Meg West

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By Meg West - Mon 18th Feb 2013

 

Now that the weather’s starting to cheer up a bit there’s no better time to get out of the house and start exploring Madrid, especially if you’ve just arrived. Not sure where to head first ? Let me give you a few ideas.

I always find a visit to the Royal Palace and the cathedral provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a nice walk in the sunshine. To get there, all you need to do is head straight down Calle Mayor from Puerta del Sol, which will take you directly to the cathedral doors. When you’ve had a wander around inside (for free!) the Palace is right next door. I have been inside once, but would probably recommend just walking around the exterior and having a good look from the outside. Unless you’re massively into palaces and that sort of thing I would say the interior is much like any other (once you’ve seen one...) and although the courtyard offers a brilliant view of the city suburbs, it’s nothing that can’t be seen from Templo de Debod...

Which is also just around the corner! Here you can enjoy a nice walk circling the temple (an old Egyptian temple which has been randomly dropped in Madrid- worth a look!) and the fountain. The view over the railing is beautiful, and on a clear day you can see for miles. If you’re in the mood for more park, carry on in the direction you were heading and you’ll come across yet another gem: Madrid Río. Admittedly a bit out of season, but still offers a nice track to walk along and the inclines will make you feel in the mood for a nice deserved lunch.

You can see where this is going. Casa Mingo, a cider bar (sidrería) is the perfect place to refresh yourself with a nice cold drink. The cider really is superb (might even go as far to say the best I’ve ever tasted!) and for just 5 euros you can share a bottle. They also do great food; proper meals or little bits to pick at, depending on your appetite and how much you’re wanting to spend. Doesn’t take your fancy? Head back up to the centre and take your pick of the thousands of cafes and restaurants that Madrid has to offer!

One of our recent activities was a trip to Madrid Río and Casa Mingo and I think it would be fair to say it was thoroughly enjoyed by all parties (might be advisable to take a fairly comprehensive map though...).