Category: Advice

If you haven’t yet been to this temple of Spanish cuisine, you don't know what you're missing! Located in the heart of Madrid, very close to Plaza Mayor, San Miguel market is a must-see tourist attraction for anyone visiting the Spanish capital. If you think this place is just a tourist trap, think again! You’ll be surprised not only at the food on offer, but also at the history behind this icon of Madrid. In the past, the space now home to this market was the site of a church: the origin of its name. San Miguel de los Octoes church was destroyed in a fire in 1790 and, despite being restored, it was left so fragile after the fire that it had to be demolished in 1809. From there, the space became a public square, which quickly gave rise to an improvised market with crates and stands, which later led to hygiene problems. The solution lay in constructing the building, opened in 1916, which would become home to San Miguel market. After almost being demolished 80 years after it was built, the market was radically modernised over several years by a group of private investors. In 2009, they offered the city a new gourmet option with the new-look San Miguel market, which won over locals and tourists alike. But the same wrought-iron structure inaugurated in the early 20th century still houses the colours and flavours of this market, delighting the thousands of tourists who visit it each year. Get ready for an incredible journey through Spanish cuisine. You’ll find everything here: from gourmet cheese and hams to fresh fruit and vegetables. San Miguel market sells products from across the country and, despite what you may think, at reasonable prices. Explore its different stalls offering delicacies from around Spain and,

Thanks to its architectural diversity, which ranges from centuries-old buildings resembling castles and palaces right out of a fairytale to fantastic works created by the imagination of some of the great postmodernist minds, Madrid has the status of an “open-air museum” for art and architecture lovers. As one of Europe's main urban areas and, at the same time, a symbol of Hispanic culture, Spain's capital serves its visitors a cocktail of sensations emanating from the historical weight that it holds, the rich culture that it offers and the typical modernity of an avant-garde city. On today's trip, we will take you to discover some of the gems of Madrid's architecture, which bear testimony to the artistic diversity of this wonderful city! Palacio de Cibeles/Palace of Communication Many consider this to be the most beautiful building in Madrid, which is the reason why it is featured in so many photographs in the albums of travellers. Its privileged location in front of Plaza de Cibeles square also helps, as well as its role as a cultural centre. Inaugurated in 1919, it was initially the headquarters of the Spanish Post, but it gained the status of a palace at the turn of the 21st century when it became the seat of Madrid's Municipal Government. Designed by architects Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi, the building is still remarkable as one of the first examples of Spanish Modern architecture. Metrópolis Building At the intersection of Calle de Alcalá and Gran Vía streets, you will find the Metrópolis Building, one of the most beautiful and well-known of the Spanish capital. Inaugurated in January 1911, with its French style and its 45 metres in height, it dominated the skies of Madrid for 10 years. It receives its name from its second owner, the Metrópolis insurance company, which purchased it

Madrid is a unique city that blends the typical salero from the Spanish culture with the cosmopolitan environment of the big European cities. Part of Madrid’s charm is present throughout the city, you can see it when you look at the historical buildings, squares, and big gardens. However, the cultural environment of the Spanish capital is a big reason why tourists all around the world become seduced by Madrid. Capable of enchanting everyone, Madrid’s museums are attractions that can’t be left out of any city tour. Today we share with you the main museums of Madrid and the days with free admission so you can plan your trip in the best way possible. Museo del Prado Let’s start with the one that’s surely the most well-known. Museo del Prado has more than 15 thousand art pieces, some of which date back to the 16th century all the way to the 19th century. A few of the authors present are, for instance, El Bosco, Tiziano, El Greco, Rubens, Velázquez or Goya. From Monday to Saturday between 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm, and on Sundays and holidays between 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, you can visit the permanent exhibit for free. For the temporary exhibits, the admission during the last two working hours is reduced by 50%. Museo Reina Sofía With its contemporary art exhibit, the Reina Sofía Museum it’s a continuation of the years present in Museo del Prado. It displays art pieces starting from 1881 by authors like Picasso, Dalí and Miró. The admission is free on Sundays between 1:30 pm and 07:00 pm and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza Located in the Palácio de Villahermosa, the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum completes the podium of this unapparelled culture trilogy, along with Museo del Prado

If you are planning to visit Madrid during this summer, we suggest you make the most of the typical warm weather one can find here at this time of the year. To cope with that, the streets of Madrid have many outdoor spaces set up to face higher temperatures. You can also choose to dive into a public swimming pool, rest in one of the river beaches or simply enjoy a fresh drink in one of the best Madrid terraces. It is your choice, but we let you with the following suggestions: River and Natural Beaches Pantano San Juan: Thanks to a wonderful view, this place is very much appreciated by locals during summertime. It’s located between San Martín de Valdeiglesias, El Tiemblo, Cebreros and Pelayos de la Presa. It presents you with 14 kilometers of beach and sand. Here you can dive into the ocean and practice aquatic sports within allowed areas.   Piscinas naturais de Presillas (Rascafría): Perfect for freshening up on summer or just for a nice picnic with family and friends. This place offers three natural pools and one wide green area with tables and sitting places. It is open every day during all summer months and entrance is free.   Embalse de Picadas: This little nature resort, located in Pelayos de la Presa, has 92 hectares next to Alberche river. It offers great conditions for sunbathing, river diving and barbeques. It is also possible to fish in some areas here.   Piscina natural de Riosequillo: Here you will have everything you need in order to spend a great time with family and friends: a 4.500 square meters natural pool, sports camps, children playgrounds, a coffee shop with a terrace and a botanical garden. It is located on Buitrago de Lozoya and entrance costs 4€ for