We’ve officially spent our first week in Madrid, and it’s safe to say this city knows how to charm. From royal landmarks to 12 a.m. dinners, our time here has been a vibrant blur of culture, laughter, and culinary indulgence. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to:

Staying on Gran Vía: In the Heart of It All
Our home base for the past week has been right off Gran Vía—Madrid’s answer to Broadway, the Champs-Élysées, and Fifth Avenue all rolled into one. This bustling boulevard is packed with theaters, shops, restaurants, and stunning architecture. The energy is constant, but it’s not overwhelming—just lively enough to remind you that you’re in the center of it all. From here, we’ve been able to walk nearly everywhere. It’s truly the perfect location for soaking in the city.

Inside the Royal Palace of Madrid
One of the standout experiences this week was our visit to the Royal Palace—an opulent reminder of Spain’s regal history. This is the largest palace in Western Europe by floor area, and it shows. We explored grand halls adorned with chandeliers, intricate tapestries, and rooms that looked like they were frozen in time. Outside, the views of the courtyard and the surrounding gardens were just as impressive.

Exploring Plaza Mayor
Of course, no visit to Madrid is complete without a stroll through Plaza Mayor. This iconic square has been the heart of the city for centuries—hosting everything from bullfights and markets to executions and royal proclamations. Today, it’s a lively gathering place surrounded by restaurants and filled with street performers, locals, and tourists alike.

Walking, Wandering, and Wow-Worthy Architecture
One of our favorite things to do here? Just walk. Seriously—Madrid is a feast for the eyes. The mix of baroque, neoclassical, and modern architecture is incredible, with fountains tucked into corners, grand buildings lining wide boulevards, and pocket parks everywhere you turn. Every stroll turns into a photo shoot.

Flamenco at Corral de la Morería
We had the chance to attend a Flamenco show at Corral de la Morería, widely considered the most prestigious flamenco venue in the world. The performances were raw, emotional, and electric—there’s something about Flamenco that cuts straight to the soul. The intimate setting only added to the magic.

Getting Artsy at the Prado
We also spent an afternoon at the legendary Museo del Prado, home to one of the finest collections of European art in the world. Highlights included works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. I may have gotten a bit overzealous with the photo-taking before a staff member kindly (but firmly) reminded me that photography isn’t allowed. Oops.

Unexpected Laughs at Madrid Comedy Lab
One night we discovered a cozy little venue called Madrid Comedy Lab, which hosts English-speaking comedy shows. It was refreshingly low-key and genuinely funny—a great break from the heavy cultural hits and a reminder that humor really is universal.

Temple of Debod
Yesterday we wandered into Parque del Oeste and visited the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that was gifted to Spain in the 1960s. It’s a surreal sight to see in the middle of Madrid—and the views from the park overlooking the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral were stunning.

Late Dinners, Tapas, and More Tapas
Food-wise, Madrid has not disappointed. Tapas culture is alive and well, and we’ve enjoyed everything from patatas bravas to jamón ibérico, usually well after 10 p.m. It’s totally normal here to start dinner after 9 or 10 p.m.—and we’ve embraced it wholeheartedly.

Living Like Locals (Sort Of)
We’ve shifted into the local rhythm pretty quickly—late dinners, even later nights, and long, leisurely mornings. It’s not uncommon for us to stay out until 2 or 3 a.m. and sleep in until late morning. Honestly? We could get used to this.

A Night to Remember at DiverXO
The culinary highlight of our week was dinner at DiverXO, currently ranked the 4th best restaurant in the world. Chef Dabiz Muñoz serves up an avant-garde, multi-sensory tasting menu that blends global influences with outrageous presentation. Think chili crab served with cotton candy, Iberian pork disguised as dim sum, and edible sauces painted onto the plate like art. It was equal parts delicious and surreal—like dinner in a Salvador Dalí dream. I kept the camera at bay – until dessert came – you can see why, can’t you?

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We still have another five days here in Madrid before heading to Porto, Portugal for two weeks. We’re planning to slow the pace a bit, soak in a few more museums, take a day trip to Toledo, and of course—eat more tapas. Stay tuned for more from the Spanish capital!

Adios, for now!