By Renata Araújo
Today’s post aims to outline a Madrid itinerary and help travelers who want to visit the Spanish capital.
Although Brazilians – especially those from Rio – insist on preferring Barcelona to Madrid, I am obliged to defend the city where I lived for two years and developed a special relationship of affection and admiration. The capital of Spain It is cosmopolitan, with diverse attractions, sensational museums, bars and restaurants that leave anyone’s jaw dropping. The subway works very well and takes residents or tourists to any corner.
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Os madrileños They are a very lively people who take to the streets in any situation, whether hot or cold, rain or snow. They have the habit of having coffee on the street, lunch, dinner… And drinking!! How they drink, Spanish! In other words, the city always looks like a holiday. For us, it’s not a very big city, there are 3 million inhabitants, but each neighborhood has its own distinct charm and many of them are worth visiting.
I’ll start with one of my favorites: Chueca. The gay neighborhood from Madridwhere straight people are also very welcome, enchants any tourist with its cool shops and charming little bars and cafes.
It’s worth spending an afternoon on the streets Fuencarral e Vegetablegoing from store to store and stretching out until the evening, having a drink at the Sand (Hortaleza, 92- tel: 913 100 307) a “cups bar” (as they say), Moroccan, with a lot of style. Don’t forget to order a mojito: a Cuban drink that is a specialty of the house – unforgettable!
Nearby, for those who prefer to drink chocolate or enjoy a sandwich, a salad or a carpaccio, there is Cacau Sampaka, a chocolate shop that is busy from morning to night and is really cute! You can have coffee, lunch or dinner and also buy chocolates to take away.
Anyone who really likes a good draft beer, especially if it’s in the summer, can’t help but stop by Cervejaria Santa Bárbara and have a typical beer. from Madrid, a caneaccompanied by parma ham.
Another bohemian and gastronomic neighborhood worth going to is The Latina. In some streets, there is a huge concentration of bars and restaurants. A local Baixo Gávea – for those from Rio – with ten times more restaurant options. Highlight for El Viajero – great beer and meat; Juana la loca – very tasty tapas and Corazón Loco – Bardén family bar with wonderful tapas and a very pleasant atmosphere.
In the summer, all the restaurants place their tables on the sidewalk, but even in the cold, Madrileños usually crowd the door of each place, drinking outside. In addition to being a good evening meal, it is also good for a late Saturday or Sunday lunch.
The chicest neighborhood in Madrid called Salamanca. This is where famous designer stores are located, such as Valetino, Gucci, Dior, Prada, concentrated among Ortega y Gasset streets e Serrano. A Serrano Street It is a large avenue that has even won an international election as the most beautiful street in the world. It’s worth visiting in its entirety, whether to shop or simply to window shop.
The main Spanish and Latin designers also have their stores there and are worth visiting: Carolina Herrera, Purificación Garcia, Adolfo Dominguez. Speaking of Spanish stores, I can’t help but mention the main chain: The English Court, where you can buy everything, literally everything: from baby items to electronics and concert tickets, as well as clothes, accessories, etc. The good thing is that there is one in every part of the city.
Another very interesting miscellaneous store located in Serrano It’s Moss, very original.
Still in Salamanca, the streets Ayala e Hermosilla It has very charming and stylish stores and there are also great restaurants. Highlight for the Theater (C/ De Hermosilla, 15 – tel: 915 775 379) where an old theater used to be and has great food at a reasonable price.
Nearby, for those who like household items, a stop at Zara Home is a must – wonderful!! And at Habitat. For clothes, there is the French Comptoir de Cottonier, Lacoste, and for toys, Imaginarium.
And since we’re talking about shopping, I can’t help but mention my favorite Spanish store: Uno de 50 – incredible accessories, with lots of personality and good taste.
Museums are another major attraction in the city and the good news is that most of them are located side by side. The main one, everyone knows, the Prado, is on the street of the same name, Passeo del Prado, as is the Thyssen Bornemiza, small, but with a very interesting collection. The Reina Sofia Museum is another one worth visiting.
Anyway, there are countless tips, but I hope this Madrid itinerary be useful in your next trip.
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