Spain (Spring 2023) - Madrid - Day 2
Day 2 included some sightseeing. I woke up early since I didn’t drink enough water on the first day but the sun rose late in March - almost 8 am before sunrise. Things open later as well. Couldn’t find an early coffee because even Starbucks wasn’t open.
Plaza Mayor
We walked through Plaza Mayor on the way to the National Palace. There’s always something going on in the huge square. On some days a flea market lines the sides.
Of course I had to stop for my favorite Spanish fast food on the way.
We just walked through the famous Mercado San Miguel market but didn’t sample anything. There was just a crushing amount of people inside so it would not have been enjoyable to get drinks and snacks in there that day.
National Palace
No pictures on the inside since photos are prohibited. We had timed tickets which helps you avoid the long line of people waiting to go in. We also got the audio tour which works out really well as you can just go along at your own pace. The place is still a working palace and you also get to tour the armory with the entry ticket.
Tapas Street - Cava Baja
Cava Baja is one of two “Tapas Streets” in Madrid. The other one is situated a bit north of the center of town. This one is more accessible if you are walking from the city center. The street is basically lined with restaurants which makes it a nice walking district. We decided to stop at the one below:
Casa Lucas
This place was packed as it is very popular with the locals as well as tourists. They were kind enough to squeeze us into an available corner so we could have our mid-day snack. The sausage tapas come free with the vermouths and then we ordered some pork, cheese, and anchovy tapas. I would say that the place was 80% locals and a few of us tourists filling the other few seats.
Casa Alberto
Wanting to hit the oldest bar in every city I visit, this had to be a stop.
This place is closed in the middle of the day like the traditional bars. It is also one of the places I went to more than once - the other being Bodega de la Ardoso.
They serve their own vermouth here and there are bottles for purchase. The menu is a bit limited until the full kitchen opens as the bar opens a little earlier. We sat at the bar the both times we visited.
Cereveceria Alemana
I wanted to come here because it was one of the Hemingway haunts when he lived in Spain. You could probably make a pretty good journey traveling the world and drinking where Hemingway drank. I got to sit in his usual seat by the window which is marked with his photo above it on the wall.
This place sits facing Plaza de Santa Ana which is a busy spot filled with restaurant seats in the square. We came back another time and had drinks and snacks in the their outdoor seats. One thing to note that in Madrid: the food and drink outdoors is more expensive than sitting inside at the restaurant.
Amalavida
We wandered around and found this bar where it seems the younger crowd was hanging out. Was a fun little place with video games and decent prices for drinks.
Josealfredo
This was one of the places in Madrid where I felt it was a true cocktail bar. They respect the craft and take good care in making your drink. There were some creative combinations as well. I went to pay for the drinks after the bartender made them and he asked me: “Don’t you want to try it first? What if you don’t like it?” I told him I’m not used to having that option in the States.
Antonia Pizza
Antonia is the other place I would go for late night food other than Oink in this part of town which is called Chueca. This pizza joint is situated amongst some clubs and there can be a line at night. The main attraction is the value. Actually it doesn’t have to be late night, the value makes it a good snack any time of the day.
They have slices the size of your head and you can see the prices above. 2 Euros per slice and you can get 2 slices and a beer for 6 Euros. It was quite the shock when we went to Vegas after this and it was $10 a slice on the Strip.