Madrid, an artistic city well known for its passionate and cultural activities and the spot which Marius and I were on our way to for a two week holiday, but instead of booking into one of the local hotels, we opted for an apartment in Madrid instead.
Princesa Alta
The apartment we had booked said that it was a two bedroom, which we expected would be something small. When we booked the apartment, we were told it would be something small in size, but it was everything but small! The apartment, also known as the Princesa Alta, was big enough for a family of six, complete with two bathrooms, bedrooms, internet and indescribable views. What really made the apartment great was the fact that Princesa Alta is located in the heart of Malasaña.
I would describe Malasaña as a suburb similar to Camden Town in London, where all the locals hang out for a more alternative night scene. There are a lot of bars and nightclubs and since Marius and I were there for a good cultural experience that would also include a few late nights, this was just the spot we wanted to be. In the center of Malasaña is the Plaza del Dos de Mayo, a historical sight that forms part of the explosion of fashion, theatre and nightlife in the 1980’s.
Some sights and sounds
We were in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, living in a great apartment and ready for some sightseeing. That’s how we ended up at the Rasta Market. I thought it a bit peculiar that in the middle of this Spanish city, there was a market that one would generally associate with Jamaica, but nonetheless it seemed like the place to be. There were literally thousands of people (unfortunately for Marius, since he doesn’t handle crowds all that well), but the market turned out to be nothing like we expected. Amidst some less desirable second hand goods, there were a few gems to be found. Forgetting that I had to carry everything that I bought, I soon learnt my lesson. Marius just laughed at me, since he did warn me, but being the gentleman that he is, he eventually offered to help me carry some of my bags.
We soon found ourselves at the Royal Palace of Madrid, better known to the locals as Palacio Real de Madrid. This is supposedly the official residence for the Spanish royal family, but they don’t actually live here, instead they are living in another palace (since royalties has so many) called the Palacio de la Zarzuela. There’s only one word to describe the palace: Breathtaking. The decoration of the palace was done by some of the world’s best artists, including Goya and if armour is your interest, then you’ll love this palace too. Marius, a fanatic of the Highlander movies, was excited at the collection of swords. Although I found it very interesting, it was rather the spectacular views that had me in awe.
Not without a bit of local cuisine
We had no idea the status which Casa Botin carried as the oldest restaurant in the world! Marius and I almost got lost since the place is a true labyrinth, but I do admit it was rather our own stupidity. Our friendly, helpful waitress suggested we try the ‘coccinillo’ which is roasted pig and their homemade sangria, both of which were fantastic. I couldn’t help but make a little piggy of myself by overindulging, but hey, when you are on holiday, who cares? By the time we had to go back home both of us were so full, walking back to our flat almost seemed like a punishment, well worth every bite I have to add.
During our two week stay we couldn’t get enough of the local cuisine. Everything was so colourful and tasty. One thing I noticed was that some of the meals were a little hotter than I was used to. Sangria and Horchata became the favourite beverages to help cool down the spicy food.
Marius and I probably covered the whole of Madrid during our two week stay. Marius always says that the best way to get to know a city is by foot. This way you are able to find those little hidden streets that you would normally miss when going on a bus tour and Madrid, although appearing huge on the map, was not at all impossible to traverse our desired destination by foot. The locals are friendly and willing to help should you get lost and since Madrid is so cosmopolitan; language does not create any unhappiness. So if you ever travel to Madrid, book
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WayToStay online apartment bookings offer short-stay self catering Madrid Apartments as the smarter alternative to hotels for leisure and business travellers.
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