Traveler: Sabrina Lee
Destination: Madrid, Spain

During a week-long trip to visit a friend living in Madrid, Sabrina explored the city’s vibrant mix of history and modern charm, experiencing firsthand why Spain’s capital is a cultural hub that captivates travelers from around the world. She even ventured beyond the capital for a day trip to Segovia, a historic city rich in architecture legacy.

Retiro Park or Parque del Buen Retiro, is a green oasis located in the bustling heart of Madrid. Originally created as a royal park in the 16th century, Retiro Park was later opened to the public and has since become a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike. It’s an ideal space for relaxation, socializing, jogging, and cycling, and my friend and I even rented rowboats on the serene artificial lake.

Located beside Retiro Park, the Puerta de Alcalá is a neoclassical triumphal arch designed by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini. A symbol of Madrid’s elegance and history, the gate is a perfect spot for photos, especially at sunset.

Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s historic heart, framed by elegant arcades and adorned with the statue of King Philip III. Just a short walk away lies Puerta del Sol, the bustling square that marks Spain’s Kilometer Zero. This marker is the official starting point for all six national highways, symbolically placing Madrid at the center of the country’s road network.

Almudena Cathedral is a striking blend of architectural styles with Neo-Gothic interiors, a Neoclassical façade, and a Romanesque crypt. I also loved the more modern and abstract stained-glass windows. It’s a must-see symbol of faith and artistry in the heart of Madrid.

The Temple of Debod is an authentic ancient Nubian temple gifted to Spain, best visited at sunset for breathtaking views. It is one of the few works of ancient Egyptian architecture relocated outside Egypt, and it’s controversial because unlike other donated temples, like its sibling at the Met, this structure continues to be exposed to the elements.

On Saturday, my friend planned a day trip to Segovia, knowing someone in architecture would have a field day there. Only an hour bus ride away, Segovia felt like stepping into a storybook, where the nearly 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, Gothic cathedral, and fairytale Alcázar offered a glimpse into Spain’s layered past.

The Royal Palace (Palacio Real) is Europe’s largest royal palace, boasting over 3,000 rooms filled with opulent décor, frescoes, and historical treasures. My friend said this was a must-see and she was right!

Known as Madrid’s Broadway or Times Square, Gran Vía is lined with theaters, shops, and Art Deco and Beaux-Arts architectural gems. I loved shopping up and down here and admiring the city’s early 20th-century architecture.

Beyond all the beautiful buildings and historic sites, I was amazed by Madrid’s accessibility and loved riding all the buses and metros. After a little rundown from my friend, I was able to navigate the metro and ride all over the city by myself. Madrid is one of Europe’s most accessible capitals, offering a modern and inclusive public transportation network. So many metro stations have elevators, and the buses are fully wheelchair-friendly, equipped with ramps and priority seating. I also noticed a lot of streets have smooth sidewalks and curb cuts, and it was refreshing to see older citizens and wheelchair-users living and moving through the city by themselves. Accessible public transportation shapes how both locals and tourists experience cities and transforms the built environment into a connected, livable community for all to enjoy, and Madrid was a great example of this. Check out this metro map from Madrid’s official tourism website, and maybe you can follow my journey around some of the “puntos turísticos” I mentioned above!

Thanks for reading along, I hope you enjoyed Madrid!