Madrid, Spain Jan-Feb

Ah my first two months living and studying in Madrid! I am so happy to have chosen such an amazing city as my home base for the next few months, I am loving it here! Madrid has such a special energy and vibe, I love the feeling of being in a capital city like New York in combination with a historical Spanish influence. The locals here truly know how to enjoy life and take things slow, with lively long lunches, siestas, late dinners and nights out any day of the week. Over my first two months, I have already found some favorite go-to spots and checked things off my list…

Food, Cafes, Drinks

Mercado de San Miguel- big central open-air food market, good to walk around and get a few bites for lunch, fun!

Aarde- fab ambiance, upscale and some African influence on the menu, we loved the truffle risotto and the hummus app

Villa Capri- yum Italian and connected to the Big Mamma restaurant group- must get the truffle pasta

Casa Macareno- cozy tapas in Malasana, amazing patatas bravas, broken eggs and shrimp over potatoes, sangria, chocolate cake and millefeuille dessert is to die for

Takos al Pastor- centrally located, easy lunch/afternoon stop after shopping

Macera TallerBar- fun bar with all housemade alcohol, fun bartenders, good music

Cappuccino Cafe- go after walking around Retiro Park for people watching!

Little Big Cafe- we go here every week and love it! Cozy brunch spot in Chamberi, favorite items are the breakfast burrito, avocado toast with feta and eggs, breakfast bowl, Nutella pancakes

Panic Bakery- a must! Delicious fresh sourdough and ciabatta bread, cinnamon twists and focaccia pizza are also there some days and are incredible!

Wilko Coffee

Ambu Coffee

Hanso Cafe

Day Trips

Toledo: train from Madrid, El Trebol for lunch delish tapas, we took a walking tour to hit all the monuments

Segovia: train from Madrid, MUST lunch @ Paloma’s Cafe, visit the Alcazar, Acqueduct, the Cathedral is also beautiful

Jan-Feb to-do list Activities

Retiro Park

El Rastro Flea Market

Museo del Prado

Reina Sofia Museum

Salamanca shopping

Malasana for vintage shops