¡Vamos a España! - Madrid

Welcome to Part 1 of my 3 part blog series for ¡Vamos a Espana! My family, fiancee and I traveled to Spain for the first time in December 2021, spontaneously. Yes, that's right, spontaneously! How could one pass up the opportunity to travel to Spain in what I thought was one of the most beautiful times of the year.

If you are looking for a vibrant and exciting destination for your next trip? Look no further than Madrid, Spain! From the world-renowned museums to the lively markets and beautiful parks, Madrid has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in art, history, food or just soaking up the local culture, this city has it all. Join me as I share my experiences exploring Madrid, including my favorite sights, restaurants, and hidden gems. Get ready to fall in love with the charm and energy of this amazing city!

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the National Archaeological Museum and the Prado Museum which is home to an incredible collection of art from around the world. We were absolutely fascinated by the works of art and we spent hours wandering through the galleries, admiring the masterpieces on display.

My family and I decided to take on Madrid by utilizing their city tour buses and walking maps that provided amazing guidance for self tours. While enjoying the views from the double decker bus, another must-see attraction in Madrid is the Royal Palace, which is still used by the Spanish royal family today. We were blown away by the opulence and grandeur of the palace, and we loved exploring the beautiful gardens/courtyards.

For a more laid-back experience, we headed to the Retiro Park, a sprawling green space in the heart of the city. We rented bikes that took us around the park, stopping to enjoy a picnic lunch and watch the street performers. Here, we also got to feed peacocks that were roaming around the gorgeous courtyards.

Of course, no trip to Madrid would be complete without sampling the local cuisine! We tried everything from traditional tapas to modern fusion dishes, and were never disappointed. Our favorite meal was at a rooftop restaurant and bar called Sol where we were treated like old friends and enjoyed some of the best food of our trip. Another amazing restaurant we went to to celebrate my mom's birthday was Cappuccino Grand Cafe in Recoletos which had tasty food and specialty cocktails. Slide through the images down below to see some of the variety of delicious foods and drinks we came across while in Madrid!

My family and I were in Madrid around Christmas time which in my opinion, despite the cold weather, was an amazing time to visit the city. We spent a lot of time near the Cortes Christmas Tree and Lights which is a beloved holiday tradition in Madrid. Located in the heart of the city, this tree is a massive, brightly-lit structure that serves as a festive centerpiece for the holiday season. The tree is a popular attraction for locals and tourists and is often the site for holiday concerts and other events. It was a great symbol of the spirit of the holiday season and an amazing reminder of the joy/magic of that time of the year.

While we had an amazing time, there were definitely some challenges that came with not speaking the local language. We found that many people in the city did not speak English which made it difficult for us to order food, ask for directions (if needed) or communicate with locals. However we were determined to make the most of our trip and found that with a little patience and creativity we were able to overcome the language barrier. We used translation apps on our phones to help us communicate with locals and found that many people were willing to help us despite the language barrier!

One of the things we appreciated most about our trip to Madrid was the kindness and hospitality of the locals. Even when we struggled to communicate, people went out of their way to help us and made us feel so welcomed! Not speaking Spanish gave us a chance to step out of our comfort zone and immerse ourselves into a new culture. We learned a lot about ourselves and the world around us, and came back from the trip with a newfound appreciation for the power of connecting with others.

Overall, our trip to Madrid was an unforgettable experience that we will treasure for years to come. We loved the energy and charm of the city, and cannot wait to return some day. If you're planning a family trip to Europe, be sure to put Madrid on your list - you won't regret it!