Three proposals to experience Madrid like a true local

If you have already visited Madrid more than once, it is possible that the guided tours are no longer interesting for you. Perhaps you do not like experiencing cities like a tourist anymore and you prefer a more authentic perspective of Madrid.

If you would like to live in Madrid like a true local, we propose three ideas for your next stay in Madrid: go to eat tapas, a romantic date and going up on the roof of the CBA.

1) EAT TAPAS

Gastronomy and social life are two essential characteristics of Spanish culture. In Madrid, it is essential to go for some tapas or cañas (beers) if you want to experience the city like a true local. This is a tradition that usually happens at midday -around 12pm- or in the mid-afternoon, when the people leave work -around 6-7pm-, and it consists in going for some drinks and something to eat in a bar or a terrace. In the bars in Madrid, just like in many other Spanish cities, you get a small plate of food with every drink you buy: the tapa.

Tapas are usually traditional dishes such as fried squid rings, croquettes, paella, manchego cheese, Spanish omelette, patatas bravas… The best areas in Madrid to go for tapas are La Latina, Chueca, El Barrio de Las Letras and Lavapiés. If you are interested in experiencing this local tradition, Madrid Sensations Tours organise private tours in Madrid with local guides that offer personalized guided tours in Spanish and English.

2) A DATE IN EL RETIRO

Sunday afternoon, a perfect time to go for a romantic stroll with your partner around El Retiro, with the leaves laying out a carpet under your feet, the kids playing with the ball, roller-skaters passing by, street musicians offering free live concerts…

In El Retiro you can get lost inside and visit the statue of the Fallen Angel, take photos among the flowers of La Rosaleda, admire the beauty of the Palacio de Cristal and, lastly, enjoy a nice romantic boat ride on the quiet waters of the pond in front of the monument of king Alfonso XII.

3) GOING UP TO THE ROOF OF THE CÍRCULO DE BELLAS ARTES

In Madrid there are many buildings from which you can enjoy the city from above, but the roof of the Círculo de Bellas Artes (CBA) is the terrace with the best view of Madrid thanks to its privileged location. Located in the confluence of the Gran Vía and Calle Alcalá -just a few blocks away from our hotel located next to Puerta del Sol, the main square in Madrid-, from there we can see the Palace of Cibeles, the Bank of Spain and the main buildings of Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo de la Castellana.

A spectacular statue of the goddess Athena presides the roof, an immense guardian that guards the Barrio de Las Letras that extends itself behind it, the district of the theatres and the literary cafes.

Photo (CC) Krista in Flickr

Categories: Guías Madrid