madrid
Madrid is Spain's capital and largest city. Although it is one of the largest cities in Europe, it had a modern and comfortable feel and the city center was easy to navigate and explore. My experiences in Madrid are some of the most memorable from the tour. The city offers variety, including things to do and types of architecture.
The picture below is the Gran Via. The architecture in this part of the city reminded me of Paris. The buildings are comparatively modern and certainly beautiful. The Gran Via offers a lot of shopping, hotels, and places to eat. It's a main thoroughfare in Madrid. You can see a Metro sign in the center of the picture; the metro is clean, easy to find and to navigate, and a nice way to travel from one side of the city to the other.
The picture below is the Gran Via. The architecture in this part of the city reminded me of Paris. The buildings are comparatively modern and certainly beautiful. The Gran Via offers a lot of shopping, hotels, and places to eat. It's a main thoroughfare in Madrid. You can see a Metro sign in the center of the picture; the metro is clean, easy to find and to navigate, and a nice way to travel from one side of the city to the other.
We stayed in a hotel right off this plaza which also happens to be in front of the opera. Trees were starting to bloom and the newsstand was uniquely shaped. Although the weather was still a bit cool, you can see locals like to spend some time outdoors enjoying the sunny spring weather.
Walking from the Prado museum to the Reina Sofia museum with the group, I passed this floral "topiary" of sorts. I loved the way it looked and thought it was a creative way to add some colorful blooms to the park-like walkway.
The picture below is the Plaza de Cibeles and provides a classic view of Madrid. Spanish flags waved in the breeze and the sun was shining - what a perfect view! This plaza is one of the farthest eastern points of the city center and connects two main streets: the Paseo de Prado with the Calle Alcala. It was a memorable landmark that helped navigate the city.
The fountain shows the Roman goddess Cibele (i.e. Ceres), the goddess of nature, in a chariot being pulled by two lions.
The fountain shows the Roman goddess Cibele (i.e. Ceres), the goddess of nature, in a chariot being pulled by two lions.
The area around Plaza Mayor has a much older look and feel. I found the streets to be quaint and colorful. This area of the city is pedestrian-friendly and there are interesting shops in and around the Plaza Mayor.