Because I was in language school for most of my time in Madrid, I was not able to explore as much of the city as I had wanted to; however, I did found a few sweet spots you should check out! 

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Museums

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• Museo Nacional del Prado - Art Museum ($17 USD)

  • This was my favorite museum of my travels in Europe!  
  • ​For more information, check out ​https://www.entradasprado.com/pradov2/individual/principalR.aspx?lang=en-GB&_ga=2.197490666.419226453.1562452844-1296606673.1562452844

• Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía - Art Museum ($11 USD) 

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Palaces

Cybele Palace

The Royal Palace of Madrid

• Important Note: When buying tickets, make sure to purchase them in advance as they quickly sell out! 

• For more information, check out https://entradas.patrimonionacional.es/en-GB/informacion-recinto/6/palacio-real-de-madrid

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More

Plaza Mayor - famous square 

Puerta del Sol - another famous square

El Retiro Park - Park (to me, has a similar vibe to Central Park in New York City) 

Gran Vía - a famous street in Madrid in the heart of the city 

Puerta de Alcalá - an iconic gateway near the center of Madrid

El Rastro - a famous flea market that is open most Sundays 

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Want to see what other things Madrid has to offer, check out these suggestions below!

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Santiago Bernabéu Stadium - fan of one of the worlds best soccer/football teams? Then you will 100% want to explore the Real Madrid Stadium! 

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AIL Madrid - this was the language school that I went to in Madrid and I cannot recommend them enough! The teachers are excellent and work very hard so that you can get one step closer to your dreams of being able to speak Spanish fluently. 

• For more information, check out https://www.ailmadrid.com/

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El Corte Inglés - hands down, this was my favorite store (other than ZARA). Due to the fact that 1) my host family didn't have air conditioning, 2) all they had was 1 broken fan, and 3) it was at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit ( 38 degrees Celsius), I need some relief. Not only was I able to get a new fan, but I also got some great souvenirs for family and friends back home, tried some 'local' dishes (they have very good sangria for those who are of age), and I was in sweet air conditioning for the whole time! 

​*For even cheaper options (plus a look into what people in Madrid typically eat, check out local grocery stores! 

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Restaurants 

• Gandario ($) 

• Celicioso ($-$$)

  • Whether you are gluten free or not, Celicioso Madrid is one of my favorite restaurants ever! While I am not gluten free myself, one of my friends has Celiacs Disease so we needed to find her a safe place to enjoy all that Madrid has to offer! They have a large range of dishes and pastries that will make you come back for more! 

• Rasputín ($$) ​

  • Russian cuisine 

  • P.S. I​f you love olives then you will dream of this place! 

• Parador del Jamon ($$-$$$) 

• Los Montes de Galicia ($$$) 

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Café

• Matilda Cafe Cantina

• Celicioso Hortaleza (the café part of Celicioso) ($-$$) 

• Mama Framboise ($$$) 

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Dessert ​

• Mimi's Creperia ($) 

• Kalua Helado Artesanal ($-$$) 

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While these are not specific restaurants, make sure that you try:

• Paella 

• Jamón serrano &  Jamón ibérico

• Tortilla Española (i.e., Spanish omelette) 

• Patatas bravas 

• Gazpacho