Madrid: My Experience

This past summer, I took a trip to Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain. The city’s mix of rich history, buzzing atmosphere, and incredible landmarks made it a memorable trip. From sightseeing on a bus tour to stepping inside the iconic Real Madrid stadium, Madrid offered plenty of experiences, some better than others.

Activities

One of the highlights of my visit was taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour around the city. It was a great way to see Madrid’s most famous landmarks without feeling rushed. The Royal Palace, the bustling
Puerta del Sol, and the elegant streets of Gran Vía were all standouts. The open-top bus gave amazing views, and the flexibility to explore spots like the Plaza Mayor made it even better. The bus cost was around 30 EURO which was a little pricey but it really was a great way to see the sights of the city in a short space of time.

Another unforgettable experience was visiting the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid. Whether you’re a football fan or not, the tour is an incredible way to learn about the history of one of the world’s most famous football clubs. Walking through the player’s tunnel, sitting in the dugout, and seeing the trophy room were amazing moments. I was initially apprehensive about visiting the stadium as I wouldn't be a fan of football but it really was enjoyable. Tickets cost around 20 EURO which was quite reasonable for the experience. 

I also spent time shopping in Madrid, particularly around Gran Vía, where the mix of Spanish and international brands is fantastic. The city has no shortage of options, whether you're after high-street favourites or something more luxurious.


Not everything lived up to expectations, though. I visited the Mercado de San Miguel, a famous market known for its food stalls, and found it to be overly touristy and far too crowded. While the food looked tempting, the cramped space and high prices made it hard to enjoy. I would advise giving it a miss next time you are in the city and visit other, more authentic Spanish markets. 

Food

When it came to food, my experience in Madrid was a bit of a mix. While I didn’t dive deeply into local cuisine, I did try a variety of places. I had a great meal at an Irish pub, indulged in Italian at a cosy trattoria, and did manage to sample Spanish cuisine at a traditional restaurant. The Spanish meal stood out, with its fresh flavours and authentic dishes, but overall, I regret not exploring more of the local food scene.

Cost

Madrid turned out to be fairly affordable in terms of transportation and dining. The metro was cheap and efficient, making it easy to get around the city without breaking the bank. Food costs were reasonable as well, with plenty of restaurants offering great value for money. Whether it was a casual meal or something a bit more upscale, I found the prices to be quite fair compared to other major European cities.


Accommodation

I stayed in the Illunion Suites hotel which was moderately comfortable and conveniently located near a metro station. It made exploring the city so much easier, and there were plenty of shops and supermarkets nearby for quick snacks or essentials. While it wasn’t the most luxurious spot, it was clean, had great service, and offered everything I needed for a short stay in Madrid.


Conclusion

Madrid was a city full of energy, history, and fantastic sights, and it’s easy to see why it’s a favourite for so many travellers. While some experiences, like the bus tour and stadium visit, were incredible, others, like the overcrowded Mercado de San Miguel, fell a little flat. If you’re planning a trip, I’d recommend focusing on the city’s landmarks, cultural spots, and perhaps diving deeper into the local food scene than I did. Madrid truly has something for everyone, and I’d happily return to explore even more.




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