Entrance to this 5 star hotel
Morning view from the room
-Gran Via. Known as Spanish Broadway where you'll will find all the hipsters here as it's where most of the action take place and most of the iconic "things to see/do" is around this area.
-Mercado de San Miguel. This place has gained a lot of popularity for good reason. Lots of food/drink vendors to choose from. However, due to the popularity you'll notice higher "small bites" prices in comparison to surrounding area. I recommend you do a walk around first before making a decision and also meander outside to the other eateries that are less inexpensive. Also, make sure to be clear of what you want/order so you don't get overcharged or given double of items.
-Plaza Mayor. Central plaza where a lot of events happen. You will find a statue of King Philip III in the center. This place is very close to the Mercado so meander this way.
Sunday
Breakfast at Cafe de Oriente with a view of the Royal palace. I had the traditional tortilla de patatas(Spanish omelet), cafe, & freshly squeezed orange juice.
We attended the Palm Sunday mass. It was chilling and it felt as if it could convert any non-believers. The highlight of attending the mass was meeting one of the priest, chitchatting about California and Hawaii. We also received blessing of our palm fronds that will be used towards Aloha Sourced bamboo soaps. The rest of the day felt like a blur - being in the moment, humbled and blessed for this amazing experience. We walked over 7 miles and was able to see these amazing architecture for FREE:
Edificio Grassy- Entrance to Gran Via
Parque de Buen Retiro
Palacio Real
Teatro Real
The angel on top of the Metropolis Building
For 4€ you can get an admission to The Azotea-Tartan Roof for a rooftop experience of the city. Take your time while you're up here to enjoy the 360 degree view of this amazing city. There are lounge/seating area to relax to enjoy their cafe con leche and mojitos.
Dinner at Gran Cafeteria Bar Santander- an iconic place that reminds of that diner that you must go to. Food and drinks were reasonable and so delicious! For the two of us we shared mixto paella and calamari rendered in its own black ink with rice for 20€. I got a glass of Spanish rose for 2,50€. DK's grande beer costed 1.50€ and you can get a pint for 3€.
Tips
-Do take the subways. It's an inexpensive and fast way of getting around the city. It will cost you 1.50€ one way and you can pay at the station. Go: HERE for the metro map. I suggest locating where your hotel/accommodations on the map so you will know where to get off when you arrive at the airport.
-Get a real map. As much as I love google maps, I was surprised of how many people were carrying around an actual map. Get a map of the metro route and of the city from the concierge at your hotel.
-Get a real map. As much as I love google maps, I was surprised of how many people were carrying around an actual map. Get a map of the metro route and of the city from the concierge at your hotel.
-Meals/Drinks are meant to be long to enjoy your company and savor the food/drink. There weren't a lot of breakfast eateries since most non tourist eat at home during the morning hours. However, brunch is becoming popular on the weekend beginning at 1000 (10am). Note: lunch is usually taken after 1400 (2pm) and dinner after 2000 (8pm).
-Use cash or use credit card that does not have foreign transaction fee for purchases.
-Do try to learn a few phrases in Spanish.
-For Marid attractions go: HERE
You may think 3 days might not be enough time to see everything but I personally think it is possible. Stay tune for more adventure blogs and I will also be posting a blog on Luxury Travel on a Budget.
-Do try to learn a few phrases in Spanish.
-For Marid attractions go: HERE
You may think 3 days might not be enough time to see everything but I personally think it is possible. Stay tune for more adventure blogs and I will also be posting a blog on Luxury Travel on a Budget.
enJOY!
No comments:
Post a Comment