<\/span><\/h2>\nMadrid has perhaps more tapas bars than any other city in Spain, and one of the best ways to indulge in these delicious delicacies is to go for a tapas bar crawl.<\/p>\n
You see, every tapas bar is famous for their own specific dish. Rather than picking one place, it’s better to have one dish at one bar, then go to the next for their specialty, and then to the next.<\/p>\n
That way you also get to see more of the city and explore different bars and meet lots of people.<\/p>\n
See a Real Madrid Game<\/h3>\n There aren\u2019t many better ways to soak up Spanish (or European) culture than to catch a soccer (football) match. Real Madrid is the most popular soccer team in Madrid, and is routinely near the top-ranked soccer teams in the world.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re in Madrid during a Real Madrid home-game, it\u2019s definitely worth catching a match (if you want to splurge for tickets that is). Real Madrid plays at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in downtown Madrid.<\/p>\n
Even if you aren\u2019t a football or sports fan, it\u2019s worth catching a game to marvel at the impressive stadium architecture. The stadium seats 81,044, so you can expect an extremely lively experience at any match.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re lucky, you might even catch El Clasico, which is the name given to the match when Real Madrid faces off against their bitter rival, FC Barcelona.<\/p>\n
As the two top teams in Spanish football, representing two of the Spain\u2019s biggest cities, it\u2019s one of the most intense and historic rivalries in all of sport. Of course, getting tickets to this match might be a different hurdle altogether, but it\u2019s something to strive for.<\/p>\n
Soccer is such an intricate part of Spanish culture that it\u2019s tough to describe a Real Madrid match without seeing it yourself. Even if you aren\u2019t a soccer fan, you\u2019ll enjoy it for the experience alone. It\u2019s one of the most uniquely European experiences in the world.<\/p>\n
Flamenco Show<\/h3>\n The colorful, joyful flamenco can be experienced in many venues across the city.<\/p>\n
To get the most authentic experience, watch it at a tablao (restaurant with a stage).<\/p>\n
The highlight of the shows are past midnight, which may sound late to many tourists, but it’s actually not until then that the nightlife truly begins in Madrid.<\/p>\n
Madrid Nightlife<\/h3>\n If you\u2019re looking for something a little more \u201cwild\u201d than the above options, you\u2019ll be happy to learn that Madrid has a very active, very diverse nightlife. Being one of Spain\u2019s biggest metro-areas, there\u2019s truly something for everyone in Madrid, as long as you know where to look for it.<\/p>\n
There are different areas, districts, and neighbourhoods in Madrid which each offer their own unique nightlife. It really depends what you\u2019re looking for. Do you want a loud dance-club? Or do you want a more quiet, reserved experience? Madrid offers everything from techno clubs to live music venues and more.<\/p>\n
Here are some example of the various nightlife areas around Madrid, and experience you can expect in each area:<\/p>\n
\nAlonso Martinez:<\/strong> An area most popular for \u201cclubbing\u201d style nightlife. Definitely a much younger crowd populates this area. The bars are crowded and the music is loud.<\/li>\nLa Latina:<\/strong> A \u201chipster\u201d area with a more laid-back scene. There\u2019s a varied selection of bars to choose from, including quieter tapas bars, live music venues, and wilder late-night joints.<\/li>\nAvenida de Brasil:<\/strong> Situated across from Santiago Bernabeu stadium (home to Real Madrid), you\u2019ll find plenty of spots to watch the game, and a few world-famous bars (at least among soccer fans). A more \u201ctouristy\u201d spot, but definitely a lot of fun.<\/li>\nChueca: Chueca is home to Madrid\u2019s gay scene, but it offers something for everyone. It\u2019s situated in a very nice area of Madrid, that is full of bars, restaurants, and shops.<\/li>\n Maslasana:<\/strong> Home to bars and clubs that appeal to a more \u201cmature\u201d crowd, general ranging from those in their mid-20s and up. There is plenty to choose from here, including lots of different music clubs, restaurants, and more.<\/li>\nAnd More:<\/strong> This is far from all Madrid has to offer. It\u2019s such a massive city that you can find something just about anywhere. Be sure to ask the locals about their favorite spots!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nShop For Shoes in Madrid<\/h3>\n Madrid is a great shopping city in general, but when it comes to shoes, it is one of the best in Europe.<\/p>\n
The street where you will find the best buys is along Augusto Figueroa, in the heart of Chueca, which is lined with outlets for factory samples.<\/p>\n
Some great shoe brands to look for are Farrutx, Camper and Lowee.<\/p>\n
Madrid Parks<\/h3>\n One of the most beautiful places in Madrid is the Parque del Oeste in Arg\u00fcelles, which is a favorite among locals to hang out and relax on sunny summer days.<\/p>\n
During summer the whole park smells of roses from the huge blossoming rose garden, and every year there is an international rose contest taking place there.<\/p>\n
The park also has views over the Palacio Real and the Egyptian temple Templo de Debod.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Spanish Desserts You Must Try<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
\n\nSpanish Desserts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\nSpain prides itself on its unique and distinct cuisine, and while their hearty meals will certainly fill you up, we do recommend that you save some space for the desserts – because they’re absolutely amazing..!<\/p>\n
Here are five favorite Spanish desserts you must try….<\/p>\n
Flan<\/h3>\n Flan is a type of egg custard topped with caramel sauce.<\/p>\n
It’s jelly-like in texture, and melts in your mouth. It’s one of those dishes that you’ll be able to finish no matter how full you think you are after the dinner meal.<\/p>\n
Creme Catalana<\/h3>\n This is the Catalan version of cr\u00e8me brul\u00e9e, with a crispy top of burnt sugar, and a soft pudding inside.<\/p>\n
Generally prepared on Spain’s Father’s day, but you can find it throughout the whole year as well.<\/p>\n
Turr\u00f3n<\/h3>\n Turr\u00f3n is a very old traditional sweet of Moorish (Arabic) origin.<\/p>\n
This almond candy \/ nougat treat is a typical Christmas sweet in Spain.<\/p>\n
While almonds and honey are the main ingredients, it also comes in many different flavors and varieties.<\/p>\n
Bunuelos de Viento<\/h3>\n Spanish fritters have to be among the best fried snacks there is!<\/p>\n
Light and fluffy, these fritters filled with egg custard, marmalade or pastry cream literally melt in your mouth!<\/p>\n
Mantecados<\/h3>\n Another Christmas cookie, the Mantecados are a favorite among locals and something to look forward to every winter.<\/p>\n
The rich crumbly cookies have that significant anise flavor that few other cookies manage to balance this well.<\/p>\n
Polvorones<\/h3>\n Polvo is the Spanish word for dust, and as the name suggests these cookies are very dusty and crumbly in texture.<\/p>\n
They’re soft and heavy, made of flour, sugar, milk and nuts – and are very easy to make.<\/p>\n
Although traditionally a Christmas cookie, people eat these all year round today.<\/p>\n
These are just a few out of many delicious Spanish treats and desserts, you can enjoy in Madrid or Barcelona!<\/p>\n