You can view Madrid sunset from the terrazas Circulo Las Bellas Artes. But let me say that this is not really the highest place to watch sunset in the city. The building isn’t really tall enough to see the city’s panoramic view. With an open bar and comfortable mattresses to sit on (or lay down), you can’t complain.
Well, the only thing I complained about was the €4 charge when you go up there. The food and the drinks aren’t cheap either. On a busy summer afternoon, it’s hard to get the waiter’s attention. So, after a glass of red vino, I was done. I couldn’t wait for another 15 minutes for the next glass.
Instead, I walked around and took these shots.
By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander
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Google a place on where to eat churros in Madrid and there’s one that stands out: Chocolateria de San Gines. It’s in an alley so it would be a bit difficult to find. But if you ask the locals around Puerta del Sol, they know where it is.
It’s a cafe both popular to the tourists and the locals. I found this place on my second day in the city but I didn’t get in because the queue was insane! I’m impatient when I’m hungry.
So, when I met up with my fab friend who I’ve never seen for years, we decided to check this cafe out. And as expected, we did line up but not for long. The only table we could get was the one in the basement. It was ok – the walls were surrounded with mirrors so, I felt pretty.
Botin Restaurant in Madrid is touted as the “Oldest Restaurant in the World.” Such prestige is confirmed and awarded by the Guinness World of Record. The restaurant has been serving food since 1725! Yeah, 9 more years and the restaurant will be celebrating its existence for 300 years! Wow, right?
But, let me say this: I didn’t eat here. Not because it was expensive but I forgot my wallet at my apartment and I only had €20 with me. So, I told myself that I’d be back but I got busy with my summer course.
I totally forgot this “must thing to do in Madrid.” However, most locals I talked to won’t really recommend it because it’s “for tourist only.” That’s their way of saying, “I’ve never been there.”
The former hideout of the Robinhood of Madrid is now a restaurant – Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas. It’s right off the corner of Plaza Mayor under the arch where it was once called the “Arch of Knives.” It is believed that after his thieving acts, Luis Candelas would hide here to avoid arrest. For the less fortunate, whom he gave his loot, he is known as Don Luis. Undoubtedly, he is Spain’s version of Robinhood.
Nowadays, Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas is a famed themed restaurant. At the entrance, you will be greeted by a man dressed as Luis Candelas, the bandit. The interior is very Spanish and going in feels like stepping back in time. There are men with guitars serenading their patrons. The food was ok and – since it’s in Plaza Mayor, a touristy area, expect a price more than you expect.
But, yeah, dining here is a Spanish cultural experience! It’s fun. If you’re on a budget (like me), this is not a place for you to eat. I just had a glass of sangria and a few raciones. But, if you like to be culturally entertained at the end of your day, this place won’t disappoint you.
The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) is an epitome of opulence of the Spanish monarchy. It is the official residence of the Royal Family but it’s only used for state ceremonies of visiting dignitaries and other famed VIPs. The facade itself is as impressive as the palace interior. The queue outside is really long in the summer months. However, it’s all worth it when you see all the original artworks of Bernini and Caravaggio. They will blow your mind away – and in my case, I had goosebumps!
Travel Tip: You can avoid the queue if you buy tickets online. There’s a special entrance for those who bought online. It’s fast and most of the time, it’s door is empty. And it’s also helpful if you have an audio guide, instead of going a group tour.
The nearest metro / subway here is the Opera Station.
As you can see, the building itself screams luxury and opulence.
, Madrid, Spain, Alain, Kep Calm and Wander,
El Retiro Park in Madrid is one place you can go when the summer heat is too much to bear. It’s a pleasant place to escape from all the academic shit I had last summer. The park has vast greenery and cool shades everywhere. But, I think the best way to explore the park is through a bicycle. Don’t make the mistake like I did – walked around for 5 hours (with rest intervals) under the searing heat. I slept that night with nasty burns on my shoulders and neck.
Here are some things to do at El Retiro Park
(aka Things I did at El Retiro)
Walk and explore the gardens. This well-manicured garden below is the most interesting and photogenic one. Look at those trees! They’re instagram-perfect, right?
Mercado de San Miguel is Madrid’s most famous food market. It’s where you can get a lot of tapas and other small food potions for €1. And they’re quiet good, too! If there are glorious food, there are good drinks, too. The market has a variety of wines, beers and cocktails. You must try their mojitos and Asturian cider! 😉
This is a market that mostly caters to tourists. You can see a few locals showing off the place to their friends. There’s always something for everyone. The market is a Spanish culinary experience. The market is clean but has limited seatings. It’s not really ideal for group gathering and stay there for long. It’s a market, so don’t expect tables and chairs for a longer, good chat.
Cibeles Palace in Madrid is a lovely, neo-classical structure to admire when you’re from afar. In the afternoon, when the sun is setting, the facade is bathe in shimmering gold. From dawn to dusk, the palace is a thing of beauty in Madrid’s downtown core. Every time I passed by here last summer, this colossal architecture didn’t fail to make me stop and take a shot.
Don’t just stare at its facade. Go inside and up the terrace to see the the 360 degrees view of Madrid. But, don’t expect a spectacular view from up there. Just like any other building around here, this is not tall enough to see the whole city panorama.
From any angle outside, Cibeles Palace is a very photogenic edifice. In front of the palace is the Cibeles Fountain with a goddess sitting on a chariot being pulled by two massive lions. The view from above isn’t really impressive (because it’s not that tall) but it’s still worth checking out.
We love Spain. Let’s face it, every gay man will come here at some stage of their life (or wish they did). After 18 months travelling in Asia, it was a refreshing change to visit a country that welcomes gays, like REALLY welcomes us! Spain was recently voted by a Gallup poll as the most gay friendly country in the world.
Whether you’re touching down in the south of the country on flights to Malaga or travelling on to Madrid or Granada, you will be welcomed here with open arms.