Short Breaks in Madrid

Lush gardens surround the complex on all sides: the French-style Jardine de Sabatini to the north, Campo del Moro to the west, Parque del Emir Mohammed I to the south, and Plaza de Oriente, complete with statues and fountains, to the east. This beautiful square is also worth a stop for a rest and some people watching, or even a drink from the pricey Café de Oriente.

Sightseeing Tip: If pushed for time, it is well worth taking in a quick tour of the city to get a feel for just what Madrid has to offer. The Madrid Vision hop-on hop-off bus is recommended, its orange double-decker buses featuring prominently on the busy streets. For fifteen euros you can just sit back and relax whilst receiving a pretty comprehensive introduction to all the main sights. Expect a tour to take around one and half hours, although of course you are able to hop on or off at the stop of your choice.

After Dark: For those who like to party, which includes me, then the place to head to for the night is Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate). This used to be Madrid’s easternmost city gate, but is now the centre of the whole city. Thriving with street vendors, locals and tourists on the move, this square and its surroundings in Huertas and Atocha are possibly the liveliest area of town, with the narrow streets packed with bars and restaurants in the streets on the south side forming the hub of Madrid’s nightlife. It’s true there are tourist havens around here—in particular the numerous Irish bars—but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find hip places that aren’t full of English-speakers. Far from it. For tapas and a chilled out vibe, La Taverna has a great atmosphere with friendly service making it still seem relaxing at three or four a.m., while for a louder venue the Mona Lisa is definitely a hit with the Spanish crowd. With Latin clubs such as El Son continuing the vibe through to dawn, Madrid’s nightlife surely surpasses that of most capital cities.