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Our first stop on our trip is going to be SPAIN.
I love the idea of starting our trip in a place where we can both speak the language.
Derek has gone several times with his grandfather (whose family is originally from Spain), but this will be my first time. I've heard wonderful things about Spain and I only wish we could stay longer! We are planning on spending 3 days in Madrid and 2 days in Barcelona. Since we don't have too much time in each city, we have started to plan out what it is that we want to do and see there. From what we've heard and after doing some research, here is what is on our 'Wishlist for Spain':
Our first stop on our trip is going to be SPAIN.
I love the idea of starting our trip in a place where we can both speak the language.
Derek has gone several times with his grandfather (whose family is originally from Spain), but this will be my first time. I've heard wonderful things about Spain and I only wish we could stay longer! We are planning on spending 3 days in Madrid and 2 days in Barcelona. Since we don't have too much time in each city, we have started to plan out what it is that we want to do and see there. From what we've heard and after doing some research, here is what is on our 'Wishlist for Spain':
Madrid
Pinxtos/Tapas
Pinxtos and tapas are small Spanish dishes that are usually served as a snack, appetizer or with a drink.
We don't drink, but you can bet we will still be enjoying some tapas!
To me, sharing small meals sounds like the perfect way to eat.
You get to try a little bit of a variety of foods and don't have to worry about feeling stuffed afterwards!
It really makes eating more of an experience.
Here are 2 tapas restaurants that are at the top of our list:
Casa Labra
Gastrobar Le Cabrera
Cibeles Fountain
Fountains are one of my favorite forms of art.
There is something so graceful and peaceful about them.
This particular fountain has become the symbol of the Capital
and is located in the center of the Plaza de Cibeles.
The fountain depicts Cibele, Roman goddess of nature, in a chariot pulled by two lions.
It was built between 1777-1782 by Ventura Rodriguez.
La Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is Madrid's main square and is located right in the center of the city.
It is surrounded by shops and cafes and is a great place for just taking in the sights.
It is surrounded by shops and cafes and is a great place for just taking in the sights.
Madrid Royal Palace
This palace was built in the 18th century and was home to the Kings of Spain from Carlos III to Alfonso XIII.
It continues to be the official residence of the Spanish royal family.
Its grounds and gardens are now open to the public.
This palace was built in the 18th century and was home to the Kings of Spain from Carlos III to Alfonso XIII.
It continues to be the official residence of the Spanish royal family.
Its grounds and gardens are now open to the public.
Mercado de San Miguel
If you've read past posts, you know I LOVE markets.
They are the perfect place to mingle with locals and experience local foods.
The San Miguel Market is thought to be the most popular market in Madrid among tourists.
It is located in the center of Madrid, within walking distance from Plaza Mayor.
There are over 33 vendors selling fresh produce, fish, pasta, meat, etc.
There are also several cafés and mini-restaurants which offer specialty food, including tapas.
Chocolate and Churros
We can't leave Spain without indulging in the traditional Spanish breakfast: hot chocolate and churros.
It sounds like a match made in food heaven.
Spanish hot chocolate is typically made using dark chocolate and is thick and rich.
I've heard the best chocolateria in Madrid is:
Chocolateria San Gines
We can't leave Spain without indulging in the traditional Spanish breakfast: hot chocolate and churros.
It sounds like a match made in food heaven.
Spanish hot chocolate is typically made using dark chocolate and is thick and rich.
I've heard the best chocolateria in Madrid is:
Chocolateria San Gines
Barcelona
Güell Park
This park is the quintessential landmark of Barcelona.
It was designed by the famous artist and architect Antoni Gaudí.
According to experts, this is one of the world's most impressive man-made landscapes.
The top of the park provides an amazing view of the park and of Barcelona City.
La Sagrada Família Church
This is another one of Gaudí's famous architectural pieces--one that was never finished.
Its Gothic style is breath-taking and makes it very easy to spot.
There is an admission fee of about €13.50 EUR (about $18 USD) to go in and explore
and you can even attend services there for an extra fee.
Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)
One of the things I am most exited about seeing in Europe is simply the architecture.
It's so different and more historic than what I am used to here in the US.
The Barri Gòtic is one of the oldest areas of Barcelona and its architecture is from the medieval-era.
The quarter contains many of Barcelona's most prized architectural landmarks, including La Seu Cathedral and the Plaça Sant Jaume.
It is located near the city center which is filled with small cafés, shops and street performers.
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Are we missing anything?? I know there is so much more we could do if we had more time, but these are the things that seem like the most fun to us. I would love to hear any other 'must-do' recommendations in Madrid or Barcelona. This is a rough draft list and we are definitely open to suggestions :)
Be sure that when you are in Barca that you rent bicycles and bike to the beach. And don't forget Montjuic!! And if you can take the funicular to Montserrat!
ReplyDeleteOoh, bikes to the beach sounds amazing. What is in Montserrat? Can we do it in half a day?
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