Weekend In Royal Madrid

View of a tall and grand lamp post in the Palace. The Royal Palace facade and inside the Main Entrance.

On a weekend visit to Madrid a few years ago, we spent the morning visiting the Palacio Real De Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family but only used in official State ceremonies. The Spanish Royal Family resides in Zarzuela Palace outside of Madrid. When in Madrid, never miss visiting this huge and grand palace to view the majestically decorated chambers  including the Throne Hall, the Oriental Room, the State Dining Room, all filled with works of art and fantastic furniture. Construction began in 1734 for 26 years. The gardens were designed by Francesco Sabatini. My favourite part of our visit was visiting the Spanish Armoury on the outer building on the left side of the Palace. Inside are all of the collections of the Spanish Armoury mostly from the 15th Century, considered best in the World that consist of full body armours, weapons and even armours for their horses. It is a collection not to be missed and truly amazing. 

The side facade of the Palace facing Plaza de Oriente.  Built in the Baroque and Classic style, this palace is very elegant with statues and columns built all around the facade.  On the North side is the Sabatini Gardens. 

Plaza de Oriente displays many statues of the Spanish Kings mostly from the medieval period until the 15C including the Equestrian statue of Felipe IV (above).  In Spain, it is best to just take your time and walk around. Plaza de Oriente has one of the best places to hang out to take in this majestic view. One of the  famous restaurants in Madrid Cafe de Oriente is located on this Plaza. The Cafe is elegantly decorated, serves one of the best Spanish food in the City and also has one of the best patios with this commanding view. I remember I bravely ate black squid ink Paella there with a glass of sangria. 

The Royal Guards with their horses going back to their Barracks near the Palace.

Spanish Kings from the Medieval time up to the 15th Century watching over Plaza de Oriente.  

One of my favourites during Spring time is the start of the Patio season. Here in Plaza Mayor in Madrid, everyone took advantage of the beautiful sunshine with some delicious Spanish food and drinks. Besides the Sangria, the other famous Spanish drink is the San Miguel Beer, which originated from the Philippines but  also produced locally in Spain. 

After our visit from the Royal Palace, we walked to the Mercado De San Miguel. The market is one of the best places to eat tapas, freshly made from all of the ingredients available inside. There are also Wine Bars inside to try different kinds of Spanish wines.

In the market are different varieties and sizes of Olives, the Spanish Serrano and Iberico hams and a variety of fresh seafood. We ordered some and also ate them right there in the market. There are tables and chairs available for eating inside the market.

From the market, we walked towards the Puerta del Sol, a huge plaza full of Spanish shops and more restaurants filled with locals until late in the evening. As you know, Dinner in Spain starts at 9 pm till later.  From the Puerta del Sol, we walked toward the Gran Via then back towards our hotel at The Ritz Madrid  which is located right beside the Museo del Prado. Above is a statue of Francisco Goya, one of Spain's great painters, located inside the Museo del Prado complex. But here in Spain, there is siesta after lunch, so we returned to the Hotel for our siesta...to save some energy for some Spanish feast and partying till late in the evening. Can't miss that for sure.


May you all have a relaxing weekend.