Madrid, Spain: What You MUST Do

Recently, I went to Madrid and loved it. I know there is a huge rivalry between Barcelona and Madrid, but honestly I think they were both equally amazing. They were too different to compare. While we were there we took day trips to Avila, Segovia and Toledo which I highly recommend.
We stayed at the Hotel Mercure Madrid. It was great! It was in an amazing location.

There was so much to do and see that I just made a list below of what I recommend doing while you are there:

Temple of Debod – this was really cool. It is an Egyptian temple that was relocated to Madrid.

Chocolateria San Gines – this churro place is famous but we only went here once. We preferred Churreria Chocolateria.

Churreria Chocolateria – we went here daily. It was super clean and the staff was friendly. Their churros were delicious!

Wine tour – read my blog post to learn more: http://www.kristinagemella.wordpress.com/2015/11/13/Madrid-wine-tour/

Jardin de Sabatini – we walked through here daily on our way to the Palacio Real. Very beautiful.

Plaza Major – this plaza had plenty of outdoor patios with sangria and food and a lot of street performers.

Palacio Real – take a tour of this palace!!! It was so beautiful. From the moment I saw it I found it captivating and we would sit across from it and just watch it for hours while we drank wine and ate tapas.

Plaza de Oriente – also near the Palacio Real. It had amazing restaurants and views of the Palace.

Puerta Del Sol – the busiest part of the city with a beautiful center fountain and surrounded by stores and restaurants.

Walk down Calle Mayor and Gran Via – the two main streets with shopping and dining.

Go to a Flamenco Show at Torres Bermejas – beautiful decor and talented dancers

Do the hop on hop off bus – great way to see the entire city

Plaza de Cibeles – beautiful marble sculptures and architecture.

Flamenco show!