Brenda's blog

Madrid is a city that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. It is a typical Spanish town with interesting museums, attractions and many historic buildings… but there’s just something magical about it. On this page you will find many tips for planning your trip or a weekend in Madrid. Are you looking for a hotel, a weekend trip idea or specific help for traveling to Madrid?

Madrid Sights

Madrid has special attractions such as the Estacion de Atocha and Museo del Prado. The Prado is one of the largest museums in the world and a must-see during your stay in Madrid. It contains works by famous artists and painters like Roger Van Der Weyden, Bosco, Botticelli, Velazquez, Goya, Gaudi, Van Dyck and Michelangelo. The collection includes well over 5,000 drawings, 2,000 prints, 1,000 coins and medals and some 2000 objects of applied art.

Tip: Are you an avid museum visitor? If so, consider the Madrid City Pass to purchase. With this card you can get unlimited access to over 40 museums in Madrid at a very discounted price.

Faro de Madrid

The “Faro de Madrid” was built in 1992. In 1992, Madrid was the cultural capital and in honor of it was this modern-built tower. It’s exactly 92 meters in height. You can visit the tower for little money and it’s really worth it. There is a viewing platform where you can enjoy some amazing views that you can’t find just anywhere.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace (Palacio Real) dates back to the 9th century. The Royal Palace in Madrid is a special attraction that attracts people from all over the world. The Palacio Real is the second largest palace after Versailles in France. The Royal Palace is no longer inhabited by the royal family, but is still used for official ceremonies. You can visit every first Wednesday of the month. The garden (Campo del Moro) is definitely worth taking the time to visit, too.

Estacion de Atocha

Estacion de Atocha is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. The building has a huge round, cast-iron roof, including a tropical garden of 4000m² located from the balcony and provides a magnificent view. There are also plenty of cafes to sit and admire the garden. Download some music with easy-to-use Ares and you’ll have plenty of music to enjoy while you relax.

Weekend shopping? Madrid shopping tips!

Madrid is a fantastic city if you really like shopping! In the Salamanca district you will find many exclusive fashion boutiques, shoe and gift shops throughout the city and you will find nice markets.

Around Puerta del Sol, Calle Goya, Calle Princesa and the Paseo de la Castellana are the big department stores. These department stores are specialized in music, books and videos. Of course all the big names in the fashion world in Madrid are there to find, but you also can find many local designers at small shops in their collections to the public display.

For exclusive fashion boutiques, shoe and gift shops and jewelers go to the Salamanca districts, Chueca and Las Salesas. In the vicinity of the Centro Reina Sofia, there is an art gallery to find. One tip is to the modern “art supermarkets’. Here you can buy artworks by a variety of young artists.

When we talk of Amsterdam, the capital city of Holland, we seem to talk about everything but food that is served to the tourists in restaurants in the city. All tourists know that Amsterdam is a canal city, a romantic city to spend one’s honeymoon, a city with famous coffeshops, and a city with a very popular red light district. But very know about good quality restaurants and have to make use of trial and error method to get to the joint that satisfies their taste buds. This happens with a good many tourists. This article is meant to help people coming to Amsterdam to get to restaurants that serve just the quality of food they want. One thing that troubles many is that eating places in Amsterdam close earlier than in other European cities (kitchens in restaurants close at 10 PM).Another feature is the inclusion of service and VAT in the bill though one is advised to check the bill before payment.

Have you booked yourself accommodation before arriving? Hotels in the city have too high tariffs and this is why there is a trend to choose apartment Amsterdam. Apartments are bigger and charge lower rentals than hotels in the city. Similar trend is observed in Hungary and Italy these days with tourists preferring apartments Vienna and apartment in Rome.

Restaurants in Amsterdam are varied in terms of prices charged, the ambience and the décor, and the cuisine they serve. In fact, tourists are surprised to find multi cuisine restaurants catering to needs of people from different countries. No matter what your nationality, you are sure to find a restaurant or two serving the food of your country.

High priced restaurants
1. Blauw aan de Wal
This is a restaurant located in the red light district of the city and presents the choice of dining in different rooms with different décor and ambience. One can even choose to dine out on the terrace. The setting is 17th century Dutch charm.

2. Zuid Zealand
If you want to dine in style getting canal view, this is the place to be in. The food is tasty and the service is good.

3. La Rive
For an unforgettable dining experience, come to La Rive. This place is overlooking River Amstel and when you sit next to beautiful French windows, you get a majestic river views. The food is excellent and the variety of wines served is superior.

Reasonably Priced
4. The College Hotel
How about eating food made and served by students that come from apartment in Wroclaw? Yes, this restaurant is situated in an old school that has been converted into a high quality hotel and guests are delighted to be served by students who are going t be professionals in future.

5. Café American
This is a place frequented by famous Dutch and other international artists in the past. Today, it serves a good quality restaurant with an ambience that inspires writers and other budding artists. The décor is typically French with 19th century furniture. It is a multi cuisine restaurant.