The spiraling wheels of the Airbus A320 hit the ground, and we touch down in Spain. I feel my body warm up and tears well my eyes, as I see people hustle to get their bags with the buzzing sounds of foreign languages all around. I missed this so much.

It had been 3 years since I traveled outside of the United States and 8 years since I had been to Spain. To many, this may not seem a lot, but to a travel lover who is single, with full-time demanding job, left alone for months on end by herself during the pandemic…this was a BIG deal. The United States is great to visit, the nature is like no other! I did my fair share of travel through the states in 2020 and 2021, but there is just something special about being in a new country and immersing yourself in a new culture. It expands your heart and soul. You learn there is a whole different way of being and living outside of yourself.

This was my third time in Barcelona, and I had to make the pilgrimage to the Sagrada Familia which, after almost a century of construction is nearly finished! Then, I had to visit all of the famous Gaudi art, as Park Guell is one of my favorite parks in the world. As I reveled in the Gaudi art, shopped for trinkets to bring back home, and stuffed my face with as many tapas possible, I felt immense freedom and heartful presence. How have I been missing out on this? With how energized, creative and free I felt while I started traveling, there was a stark contrast to the dark days during the pandemic, where the sky turned dark orange once, a little too poetic. It is crazy how a simple an act of traveling and being somewhere new, can bring so much joy and peace. It made me feel that more of my friends and family back home need to get out and travel more as well. Even with COVID-19, it wasn’t too difficult fly, just slightly longer lines, but so worth it. Why continue to waste time being miserable, when you can have all of the joy… ok off of my tangent.

I had only 24 hours in Barcelona before I took off on a train to the city that stole my heart, Madrid. Oh Madrid, how I have been dreaming of coming back to you. How you fit my soul so perfectly? If a city could be my soulmate, it would be Madrid.

It had been 8 years since I visited and I wondered if I would love it just as much the second time. I felt a sense of peace, excitement, and love my heart was smiling from the insides out as I strolled through the elegant streats of Madrid. All my questions were dispelled in my first just afternoon walk around the plaza mayor. I felt a sense of peace, excitement, and love my heart was smiling from the insides out as I strolled through the elegant streats of Madrid and stubmled upon the San Miguel Market. With so many stalls with the most unique and delcious tapas in the world, it was hard to choose which ones I want. This pesto, ricotta, pesto crostini caught my eye. I cannot explain the euphoria I felt while swallowing this amazing tapa. How could something be THIS good? I picked a few more tapas from different vendors and took my bad to go to enjoy from my patio and people watch. Just living and being in Madrid gave me so much peace. I felt content.

I spent the next few days shopping, visiting museums, and a food and architecture tour. I loved this tour as it was such a fun way to see the city, make new friends and experience all that it has to offer. We even went to Botin, the oldest functioning restaurant in the world, where I got to sit in Earnest Hemmingway’s seat. Then we walked down to the royal palace, the Cathedral de Almudena, and more. I even stumbled upon a statue of King Phillip III who is known as the Poius king that my dog is named after!

I only stayed in Madrid 3 days during this trip, but this combined with my prior visit to Madrid, confirmed that it is still my favorite city in the world. If only I can stay in this lovely city that still has my heart 8 years later.

Below are some of the places I loved most in Madrid.

Visit the oldest restaurant in the world

Botin is the oldest functioning restaurant of the world, and a favorite of Ernst Hemmingway. You can even sit at his favorite seat under the hanging clock on the 2nd floor as in one of my pictures above. The restaurant is known for its suckling pigs, fancy cocktails, and great wine. It is fully equipped with a wine cellar and all made from old tunnels. It feels like you enter a different time as the decor is the same from hundreds of years ago. It was one of the coolest experiences.

Parque del Retiro

One of the most beautiful and peaceful parks in Madrid with a beautiful lake that you can paddle on. I recommend to grab your favorite jamon sandwich, tapas, and some Spanish wine and spend your lunch time at the park. It is beautiful.

Tour of old town including Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, and more

I did an airbnb food and history tour in old town Madrid and not only did I learn so much, but it was also a tapas dream come true as you get to visit hole in the wall shops away from the tourist areas. This was my favorite was to explore the city as you go to the major sites, which are all walkable, have good conversation with the guide, and eat amazing food!

Tapas everywhere

Did you know that any time you order a drink at a bar or restaurant, you get a free tapa. Yes, read that again, and yes, it is actually true. You can have a whole meal just with a few drinks. Give yourself a few days to just walk, eat and drink along the streets of Madrid. It is an experience like no other. I would go to Spain and spend a week just for this.

Mercado San Miguel

Speaking of Tapas, you must visit Mercado San Miguel. It houses multiple wholesale tapas vendors and you can spend your afternoon eating and drinking away in this high quality culinary experience. The vibe and energy in the market is so exciting and there is always something new to try

Prado Museum

Speaking of Tapas, you must visit Mercado San Miguel. It houses multiple wholesale tapas vendors and you can spend your afternoon eating and drinking away in this high quality culinary experience. The vibe and energy in the market is so exciting and there is always something new to try.

If you have any questions on traveling Spain or would like to book your own Soulphul Travel journey please message me! I am happy to work with you.