Madrid is a hop away

Getting There

Madrid, only a cheap Ryanair ticket and 2 hour flight away, is a great city to visit for a weekend getaway. Ryanair offers flights to Madrid every day. However, the prices vary very greatly each day. The two and a half hour flight can be as cheap as €39.99 and as expensive as €189.99. Aer Lingus’ prices are in the same price range.

Accommodation

Way Hostel, located in Tirso de Molina, offers private and dorm rooms with both mixed gender and one gender at prices ranging from €15-23. The hostel offers free breakfast, full kitchen, lounge with TV and DVD player, free internet, and security lockers. Activities provided at the hostel include a pubcrawl, discounted Flamenco show, and Tango lessons. The hostel is located in the heart of the city, making travel by foot to many attractions possible.

What to see:

#1 attraction – Watch a Flamenco show at Corral de la Moreria. This traditional Spanish dancing is not only phenomenal but a great chance to really experience the Spanish culture. Corral de la Moreria, which opened in 1957, is the oldest Flamenco show restaurant in Madrid.
 

Top Tips on what to see

#2 attraction - Plaza de Toros is a must see if staying in Madrid. One of the most famous bullfighting stadiums, the Plaza offers guided tours, a museum and of course bullfighting during its season of March until October.

#3 attraction - Museo del Prado, right off of Paseo del Prado, is one of Spain’s most famous museums, displaying European art from the 12th to early 19th century. Some highlights in the museum include the famous Las Meninas by Velazquez, paintings by Goya, and The Holy Family by Raphael.

Hidden Treasure – El Museo del Traje or Museum of Costume, located at the Ciudad Universitaria metro stop, shows Spanish clothes’ evolution over the centuries. Only €3, you can see 14 galleries such as regional costumes, Spanish Haute Couture designers, Spanish headdresses, and Christian Dior clothes

Feel the Magic of Madrid

Places to eat

Casa Alberto, located on Calle Huertas, serves the traditional Spanish tapas for reasonable prices and is decorated with authentic bull-fighting memorabilia.

La Esquina del Café, located on Calle de Jesus, is a great place for much needed coffee and desserts such as chocolate cake and tiramisu.

The city has an extensive metro system that runs throughout the entire city. For only €1 a trip, the metro is very inexpensive

Mmmm Paella

Shopping and Kicks

Puerta del Sol, located in the center of the city, has shops all along its side streets ranging from clothing and sports equipment to souvenir and candy shops. Other places to shop include ABC Serrano, an indoor mall, The Rastro, a Sunday morning market, and El Corte Ingles, Spain’s top department store.

- Bia Bar is a great small and less touristy bar with music, cheap drinks, no cover, and lots of dancing.

If interested in the club scene check out Palacio de Gaviria, a renovated 1851 palace. Although be aware of higher drink prices and a cover.

By Shannon Farrell