A long layover is the perfect opportunity to explore a new city. In fact, if a layover is going to be over 5 hours, I purposely hunt down the longest layover a flight plan will offer, and boom, I've got a vacation on the way to (or in this case from) my vacation!
This past June, my husband and I took one of our sons to Morocco. Our homeward layover was in Madrid, Spain, so of course we weren't going to pass up spending the day there. A night on the Puerta del sol, churros and chocolate, tapas and bocadillos de calamares...no way were we passing through Madrid without stopping (or eating for that matter). Our goal was simple, squeeze in as much as we possibly could in 24 hours. And, since we had just finished our true vacation in Morocco, we didn't have a lot of money either. Follow along on our 24-hour Madrid Layover "post-vacay" vacay!
Many times, those "inconvenient" long layover flights cost less than those with nice short layovers and way less than the elusive nonstop. We like to cash in on "inconvenience" because what we save on flights, we just turn around and spend on our layover hotel. In most cases that's a clean, basic, and of course, cheap hotel. Madrid has those by way of something common in many Spanish speaking countries: the hostal. That's hostal with an "a" (not to be confused with hostel with an "e"), and there are several that are right in the city center at a fraction of the cost of posh boutique hotels.
What's the difference between a hostal-with-an-a and a hostel-with-an-e? I'm glad you asked. A hostal-with-an-a typically provides private rooms and most have private ensuite bathrooms, similar to a budget hotel or B&B, while a hostel-with-an-e primarily offers dormitory-style accommodations, shared bathrooms, and a community-style social atmosphere. Your choice of "a" or "e" depends on whether you're in the mood for privacy and solitude or a lively dormitory soirée. We chose a hostal-with-an-a right around the corner from Puerta Del Sol aptly named "Hostal Madrid."
After clearing customs, we hopped a taxi to the city, checked in at our Hostal, and headed out to explore the city.
Puerta del Sol: Madrid's Beating Heart
We signed up for the "Madrid Highlights" free walking tour through GuruWalk on the cab ride into the city. Most major cities have these free tours. The way it works is you sign up online, meet your group at the designated starting point, and, at the end of the tour, pay your guide what you think the tour was worth, usually about $10-$15 per person.
Our guide was Alejandro, and we met him and the rest of our group at Puerta del Sol, the literal "Gate of the Sun" and heart of Madrid. This iconic square has served as a focal point for both political and social events throughout the city's history. Here are some lesser known, albeit intriguing facts that about Puerta del Sol that Alejandro hit us with by way of an introduction.
Zero Kilometer: Tucked away in a corner of Puerta del Sol is a bronze plaque embedded in the pavement. This unassuming marker is known as the "Kilómetro Cero," indicating the geographical center of Spain. So, in a way, standing here puts you at the very heart of the country not just the city.
The Oso y el Madroño: The bear and the strawberry tree (oso y el madroño) are the symbols of Madrid representing the city's coat of arms. The statue depicts a bear reaching for the fruit of a strawberry tree, a symbol that dates back to the Middle Ages and can be traced to the origins of the city. It is believed to represent the abundance of wildlife in the region during its early history
Incredible Underground: Beneath Puerta del Sol lies a fascinating underground network that includes tunnels and bomb shelters used during the Spanish Civil War. Nowadays, these passages aren't open to the public, but knowing that they're there added another layer of historical intrigue to the bustling square above.
Plaza Mayor: A Historic Square Frozen in Time
From the Puerta del Sol, Alejandro took us over to the Plaza Mayor. This grand square dates back to the 17th century. Surrounded by imposing three-story buildings, it's a popular gathering place for both tourists and locals. Here's a few interesting facts Alejandro treated us to in Plaza Mayor:
The Butcher's Market Turned Grand Square: Before becoming the majestic square we know today, Plaza Mayor had a rather humble beginning as a marketplace for meat, known as the Plaza del Arrabal.
Calamity for Bulls, Celebration for Books: Plaza Mayor is famous for hosting bullfights in the past, but did you know that it also has a literary connection? The Plaza was the site of the first book fair in Spain. Sure, it probably didn't have those smelly stickers and puppy posters we all remember, but it's pretty cool to think the concept of a book fair has been around for that long.
Restaurante Botín: World Record Holder
Our next stop to this unassuming restaurant may seem odd for a walking city tour, but wait until you hear all the interesting details we learned about it. Established in 1725, Restaurante Botín has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest operating restaurant in the world.
Located near the Plaza Mayor, Botín is renowned for its traditional Castilian cuisine and has attracted famous patrons, including the artist Francisco Goya and the author Ernest Hemingway. It is definitely on our agenda for our return visit!
Mercado de San Miguel: A Culinary Delight
Mercado de San Miguel isn't just a food market; it's a culinary institution with historical roots. It was originally built in 1916 and, after undergoing renovation, now stands as a prime example of iron architecture from that era. Here are some tasty tidbits we picked up from Alejandro at the Mercado:
Foodie Paradise: Spanning over 30 vendors, it offers an array of Spanish and international gastronomic delights. You can savor everything from succulent Iberian ham to fresh oysters.
Tapeo Traditions: Mercado San Miguel is the epitome of tapeo, the Spanish art of going from one tapas bar to another. We'll get into this a bit later, but just know that here, you can hop from one vendor to the next, indulging in delectable bites, each paired with a glass of Spanish wine or cava.
Olive Oil Wonderland: Spain is renowned for its olive oil, and this market doesn't disappoint. You can find olive oil vendors offering different flavors and varieties.
The market also hosts events and activities, from cooking classes to live music. It's more than a place to eat; it's a dynamic cultural experience.
El Turista (The Tourist) AKA El Mirador (The Viewpoint)
The statue "El Turista" or "El Mirador"as it's also know, is is not your run-of-the-mill statue – it's a cheeky nod to all of us wanderers exploring Madrid's historical wonders. It is a bronze sculpture located in the Plaza de la Villa of a man leaning against a ledge, peering into a glass enclosure that houses a preserved section of ancient Moorish city walls.
Alejandro had his own theory about the statue. He told us that no one was stopping to see the ancient ruins, so the city put up a curious statue. Now everyone stops to see what the statue is looking at. Oh, and they also can't resist a little lucky rub, bet you can't guess where!
Palacio Real: A Royal Masterpiece
A short hop from Mercado de san Miguel brought us to Palacio Real, or the Royal Palace of Madrid. Although the royal family doesn't reside in this opulent 18th-century palace, it's still used for state ceremonies and functions and houses a remarkable collection of art and historical artifacts including one of the most extensive and important collections of armor and weapons in the world. The Palacio Real is one of the largest royal palaces in Europe, with over 3,400 rooms and an immense floor area. The sheer scale of the palace is a testament to the power and wealth of Spain during its imperial peak.
Almudena Cathedral: Faith & Majesty
Right across from the Palacio Real is the Catedral Virgen de le Almudena commonly known by its abbreviated name, the Almudena Cathedral.
The construction of the Almudena Cathedral is relatively recent compared to many European cathedrals; it was only recently consecrated in 1993. However, the cathedral's construction was a prolonged affair, taking over a century to complete. Our time crunch didn't allow us a visit inside, but Alejandro told us all about the masterpieces held inside that date all the way back to the 16th century.
Plaza de España: A Literary Haven
Our last stop was the Plaza de España, home to the Monument to Cervantes, the famous Spanish writer best known for "Don Quixote." We also found sculptures dedicated to his characters, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, at the base.
Also located in the Plaza de España is the 2nd century Egyptian Templo de Debod (Temple of Debod). It was dismantled and gifted to Spain by the Egyptian government in 1968 as a token of gratitude for Spanish assistance in saving the temples of Abu Simbel during the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
This is where our tour ended, but not before Alejandro gave us strict instructions to enjoy some bocadillos de calamares (squid sandwiches), tapas, and churros con chocolate.
Bocadillo de Calamares
What is a Bocadilla anyway? Basically, from our southern U.S. perspective, it's what we would call a po-boy. Or, for the rest of the U.S., a sandwich
The "legend" of the bocadillo de calamares traces back to King Alfonso XIII. Being from the coastal region of Cádiz, he was in the mood for some fresh calamari. The problem was Madrid is literally as far from the ocean as you can get, and in an era before refrigeration, there was no way to keep the squid fresh or the calamari crispy. In response, locals ingeniously placed the fried calamari inside a bread roll to preserve its texture and flavor, leading to the creation of the "bocadillo de calamares." We ate our bocadillos in one of the surrounding cafes for a truly authentic Madrileño experience.
Tapas
Madrid is synonymous with tapas, and the world of tapas is a diverse and colorful one. From patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) to croquetas (fried croquettes) and from tortilla española (Spanish omelet) to jamón ibérico (Iberian ham), you'll find a tapa for every taste.
Dinner is served late in Spain (like 9-11 late), so late afternoon tapas are basically your a pre-dinner warm up. The "tapeo" tradition involves hopping from one tapas bar to another, trying a variety of dishes and sipping drinks along the way.
Churros con chocolate
Churros con chocolate is an iconic treat in Madrid. Churros are a pastry made from a simple dough of flour, water, and salt, then piped through a star-shaped nozzle, creating distinctive ridges. They are deep-fried creating a crispy exterior and a soft, doughy interior.
The hot chocolate that accompanies churros in Madrid is not your ordinary hot cocoa either. It's thick, rich, and more of a semi-sweet rather than a milk chocolate. This thickness is what makes it perfect for dipping churros, and it's typically served nice and warm in a cup or a small bowl.
We savored our churros at Chocolatería San Ginés. This chocolatería has been a part of Madrid's cultural fabric for over a century. It's is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has been featured in numerous travel guides and television shows.
As we carried ourselves exhausted and stuffed back to our hostal, our layover in Madrid came to a close. It was more than just a brief stopover; it was an immersive experience in a city brimming with history, culture, and culinary delights. As we boarded the final leg of our flight home, we left with memories of charming plazas, artistic treasures, and the warm spirit of the Spanish capital. Our layover adventure in Madrid was a tantalizing appetizer, leaving us eager to return for the full feast of what this vibrant city has to offer. Madrid, we'll be back soon!
Are you ready to start planning your own Spanish vacation? Let Bound Bookings take care of all the details. Contact at Travel@BoundBookings.com for a custom quote today or visit www.boundbookings.com.
About the Author:
Christina Dickens is a passionate traveler and writer who believes that travel is not just about seeing new places; it's about immersing yourself in the richness of the world's cultures.
She is a career school librarian with a passion for knowledge, and a desire to share her adventures with the world. She loves to read, write, and spend time with her husband Daniel and their five children.
As the owner of Bound Bookings, Christina aims to create travel experiences that foster understanding, empathy, and a deep appreciation for the diversity of our world.
Visit www.BoundBookings.com to plan your own culturally curious adventures.
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