Hola Madrid!

This weekend we went on a multitasking citytrip to Spain's capital Madrid. I say multitasking because 1. to see Lolo's good friends 2. run the semi-marathon of Madrid (not me, of course) & 3. spend a few days in Madrid without being stuck within the 4 walls of my hotel room (last time I got really sick after 20 minutes in the city.

 The city welcomed us with a bright 27°C, so we strolled our way through the centre, stopping at Plaza Mayor, passing by the puerta del sol, and walking to the royal palace and the catedral de la Almudena right next to it. After this big walk, we went for lunch at the San Anton Market (El Mercado de San Anton), a true hotspot for local gastro lovers. It is a modern foodie paradise, consisting of tapas bars and it even has a rooftop bar and restaurant. We enjoyed a few hours there! :) To get rid of the calories, we took a walk through the less touristy areas of Madrid (advantage of having friends here that can show you around) to discover the real Madrid.

We had no choice but to pay a visit to the famous Chocolateria San Gines for a chocolate con churros (or porras - even bigger ones). A little paradise for Olivia - eating all the chocolate with a spoon. Chocomonster!

 Sunday the boys ran the semi-marathon of Madrid while the girls and kids went to discover El Parque del buen retiro, a beautiful city park with a pond, fountains, a cultural centre named casa de vacas (we went to a cool expo there) and the beautiful Palacio de Crystal. The sun was out and it was just beautiful there and perfect for a sunday morning walk.

 After the boys were showered and our sunday walk, we went for lunch at this amazing food hall - Platea. Located in a former theatre, this gourmet food market has it all, the charm of an old theatre (there was even a jazz band playing), all sorts of good and interesting food, fancy drinks, nice seats. We had some oysters, crab, croquetas con serrano, sushi, soup, delicious cured ham and local cheeses and to top this, Lolo's friend took us to this perfect dessert spot called Mama Framboise , where I had a very yummie caramel eclair and there were even gold dusted macarons. This is the life!

 After this lazy Sunday lunch / tea time, us girls went to a musical, while the boys watched the kids-  We saw Priscilla, reina del desierto in the Nuevo Teatro Alcala, it was good fun and very amusing - even if your Spanish is a little rusty.

 After the musical we met up for dinner at the restaurant La Gran Pulperia for our favourite thing: pulpo! Ow yes!

We had a very good weekend with friends, good food, sun and new discoveries.

We could not ask for more. Madrid - finally!

PS: no, Olivia never took her sunglasses off

More citytrips?

Berlin Click!

London here, here and here

Paris Click

Amsterdam click!