Alex MAt the start of the year, with minimal research, we decided to experience Madrid. We booked an Airbnb in the heart of the old town and were ready to explore everything the city had to offer.
Not only did we want to enjoy the food, which is a great way to get a picture of the country, city, and the people, but we also aimed to explore the areas, not necessarily the tourist spots, but including them as we stumbled upon them.
First Impressions of Madrid in Winter
Stepping out into the crisp January air with minimal use of maps, we found Madrid to be incredibly walkable. The large sidewalks invited us to wander, and the layout made navigation a breeze.
Despite the cold temperatures, we found warmth in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Walking Through the City
The entire trip we chose to explore solely on foot. No buses, no taxis, just walking. Each day, we averaged around 30,000 steps. This pace allowed us to immerse ourselves in the surroundings.
We meandered through narrow alleys, bustling plazas, and along grand boulevards, discovering hidden gems at every turn.
And boy, the boulevards were grand, a walkable city indeed. Most of the time when I visit a city in the winter, I think to myself, “I need to come here in the summer to see the city in its gorgeous state.” But in Madrid, I didn’t feel that way. The city’s unique atmosphere was so captivating that it felt complete even in the cold and dark of winter.
On Reddit, people would write, “It’s a great city no matter the time of the year,” and let me tell you, I fully agree. And we didn’t catch only good weather. On the first trip, it was mostly cold and dark. But there’s something about the city’s unique atmosphere that can’t be put into words.
Museums Visits Are a Must
Even though visiting museums and art places is a popular activity, we never miss a chance to explore them, especially in a new town. Nothing speaks of the old times like a good museum.
We visited the major ones, Reina Sofía and the Prado, but we also explored a more underrated museum, the Archaeology Museum. Let me tell you, it was anything but underwhelming. It was one of our best experiences.
During the trip, we managed to see works by Rembrandt, Dalí, Picasso, and Goya.
Everything was impressive, and thankfully we had two trips to Madrid, totaling almost 10 days. This way we could explore everything on our own pace, without feeling rushed to check off all the landmarks.
The most important exhibition for me was the temporary Monet exhibition. As is often the case with these events, it’s hard to put into words, but overall, it was the most enjoyable art experience I’ve had in a long time, the kind that makes you not want to leave.
A word about Monet
When I visit a foreign area, I sometimes become enamored with a historical figure or local artist. It doesn’t have to be someone from there, a temporary exhibit is enough. The same happened with Van Gogh when I first visited Amsterdam.
In Madrid, happened with Claude Monet, a founder of the Impressionist movement. He was deeply fascinated by the effects of light on the natural world. And ever seeing his work of art in a biography manner, and reading about his life, has marked a temporarly mark for me.
He often painted the same scene multiple times to capture how light and atmosphere changed its appearance.
It was saddening to see how his cataracts hindered his ability to decipher the light around him, causing him to lose the ability to portray three-dimensionality in his paintings. However, he never lost his artistic touch.
Architectural Wonders
Knowing we would return to Madrid for an even longer stay after our trip to the Canary Islands (Tenerife), on the first trip I just wanted to wander unknowingly. There was no rush during the three-day city break because when we went back three weeks later, we stayed another entire week in Madrid.
Without spoiling the second trip, upon arriving in Tenerife, we discussed, “Maybe we shouldn’t spend so much time in Madrid again. Perhaps staying more in Tenerife would be better for us.” But honestly, the weather and everything aligned perfectly on our second Madrid trip.
Warm air coming from Sub-Saharan Africa enveloped the Iberian Peninsula, giving us steady 17-20 degrees in Madrid in January, only sunny days. Nonetheless, we extended our stay with even more days.
And even after visiting and living a bit in the gorgeous Canary Islands, going back to Madrid showed us again its unique atmosphere a vibrant, walkable city that never left, just waiting for us.
Until next time
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