Madrid in February

Madrid

This is the final leg of our trip, following two nights in Granada and three in Sevilla (separate posts). Even though this was our second time in Madrid, the transition from the south was noticeable. The area around Puerta del Sol is more crowded and—you could say—livelier than Sevilla, but we enjoyed the change of pace and the variety of things to do and eat.

The Stay

We stayed at the Thompson Hotel again using Hyatt points. Its central location is unbeatable. There is a supermarket a few blocks away where we picked up some ham, local olives and Ribera wine to have on our balcony when we were taking a break.

Dining

Compared to the other cities we visited, Madrid has a wider range of high-quality restaurant options.

* Recommendations: Casa Macareno, Angelita Madrid, and Astor Gastro-place (especially the pork ribs) were all excellent.

* Note: We found Posada de la Villa disappointing. The signature lamb dish was expensive and way too salty.

The Royal Reception

The highlight of the stay was a surreptitious encounter. We walked over to the Royal Palace for a photo and happened to arrive during the King of Spain’s reception for the President of Portugal. We stayed to watch the parade, which included soldiers in traditional military uniforms, cavalry, and horse-drawn carriages pulling cannons. It was a unique event to witness and a nice way to wrap up the trip.

Photo Highlights

* These shots capture the traditional uniforms and the scale of the ceremony;

* Plaza Mayor: A few views of the main square.

* The Alleys: Madrid changes quickly once you leave the main tourist center.

* Parks and Gardens: We spent time walking through El Retiro and Parque del Oeste. The city’s green spaces are well-maintained and offer a good break from the crowded streets.

Madrid remains a city we really enjoy visiting, and we’ll definitely be back.