5 Things Madrid has that you won’t find in Barcelona
Rivalry is intrinsic to these two great cities. Their “confrontation” every Derby between Real Madrid and Barça is well known. Barcelona is the “pretty girl” for the millions of foreign tourists who visit Spain every year. However, Madrid has a lot to offer, more than you might think.
Well, well, Madrid has a beach
Photo: Marcos de Madariaga
The popular song from the late 90s “Aquí no hay playa ” by Los Refrescos repeated as if it were a mantra that in the Spanish capital, despite having the Retiro, the Casa de Campo and winning La Liga, “when summer comes”, there is no beach at all. Madrid has evolved over the years and now it has one. It is not Barceloneta, but it has its charm. In the heart of the new Arganzuela park, enjoy the urban beach of Madrid Río. It is not a beach on a river like other cities have, nor will you find fine sand. Just a few jets of water, a cloud of spray and plenty of space for sunbathing or cycling. But if you miss feeling the sand under your feet, we recommend having a cocktail or a few beers at Bar Ojalá, the beach bar that awaits you in the Malasaña neighbourhood. Quality food and affordable prices in the heart of Madrid.
From Madrid to the sky
Photo: Víctor Gómez
Although it may sound like a cliché, Madrid’s skies are unique, without detracting from the sunsets in Barcelona. And there is nothing better to live this experience than going up to see a sunset with a wide range of colours on some of the rooftops of the capital such as the terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes for only €4 (€3 with youth card). Enjoy a spectacular view of the Gran Vía, the Metrópolis building, Calle Alcalá and Paseo de Prado with a mojito in hand. Not far away, the viewing terrace of the Palacio de Cibeles, from the 8th floor of the great central tower of the building, is another option at an almost free price: €2. But let’s not forget a hostel whose terrace is the secret most often revealed by those who visit it. On Calle Imperial, very close to Plaza Mayor, The Hat Madrid combines design and hostel under the same roof.
Photo: Mochileros TV
On its fifth floor there is a rooftop surrounded by rooftops from which you can’t leave without trying its original Hard Candy cocktails: six delicious mixes served in a bag -you read that right- made with natural fruit juices with names like Jager & Mr Hyde, Castizo for those loyal to red vermouth, Mojitown, Yellow Submarine, Russian Berry or Le Petit Putón with strawberries, red fruits and champagne.
Central Retiro Park
Photo: Backpackers TV
Although Barcelona has spectacular parks such as Park Güell or the Citadel, there is nothing like the stately Retiro Park, Madrid’s green lung. Stroll and get lost in its paths, do some sport, ride a rented bicycle, get on one of the little boats in the Estanque Grande, sit down to enjoy the Sunday puppet show at the Teatro de Títeres, stand in front of one of the musicians or artists that perform in its corners, feel the aura of royal times in the Paseo de las Estatuas, enter the Crystal Palace, which will remind you a lot of Las Halles Market or the Crystal Palace if you have been to Paris or London, and take a walk around the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, unique in Spain and which curiously is at a somewhat diabolical height: 666 metres above sea level.
Castilian Pharaohs
Photo: Víctor Gómez
Egypt is closer to Madrid than you think. You don’t need to take a plane to the land of the Pharaohs. Next to Plaza España you will find one of the most charismatic monuments in Madrid: the 2,200-year-old Temple of Debod, a gift from Egypt to Spain for its collaboration in the rescue of the Nubian temples. You can visit its interior for free, but above all, don’t miss the magical blue hour -minutes before sunset when the lighting is activated-. We bet you’ll be spellbound.
The Flea Market
Photo: PWEIL
Barcelona is a benchmark in design and fashion. It also has street markets with a more chic, popular or vintage touch, such as the Barcelona Vintage Market or the emblematic San Antoni Sunday market. However, every Sunday in Madrid, this historic open-air market opens its stalls in the neighbourhood of La Latina with a wide range of goods: second-hand objects, clothes, antiques… The tradition: mix a shopping trip with a few beers and tapas in any of the neighbouring establishments.
Photo: Mochileros TV
why do they call it El Rastro? Historians say that in all probability its name has to do with the fact that the area was the site of the slaughterhouse and the trail of blood left by the cattle after they were slaughtered and sold wholesale. We recommend you go to Plaza de Tirso de Molina and look for the “hidden” terrace of Casa Granada on Calle del Doctor Cortezo, 17.
Nightlife
Photo: Tomás Fano
Madrid is very much alive, both by day and by night. We won’t deny that Barcelona doesn’t offer visitors options for going out, going out and going out, but its inhabitants recognise that they are more at home. It is not uncommon in Madrid to see work colleagues having a few beers after a long day at work, couples having dinner on a Tuesday or groups of friends out partying on a Wednesday. Madrid is an inexhaustible city for as long as the body lasts.
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