Three things I like to do in Madrid

I seem to be surrounded by people praising Barcelona these days. Whether they go on and on about the food, the atmosphere, or the wonderfully talented Mr Messi, I have to admit that I am sick and tired about the hype by now. Barcelona is cool, I know. But let’s hear it for Madrid. Because she is far cooler!

On any given time of the year, I would LOVE to be at any one of these fabulous Madrid addresses. Barcelona eat your heart out…

1. Bargain hunting in the vintage shops in the Malasaña district

Lottas Vintage where the stunning Ms Lotta shares her Swedish sense of fashion with her customers. Her shop is located in Calle Hernán Cortes 9 .

Damas y Espejos where you can hunt for that vintage perfect dress, or pick up one of their unique designs. Either way, you will not leave the shop empty handed!  Address: Calle Manuela Malasaña 29

Corachón y Delgado is the creme de la creme of vintage shopping. Think exclusive Chanel designs from an era past, old fashioned swim suits like the ones you’ll only see in black and white photographs and accessories that scream elegance and good taste. Address: Calle del Barco 42

2. The wonderful world of tapas

Whether it’s a typical fried squid sandwich (like the one in the photo) that you can grab from any of the bars in the Plaza Mayor, or a more elaborate dish you’re after, Madrid will not disappoint! One of my favourite streets for an evening of walking from bar to bar indulging in delicious little mouthfuls of food is Cava Baja. ‘Casa Lucas’ at number 30 serves up innovative dishes, and ‘Tempranillo’ at number 38 insists on only serving Spanish wine. Both are good places to set out on your very own Tapas Route.

3. Mercado de San Miguel

If the idea of a market leads you to think of smelly fish and chaotic haggling, then think again. The trendy San Miguel Market right behind Madrid’s Plaza Mayor is a re vamped version of a traditional food market where top quality products are priority Numero Uno.

Here you can come to enjoy bacalao, oysters or a chilled glass of cava. Or how about getting your hands on some recipe books which will ensure you’ll cook your paella to perfection next time? The market has typical Spanish opening hours, and I honestly can’t think of a better place to grab a late night snack!

Mon – Tues – Wed – Sun: 10am – midnight

Thurs – Fri – Sat: 10am – 2am

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Need a haircut in Madrid? Visit ‘La Baraque’ where Laetitia even lets you have a beer whilst she cuts your hair! Here’s our post on Madrid’s (possibly Spain’s) funkiest hairdresser.

 

Story, story on the wall

Sometimes grafitti can tell you stories about the places you visit. It can be subtle messages or bold, in your face works of art. No matter what shape or form they come in, I have a penchant for these small fragments of the bigger picture.

Je t'aime moi non plus

On the wall outside the late French troubadour Serge Gainsbourg’s house you can still catch a glimpse of his scandalous life and love of women. His song “Je t’aime…  moi non plus” was denounced by the Vatican, and could easily be called the French erotic national anthem. At 5 Rue de Verneuil in the Saint Germain des Prés district, him and his English style icon wife Jane Birkin are still passionately in love. Serge + Jane = 4ever!

The Malasaña neighbourhood in Madrid

Huge walls covered in grafitti usually tells stories about grungy neighbourhoods and young people in opposition. No where is this more true than in Madrid’s Malasaña. You’ll see grafitti everywhere, and an abundance of students enjoying street life. Great place!

Urban art on Calle de Augusto Figueroa, Madrid

Today, street art is a recognized art form which is sometimes brought in from the street and sold for amazing amounts in posh galleries. A Banksy stencil will easily sell for twenty thousand pounds. No wonder property owners no longer get annoyed when an urban artist chooses their wall as their canvas. Instead of painting over the grafittis immediately, you will now see perspex and varnish being applied in order to preserve the pieces. The world is certainly changing!

Get the message guys?

Chueca is Madrid’s gay neighbourhood and a place where the male population is dominant. Someone obviously got sick and tired of having the entrance to their garage being used as a public toilet…

Below is a slightly different take on grafitti. The trees along the Seine in Paris are covered in carved declarations of forever love. It’s beautiful! Sort of the artistic icing on the cake in something that has to be one of the most romantic cities in the world. FOREVER!

Amour along the Seine