#spain – Bri Right Back

One of the best ways to explore a new city is to experience it with a local, so I was lucky to become friends with one while in Galway. Not only did she graciously offer me a place to stay, but she also showed me her favorite spots in Madrid. We got around mostly by metro, which was easy to navigate and tourist-friendly as it offered passes for one to seven day stays.

Madrid has a few rooftop bars that allow you to see and photograph gorgeous panoramic views of the whole city. The one we visited was the Círculo de Bellas Artes. There’s lots of seating there so it’s a nice spot to spend a little time taking in your surroundings and enjoying a drink. Bear in mind that there’s a ton of direct sunlight and not much shade on the rooftop so pack some sunscreen.

Another cool rooftop bar we went to was called The Hat, a hostel bar that served food and drinks. The drinks were pricey but novel, being served in plastic bags. Definitely not an eco-friendly choice, but they were lovely and paired perfectly with the scorching Madrid summer.

We spent some time relaxing in Retiro Park, a nice place to wander and get a break from the city’s crowds. It’s a great place to read, go for a boat ride, or have a picnic. Be sure to check out the Crystal Palace, a building made almost entirely of glass and situated next to a lake.

The Royal Palace is a must-see when you visit Madrid. The palace and grounds are impressive and you can spend a lot of time exploring the area.

Royal Palace and me, completely unaware of what to do with my limbs

During my time in Madrid, I ate a lot of tacos and burritos. When you visit, Takos al Pastor are a requirement. Don’t be discouraged by the queues that stretch down the street. They move fast and once you get up front to order, your food arrives almost instantly. The tacos are by far the best I’ve had, available with chicken, al pastor (grilled pork), potatoes, chorizo, and more. Pro tip: Go early to try the al pastor tacos- they seemed to sell out the quickest so I unfortunately wasn’t able to try them. Overall, I can’t think of a better late-night meal.

Another awesome place I tried was Tierra Burrito Bar. With three locations throughout Madrid, it’s super convenient to grab a bite there. I’m always on the lookout for the best burrito and the ones they make here were definitely contenders.

One last thing you should try in Madrid: the Tinto de Verano. This drink, comprised of red wine and citrus soda, is a refreshing and delicious summer beverage. If you’re a fan of sangria, you will love it!

That’s all for Madrid. My next stop will be Portugal!

How’d they know what my sleep paralysis demon looked like?

Valencia, Spain! When I touched down in Spain, it may have only been May but it jump-started my summer. As usual, I got super lost looking for my hostel Home Youth Hostel Valencia. Once I got there, I was excited to see it was super clean and cozy and the staff was ready to tell me everything about this beautiful city. I’m not sure if it was the late hour or the dehydration, but my eyes began to glaze over as I remembered my friend’s highest recommendation: the agua de Valencia. To my luck, there was a great restaurant right outside the hostel called Escalones de la Lonja. The first meal I ordered there was a chorizo, egg, potato, and pepper dish with agua de Valencia, basically a boozier mimosa. Another night, I tried the potatas bravas. Everything I ate there was delicious and the location could not have been any better based on where I stayed.

Valencia’s Central Market was just steps away from my hostel. One could easily spend a few hours exploring all the stalls there. I went every morning while in Valencia. The market was packed with options but the fresh fruit juices were my favorite things to buy there. Outside one of the entrances, they sell churros and horchata, a non-dairy rice milk beverage. The horchata was interesting to try, but as someone who doesn’t really drink milk, it felt a little heavy. The churros were delicious but next time I would definitely order some chocolate to dip them in.

Another food I tried in Valencia were empanadas at a place called Dempanadas. The food was awesome and inexpensive and service was fantastic. I had a bacon and cheese and a spinach and cheese empanada.

Aside from eating your weight in tapas and empanadas, there’s plenty to do and see in Valencia. I went on a historical tour to see some of the sights. You can’t miss the Valencia Cathedral. I’d read online that it was really cheap to climb the bell tower there rather than visit the rest of the church. If you’re religious, this cathedral is home to what many believe to be the Holy Grail. The journey to the top of Miguelete Bell Tower consists of a 207-step spiral staircase that leads you to a viewing platform. Once at the top, you can see panoramic views of the city. If you startle easily, like I found out I do, be aware that the bells will be deafening from up there. It quickly dashed any fantasies of me becoming the next Quasimodo. Another warning is that this trek counts as leg day and you may feel like you need some new legs the next morning. I vowed to not even look at a staircase for several weeks.

My top recommendation for this city is to seek out as much street art as you can find. Valencians are very proud of their street art and some of it is even commissioned to be on buildings by the owners. Take a street art tour so you can hear about the artists that beautify Valencia’s neighborhoods.

Street art is everywhere in Valencia. Just take a look around when you’re exploring and you’re bound to find something cool.

If you’re planning a trip to Spain, you should definitely consider spending a few days in Valencia. The art, food, and general laid-back vibe make it worth a visit. My one big regret is not being able to try the Valencian paella (heads-up, the authentic restaurants only sell it to parties of two or more). I was too shy to seek out a paella buddy at this point in my adventure. My next destination will be Spain’s capital, Madrid!

Tag: #spain

Madrid: Exploring Spain’s Capital

Valencia, Spain: A Good Place for a Siesta