Fresh blooms, the smell of cut grass, longer days… looks like spring is finally here and I couldn’t feel happier. Those sights and smells wake me up, give me energy and put me on a better mood every year. It’s like part of me has been hibernating and now I’m 100% awake. When the weekend comes and the weather is good I don’t want to be home “wasting” it, I need to be outside enjoying the sun. It’s time to eat outdoors and take long walks through beautiful parks so on today’s post I’m going to give you a few reasons to visit Madrid this season and make the most of blissful spring days.
THE MAGIC OF THE ALMOND BLOSSOM
See our equivalent to the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival at La Quinta de los Molinos. Hues of pink and white flood this beautiful park every year around March/April. Hundreds of almond trees are in full bloom right now and they won’t last long so if you go, go soon.
PICNIC AT EL RETIRO
It’s the most famous park in Madrid, I’ve been there many times but I like it as much as the first day. Walking around it and lying on the grass is a breath of fresh air much needed when you live in a big city. There are many more beautiful parks in Madrid like
La Quinta de los Molinos or
El Capricho.
MUSEUMS ARE FOR RAINY DAYS
Since April showers bring May flowers, we probably have a few gloomy days ahead of us. The best option is to visit one of the many wonderful museums that Madrid has to offer like the Cerralbo Museum below.
HAVE SUNDAY BRUNCH LIKE THE LOCALS
Going out for brunch is huge in Madrid right now. Most restaurants offer these delicious mini-feasts on weekends. I love Frida and El Jardin Secreto but I have a list of new places that I can’t wait to go through this season..
SHOPPING SPREE
In Madrid you can find everything, all the brands you like for all types of budgets. Here’s an extensive shopping guide I published last year that I keep up to date.
DINE AL FRESCO
There are countless outdoor dining areas all over Spain and it’s one of my favorite things to do as soon as the weather allows it. It’s one of those guilty pleasures much needed after a long week of work. You must try El Pabellon del Espejo, an Art Nouveau bar with Parisian 1900s decor. Its terrace bar occupies a glass pavilion that will remind you of a giant Tiffany lamp. Visit during the day for meals or afternoon snacks and at night for drinks.
TAKE A DAY TRIP
There are many places near Madrid that are worth seeing: Toledo,
Avila or Segovia are great examples. In the region of Madrid,
Aranjuez or Alcala de Henares are a must. Alcala (last three pics) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s famous for being the birthplace of Cervantes and for its university.
What are your favorite things to do in spring?
xo Cristina
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Beautiful pictures and great tips 😉
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/03/27/felidae/
Madrid is so beautiful – I've only made it to Barcelona but my husband studied abroad in Spain and has said we need to go back to Madrid!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
It looks so lovely there, I love all of the cherry blossoms
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Madrid is on my bucket list – and after seeing these beautiful pictures I am going to have to make it a priority!
Beautiful shots, what a great place to be right now – oh and you look fab in that kimono.
What a lovely place to visit! I can't get over the Museum! It's so elegant like an old home. Also the flowers are so pretty. Great post!
What a beautiful place, so feel like visiting. Pictures are stunning!
Nistha
https://www.fashionistha.com/100th-post-and-my-blogs-first-anniversary/
Wow- all those blooms are so gorgeous! And those drinks look refreshing! Wish I could go right now!
Beautiful photos! Isn't it wonderful to see spring has sprung?
Thanks for linking up at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/04/biltmore-estate-in-bloom.html
These photographs are stunning! What great quality.
http://www.thesweetestclementine.com
I've never been to Madrid but your photos look absolutely wonderful!! Dining al fresco in Madrid would certainly be a great memory to have.
We love Madrid and I wish I'd seen this guide before I went – your knowledge on restaurants would have been wonderful – tripadvisor can be a bit flaky xx
I can't get enough of the spring season this year. Madrid sounds like a wonderful place to visit. Your photos are gorgeous.
Gorgeous photos Cristina! You nailed it again! I would love to visit Madrid and experience all these wonderful Spring time activities. I am with you that being outside when the warmer is here is the bset part. I hope you had a wonderful Easter celebration and weekend! Happy Monday my friend.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Love these pictures! I wish it was warming up here, but alas, Kansas wants to stay cold for a bit longer. Spring is lovely because I can read outside and enjoy the breeze on our porch swing while our son plays next to me.
I’d love for you to join our link up today!
-Adriele
StyleAssisted.com
I've heard such great things about Madrid! When I was a flight attendant I went to Barcelona but never made it to Madrid- adding it to my bucket list, how beautiful!
Madrid looks fabulous!! It's on my bucket list for sure.
xo
Taylor
http://www.reeseshardwear.com
what a gorgeous representation of Madrid. I have to admit that I havent ever felt so inclined to visit Spain, but after this post and seeing how green it is, I might want to go now! Beautiful!
What a divine little trip! And what fabulous photos <3
I so regret not taking a trip to Spain while we were stationed in Europe. Madrid looks so beautiful.
Oh my goodness what gorgeous pictures! I love those blossoms and the scenery!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Absolutely stunning almond blossoms! I live near almond fields and every march I just can’t get enough of it.
That museum looks amazing! Gorgeous photos all around. It is supposed to snow here again this weekend and it is so depressing. I just want to walk outside in the sunshine in sandals! lol. I cannot wait.
Oh my gosh I want to go to Madrid like NOW! All of the pics are so beautiful!
Madrid is for sure going on the bucket list now!
Gorgeous pictures! I love the cherry blossom trees! We tried to see them in DC last year, but the cold and frost beat us to them. Love the area and you look lovely in your print kimono. I would love to find a floral one for Spring, and dining outside is one of my fav things about the weather getting warmer!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Lovely photographs, Cristina! I love spring time 🙂 I love doing brunch, going for walks in the park, and updating a nice spring wardrobe! I just bought a floral cardigan that looks similar to your's. Happy Spring!
~Lor
I've been to Madrid several times. I certainly have not explored everything. That's interesting to know that brunch is becoming popular there. Brunch is so not Spanish! I live in Granada and it's definitely not popular here!
Nina
aworldofdresses.com
Everything looks beautiful! And the almond blossoms are reason enough to visit. 🙂
Looks so nice there, I must visit Spain again and go to Madrid.
Xo, Christianne
https://simplychristianne.com
I haven't been to Madrid in AGES! Thank you for the beautiful reminder that I should change that, soon! x
8 Reasons Why I'm Moving to Melbourne, Australia, and Why You MUST Visit – Posh, Broke, & Bored
Madrid is gorgeous! Bucket list desitination for sure!
Madrid looks gorgeous! Those trees are so whimsical. I need to make it to Spain!
This is a dream trip for me! Lovely!
Sounds like a lot of fun. I love all the gorgeous floral photos you took.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
El Retiro was by far my favorite experience in Madrid. Enjoy the beginnings of Spring!
Lunch in Madrid sounds like just what I need right now! Sign me up!!
Gorgeous! I love Spain,..can't wait to visit Madrid
These colorful trees look so magical! Madrid indeed, is such a fabulous place!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
This looks like a wonderful trip! Your photos are fabulous!!!
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Maureen. I hope all's going well!
What a perfect destination for spring! I can feel your excitement oozing from his post. Enjoy! #fearlessfamtrav
Thanks, Lydia!
Cold weather came back and swept the blooms away 🙁
That porch swing reading sounds wonderful. That's also one of my favorite activities when the weather is good.
You should come to Madrid! I'm sure you'd love it 🙂
Then you must come! I'm sure you'd love it 🙂
I do use TripAdvisor but I try to make my own judgement because the reviews there depend on many things. Also, you can have a bad experience once but maybe the restaurant is not that bad
Toledo is so beautiful! Definitely worth it. What other Spanish cities have you been to?
I love those gorgeous almond blossoms. The architecture is stunning as well! Thanks for the post!
Love the ideas for what to do in Madrid in spring. As always, your photos are lovely and just make me want to visit this beautiful area.
Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday!
Jennie – A Pocketful of Polka Dots
Thanks, Raina 🙂
That museum is one of the greatest places I've ever been to. Definitely worth it
You are so kind, Annette. Thank you.
It certainly is! Thanks for stopping by, Caroline 🙂
Thanks!!
It definitely is! Thanks for the link-up 🙂