Most non party people would agree that the clear highlight in Madrid is the Prado. Comparable to the Louvre and Uffizi in terms of collection of paintings but of course unique. It's only closed a few days of the year and unfortunately for me, Labour Day is one of them and I'm off to Seville now. I will have to make a rushed visit on my way to the Madrid airport on my last day.
So instead I wandered throughout the parks, gardens and historical centre all day. Photos show the rose garden "La Rosaleda"and Palacio de Cristal in the massive Parque del Buen Retiro and Plaza Mayor.
It is a city of alley ways packed with small cafes and unlike some writers, I think it is as attractive and charming to walkers as any capital. There is however no escaping tobacco smoke here (except in parks and gardens fortunately).
Finally, as an indication of just how much the Spaniard loves ham "jamon", I've included a photo of it's "Museum", a deli and standup restaurant so packed I had to forgo the mouth watering waft of paella and head elsewhere.
So instead I wandered throughout the parks, gardens and historical centre all day. Photos show the rose garden "La Rosaleda"and Palacio de Cristal in the massive Parque del Buen Retiro and Plaza Mayor.
It is a city of alley ways packed with small cafes and unlike some writers, I think it is as attractive and charming to walkers as any capital. There is however no escaping tobacco smoke here (except in parks and gardens fortunately).
Finally, as an indication of just how much the Spaniard loves ham "jamon", I've included a photo of it's "Museum", a deli and standup restaurant so packed I had to forgo the mouth watering waft of paella and head elsewhere.
Lovely post and photos, and clearly the Jamon Museum is a highlight for the traveller to Madrid. ;-) Looking forward to the next one!
ReplyDeleteHelen