I don’t know how many times I’ve been in Madrid. I love this city and I always see new things.
This time, my brother came with me for 2 days. So I had to introduce him this fun city and full of things to do. (Read about my other times in Madrid)
We arrived in the morning and one of my adoptive family, my non-blood-family but I still love, picked us up at the airport. Of course, the ride to our hostel was talk and talk.
We stayed at a really nice hostel in Gran Via, Hostel Andorra. I usually stay with friends or if traveling with family, we stay at a hotel. This one is at a great location, the staff is super nice and friendly, nice beds and at least the room we had, it has a balcony.
In almost 3 days we did a lot! I took him to a lot of places to see, and even stores he wanted to visit as La Tienda Verde to get some maps for his future trips, well and some books for me. By the way, GREAT store for anything about travels! Although, I don’t recall seeing anything in English.
Naturally we went ‘tapas’ hopping! We had to. Although, I think the best place to do it, is at Mercado de San Miguel. You have many spots to grab small plates, for one or to share, plus drinks as wine or beer or juices.
Mercado de San Anton, in Chueca, is really good too. Specially because it has a terrace with a nice view.
One morning we had breakfast at the most famous place for ‘churros’ and hot chocolate, plus the nice cold weather asked for it. Chocolatería San Ginés is a great little site to visit, it is open 24/7 and the hot chocolate and churros we tried were delicious! You have other options too, but can’t miss to visit this sweet spot that was founded in 1894.
Another morning, since I already tried it for snacks by the end of an afternoon, was at the terrace of one Corte Ingles, by El Callao. At ‘Gran Via Gourmet Experience’ you’ll find various small restaurants, where you can order one drink from one place, a dish from the other and dessert in the next one, while enjoying a nice view to Madrid. Love this place.
Talking about Corte Ingles, this is a great place to find sport goods! If you are into biking (as I’m starting), motorcycle, camping, trekking/hiking (as I began a year ago)… you’ll find a lot of things in there! As my brother said, favorite store!
After spending a day with my brother walking around La Latina, the Royal Palace, Chueca and everywhere in between, it was time for him to go to the airport. Me staying in town for a while.
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