Madrid is a place I have visited once before for a long weekend at around the same time of year so I was really excited to head back. For this trip I STAYED again with a friend in Barrio Salamanca which was really close to the centre and easy to get around by public transport (bus and metro) and walking.
The weather was unexpectedly nice for November so my friend and I decided to VISIT many rooftops and terraces to soak up some much needed sunshine.
This is the view from Tartan Rooftop. (Calle del Marques de Casa Riera, 2, 28014) To access the roof, the Círculo de Bellas Artes has an elevator from the lobby that allows direct access to this privileged space. Tickets can be purchased at the front desk of the building for 3 euro. With one of the best viewpoints in Madrid this place gets pretty busy on the weekend - the waitress kindly informed me if you call ahead to reserve a spot you can skip the charge. So grab a Vino Blanco and RELAX!
Other brilliant roof terrace spots include: Hotel Room Mate Óscar (Plaza de Vázquez de Mella, 12, 28004) part of the Room Mate hotel chain Next to the Gran Vía and Puerta del Sol, in the Chueca district has a fantastic rooftop bar with a swimming pool that is open in the summer. This provocative hotel ask's 'Do you want to sleep with me?' and is a great place to LOOK over into the square below and soak up some sun.
Terraza Gymage (Calle Corredera Baja de San Pablo, 2, 28004) is located in the attic of an old cinema and whilst it doesn't look much from the outside its modern roof terrace seems perfectly placed amongst the old buildings in the Malasaña area of Madrid.
Hotel De Las Letras 7th floor (Calle Gran Vía, 11, 28013) was closed when I visited however I managed to sneak up to get an idea of what it would be like. Although it is much smaller that the other terraces it has a very homely feel and the fact that it is located on the Grand Via just round the corner from Tartan makes for a perfect .
I VISITED an old Cinema (Renoir Princesa), whilst I was in town which I believe is one of the few showing English films that aren't dubbed. It had a great selection of films along with great service.
I ATE Brunch at La Tita Rivera (Calle de Pérez Galdós, 428004)- located in Chueca it doesn't look like much from the outside but step through the door and you will be pleasantly surprised. Its garden area is the perfect place to sample some of their fresh food and pastries and be sure to try their in house cider.
You can't go to Spain without sampling the tapas and Grupo Cazorla has some of the best. With 5 restaurants around Madrid you simply have to TRY. Do things the Spanish way and eat on a barrel whilst enjoying the wine. I went to the restaurant in Montesa where the staff are so friendly.
Be sure to ROW a boat across the lake in Rialto Park followed by an ice cream then hot foot it one of the many Museums surrounding it.
The indoor markets are the best way to sample the many delicacies of Spain. Mercado San Miguel (Plaza de San Miguel, s/n, 28005) is the more touristy of the markets but it is still great none the less - head here to sample wine, food, tapas and bars next to Plaza Mayor. In Madrid’s Chueca neighborhood is my favourite Market 'Mercado San Anton' (Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 24, 2800). The Mercado is a modern five-story food heaven selling lots of local produce where you can stop in for tapas or head up to their terrace at La Cocina San Anton. You can even purchase food and ask the restaurant to cook it for you.
Other great restaurants that I was recommended but didn't get chance to sample were Botin (The oldest restaurant in the world) as well as La Venencia (an old sherry bar).
We HEADED to Almonte Sala Rociera for a real local taste of live music and Flamenco.
The metro is really easy to get around the city however nothing beats jumping on a moped and seeing everything whizz by. I got the chance to go and SEE the famous Bernabeu football stadium on the back of one.
WHAT I WORE
Heart print blouse by Topshop
Sunglasses by Kate Bosworth for Topshop
Tartan Dress by Primark
