Welcome to Madrid!

Fun Things To Do in Madrid

  1. Museos: Prado (classical art), Reina Sofia (modern art), Thyssen
  2. Palacio de Cibeles: climb up for great views of the city for only a few euros (check hours though before going)
  3. Plaza Mayor: you have to at least see it
  4. Templo de Debod: Egyptian temple — gorgeous at sunrise/sunset
  5. Cafés:
    • Martin Tostador (best coffee, very close by, but limited space and no laptops allowed on weekends or before 13.00 on weekdays)
    • Drømme Kaffe House (a great coworking vibe on weekdays, but somewhat south/remote)
    • Mansilla Libros y Café (great for reading, Lavapiés)
    • Panadería Novo Mundo (cute, have had good experiences there, but probably don’t go on Sunday mornings because of El Rastro, Lavapiés)
    • Other recommendations: God Café (Chamberí), FEDERAL Brunch y Café (Malasaña), Espacio LATE (Malasaña), Kraleva Specialty Coffee (Embajadores/Lavapiés), and Santagloria (Everywhere—this is where I work every weekend)
  6. Neighborhoods:
    • Lavapiés — multicultural, lots of different cuisines (good vibes aesthetically here)
    • Malasaña — hip and lively (where to go out at night)
    • Sol — touristy but central
    • Salamanca — posh, rich, pretty, and clean
    • Gran Vía — central shopping area (the most “downtown” vibe)
  7. Restaurants:
    • La Comida Española: Bodegas Rossell (very close), Taberna del Volapié
    • Pizza: Pizza Posta (Vegetarian)
    • Ramen: Ramen Shifu, IGO Ramen Embajadores
    • Indian: Restaurante Atocha Tandoori
  8. Sunday Rastro Market: cheap treasures, fun atmosphere
  9. Just explore! Walk around central Madrid and discover things

️Where to Run (or Walk)

  1. Retiro Park — very close by (you have to go!)
  2. Casa de Campo — huge park not too far away from the center
  3. El Río — connects to other parks
  4. Parque del Oeste — palace views
  5. Sabatini Gardens — the palace gardens

Day Trips

  1. Toledo — 1 hour away, beautiful historic city
  2. Segovia — ancient Roman aqueducts and stunning architecture
  3. El Escorial - beautiful monastery with great hiking in a cute city (1 hour away by train)

Organizational Info

📍 Where I Live

Address: Calle General Lacy, 4 1C, 28045 Madrid

How to get here: 1. Cercanías to Atocha → 5-min walk to my hosue from Atocha 2. Bus from airport → Atocha (the bus might be easier because it’s only one vehicle of transportation, but it is somewhat more difficult to find at the airport than the metro.)

If you are ever lost, just get to ATOCHA!! It’s a big station so everyone will know. Also, Google Maps tends to work better in Europe than Apple Maps.

I have an extra set of keys so you can move around freely.

Food

  • Fully equipped kitchen — use anytime!
  • I’ll stock food for both of us, but feel free to buy anything you like.
  • Food & drinks to try: Tortilla, tinto de verano, tostada con tomate, café con leche, churros con chocolate, croquetas, y vermú!

Sleeping Arrangements

  • I have a super comfy couch with cozy blankets, but I assume you’ll both take the bed!

Gym

  • I can bring a guest — so let me know if you want to check it out!

Metro Card

  • Public transport’s a bit pricey for tourists but we’ll figure it out when you arrive.

What to Bring

  • Nothing in particular! I have one extra towel and you’re welcome to borrow anything of mine.

Last updated: Jan. 10th