Covering
a massive 350 acres, you could easily spend hours exploring Retiro Park. Pack a
picnic or visit one of the many cafes or restaurants. If you’re feeling
energetic, hire a boat and sail the lake; want to relax, discover art
exhibitions in the ‘Crystal Palace’; uncover your inner-Attenborough, go in
search of ducks, terrapins and other wildlife in the artificial pond; or roam
statue walk (Paseo de las Estatuas)
and simply find solace on the lawns.
Opening Times
April
– September: 6am-12am
October – March: 6am-10pm
October – March: 6am-10pm
Prices
Free
(fee applies for boat hire)
Football
fans, whatever your team, will love this interactive tour – which took us
almost two-and-a-half hours! Grab an audio guide and learn more about the
history, players and glory; or simply walk round and peruse the memorabilia and
trophies on display. Get close to the pitch; sit in the dugout and press areas; get
up close and personal in the changing rooms; and even have your photo taken
with your favourite player! This was my third visit and it’s changed so much –
there’s a fabulous coach simulator!
Opening Times
Various
– visit website for more information
Prices
Adults:
25€
Children (up to 14 years old): 18€
Audio guide: 5€
Children (up to 14 years old): 18€
Audio guide: 5€
(3) Take in the views at
the Terraza Cibeles
This
beautiful rooftop bar is on the sixth floor of the Palacio de Cibeles (now, the
city hall). The building is free to tour and houses exhibitions, as well as a
lounge and two restaurants. On the eighth floor, there’s an observation platform,
which is also worth a visit. However, the bar is a must, if you’re into the
finer things. Relax with a decent drink and soak up the views of the city and
skyline – from Paseo del Prada to Plaza de Cibeles, with its iconic fountain.
Enjoy some complimentary snacks, or buy some tapas and people watch, or simply
watch the world go by. I should mention there’s no age restriction for the
majority of the building, but the Terraza Cibeles is strictly 12+.
Opening Times
1-4pm
and 8pm-12am
Prices
4.50€ (this gives you a voucher to redeem the money back from
your drink, should it cost more than the original price)
Madrid’s
most famous square is popular with locals and tourists, alike and is dominated
by the bronze statue of King Philips III (have you heard about the horse?!).
There are plenty of bars and eateries around the square, but expect to pay
slightly more than you would elsewhere, due to the location. We enjoyed a
lovely ice cream at heladeria Bico de
Xeado (which let you try before you buy... I sampled four flavours before
settling on arroz con leche con canela y
dulce de leche... so good!). Beware of the street artists and people dressed
up desperate to have their photo taken with you – you will be charged!
(5) Hit the shops on Gran
Via
No
matter your budget or whether you’re high street or high end, Gran Via is the
street for all your shopping needs. Department store, El Corte Ingles is a must – with seven (?) floors of everything
your heart desires. Two floors below ground, the Nespresso store offers a free
coffee with every purchase and houses all the capsules, including limited
edition and gift packs. I’m not a fan, but I’m told the Primark store is
insane... it’s certainly big and you cannot miss it! There are all the stores
you get over here: H&M, Zara, Stradivarius and all the sport brands... but
there are also plenty of Sephora stores too (the flagship is at Sol!).
There
are so many other things I could mention – obviously Sol, especially at
Christmas; taking in a flamenco show or concert; eating your body weight in churros or bocadillo de calamares. What else would you recommend to do or see
in Madrid?
Love,
Lucy xx
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Love, Lucy xx