Vanessa's Trip to Madrid

By Vanessa Holohan

Location

I opted for a direct flight to Madrid with Ryanair, and Aer Lingus also provides flight options, ensuring plenty of choices to reach the city. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours, and upon arrival, I took a convenient taxi ride to the center of Madrid, which took about 20 minutes.

What I Loved

I absolutely loved my visit to the Bernabeu stadium, where I had the incredible experience of witnessing Real Madrid clinch La Liga and lift the trophy. With a seating capacity of 81,044, the stadium stands as one of the most iconic venues in sports history. Serving as the home stadium for Real Madrid since its completion in 1947, the Bernabeu has hosted the final of the European Cup/UEFA Champions League on four occasions: in 1957, 1969, 1980, and 2010. Situated just 15 minutes outside the city, if you're not fortunate enough to catch a game, you can still enjoy a fascinating tour of this legendary stadium.

 

Activities & Places to See

• Nestled in the heart of Madrid, Plaza Mayor is a large square surrounded by historic buildings. It's a vibrant hub with cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal spot to soak in the city's atmosphere.
• Home to one of the world's finest collections of European art, the Prado Museum showcases masterpieces by renowned artists such as Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.
• Gran Via is a bustling street renowned for its vibrant energy, featuring an array of shops, theaters, and restaurants. It's a lively thoroughfare that captures the dynamic spirit of Madrid.
  
  

Shopping

Calle Serrano, situated in the sophisticated neighborhood of Salamanca, is adorned with magnificent classical buildings. This upscale street in Madrid is a haven for high-end shopping, boasting the presence of luxurious fashion brands like Chanel, Gucci, Miu Miu, Carolina Herrera, and Manolo Blahnik. It's a perfect destination for indulging in a premier shopping experience.

Food & Bars

My favourite restaurant was the Juana La Loca, a stylish and bustling restaurant known for its glass cases brimming with tapas and pintxos. Given its popularity, securing a reservation is advisable, particularly on Sundays when locals flock to La Latina neighbourhood for a leisurely day of beer, friends, and tapas bar hopping. If you're in the mood for nightlife, Ponzano stands out as one of the trendiest streets for partying and enjoying drinks in Madrid.

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