide for €3. Be sure to take a credit card with you as this is needed to guarantee that you will return the tablet once you have finished the tour. No photos are allowed inside the palace, which is a shame in our opinion because we would have loved to capture the Rococo style for the sake of remembering details, but the outside is pretty Instagrammable too, if it’s taking pictures you’re after.
2. Campo del Moro
Once you’ve finished the Palace tour, which could take up to 2 hours depending on how much of the audio you want to listen to, don’t miss out on the Campo del Moro Gardens at the back of the Palace. The sole entrance and exit is from Paseo de la Virgen del Puerto, which can be reached by exiting the Palace and walking round it, all the way down the road to the back. The park is opened daily between 10am-6pm. We found some great photo spots here too, and if you’re lucky, a peacock might even fancy you and fan out its feathers for you.
3. Catedral de Almudena
The Cathedral’s baroque architecture matches the white and grey façade of the Palace, which stands directly opposite. A statue of Pope John Paul II, who consecrated the cathedral, stands outside the Cathedral itself. The interior is Neo-Gothic and one’s attention is instantly drawn to the Statue of Our Lady of Almudena. As the story goes, this statue had been hidden away during the time that the Moors profaned the Church of Santa Maria in the 11th century. Once the king conquered Madrid, he ordered the purification of the church and a procession was made to find the statue of the Madonna and Child, which had disappeared. Prayers were said around the walls of the city and at some point, part of the wall fell away and the statue was found in a niche with two candles still burning – after 300 years! We spent some time in quiet reflection in the Cathedral and then made our way to the Crypt, which is equally impressive.
4. El Prado Museum
If you’re a fan of classical art and sculptures, then a visit to this museum is a must. We spent five hours inside (with only a 20-minute break for coffee, much needed because all those paintings did make our heads spin slightly.) The entrance fee is €15 per person, but you may wish to visit on certain days for free admission.
5. Shopping along Gran Via
I had sworn myself off shopping because I (and I say I, not we, as I am the guilty party here) DO NOT NEED any more clothes, but the fact that there were vintage styles available was IRRESISTIBLE! That said, I tried to be a conscious shopper for the sake of the environment and only bought items that I felt could be worn for a long time. I also travel with hand luggage as a form of self-discipline (Confession: I am an ex-shopaholic, but temptation leans on the doorbell, so precaution is necessary.) But yes, if you want to shop till you drop – Gran Via has it all and the shops themselves are full of grandeur.
6. El Retiro Park
This park is by far one of the best we have ever been to. Fortunately, the weather was absolutely glorious and we strolled along the meandering paths enjoying the peace and quiet, as well as the activity in certain areas. People were taking roller-skating lessons, walking their dogs, having picnics, doing Pilates and Yoga – whatever it is that relaxes the mind and body after a long week at work. The park was full of life. There was a strong sense of community and a connection with nature which was refreshing to the soul.
7. Crystal Palace
One of the highlights of El Retiro park is the Crystal Palace, which also houses an exhibition of contemporary art. However, despite my appreciation for classic and modern art, contemporary art does not tickle our fancy so we did not enter. For those of you who are wondering about their Instagram account – plenty of photos can be taken from outside though; the palace makes for a dazzling backdrop, especially in the right light.
8. Parque del Oeste and Casa de Campo
We also visited a couple of other parks too. The reason why we sought out so many green areas was because we needed time to unwind and ground ourselves. All in all, we wanted to reconnect with ourselves and with nature after two months of working non-stop.
Final Thoughts
Needless to say, there is an array of activities that can be done in this magnificent city – these are the ones we enjoyed most. We’ll be back to do the rest another time!
Have you been to Madrid? Is it on your bucket list?
Let us know in the comments below! Questions and feedback are also welcome 🙂
Safe Travels!
Passport & Pathways x
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Sources: Our Lady of Almudena: https://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j153sd_OLofAlmudena_11-9.html
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Aaah Madrid is like TOP of my to visit list at the minute! Looks like you had a great time
Go, Go, Go! You won’t regret it for sure! We had a wonderful time, thanks! 😀
Madrid, the pulsating heart of Spain, is a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. The city’s majestic boulevards, adorned with elegant architecture, lead to iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and Puerta del Sol. Art enthusiasts can lose themselves in the masterpieces of the Prado Museum, while food lovers delight in the bustling markets and tantalizing tapas bars scattered throughout the city. Madrid’s vibrant nightlife scene, with its lively bars and flamenco clubs, ensures that the energy of the city never wanes. From cultural treasures to culinary delights, Madrid offers an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in Spanish culture.
very true!