Madrid is cool! It was never really on my travel radar and I didn’t expect it to be the first place in Spain that I visited, but we found a cheap flight, so, why not? Staying in Malasaña was the right choice. This district is so fun and cool for walking, exploring, and discovering great shops, food, and coffee. This was a short trip so we spent a few nights in the city and then tacked on a couple at the end in a nearby region called Cuenca to see their famous hanging houses. The houses were indeed beautiful but we were left with the sense that we needed more time in Madrid!
Eating late works perfect for our lifestyle and after pounding the pavement most days we usually wound up chilling on the rooftop balcony of our airbnb with some wine and, what else, jamón!, before heading out to take our pick of the neighborhood dinner spots. Hot tip: Tapas are awesome but if you like spice (like me) pack a bottle of hot sauce, they tend to be mild flavored.
Food & drink
San Ginés Chocolateria - churros!
Sights
Buen Retiro Park
Atocha Station botanical garden
Shopping
Malasaña neighborhood