FAVE LUNCH SPOT: Magasands Retiero
C. de Columela, 4, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Venturing to Magasand was a daily experience for me in Madrid. It was cheap, close by, and always seemed to serve what you were craving. My friends and I spent most of our days hunkered into the restaurant two streets away from Retiro Park. They also have one in Arganzuela but it was under construction for the months I was there. So if you pass it, definitely pop in. If you’re struggling to order, I would recommend trying the ‘Nomanches de pollo’. This mouth-watering, chicken, saucy concoction sandwich served in focaccia comes up in conversation regularly, even after all these months.
As well as the delicious food, you can come across some yummy waiters. I tried and failed to leave my number on a napkin there and am going to pretend that it wasn’t seen, and was swept up with the other napkins on the table. My pride can handle nothing else.
FAVE BAR: Habanera
Calle de Génova, 28, local Habanera, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Next up, my favourite bar - Habanera. This Cuban cuisine brings the outside, inside. Covered in green vegetation, they serve the BEST espresso martini you will ever taste. Not only that, there is also a downstairs area where you can boogie all night long. As I was in Madrid during Corona, most places were very strict about moving from your table. Habanera was one of the only places we found which allowed loud music and let us roam around freely (we were even allowed to dance around our table!). This just proves how fun it would be without any restrictions.
As my friends and I worked as 'au pairs', on the weekends this was the best place to feel fucking cool and sophisticated, I even went on my first date there (you are probably thinking ‘ooo sexy Spanish boy’ but, let’s not get excited - he was English). In terms of pricing - yes, it is a tad more on the expensive side but it’s worth it for a couple of cocktails. From what I have heard, one of the most popular clubs in the city is situated next door/downstairs, so it there is the perfect place to go out after.
FAVE PLACE: Retiro Park
Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid, Spain
There is so much art and culture in Madrid, some tips:
You cannot do the Prado in a day.
See the different exhibitions (downstairs) in the Thyssen.
If there is a night event in the Reina Sofia, try and go.
Go to the Temple of Debod; an ancient Egyptian Temple in Parque del Oeste which in the early evening/ at night is absolutely stunning.
However, the place I would 100% recommend most is Retiro Park. In summer, we lounged and sunbathed here, drinking white wine in plastic cups from the nearest café, and munching on some ‘pincho de tortilla’. My friends would spend all day there, unlike me, as I decided to enrol myself in some Spanish classes. After my lessons, I would walk into the park in such a grump. My friends would wait for me to sit down and start overreacting about the hassle of a simple 15-minute metro journey. However, I must confess, I always secretly loved it and I usually left in a much better mood.
The autumnal leaves in the park were breathtaking and grew so beautifully above the wide pathways. Whilst I was there, there was an exhibition in the Palacio de crystal, displaying enormous paper flowers in the centre of the park. Even though this specific exhibition won’t still be there, I know that they often do different ones, and that they are definitely worth going to. They are also free. Big yay!
FAVE SHOP: Flamingo vintage Kilo
Calle del Espíritu Santo, 1, Madrid, Spain +34 649 87 71 98
The best shop Madrid provided me with was a vintage Kilo shop. It’s a classic. The name: Flamingo Vintage Kilo (Muy español!) Found in an area of the city called Malasaña, if you are a fan of second-hand vintage stores (which I’m guessing the people reading this are), then you cannot miss this place. The streets are just so cool, overflowing with little bars (which get unbelievably busy in the evening), and streets upon streets of vintage clothing. Kilo shopping is always my fave, as you can find so many cute tops and jumpers. However, If you’re looking for cheap jeans, vintage motorcycle jackets, posters, shoes, or pretty much anything, then the weekly flea market ‘El Rastro’ is a must! Just saying, I had to buy another bag for the hold when I came home, as I bought so many clothes for such little expense.
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