Here is the great and full of life capital of Spain – Madrid. In this part we will discover that Sundays are very rich in the cultural, gastronomic, and recreational sense for both locals and tourists in Madrid. Whether you are interested in history, a foodie or just wanting to have a lay-back holiday then Madrid is the place to be. So in this blog post, we’ll take you through a lot of fun things to do but also give you some pro tips to fully enjoy your Sunday in Madrid.
1. Explore the Historical Center
The historical center of Madrid is the best place where you can start your Sunday. Start at Puerta del Sol, a rather popular square and the point where tourists traditionally place themselves in the middle of Madrid. From there, you can explore the narrow streets of Barrio de las Letras which is embedded in the literary and rather picturesque atmosphere. It will be a great pity not to see Plaza Mayor, a well-restored square that flared up in the 17th century.
2. Visit the World-Class Museums
There is a great number of famous museums in Madrid. Stroll through art and get a glimpse of history at the Museo del Prado you can find a great number of paintings of Spain artists. Another museum which should not be missed is the Museo Reina Sofia where you can find masterpieces of such painters as Picasso and Dali. Now if you are interested in modern artwork you should visit CaixaForum which is an amazingly designed complex and cultural space that hosts temporary exhibitions.
3. Relax in Retiro Park
Free yourself from the city’s stressful environment by getting to Retiro Park. This large park is a perfect place to find some peace and quiet to help you destress. Wander along its tree lined walkway, take a gondola or rowing boat ride on the spectacular Estanque del Retiro or simply have a picnic on the extensive lawns. A visit to Crystal Palace, with its like, glass exhibition hall should not be missed; often used to display contemporary art pieces.
4. Indulge in Spanish Cuisine
It’s impossible to talk about Spanish meals without mentioning the meals served in the Capital city, Madrid. There is something for everyone and on Sunday, you get to indulge your taste buds in different ways. For those who love sweets, begin your day with a feast on churros con chocolate at an actual Spanish café. Sitting down to eat lunch, visit a medieval tapas bar and taste the most popular dishes of Spanish cuisine – tapas. For supper, Madrid offers a great variety of magnificent restaurants for which it is possible to taste different peculiarities of Spanish cuisine, such as paella, suckling pig, or even Cocido Madrileño – a hot chickpea-based dish.
5. Enjoy a Flamenco Show
Spain is a country that has a very unique tempo when it comes to culture so enjoy a flamenco show. There are many places to see flamenco in Madrid though the most popular are in restaurants and bars. While with tablaos you can have formal shows, quiet flamenco bars across the island are also waiting for you. Take a break and watch the performers, dancers, musicians and singers to bring you in the middle of Spanish tradition.
6. Watch a Soccer Match
But if you consider your self a sports fanatic, watching a soccer match in Madrid is simply out of this world. Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are two leading teams of the city that are famous throughout the international Football circuit. Depending on the fixating you would like to watch an interesting match that can take place in the stadium Santiago Bernabeu or Wanda Metropolitano. Feel the miraculously charged and support shrieking loyal fan base while enjoying watching some of the best players in the world.
7. Shop at El Rastro Market
Visit El Rastro, the biggest open air flea market in Madrid on Sunday, before you have to go home. Set in one of Madrid’s lively districts, La Latina, this market is quite different from all the others. Wander through literally hundreds of stalls which sell all sorts of items – from used clothing and jewels to toys and souvenirs. Remember to master haggling when looking for some great finds!
Madrid, the capital city of Spain with an historical background which provides the city with a colourful trend and features, is one of those cities which wake up in Sundays. The city of Madrid is art for anyone, interested in art and culture, or simply delighted by world’s delicious food. Don’t you wait then and start packing up, it’s time to plan the Sunday to know this city much better!
