It's Northern California like you haven't explored it before
Destination of the Day
Madrid, Spain
With its gleaming, grandiose architecture, wide-open green spaces, and unrivaled tapas scene, Madrid isn't just a place to visit for the sake of checking it off your bucket list—it's an experience to be lived. And even though its monuments and museums are certainly noteworthy, it's the people and local culture that make the Spanish capital a worthwhile getaway. Spain's culture is famously laid-back, warm, and inviting, and few large European cities make it as easy for a visitor to feel at home as Madrid does. Sound good? Get ready for the ultimate Madrid experience.
Things to Do
At first, the possibilities of things to do in Madrid may not seem obvious. There's no Eiffel Tower, Great Wall, or other monument that's earned household-name status around the world. But once you scratch the surface, you'll see that Madrid is positively bursting with attractions. Check out Madrid's world-class museums, including but not limited to the Golden Triangle of Art (consisting of the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen Museums). Or, explore the city's myriad of parks and gardens, from the famous Retiro to the sprawling Casa de Campo to the lesser-known Parque de Berlín. At sunset, be sure to visit the Temple of Debod, one of four Egyptian temples located outside of Egypt, for an especially stunning view.
Where to Eat and Drink
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Spanish food might be tapas, and here in Madrid, tapas aren't just food—they're a way of life. The art of going from bar to bar and digging into shared plates with good friends is something so uniquely Spanish, and a can't-miss activity for visitors to the city. And when it comes to the food itself, you're spoiled for choice—in addition to homegrown madrileño specialties, you'll also find plenty of equally fabulous dishes from all over Spain and the world. Then you have the drinks. Madrid is home to just about every kind of bar you can imagine, from no-frills watering holes frequented by abuelos to sleek, modern joints serving up craft beer, fabulous Spanish wine, or handcrafted cocktails.
Where to Stay
No matter who you are or what you love, there's a Madrid neighborhood that will make you feel at home. From chic, sophisticated shopping havens to colorful streets with an international flair, each of the capital's barrios offers its own unique flavor. Some of the best hotels can be found in Centro, the city's main tourism area with historic landmarks, museums, and the shop-lined Gran Vía thoroughfare, while more intimate boutiques favor the fashionable Salamanca neighborhood. But no matter which one of these you choose, they'll all provide the perfect opportunity to explore the fast-paced Spanish capital.
Your Packing List
When visiting Madrid in summer, bring plenty of sunscreen and a stylish pair of sunglasses, and don't be afraid to bust out the tank tops and shorts at this time of year.
If you're traveling in the fall, pack clothing that can easily be layered. Keep a jacket handy, as well as a scarf that can fit in your bag when you're not using it.
As in every European capital, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Heels are notoriously difficult to walk in on Madrid's cobblestone streets, so if you want a little bit of a lift, consider something with a platform rather than a stiletto-style heel.
One of the quirkiest things you can do in Dunedin, the second-largest city on New Zealand's South Island, is climb Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world. Why is it so steep? Much of the city was planned on paper from London, with cartographers and town planners drawing the lines of streets onto a map of the land, without factoring in just how hilly of a city Dunedin is. If you visit, don't bother taking your car up it—there's a dead end at the top.
No comments:
Post a Comment