This city was a real discovery for me: relaxed atmosphere, good food at honest prices, free museums, an efficient metro.
We travelled by plane with Ryanair from Pisa and got on well, apart from a bit of earache and a headache (poor pressurisation?). From the airport, to reach the centre (and in particular our hotel) it was enough to take the metro.
We stayed at the Hostal Naranjo, very close to the "Tirso de Molina" metro stop, in the square of the same name. Although we appreciated the cleanliness and the central location, we did not like the fact that the room was dark and the windows could not be opened because of the stench coming from the venue below; moreover the reception was non-existent!
Luckily we had no intention of spending much time at the hotel so it was not a big problem.
This holiday was very good value because, apart from travel, hotel and food, we had very few other expenses! Even the most famous museums are in fact free at certain times/days.
Day 114 Mar 2012
Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor
We leave our things at the hotel and have lunch: it's 3 o'clock, we're immediately in the Spanish mealtime. We decide on a place with outdoor tables in Plaza Tirso de Molina and we don't regret it: for 10 euros a menu of two abundant courses and coffee.
We head straight to the Royal Palace since on Wednesdays entry is free for all European Union citizens. There's a certain queue but it moves quickly. A highly recommended visit! We continue wandering around the center and end the evening with a drink in Plaza Mayor. Madrid has many squares but this is the one I liked best.
Temple of Debod
Day 215 Mar 2012
Busy day
The first Madrid morning deserves a special breakfast: we go to the Valor chocolate shop, famous for its chocolate with churros. Truly a nice way to start the day!
We then headed to the Chamberí district where we admired the Temple of Debod and the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida (both free). We really liked this area because it's full of greenery and quiet. The Egyptian temple, dating back to the 4th century BC, makes quite an impression. From the outside the Ermita looks like any other church but instead inside is Goya's tomb and the dome was frescoed by the famous painter.
We then went to the Paseo del Prado to visit the Caixa Forum, an exhibition space for contemporary art, also free.
To end the day beautifully we visited the Museo de Arte Reina Sofia, free from 7 to 9 pm. To see it in just two hours you have to rush, but nothing would prevent you from going back two days in a row!
Dinner at a place I recommend: "Taberna Pulperia Maceiras," a characteristic atmosphere and tasty food.
We wander a bit before going to bed but since it's Thursday there isn't much life.
View of the Prado from the Buen Retiro Park
Day 316 Mar 2012
Evening at the theater
We dedicate the morning to a nice tour of the Buen Retiro Park, here too you breathe a relaxed and relaxing atmosphere, needless to say it's kept to perfection. Inside the park two free exhibitions were also set up.
More than satisfying lunch at "Cocina di Neptuno" for 13 euros per person.
We admire the beautiful fountain of "Plaza de la Cibeles" and more generally all the majestic buildings in this area. We visit the Naval Museum: it costs 3 euros but in my opinion it's worth it, also because the building was the seat of the Ministry of the Navy and the interiors are precious; you can admire reproductions of ships, paintings, artifacts of various kinds, maps...
In the evening we go to a show at the Royal Theatre, we had in fact discovered that by showing up at the box office the same afternoon of the show and being under 30 you can buy the remaining tickets with a 90% discount! We bought tickets worth 90 euros for 9 euros!
Dinner at the nearby "100 montaditos": inexpensive and very popular.
Naval Museum
Day 417 Mar 2012
La Latina and the unforgettable Prado
We dedicate our last morning to the La Latina neighborhood. We visit in particular the museo de los origines (free and really well kept, with a section on San Isidro) and the wonderful Basilica of S.Francesco famous above all for its dome (the entrance price also includes the guided tour in Spanish).
We then move on to the Antico Cuartel del Conte Duque: a former barracks now used as an exhibition center that pleasantly struck us.
Finally in the evening we take advantage of the free entry to the Prado from 18:00 to 20:00. This museum contains an unimaginable quantity of paintings, I really regretted not having dedicated more time to it...we didn't even see all the rooms!
Dinner at "Finca di Susana", which however I don't recommend because the service is too fast.
Tonight there are many more people around, but unfortunately we have to set off again tomorrow morning...
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