That alone says it all. Just there in April for a few days, Madrid simply took my breath away. Filled with history, Madrid teems with old world charm and chic, with its beautiful 18th century architecture and classic gardens. Walking through the City I found myself constantly in awe of Madrid’s elegance. There were flowers everywhere, the streets were immaculately clean and the people beautifully dressed.
A street off of Opera Plaza.
With only 4 days to spend and so many things I wanted to do, I planned my time rather carefully. I wanted to hit the “big things” and still have “down time” to just “experience” the city. I managed to tour the Royal Palace, view fabulous art at Museo del Prado, stroll the Gran Via and walk through the Jardin Botanico. I spent a lazy afternoon sipping sherry in the Plaza Mayor and strolled through the nearby Mercado San Miguel, a feast for the eyes. I had tea at the Ritz, shopped for Majorica pearls and picked up a few pairs of colorful espadrilles for friends. I experienced the Rastro Flea market on an early misty Saturday morning, followed by a coffee again on the Plaza Mayor, where I witnessed men in their 70s and 80s trading stamps and playing chess, most of them in suits and hats – really old world charm. I spent a wonderful evening experiencing the beauty of flamenco and another evening tasting Tapas in a little jewel of a restaurant on the infamous Cava Baja.
Beautiful tree-lined streets.
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