My first experience in Madrid was 6 years ago when I was taking classes at Universidad de Alcala. It was only a 30-minute train ride into the city so we often took trips once classes were over.
The path from Estacion de Atocha (the train station) would lead us straight onto the Paseo del Prado, one of my favorite streets in the entire world. It's a tree-covered stroll that leads you straight the Museo del Prado, one of Europe's premier museums.
Paseo del Prado
Museo del Prado
Though we never had a set path, we would always end up in a few destinations.
Here is one of those paths...
Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.
Once there we would walk around the neighborhood and explore. Plaza Mayor is a rectangular central meeting place in the center of the city. During the Hapsburg period it was used for bullfights or as a marketplace. Now it is lined with outside cafes and tourist shops and plenty of tourists.
Plaza Mayor
My favorite Irish Pub, Moore's, was located right off the plaza on Calle Felipe. We made use of our time here by relaxing and watching football matches or tennis. Well, any kind of sport that was on tv. I just remember it had cold pints and air conditioning--two very important things in a hot summer in Madrid.
Moore's Irish Pub
Puerta del Sol is nothing like I've ever seen before. A lot goes on in this modern central meeting point in Madrid. You have street vendors-- usually selling faux designer handbags, protesters, beggars, tourists, locals, teenagers and everything in between.
Famous billboard on Puerta del Sol
Cutting through Puerta del Sol takes you to Gran Via, nicknamed the "Spanish Broadway." I just know it as a great place to get afternoon cocktails and tapas and bask in the Spanish sun. Fabulous shopping and swanky hotels line the people-filled street.
Gran Via and Calle Alcala
This is where our day adventure ends. Back to the train station and on our way to Alcala. See you again tomorrow, Madrid!
Estacion de Atocha
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