Madrid

A few weeks ago, I went on an impromptu trip to Madrid with my good friends from Singapore. Here's what I loved about the city:

• Stylish Madrilenos ! Check her out with an arm cast, but totally enjoying her day in the sun. I saw her just before we went into the Reina Sofia Museum. Out of the major museums, I enjoyed this the most with its collection of modern art, photography and installations. 

• Tapas Bars are fantastic in Madrid! One of my favourites is this one, El Bocaito (Libertad, 4-6 / M: Chueca) It was a special little dive we wandered into with a busy crowd on a Friday night, and a great spread of tapas! I loved the saffron yellow lighting and Spanish tiles that made it feel like your special local bar in Madrid. If only we really lived in this "barrio" - I learned from my friend who lives in Madrid that if you live here, you will tend to stay local & go to establishments near your zone. 

• Night life - the view from a rooftop bar - the city just comes alive at night ! I really liked The Penthouse (Me Madrid Hotel / Plaza Vasquez de Mella, 12 / M: Plaza Santa Ana) - great 360 degree views, cocktails and an interesting crowd mix. During our visit, we met Madrilenos, tourist couples who looked like they were on honeymoon, and a mix of young, fun professionals. 

Madrid's a really good city break - there's lots of art (Museo Prado is a must for history buffs like me), good cuisine (tapas, great gazpacho, free pour wines), and the people have such a joie de vivre ! I think Madrid would be a good place to move to, if we were to choose another city in Europe - transport is quite efficient (you can get almost anywhere on the Metro for 1 Euro) and the weather is so pleasant! 

Definitely thinking of my next trip to Spain...

L

xx