Snapshots of Madrid

Thank you, Melissa, for capturing the moments that I couldn't.

M A D R I D

Today my sister, mom, and I were able to explore Madrid. Even though we did some typical touristy things such as souvenir shopping, we still tried to try/do some local things. Thanks to the best tour guide, Melissa, we were able to see some of the best parts of Madrid. 

Our first stop was Retiro Park also known as Parque de El Retiro. El Retiro was originally closed off for only the King and the Royal family to enter but then it was later on open to the public. There is anything and everything to do at Retiro. There are running/walking trails, a small restaurant inside the park, a small garden to walk through, boat rides, and etc. The picture above is a temporary art exhibit in Palacio de Cristal within Retiro Park. 

The best way to experience and see every inch of the city is by walking (and it also happens to be the cheapest). However, the Madrid heat can be unbearable and within 5 minutes you'll be sweating and craving AC. It's best to always have a bottle of water when you're walking around to stay hydrated and on the plus side the cold water bottle and help cool you off! Another way to cool off after a long day of walking is to grab some tapas at Tapas Tapas joined with cava sangria. 

     

For more about my trip in Madrid check out my sisters blog post(:

FIRST STOP: Madrid, Spain

It’s 6:14 pm and I’m currently sitting in a quaint little coffee shop called Polenta. It’s still surreal that I’m in this beautiful country and that within my 3 weeks here I will be traveling across Europe to Italy, Rome, and Paris. What an amazing way to kick off my twenties: a euro trip!

Since it’s my first day here in Madrid my sister and I are going to take it easy and just plan out our trip. First on the list is a hashtag because did you really travel if you didn’t have a hashtag? #VegasTravelEurope

*Rough Itinerary*
Madrid, Spain — Nice, France
Nice, France — Florence, Italy
Florence, Italy — Cinque Terre & Pisa (day trips)
Florence, Italy — Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy — Paris, France
Paris, France — Madrid, Spain
If you’re traveling on a budget, like we definitely are, I would recommend staying in hostels/AirBnb and traveling by train or bus (and of course a plane if you really have to). Hostels can be iffy at times but it’s important to do your research ahead of time and take into consideration everyones reviews. A great website that I would recommend is Hostel World.

As much as the café con leche is helping, this jet lagged girl needs her rest.