¡Hola! from Madrid: What To See in Madrid, Spain

by - August 21, 2016


I feel like recently, my blog has been filled with travel diaries. I haven't posted much else apart from photos of my little trips away, and I wonder if you're getting tired of them or not haha! But I have never travelled so much as I do at the moment, so I'm taking every opportunity to document it as I go! Hopefully, it makes you discover places you've never been before, and I could help you find your next destination! ;)
At the end of July I went to Madrid for a few days, and although I didn't choose to go there (I would have preferred Italy, as you must know by now!) I am SO glad we went there. Madrid was such a beautiful surprise, I loved every moment and everything we saw. It's just packed full of sunshine, culture, nature and Pokemons. (yes, Pokemons - if I had a pound for each person we saw playing Pokemon Go, I would be rather rich by now!)

#justchillin'

All of these photos were taken in the Parque del Retiro, which is probably the most incredible park I've ever been to. There's beauty at every corner and the place is huge, you could take a whole day just exploring, having lunch and ice cream, and maybe take a nap in our of the quiet oasis of greenery. Some of my favourite areas of the park are the Rosaleda, a beautiful rose garden in full bloom, in which the French garden pattern is arranged around beautiful fountains; and the Jardines Cecilio Rodrìgez and its tiled floor, oddly-shaped bushes and colony of peacocks - if you're lucky, you'll even see little ones in the shadow of their mothers. 
The Jardines del Sabatine are also wonderful. Located at the back of the Palacio Real, these French gardens (we all love a good French garden don't we?) are beautiful and the view from there on the façade of the palace is worth a visit. What I loved the most about parks and gardens in Madrid, is that they weren't crowded at all and it feels like you're totally out of the city. The smell of pine trees, the sound of the locusts and the warm August air really made me feel like I was on holiday.

The only thing I'd say is to skip the Royal Botanical Gardens, they aren't as impressive as the public parks of the city, which is a little sad because they seemed promising; the result just wasn't there.


If you want to see the more cultural side of Madrid, there are quite a few places that you would enjoy. My favourite was the Palacio Real, which is the Royal Palace (yeah I know, my Spanish skills are amazing) - although the royal family doesn't like there. You can only visit part of it, but the whole building is huge, I've never seen a palace as big as this one. The interiors are lush, with gold at every corner, beautiful ceiling paintings, there's even a room that's completely covered in porcelain, on the walls, the ceilings, everywhere. There's a room containing quite a few Stradivarius violins, which means we were literally surrounded by thousands of $$. Unfortunately you're not allowed to take photos inside, so I can't show you, you'll have to go and see by yourselves! ;)
There's also the Museum del Prado of course, which has amazing collections of medieval and 19th-century Spanish and Italian paintings. I'd also recommend just walking around, taking in the views, the amazing buildings, and of course stopping once in a while for coffee or tapas!

Have you ever been to Spain? Where do usually go in the summer to catch some sun?

Lots of love,
Julia x

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24 commentaires

  1. Wow! The photos are amazing, you're such a talented photographer!
    Madrid looks awesome. I would love to go some time. I've not been to Spain, but it's definitely on my list of places to go.
    Also, I love seeing your travel posts!!
    Have a great weekend.
    Much love,
    Mona

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    1. Thanks so much Mona! I'm glad you enjoy the photography, I always try to do my best even when my camera doesn't want to cooperate haha. Madrid is definitely a place to visit one day, like many other capital cities it does live up to the fame! xx

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  2. wow that sunset is stunning!!!! plus I know I need to come to Madrid and visit the Spanish capital. every time I see pictures my heart explodes. i'm happy you had the chance to explore the city<3

    xx from italy

    Cate ღ kate/idoscope.com // Win a Marble/Custom Case GIVEAWAY here

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    1. Yes, one of the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen! I hope you'll get the chance to explore Madrid too Cate <3 xx

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  3. That sunset is amazing! Beautiful photos! :)

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    1. Thanks Julia! It was really a magical moment to witness this sunset :) xx

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  4. Amazing photos ! I definitely need to go to Madrid :)

    Best
    Michaela

    Michaelablog
    Bloglovin'

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    1. Thanks Michaela, Madrid is indeed a must-see! xx

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  5. These photos are gorgeous! I had never looked at photos of Madrid but I want to go after reading this post! :)

    Sarah | What Sarah Writes

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    1. Before I went there I had no idea what Madrid was like either - discovering it as you go is a beautiful surprise! xx

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  6. I love reading travel diaries, so I am all fine with it! You can share as many as you want! Whenever I travel somewhere new, I skip the botanical gardens unless it is so much hyped. I rather see the historical bits of the place I go. Location of Palacio Real is amazing, seriously they knew where to build impressive palaces :) I hope you had a great time in Madrid! x

    Ela BellaWorld

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    1. That's great then Ela, I'm happy you like this type of posts! The historical places are the best to visit, real landmarks of a culture and a city! I did have a good time, thanks so much :) xx

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  7. Don't worry about posting too much travel trips. I for one love reading them because they whisk me away even if I'm technically stuck in place. Haha. Madrid is always a beauty!

    annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com | Bloglovin' | Instagram

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    1. I do hope I can make my readers travel along with me in these photo diaries :D Madrid is a beauty, for sure! xx

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  8. I haven´t been to Madrid, if I go to Spain it usually is to Barcelona. And my go-to summer vacation is the South of France. But please, keep those travel posts coming. I love traveling and haven't done as much as I would have liked to for the past years, so I live through you.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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    1. Barcelona is amazing too, and the South of France is the perfect summer escape! Thanks Anne, I'll be coming up with one or two more travel posts until September time as I've got a little family vacation to talk to you about and also another fun holiday coming up, so I'll take you along with me again! :D xx

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  9. Lovely photos, I especially love the turtles :-) I hope you had a wonderful time!
    xoxo
    http://gingersnaphattie.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Turtles are the cutest, I need to get one home one day! <3 xx

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  10. Wow! What a beautiful place. How I wish I'm having a vacation right now and just escape from the stress of school. Haha :)

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

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    1. Oh I hope school is going well for you Shaira! xx

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  11. Gorgeous photos. I have never been, but I've def added it to my must visit list.

    Tiffany Tales – A British Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

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    1. Thanks Tiffany! It's definitely a city to visit one day :) xx

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  12. I've been to Spain a few times but never Madrid, it's been on my wish list for a few months now because it's so affordable :) Gorgeous photos!

    Jasmine xx

    Jasmine Talks Beauty

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    1. Yeah you can visit quite a few places for a good price and find lots of cheap accommodation as well! xx

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