We visited Madrid in late August / early September 2023. The temperatures were averaging 22c to 29c every day of the five days we were there, and not a drop of rain to be seen. We stayed at the Claridge hotel in Retiro Madrid which in our opinion is a great area to stay in if you want to be near the attractions, but out of the very busy city centre. Within about a twenty minute pleasant walk (some moderate uphill walking) you can get to the World famous Prado museum and the huge – or in Spanish “enorme” El Retiro Park. You can see our reviews of Hotel Claridge and Prado on our reviews page HERE, or in our first book (link to come).
We can honestly say, Madrid was one of our favourite cities of the World that we have visited so far. Wide pavements, tree lined streets, history all around you, yet busy – though not uncomfortably so. Accommodation is a little pricey, particularly through the summer months, but there are plenty of choices from hostels to five star hotels, so most budgets will be able to be met.
The people, from our experience most of the Spanish residents were friendly, and interesting to speak with. There are some beggars on the streets, and as it seems in many parts of Europe, a fair share of con men and women. For example, one very old and very beautiful church we came across in central Madrid had an older man welcome us in to to have a look inside, yet as we left he said to us in a demanding tone of voice “Ten Euros”. I said, “pardon?” He replied, almost angry “Ten Euros for looking inside”. He never told us this when we entered, and we walked away without paying him a cent – before I gave him a verbal version of ten Euros – which he wouldn’t have found as rewarding!
You can read a lot more about our adventures in Madrid in our book (link to come). – Scroll down to see some photos of this beautiful city.
We rate Madrid 9 out of 10 Kiwis!
