January 24, 2021
Snow in Madrid

Snow in Madrid

January 24, 2021

snow in Madrid

Does it snow in Madrid? Unlike in the north of Spain, snow is quite an unusual sight in Madrid. Winters here are dry and cold. A few snowflakes may fall here and there every year but it's not often that we get to see winter wonderland in the capital of Spain. 

However, storm Filomena brought us the heaviest snowfall in 50 years to start 2021. After more than 24 hours of non-stop snow, the streets were completely covered. Snow reached a height of about 40 cm (15 inches). Cars were blocked and hunderds of people spent the night in their cars, rows of buses were abandoned in the middle of the street, trees fell covering roads, supermarket shelves were empty because they couldn't stock up and even the airport and schools had to close. 

The sights were unbelievable. Streets looked like sets for an apocalyptic movie. We had thought we had seen everything in 2020 but we were wrong. 

Two weeks later, there are still mountains of snow and branches on the side of streets and roads.

Despite the chaos, this unusal phenomenon was something Madrileños had to enjoy. Most of us had never seen so much snow outside the mountains. So the day after the blizzard the streets were full of people. Some of them saw this as a chance to take their ski equipment out to get around. There was even a massive snowball fight in Madrid's most famous street: Gran Via.  

I myself couldn't miss this chance to take some unique photos to remember the epic snowstorm so I grabbed my camera and ventured out to take some photos of snow in Madrid. At the end of the day, we don't know if we'll ever get to see Madrid turned into a snow globe again. 

snow Madrid

snow Madrid
snowman Madrid

snow Madrid
Snow Madrid

snow Madrid

Snow Madrid
Cibeles

Gran Via, Madrid

Gran Vía

WEAR THIS HERE

Puerta de Alcalá

Puerta Alcala

Planning a trip to Madrid? Check out this local's guide with the top restaurants, hotels sights and activities you can't miss.

January 7, 2021
A Local's Guide to Madrid

A Local's Guide to Madrid

January 7, 2021

Gran Vía, Madrid

Today I am going to take you along with me on a local’s guide to Madrid. Covering where to stay, the best things to do, and of course my local picks for where to eat and shop.

Why trust all this local advice from me? I have been living in Madrid for 6 years, experiencing the city to the fullest. I have truly tested out the town and want to share the best of the best with you. Without further ado, let’s get into the list.

Here’s my local’s guide to exploring Madrid

UPDATE MAY 2022 - COVID-19

You must show either a valid vaccination certificate or PCR result upon enterring Spain. Lockdown measures are gone. Face masks are only mandatory in hospitals and public transport. 

A Local's Guide to Madrid: Where to Stay

There are plenty of hotels around the city center for all budgets. The most luxurious hotels are the Ritz and the Palace Hotels. More affordable options include The Principal or Orfila. Hotel chains like Melia, NH, Hyatt or Vincci are always a wise choice. The Hat is a lovely hostel with one of the best rooftops. Finally, Urso is another budget friendly option to check out. 


A Local's Guide to Madrid: Transportation

Metro is the best way to move around Madrid. It's clean, safe and fast. Although, if you are staying downtown, you probably won't even need to use it as the main spots are within walking distance.


A Local's Guide to Madrid: What to do

Parks: there are several parks worth visiting. Retiro is the biggest and most beautiful. It's right in the city center. La Quinta de los Molinos and El Capricho are off-the-beaten track but still worth visiting.


Museums: visit El Prado for one of the most impressive collections of classical art in Europe. If you prefer modern art, Reina Sofia is the place to go. I also recommend the collections from the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Sorolla house-museum. 


Landmarks: the main square: Plaza Mayor, the bustling Gran Via, the stunning Palacio de Cibeles, the Almudena Cathedral and the Egyptian Templo de Debod must be on your to-see list.


Get the best views from the Teleferico, a cable car service that connects both sides of Madrid.


Visit the best palaces: Palacio Real, Palacio de Liria and Palacio de Linares. The later offers a dramatized visit once a month that tells you the story of the ghost that is believed to live in the palace. If you speak Spanish I highly recommend it, it's a unique experience. 

Templo Debod

Retiro

Retiro, Madrid

Librerías Cuesta Moyano

A Local's Guide to Madrid: The best places to shop

Did you know that Zara and Mango are Spanish brands? Be sure to visit their flagship stores in Serrano street. This street and the contiguous ones house the best brands in the world both high street and luxury. 


If you want to take home with you unique Spanish products check out Real Fabrica Española and Gonzalez & Gonzalez


Find the best vintage books at the book stands in Cuesta Moyano.

Read more about Fashion Shopping in Madrid

Read more about Spanish brands

Brownie shop

A Local's Guide to Madrid: The best places to eat

Best restaurants

One of my favorite things about living in Madrid is the wide variety of restaurants you can find. Their amazing decor and food make Madrid foodie paradise.

If you love healthy food, Superchulo is for you. El Perro y la Galleta is the cutest place with yummy and affordable food.

La Petite Cuisine

Fellina

Best coffee shops

You can't leave Madrid without trying the world-famous chocolate con churros from San Gines. Especially at winter time!


The most spectacular coffee shops are Salon des Fleurs and Living in London.


If you can't skip brunch go to Zenith, Abolea or Bendita Locura. For a unique brunch surrounded by nature go to La Petite Cuisine.

Read more about the best brunch and breakfast spots in Madrid


Best rooftops

Drinks with a view are your thing? Madrid has some of the trendiest rooftops in Europe. Add 360º Skybar Riu Plaza España, Picalagartos and Radio to your itinerary.

San Gines

Vincci Mint Rooftop

Food Markets

San Miguel, San Anton and San Ildefonso are the best markets to grab a bite. (San Miguel is closed at the moment due to Covid-19)

Mercado San Miguel

A Local's Guide to Madrid: Helpful tips and fun facts 

  • Did you know that the name Madrid comes from the Arabic “magerit” which means ‘place of many streams’?
  • Madrid’s most famous museums offer free admission on certain days and hours. Book your ticket in advance as these times tend to be more crowded.
  • Avoid the restaurants in Plaza Mayor in Madrid. The food is overpriced and the food  is average.
  • Paella may be Spain's most famous dish but Madrid is not the place to have it. Save that for a trip to Valencia.
  • Madrid is a safe city but you still have to watch your belongings. Pickpockets are global.
  • Any season is good to visit Madrid as it doesn't rain a lot. Actually, it has more cloudless days than virtually any other city in Europe. Summer does get a bit to hot to explore the city in the midddle of the day though.

City Hall, Madrid

I hope you enjoyed this quick local’s guide to Madrid. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have while planning your trip. So don't hesitate and ask away on the comment section below!

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madrid guide