New Year’s Eve in Madrid
Two of our three young adult kids met us in Spain. We all hopped aboard the train from Sevilla Santa Justa to Madrid. Our original plan was to spend a full week in Madrid (which I think this city needs) but one of our girls really wanted to experience Sevilla so we split her week between the two cities.
We had the most amazing time in majestic Madrid!
Arrival
We arrived via AVE train in the slick Madrid Atocha Station and followed the signs on the top level to get a taxi. There were plenty lined up and we were off in no time.
Our Apartment
After much deliberation – as is my way – we chose a lovely three-bedroom vacation rental through Minty Stay. It was a 3-bedroom, 3-bath apartment on Plaza Santa Ana in Barrio de las Letras. It was a perfect location for our first trip to explore Madrid. The apartment was in very well-kept building, a modern, gorgeous interior staircase. We had beautiful floor-to-ceiling window doors that opened to small balconies. Minty Stay was very responsive and met us promptly upon check-in. Here is their website for reference: https://mintystay.com/en
Vibe
We were immediately in awe at the beauty of the city architecturally. It felt like Paris to me – grand, elegant, and well-dressed! It’s a big city and was full of life. And even though it was quite cold, there were people sitting at café tables in the plazas, walking the streets and in all of the restaurants. It was very crowded and bustling. Christmas lights were unbelievable! We walked everywhere!
Restaurants
TriCiclo
Our first night was at this amazing restaurant! It had a beautiful calm atmosphere with soft lights and intimate tables. We started with the most gorgeous cheese board and negronis. Three hours later we finished after an outstanding dinner, dessert topped off with a glass of champagne. Highly recommend!
Restaurant Berlanga
A beautiful walk across El Retiro Park brought us to this lovely warm restaurant. A couple of us ordered paella in advance. The others ordered steak tartare and lamb cutlets. We finished with Expresso Martinis and lemon sorbet. The restaurant was full and the rooms were lovely. This was a perfect place to spend the afternoon on New Year’s Eve.
Cervecería Alemana
My husband and daughter are huge Hemingway fans so we had to visit Cervecería Alemana for lunch one day. Located in the Plaza Santa Ana, it was just a few doors down from our apartment. A loud, bright room with average food, it served its purpose. The restaurant still has a table reserved for Hemingway, right next to the window.
Pizza and burgers
The end of a four-week trip, my husband was in the mood for hamburgers. The girls found the most atmospheric small spot, although I don’t remember where we were exactly. We also ended up in a charming Italian restaurant one night for pizza and wine. Both are solid American staples mixed in some delicious Spanish restaurants.
Restaurante El Madroño
Of course, we had to have Madroño liquor, made with the fruits of the Madroño tree, the symbol of the city!
TO BE CONTINUED ...